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General Studies Paper – II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations
Context
Recently, the Justice Kurian Joseph Committee, appointed by the Government of Tamil Nadu, has submitted its report. This report issues a serious warning regarding the trend of increasing 'centralisation' in India over the past few decades. The committee believes that the Indian federal structure is currently passing through a phase where the autonomy of states is diminishing, which is a matter of concern for the health of democracy.
Key Points of the Kurian Joseph Committee Report
The committee has conducted a deep analysis of Center-State relations and has highlighted the following key aspects:
- Need for Structural Reset: The report states that Indian federalism currently requires a major 'structural reset' at the level of the 1991 economic reforms.
- Ease of Amending the Constitution: According to the committee, the process of amending the Indian Constitution is quite simple, taking advantage of which the Center often implements policies that encroach upon the rights of the states.
- Territorial Integrity of States: Citing the example of the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, the report states that the existence and boundaries of states have become dependent on the will of the Center, which is contrary to the federal spirit.
- Erosion of Financial Autonomy: After the implementation of GST, the states' own means of raising taxes have become limited. The allocation of financial resources is now more tilted in favor of the Center.
- Institutional Interference: The report sharply criticizes the politicization of the office of the Governor and the increasing control of the Center over subjects in the 'State List' such as education and health.
Other Important Aspects Affecting Federalism
Apart from the report, there are some issues in the current scenario that should be part of the national discourse:
- Concerns over Delimitation: The upcoming delimitation of Lok Sabha seats is a matter of concern for South Indian states. States that have been successful in population control fear that their political share in Parliament will decrease.
- One Nation, One Language/Election: Ideas like 'One Nation, One Language' or 'One Nation, One Election' may diminish India's diverse identity and the importance of local issues.
- Use of Agencies: The alleged misuse of central investigative agencies has widened the gap of mistrust between the Center and the states ruled by opposition parties.
Analysis
The framers of the Indian Constitution created a 'flexible federalism' to maintain the integrity of India, in which more powers were given to the Center. However, at present, it seems to be moving away from 'cooperative federalism' toward 'competitive and punitive federalism'.
While centralisation may increase administrative efficiency, a 'national solution to local problems' is not always successful in a vast and diverse country like India. Respecting diversity is the true strength of Indian democracy.
Way Forward
- Strengthening the Inter-State Council: This council, formed under Article 263, should be activated to make it the main forum for resolving disputes between the Center and the states.
- Financial Decentralization: The 16th Finance Commission should ensure the protection of the fiscal interests of the states and grant them more financial independence.
- Reform in the Office of Governor: The recommendations of the Punchhi Commission and Sarkaria Commission should be implemented so that the office of the Governor functions only as a constitutional guardian and not as a representative of the Center.
- Shared Discourse: It is mandatory to build consensus with all states on sensitive issues like delimitation.
Conclusion
The Justice Kurian Joseph Committee report is not merely a legal document but a 'wake-up call' for Indian democracy. For a strong India, it is essential to have a strong Center and strong States. If India is to progress while maintaining its diversity, it must revive the core spirit of cooperative federalism instead of centralisation. As the report suggests, the time has come for us to start a new national debate on federalism.
Context
The world today is undergoing a phase of transformation where old structures of power are crumbling and a new language of protest is taking birth. At the center of this change is ‘Generation Z’ (Gen Z) the generation born between 1997 and 2012. While previous generations mobilized around ideologies and established organizations, Gen Z is surprising the world with its ‘digital native’ identity and a unique style of being ‘alone yet united’.
Global Perspective: From Streets to Social Media
Wherever democracy has faced a crisis across the globe, the presence of Gen Z has been recorded.
- United States: Through movements like ‘March for Our Lives’, this generation shook American politics on complex issues like gun control.
- Bangladesh and Nepal: In recent years (2024-25), the role of Gen Z remained decisive in the regime changes and anti-corruption movements in these countries. They demonstrated that even the largest regimes can be held accountable without a single ‘face’ or leader.
Indian Context: A Confluence of Confidence and Uncertainty
In India, Gen Z is living in a unique paradox. This is the most self-confident generation of post-independent India, having direct access to technology and information.
- Beyond Caste and Religion: Markets and globalization have provided a level playing field to this generation through ‘consumption’. If a Dalit youth and an upper-caste youth possess the same smartphone, it becomes a means to bridge the centuries-old social gap between them.
- Economic Insecurity: While on one hand there is the power of technology, on the other hand, disappearing jobs and the ‘gig economy’ have pushed this generation into deep mental stress and ‘anxiety about the future’.
A New Way of Protest: ‘Sporadic’ yet ‘Effective’
The protests of Gen Z are entirely different from old movements (such as the Farmers' Movement in India).
- Leaderless Movements: There is no single commander in their demonstrations. They unite on social media, flash like lightning, leave their impact, and then disappear.
- The Personal is Political: For them, politics is not just about casting a vote; rather, what they wear, what they eat, and how openly they talk about mental health is also a part of their politics.
Digital World and Hyper-Nationalism
While technology is a tool for empowerment, it also creates an ‘echo-chamber’. The rapid flow of information has encouraged ‘hyper-nationalism’. In countries like India, Gen Z is extremely vocal about taking pride in their cultural roots while also looking toward modern future possibilities (such as space missions and the Indian influence in Silicon Valley).
Conclusion: An Uncertain yet Bright Future
Gen Z is often dismissed as a generation ‘lost in the virtual world’, but the reality is quite the opposite. They do not view the world through the old lens of morality. For them, an ‘iPhone’ can be a symbol of equality and ‘therapy’ a symbol of courage.
This generation will disappoint us in ways we expect, yet surprise us in ways we never imagined. The future of democracy now rests less on parliamentary debates and more on the smartphone screens of Gen Z and their collective emotions.