Staying updated with current affairs in Indian polity is essential for understanding the evolving political and governance landscape of the country. The year 2024 is poised to witness significant developments in Indian polity, from legislative reforms to judicial pronouncements and constitutional changes. This article provides a detailed overview of the key updates in Indian polity for 2024.
1. General Elections 2024
Key Highlights:
- The 17th Lok Sabha elections are scheduled for mid-2024.
- Political parties have begun unveiling their manifestos, focusing on issues like economic growth, social welfare, and climate change.
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced new measures to ensure free and fair elections, including advanced voter registration technologies and enhanced monitoring systems.
- Voter turnout initiatives emphasize greater participation, particularly among youth and first-time voters.
Importance:
The elections will decide the composition of the Lok Sabha, shaping India’s governance and policy priorities for the next five years.
2. Key Legislative Developments
Women’s Reservation Bill
- The Women’s Reservation Bill, aiming to reserve 33% of seats for women in the Parliament and state legislatures, has regained momentum in 2024.
- Debates focus on ensuring effective implementation and addressing concerns of political inclusivity.
Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
- Discussions around the Uniform Civil Code have intensified, with the government proposing draft legislation.
- The UCC seeks to replace personal laws based on religion with a common set of civil laws, sparking widespread debate.
Data Protection Bill
- The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, passed last year, is set for implementation in 2024.
- This law governs the collection, storage, and processing of personal data while ensuring individual privacy.
3. Supreme Court Verdicts and Judicial Updates
Same-Sex Marriage
- The Supreme Court’s decision on the recognition of same-sex marriage is anticipated in 2024.
- This landmark case could redefine marriage laws and LGBTQ+ rights in India.
Electoral Bonds
- The apex court is expected to deliver its verdict on the legality and transparency of electoral bonds, a significant issue concerning political funding.
Environmental Jurisprudence
- Several PILs addressing climate change and environmental conservation are under review, with judgments likely to impact government policies and industrial regulations.
4. Centre-State Relations
GST Compensation
- Several states have raised concerns about pending GST compensation, urging the central government for timely disbursal.
- The GST Council’s decisions in 2024 will address these concerns and propose measures to streamline tax collection and distribution.
Federal Disputes
- Water-sharing agreements, particularly involving the Cauvery and Krishna rivers, remain contentious. The Supreme Court’s involvement is expected to mediate these disputes.
5. Economic and Policy Reforms
National Monetization Pipeline (NMP)
- The government’s ambitious NMP program continues in 2024, focusing on asset monetization to boost infrastructure development.
- Key sectors include highways, railways, and power transmission.
Social Welfare Schemes
- Major schemes like PM-KISAN and Ayushman Bharat are under review to enhance their reach and effectiveness.
- New social welfare programs addressing unemployment and skill development are expected in the 2024 Union Budget.
6. Constitutional Amendments
Reservation Policies
- Discussions on expanding reservation policies for economically weaker sections (EWS) and other backward classes (OBCs) are ongoing.
- Proposals for constitutional amendments to address these changes could be introduced in the Parliament.
Delimitation Exercise
- The delimitation of constituencies, a critical exercise post-census, is under review. This process may reshape the political representation in various states.
7. Election Commission Reforms
Electoral Roll Purification
- The ECI has launched initiatives to remove duplicate and bogus entries from the voter rolls.
Voter Awareness Campaigns
- New campaigns emphasize the importance of ethical voting and highlight penalties for electoral malpractices.
Remote Voting Technology
- Pilot projects for remote voting are being conducted to enable migrants to participate in elections without returning to their home constituencies.
8. International Relations and Polity
G20 Presidency Outcomes
- India’s successful G20 Presidency in 2023 has set the stage for implementing several global agreements domestically in 2024.
- Focus areas include digital public infrastructure, sustainable development, and climate action.
Border Agreements
- Negotiations with neighboring countries on border disputes and trade agreements remain a priority.
9. Challenges in Indian Polity
Pendency of Bills
- Several critical bills remain pending in the Parliament, including those on judicial reforms and labor codes.
- Addressing this backlog is essential for effective governance.
Judicial Backlog
- The judiciary’s growing case pendency continues to challenge the delivery of timely justice.
Political Polarization
- Rising political polarization poses a threat to constructive parliamentary debates and consensus-building.
10. Importance of Staying Updated
For citizens, students, and aspirants preparing for competitive exams, keeping abreast of current affairs in Indian polity is vital for:
- Understanding policy changes and their impact on society.
- Enhancing knowledge for examinations like UPSC, SSC, and state-level civil services.
- Gaining insights into the democratic processes and governance mechanisms.
Conclusion
The year 2024 is pivotal for Indian polity, marked by significant elections, judicial pronouncements, and legislative reforms. These developments not only shape the nation’s governance but also influence its socio-economic fabric. Staying informed about these changes enables active citizenship and better engagement with India’s democratic system. As the year unfolds, monitoring these updates will provide a comprehensive understanding of the political and governance landscape of India.