Telangana TSBIE TS Inter 2nd Year Political Science Study Material 8th Lesson Contemporary Issues in Indian Politics Textbook Questions and Answers.
TS Inter 2nd Year Political Science Study Material 8th Lesson Contemporary Issues in Indian Politics
Long Answer Questions
Question 1.
Define Corruption and describe its form.
Answer:
Corruption in India is a manor issue that is constantly debated in public forms and media as it adversely effects the moral foundations administration and economy. India has the dubious distinction of unearthiny. So many corruption scandals such as 2G Spectrum Scam, Common Wealth Games Scam, Adarsh Housing Society Scam and Coal Mining Scam from 2010 onwards. Many ministers of both Union and State have been facing charges of corruption.
Form of Corruption :
The World Bank defines corruption as using “Public office for private profit”. There are different forms of corruption which include bribery, extortion, embezzlement, favortism, nepotism, undue influence etc. The Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 declares the act of bribery, misappropriation, obtaining pecuniary advantages, abasing official position, possessing assets disproportionate to known sources of income etc. are corruption practices and punishable under law. The most recent phenomenon in the forms of corruption in India is “quid pro quo corruption”.
This means political leaders and high ranking officials take decisions in favour of corporate houses and high profile business people who in turn make inflated investments into the industrial units, business undertakings and NGOs owned and managed by the family members of concerned leaders and officials. In other words, it is an exchange of benefits by both the leaders-officials combine and corporate. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating many cases of quid pro quo corruption scandals.
Corruption has become a major threat to Indian value system. It is spreading like a disease and makes mockery of administration, development, and democracy. Corruption is anti development and anti poor, in which politicians, bureaucrats, businessmen. Non-Government Organizations and criminals are the key players involved in these practices. Corruption arises due to scarcity of goods and services, delay tactics in administration (red tapisim), and lack of transparency in the system. Corruption leads to loss of trust on the system and rise of extremism and militancy in the society. Corruption leads to loss of trust on the system and rise of extremism and militancy in the society.
Question 2.
Narrate the meaning, features, and various phases of coalition politics.
Answer:
Coalition politics in a system in which political parties join hands with each other to capture the power or put up a combined opposition to democratize the political procure. Generally, the political parties make arrangements with Common Minimum Programme (CMP) to carryout an agreed agendaas part of coalition politics.
Phases of Coalition politics :
The roots of Coalition Politics in India can be traced from the late 1960’s. Started in 1967 with signs of decline of one party, i.e., the decline of Congress Party dominance, this pattern assumed its complete vigor in the later decades. The history of the evolution of Coalition Politics can be understood under different phases of their functioning. The First Phase of Coalition Politics (between 1967-1971) marked the emergence of regional parties in various States to challenge the dominance of the congress party. The Bhartiya Jan Sangh, Lok Dal, Socialist party, Samyuktha Vidhayak Dal, and so on emerged in some Nort Indian States and made coalitions during this phase.
During the Second Phase of coalition politics (between 1977-1980). Left Front Government were formed in Kerala’, Tripura and West Bengal with various parties based on Leftist ideology. Some consider the Janata experiment at centre is also part of coalition politics.
During the Third Phase of coalition politics (between 1989 – 1991) the coalition Governments were formed at National level and at many States. However, these coalitions experienced a new pattern of relationship among the coalition partners. Some of the political parties extended ‘outside support by not joining in the government and actively involving in coalition politics.
The Fourth Phase of Coalition Politics (between 1996 – 1999) mark instabiligy, political manoeuverability and frequent fall of Governments. During this phase, political parties frequently distanced from coalitions and this resulted in fall of Central Governments and many State Governments.
The Fifth Phase of coalition Governments (between 2004 – 2020) are formed on rational basis under Common Minimum Programme (CMP) among the coalition partners. Both the NDA coalition and UPA coalitions have evolved an agreeable agenda known as ‘Common Minimum Programme’ (CMP).
Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Explain the reasons for the emergance of coalition politics in India.
Answer:
Coalition Politics means a system where, political parties join together with an aim to secure the power of government or put up a combined opposition to democratize the political process. Generally, the political parties make arrangements with a Common Minimum Programme (CMP) to carryout an agreed agenda.
Reasons for Coalition Politics :
There are many factors that contribute for the formation of Coalition Governments. The decline of Congress from the position of acquiring majority to managing electoral victories only in certain pockets led to the rise of other parties. Further, the emergence of Regional Political Parties to challenge the Congress in various States and attempts to forget alliance with regional parties by other national parties led to coalition politics.
The reasons for coalition politics may be summed up as following :
- The decline of one party dominance.
- The emergence of regional political parties to satisfy the regional aspirations of the people.
- Spread of social and political movements as a result of assertion of rights by various groups.
- Political compulsions to form a national level and state level alternative to congress.
- Cleavages in national parties due to ideological differences.
Phases of Coalition Politics :
Coalition Politics in India can be traced from the late 1960’s through various phases. Started in 1967 with signs of decline of one party, Congress party dominance, this pattern assumed its complete vigor in the later decades. The history of the evolution of Coalition Politics can be understood under different phases of their functioning. The First Phase of Coalition Politics between 1967-1971 marked the emergence of regional parties in various States to challenge the dominance of the Congress Party. The Bharatiya Jan Sangh, Lok Dal, Socialist Party, Samyuktha Vidhayak Dal are emerged in some North Indian States and made coalitions.
During the Second Phase of coalition politics between 1977-1980 Left Front Governments were formed in Kerala, Tripura and West Bengal with various parties based on Leftist ideology. Some consider the Janata experiment at centre is also part of coalition politics.
The Third Phase of coalition politics was between 1989 -1991 at the level of National Government and at various State Governments. However, these coalitions experienced a new pattern of relationship among the coalition partners. Some of the political parties extended ‘outside support’, by not joining in the government and actively involving in coalition politics.
The Fourth Phase of Coalition Politics between 1996-1999 mark instability, political manoeuverability and frequent fall of Governments. During this phase, political parties frequently distanced from coalitions and this resulted in fall of Central Governments and many State Governments.
The Fifth Phase of coalition Governments between 2004-2014 are formed on rational basis under Common Minimum Programme among the coalition partners. Both the NDA coalition and UPA coalitions have evolved an agenda known as ‘Common Minimum Programme’.
Question 2.
Elucidate various types of Terrorism in Indian Context.
Answer:
Terrorism is the systematic use of force or threat of use of force (Violence) to achieving political religious or ideological goals. Terrorism posed the greatest danger and threat to many countries in the world and created law and order problem. The temples, mosques, churches, markets, railway stations, multi storied buildings and other places where people densely move, are the targets of terrorism.
Types of Terrorisms :
The Second Administrative Reforms Commission in India, in its report in 2008 classified Terrorism into 5 types based on different goals and objectives of Terrorist groups. They are i) Ethno-Nationalist Terrorism ii) Religious Terrorism iii) Ideology oriented Terrorism iv) Statesponsored Terrorism v) Narco Terrorism. On the basis of the methods used by terrorists the other type also emerged such as (a)Environmental Terrorism (bio Terrorism) b) Cyber Terrorism c) Suicide Terrorism and so on.
i) Ethno – Nationalist Terrorism :
Terrorist groups resort to violence demanding secession
from Indian union or the creation of a new state in the Indian Federation. Demands for Khalistan, Jammu and Kashmir, Greater Nagaland are some of the examples. The insurgent tribal groups in North East India also indulge in this sort of terror.
ii) Religious Terrorism :
This terrorism is perpetuated in the name of religious fundamentalism. The terrorist attacks in Mumbai on 26 November 2008 and other attacks in different parts of the country by ISI of Pakistan are acts of Religious Terrorism. This is popularly known as Jehadi Terrorism.
iii) Ideology oriented Terrorism (Left wing extremism):
This form of Terrorism is also known as Left wing extremism which condemns the economically exploitative and socially suppressive nature of the society. It aims at revolutionary change through violence and terror. The ideology of Karl Marx, Mao Zedong, Lenin and others are considered as the basis for this type of extremism.
iv) State sponsored Terrorism (Cross border Terrorism):
This type of Terrorism is a type of ‘ warfare by proxy emanating from neighbouring countries. The terrorist groups are allowed to make frontal attach on nations across the border to create insecurity in neighbouring countries. India has been facing this problem from Pakistan since independence. Terrorist groups in India are supported by Pakisthan ISI and other agencies.
v) Narco Terrorism and Sandalwood Terrorism :
This form of Terrorism focuses on indulging in prohibited trade of narcotics and sandalwood. The attempts to make illegal traffic zones in North, West India and Jammu & Kashmir and ensuring Terrorism by illegal traders on officials is an example. Similarly, the sandalwood smugglers in reserve forest areas of Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka resort to Terrorism against forest officials and police.
Based on means employed by terrorists, terrorism can be further classified as :
a) Environmental Terrorism (Bio-terrorism):
Environmental terrorism is a premeditated damage caused to the nature and natural resources. Using weapons of mass destruction, chemical weapons and biological weapons to create insecurity and massacre in the society. Sometimes, the deliberate use of viruses, bacteria, or other germs (agents) to kill people, animals and plants and destroy natural resources is called bioterrorism. There are instances of Terrorists using these techniques unsuccessfully.
b) Cyber Terrorism :
The criminal activities perpetuated by the use of computers and telecommunications capabilities resulting in violence, destruction and disruption of services to create fear and confusion among people. Spreading misinformation and lies, harassing women, posting sensitive comments on individuals and incidents with Facebook, Twitter e-mail and so on (social media) come under their purview.
c) Suicide Terrorism :
Terrorist groups resort to this type of Terrorism by employing suicide bombers to create large scale massacre in the society. The first suicide attack by the Fedayeen was on July 13, 1991 on Border Security Post. The attacks on Jammu and Kashmir Assembly complex in October 2001, Indian Parliament in Dec 2001 and storming of Akshardham Temple in Gujarat in 2002 are some of the examples. In fact, the former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi along with 18 others was assassinated in May 1991 by a suicide bomber employed by LTTE.
Though, the aims and objectives, means and methods differ, all the Terrorist groups have a unanimous intention of creating fear, violence, insecurity and confusion among Indians.
d) Terrorism and Insurgency :
There is a very little thin layer of difference between Terrorism and Insurgency. While Insurgency is confined within the National boundary and directed against one’s own Government, Terrorism can transcend the National boundary and may be directed against one’s own country as well as other countries.
Question 3.
What are the antiterrorism Acts initiated in India?
Answer:
The Government is enacting stringent laws to counter the trends of Terrorism. These include preventive Detention Act, Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA), Conservation of Foreign Exchange and prevention of SmugglyActivites Act (COFEPOSA). National Security Act (NSA). Precention of Black marketing and maintenance of Essential Commodities Act (PBMSECA). Terrorist and Disruptive Activites (Prevention ) Act (TADA). Promotion of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and psychotropic Substances Act (PITNDPSA), Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), Essential services Maintenance Act (ESMA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and so on.
Some of these Acts are repealed and others are still in force. These Acts provide strong legal frame work to punish the terrorists. Besides these Acts, the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and Defence of Indian rules (DIR) also suggest severe punishments to various acts of Terrosism. Some of the laws authorise the excutive to detain the persons involved in Terrorist activities without trial for several months. In all such cases, the executive can extend the period of detention of terrorists based on the suggestions made by Advisory Boards. Depending on the nature of the activity of Terrorism, the punishments vary from months long rigorous impoisonnnent to capital punishment (Death penalty).
Infact, the Indian constitution, unlike many other constitutions of the world, made provision ofr preventive detention as integral part in Article 22 of the constitution. Many civil rights groups in India criticise the provisions of Anti Terrorism Acts and term Tthem as draconian, as these Acts render excessive powers to the executive.
Question 4.
Describe various Anticorruption laws in India.
Answer:
Indian Government has taken several measures to check corruption at different levels. The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 is enacted to curb corruption in public life in India. The main thrust of this Act is to prohibit public servants from accepting or soliciting illegal Ratifications in the discharge of their official functions. In addition, bribe givers and intermediaries may also be held liable under this Act. However, filing cases of corruption against certain authorities requires prior approval of constitutional functionaries (Governor at state level and President of India at National level)
Various sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC) provide criminal punishment for public servants who indulge in corrupt practices. The prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002 and the Right to Information Act 2005 help in filing cases of corruption. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was set up in 1964 to the public servants. The citizens guide is prepared by the Central Vigilance Commission on do’s and don’ts in matters of corruption.
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Whistle Blowers The activists who expose or disclose corruption in public offices and alert people against corruptions. |
Protection for Whistleblowers :
Whistleblowers who exposed corruption need protection against corrupt officials and leaders. The murder of Sri Satyendra Dubey who exposed corruption in the National Highway Authority Scam and the murder of RTI Activist Sheila Masood forced the union government to introduce “Public Interest Disclosure Resolution (PIDR)” to undertake measures to protect the lives of whistleblowers.
The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act – 2013 :
The demand for an independent body to look into the cases of corruption against bureaucrats, ministers, Governors and Prime Minister of India came in Anna Hazare Movement. This movement was undertaken against the backdrop of many corruption scandals in India. The UPA Government in 2011 brought out the Lokpal Bill to constitute an independent Lokpal to investigate the charges of corruption against officials and politicians including Parliament Members and Ministers. Anna Hazare suggested Jan Lokpal Bill to constitute an independent body like the Election Commission which would have the power to prosecute and investigate corrupt politicians and bureaucrats without government permission.
The Act provides for the establishment of a body of Lokpal for the Union and Lakayukta for States. These institutions will inquire into the allegations of corruption against certain Public functionaries. The establishment of these institutions is in consonance with
(a) The Constitution of India, which established our State as a Democratic Republic and ensured justice to all the citizens,
(b) Since India ratified the UN convention against corruption
(c) That the Govt of India is determined on its commitment to clean and responsive Governance, and provide effective bodies to contain and punish acts of corruption.
Composition : The Lokpal consists of:
(a) A Chairperson, who is or has been a Chief Justice of India, or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court.
(b) Other members not exceeding eight, out of whom 50 present shall be Judicial members. It is also provided that 50 percent of the members shall be from SC, ST, OBC, minorities and women.
The Chairperson and members are appointed by the president on the recommendations of selection committee consisting of
- Prime Minister – Chairperson
- Speaker of Loksabha-Member
- Leader of Opposition in Loksabha – Member
- The Chief Justice of India, or a Judge of Supreme Court nominated by him – Member
- One eminent jurist as recommended by the Chairperson and member – to be nominated by the President – Member
Powers and functions of Lokpai:
The Lokpal has the power to inquire into any matter connected with allegations of corruption against (a) Prime Minister (b) A minister of the Union (c) Any member of either house of Parliament, (d) Any group ‘A1 or group *B* Officer of the Union Government (e) Any Group ‘c’ or Group ‘D’ official of the Union (f) Any person, who is or has been a Chairperson or member, or officer or employee of any corporation, company or any other institution of the Central Government.
The Central Government constitutes special Courts on the recommendation of Lokpal, to hear and decide the cases arisingout of this Act.These special Courts shall complete the trial within a period of one year from the date of filing the case. The special Courts may make assessment of loss done to the public exchequer and make arrangements for recovery of such loss from the convicted public servant or from any other beneficiary.
Very Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Coalition politics at National Level.
Answer:
Many coalition governments were formed at the national level. The first coalition Government was formed at the Centre in 1977 with certain major political parties such as Bharatiya Lok Dal, Congress (O), Jan Sangh, Socialist Party and other smaller parties decided to form Janata Party. It is popularly known as Janata experiment. This Government was led by Morarji Desai. This is the first non Congress Government at the Centre. However, some critics did not consider this as coalition government as all parties merged into one Janata Party.
During its rule from 1977-79, government at the national level. Between 1996-98, two United Front Governments assumed office as coalition governments. Again coalition government with 13 political parties led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) assumed office as National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government between October 1999 and May 2004. Again in May 2004 and May 2009 the United Progressive Alliance led by the Indian National Congress (INC) assumed office. Again in 2014 General election, the BJP led National Democratic Alliance assumed office at the national level.
Question 2.
Merits and De-merits of coalition politics.
Answer:
Merits and Demerits of coalition politics: Coalition politics in India led to politics of accommodation and adjustments. Consequently, the nature of Indian federation is transformed to a cooperative federation with minimum instances of dispute between the Central Government and State Governments. Further, coalition politics in India have successfully brought an alternative to congress party at all levels. As the regional necessities and aspirations are well articulated and grievances are ventilated, Indian political system enhanced its capabilities to meet public demands.
There are also certain’demerits with the emergence of Coalition politics. Many a time, the Governments engaged the coalition partners in politics of bargain. At times, this has also resulted in manipulative politics and instability. Many of the parties have hidden agenda filled with vested interests and resulted in blackmail and mareover. Inspite of many limitations coalition politics have come to stay in India as no party enjoys the nationwide mandate for electoral victories. Due to the limitations and weakness, coalition poljtjcs are also evolving certain workable arrangement for stability. Devising the Common Minimum Programme (CMP), establishing art advisory body or co-ordination committee with all coalition partners and holding periodical consultations on important decisions and policy formulations are some of the initiatives for successful continuance of coalition politics.
Question 3.
Characteristics of Terrorism.
Answer:
Many studies on Terrorism pointed out certain similarities or patterns in the acts of terrorism.
They are:
- Terrorism is an organised, planned and deliberate act of violence carried out by a handful of people.
- Terrorism is directed against innocent civilians or a particular community, police officials, armed personnel or government employees of state or central.
- Terrorism is a motivated violence to challenge the social and political order of the society.
- Terrorism engages itself in an unofficial war with the Government and political system.
- Terrorism is a weapon of blackmail and coercion. It aims to highlight its demands with violence. •
- Terrorism is always unlawful, in human and anti-democratic.
Question 4.
Forms of corruption.
Answer:
The World Bank defines corruption as using “Public office for private profit”. There are different forms of corruption which include bribery, extortion, embezzlement, favouritism, nepotism, communalizer, undue influence etc. The Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 declares the act of bribery, misappropriation, obtaining pecuniary advantages, abasing official position, possessing assets, disproportionate to known sources of income etc., are corruption practices and punishable under law.
The most recent phenomenon in the form of corruption in India is “quid pro quo corruption”. This means political leaders and high-ranking officials take decisions in favour of corporate houses and high-profile business people who in turn make inflated investments into the industrial units, business undertaking and NGO’s owned and managed by the family members of concerned leaders and officials. In other words, it is an exchange of benefits by both the leaders officials combine and corporate. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating many cases of quid pro quo corruption scandals.
Question 5.
Whistle-Blowers.
Answer:
The activists who expose or disclose corruption in Public Offices and alert people against corruption.