GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Context:

The Sixteenth Finance Commission's deliberations have drawn attention due to concerns raised by several states, particularly those in southern India, regarding a perceived decline in their share of resources transferred from the Centre. This issue revolves around the criteria used for horizontal distribution, with states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka expressing dissatisfaction over their diminishing allocation over successive Finance Commission periods.

Impact of Income Distance Criterion:

• Declining Share for Southern States: Analysis reveals a steady decrease in the share of southern states, from 19.785% to 15.800%, attributed largely to the income distance criterion applied by successive Finance Commissions.
• Gain for Other Regions: In contrast, hilly, central, and western states, including Maharashtra, have seen an increase in their share, highlighting regional disparities in resource allocation.
• Weight Reduction of Distance Criterion: The weight of the distance criterion, which assigns higher shares to states further from the highest income state, has been progressively reduced from 62.5% to 45%, impacting states differently based on their income levels and geographic location.

Concerns over Population Criterion and Divisible Pool:

• Controversy Surrounding Population Criterion: The use of 2011 population data, replacing the earlier 1971 data, has raised concerns, mitigated by the introduction of the demographic change criterion. However, the joint impact remains marginal for most states.
• Divisible Pool Reduction: While states' share was increased to 42% following the Fourteenth Finance Commission's recommendation, the Centre's decision to raise cesses and surcharges has diminished the size of the divisible pool, posing challenges for equitable resource distribution.
• Recommendations for Fair Distribution: Suggestions include reducing the weight of the income distance criterion by 5% to 10% and imposing an upper limit on cesses and surcharges by the Sixteenth Finance Commission, aiming to address states' concerns over declining shares while maintaining principles of fairness and equity.

Context:

The recent resignation of a Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay from Calcutta high court and subsequent entry into active politics has reignited discussions about the ethical boundaries for judges and raised concerns regarding the post-retirement activities of judicial officers. This transition from the judiciary to political involvement has sparked controversy and prompted calls for safeguards to uphold judicial independence and integrity.

Judicial Independence and Post-Retirement Engagements:

• Controversial Transition: The development has raised concerns about the impartiality and integrity of the judiciary. His past actions, including public criticism of the government and involvement in contentious cases, have added fuel to the controversy surrounding his transition to politics.
• Ethical Dilemma: The move highlights the ethical dilemma faced by judges regarding post-retirement engagements and political affiliations. Former Union Minister Arun Jaitley's proposition for a cooling-off period for judges underscores the need to address potential conflicts of interest arising from post-retirement appointments or political involvements.
• Challenges to Judicial Independence: While judges enjoy significant powers and privileges, concerns persist over external influences and pressures that could compromise judicial independence. The Constitution and international declarations emphasize the importance of judicial impartiality, integrity, and dignity in upholding the rule of law.

Call for Judicial Reforms and Accountability:

• Ensuring Judicial Integrity: The episode underscores the imperative for robust mechanisms to ensure judicial accountability and uphold the sanctity of the judiciary.
• Need for Proactive Measures: Establishing clear rules prohibiting judges from engaging in partisan politics post-retirement can help maintain the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.
• Strengthening Judicial Oversight: The judiciary must proactively safeguard its independence and credibility by enacting judge-made laws to regulate post-retirement engagements and uphold the principles enshrined in the Constitution and international conventions.

Context:

The plight of forest-dwelling tribes in Karnataka's Western Ghats, exemplified by Makuta village, has brought attention to the challenges faced by marginalized communities in securing livelihoods and addressing emerging social issues. Despite recent land rights acquisition under the Forest Rights Act, tribal communities like the Phani Yerava tribe continue to grapple with changing livelihood patterns and the prevalence of alcohol addiction, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and support from policymakers.

Struggles for Livelihood:

• Ancestral Land Rights: The Phani Yerava tribe in Makuta village secured land rights under the Forest Rights Act, asserting their ancestral claims to forest land spanning generations.
• Declining Dependence on Forest Resources: Despite land rights acquisition, the tribe's reliance on forest resources has diminished over time due to changing market dynamics and exploitation by middlemen.
• Shift to Wage Labor: Many tribe members now opt for wage labor, preferring to work as daily laborers in neighboring states like Kerala, where employment opportunities offer better returns than collecting minor forest produce.

Emerging Social Challenges:

• Prevalence of Alcohol Addiction: Makuta village and surrounding areas face the scourge of alcohol addiction, affecting community well-being and hindering children's education.
• Lack of Awareness and Support: Despite the severity of social issues like substance abuse, forest-dwelling communities often receive inadequate attention and support from policymakers.
• Call for Government Intervention: Local leaders and activists advocate for greater government intervention and targeted support to address emerging social challenges and enhance the well-being of marginalized tribal communities.