Table of Contents
Analysis of The Indian Express Editorial 1 : The Consensus Document
Introduction: Celebrating 75 Years of the Constitution
On November 26, India marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of its Constitution—a momentous occasion in the nation’s democratic journey. While this day rightly celebrates the foundational document that governs India, it is equally an opportunity to honor the remarkable contributions of the members of the Constituent Assembly. Their debates, rooted in respect and collaboration, offer a treasure trove of lessons for contemporary Indian parliamentarians struggling with political polarization and legislative inefficiencies.
The Constituent Assembly: A Beacon of Democratic Engagement
The debates in the Constituent Assembly serve as an enduring example of how individuals with starkly differing views can collaborate without undermining each other’s motivations or values.
- Respectful Dissent: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, one of the key architects of the Constitution, celebrated dissent within the Assembly as a vital democratic virtue. This culture of constructive disagreement fostered meaningful deliberations and enriched the constitutional framework.
| Key Takeaways from the Constituent Assembly | Relevance to Today’s Parliament |
|---|---|
| Respectful debates, even on contentious issues | A model for avoiding disruptions |
| Inclusion of diverse perspectives | Ensures representation of varied interests |
| Consensus-building | Strengthens democratic accountability |
A Dismal Report Card: India’s Declining Parliamentary Standards
Over the past two decades (2004–2024), India’s parliamentary democracy has experienced a significant decline in both productivity and quality of discussions. A comparative look at earlier Lok Sabhas highlights this stark downward trend:
Decline in Parliamentary Sittings
- Before 1990: Each Lok Sabha convened for around 550 days over 3,500 hours.
- Post-1990: This dropped sharply to 345 days over 1,800 hours.
- The 17th Lok Sabha (2019–24): Held just 274 sittings, the lowest in history.
Decline in Legislative Output
- 1st Lok Sabha (1952–57): Passed 487 bills.
- 15th Lok Sabha (2009–14): Passed just 192 bills.
- 17th Lok Sabha: Only 16% of bills were referred to Parliamentary Committees, compared to 71% in the 15th Lok Sabha.
Erosion of Budget Discussions
The time spent on discussing the Union Budget has dwindled alarmingly:
- Pre-1990: An average of 120 hours was allocated.
- Post-1990: This dropped to just 35 hours.
- Recent Examples: In 2013, 2018, and 2023, the budget was passed without any discussion.
Legislative Efficiency
- The 15th and 17th Lok Sabhas passed approximately 35–36% of bills in under an hour, leaving little room for meaningful debate.
- Disruptions consumed 37% of scheduled time during the 15th Lok Sabha, though this declined to 16% in the 16th Lok Sabha.
Lessons from the Constituent Assembly: A Framework for Reform
India’s parliamentary democracy must draw inspiration from the Constituent Assembly to restore its dignity and purpose.
Consensus and Collaboration
The Constituent Assembly was a melting pot of diverse perspectives, representing various communities, ideologies, and regions. Despite their differences, members debated complex issues with a shared commitment to nation-building.
- Pluralistic Dialogue: The Assembly promoted a culture of inclusivity, where differing opinions were seen as assets rather than obstacles.
- Building Consensus: While today’s Parliament is heavily influenced by party politics, the Assembly’s success lay in its focus on collective good over partisan gains.
Collective Consciousness
The Assembly demonstrated how a diverse group of individuals, united by a common purpose, could create a robust framework for governance. This spirit of collective consciousness is a powerful reminder of what Parliament can achieve when personal and political ambitions are set aside for the greater good.
| Constituent Assembly Values | Current Challenges |
|---|---|
| Open and respectful deliberations | Rising political polarization |
| Focus on long-term nation-building | Short-term political gains |
| Inclusion of diverse voices | Dominance of party agendas |
Reimagining India’s Parliamentary Democracy
As India celebrates 75 years of its Constitution, it’s time to reflect on the state of its democracy. The lessons from the Constituent Assembly are not relics of the past but tools for rejuvenating modern parliamentary practices.
A Call to Action
- Restore Meaningful Deliberations: Parliament must prioritize constructive debates over disruptions.
- Strengthen Institutional Processes: Referring more bills to committees can enhance legislative quality.
- Encourage Pluralism: Embrace diverse viewpoints to reflect India’s multifaceted society.
Conclusion: A Moment of Reflection
The 75th anniversary of the Constitution’s adoption is not just a time for celebration but a call to action. It urges us to reclaim the values of respect, inclusivity, and consensus that defined the Constituent Assembly. As modern India faces complex challenges, reimagining the culture of parliamentary democracy is essential.
Let this milestone inspire today’s parliamentarians to uphold the democratic spirit that the framers of the Constitution so meticulously nurtured. By doing so, they can honor the legacy of the past while building a future worthy of India’s aspirations.
Analysis of The Indian Express Editorial 2 : The Baku Betrayal
Introduction: A Global Disappointment
The 29th Conference of the Parties (CoP 29) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) concluded in Baku amidst frustration and unmet expectations. Despite extended negotiations, this climate summit left the world, especially developing nations, grappling with unfulfilled promises on climate finance.
With the planet on the brink of breaching the 1.5°C warming threshold compared to pre-industrial levels, the urgency for meaningful action couldn’t have been clearer. Yet, CoP 29 failed to deliver on its most crucial mandate—ensuring equitable and ambitious financial support for the Global South.
The Finance CoP: A Missed Opportunity
Unrealized Potential
CoP 29 was widely anticipated as a “Finance CoP,” expected to break the deadlock on climate funding. A robust agreement on financial commitments could have accelerated global efforts to combat climate change. Instead, the summit ended with diluted promises, further eroding trust in the UNFCCC process.
The Scale of the Challenge
Ahead of the summit, a consensus had emerged that at least $1.3 trillion annually is required by developing nations to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. However, the final agreement capped financing commitments at a paltry $300 billion, a figure far short of the necessary target.
| Criteria | Expectation | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Target Needed | $1.3 trillion | $300 billion (seed fund) |
| Equity and Ambition | High urgency for developing nations | Insufficient and inequitable |
The agreed amount is seen as a mere starting point—a “seed fund”—rather than the transformative finance needed to address the climate crisis comprehensively.
A History of Unfulfilled Promises
The $100 Billion Pledge
Developed nations’ poor track record on climate finance is a story of broken promises:
- In 2009 (CoP 15), a $100 billion annual commitment was made but took over a decade to fulfill.
- Even then, much of the funding came as loans, which burdened low-income countries with crippling debt.
The Baku Betrayal
CoP 29’s outcome mirrored this disappointing history. Developed nations initially proposed a target of just $250 billion, sparking outrage from developing countries and civil society groups. While subsequent negotiations scaled this up slightly to $300 billion, the increase was far from adequate.
Such watered-down ambitions have deepened mistrust between the Global North and South, undermining collective efforts to address the climate emergency.
The Way Forward: Turning Disappointment into Action
Mobilizing the Global South
The Global South cannot afford to dwell on the failures of CoP 29. Instead, developing nations must intensify their collaboration and advocacy on global platforms to demand climate justice.
| Key Action Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Strengthening Multilateral Pressure | Forge alliances to pressure developed nations for fair finance. |
| Utilizing Initiatives like ISA | Leverage programs like the International Solar Alliance for renewable energy funding. |
| Accelerating Regional Cooperation | Build South-South partnerships to share resources and strategies. |
The Role of the International Solar Alliance (ISA)
Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) offer a glimmer of hope by mobilizing resources for clean energy transitions. However, these efforts, while commendable, cannot replace the scale of funding required through UNFCCC-backed mechanisms.
Calling for Accountability
Developed countries must be held accountable for their lack of commitment to climate finance. This requires:
- Transparent tracking of climate finance flows.
- Clear timelines for delivering on promised funds.
- Penalties for failing to meet commitments.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call
CoP 29’s shortcomings are a stark reminder that the fight against climate change requires more than symbolic gestures. For developing nations, the stakes couldn’t be higher. As the planet edges closer to irreversible damage, the need for equitable and ambitious climate finance is no longer negotiable.
The Global South must rise above the Baku betrayal, using it as a rallying point to demand stronger commitments from the Global North. With collective action, innovative partnerships, and relentless advocacy, a more just and sustainable future can still be secured.
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