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One nation, one constitution spirit has become a reality now: PM Modi --> One nation, one constitution spirit has become a reality now: PM Modi --> One nation, one constitution spirit has become a reality now: PM Modi

One nation, one constitution spirit has become a reality now: PM Modi

My dear countrymen,

On this solemn day of Independence, many greetings to all countrymen.

Today is also the festival of Raksha Bandhan. This centuries-old tradition expresses the love of brother and sister. I extend my best wishes to all the countrymen and all the brothers and sisters on this auspicious festival of Raksha Bandhan. May this festival filled with affection fulfil the hopes, aspirations and dreams of all our brothers and sisters, and bring affection in their lives.

Today, while the country is celebrating the festival of independence, people in several parts of the country are facing difficulties due to floods and heavy rainfall. Many have lost their dear ones. I express my condolences to them. The State Governments, the Central Government and other organizations like NDRF are striving day and night to ease the hardships and bring the situation under control.

Today, when we are celebrating this auspicious day of Independence, I pay my respects to all those who gave up their lives, who spent their youth in prisons, who embraced the gallows, who instilled the spirit of non-violence through Satyagraha for the freedom of the country. The country gained independence under the leadership of Bapu. Similarly, in the years since independence numerous people have contributed for the peace, prosperity and security of the country. Today, I also salute the people who have contributed to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the people, for the development, peace and prosperity of Independent India.

After the formation of the new government, I am humbled once again with the opportunity to interact with you. It has not even been 10 weeks since the formation of this new Government. But even in a short ten-week period, efforts have been made in all fields and in every direction, new dimensions have been added. People have entrusted us to serve them so that they can achieve their hopes, expectations and aspirations. We are dedicated to your service with complete devotion, without wasting even a single moment.

To revoke Article 370 and 35A within 10 weeks is a significant step towards fulfilling the dream of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel.

In just ten weeks, we made big ticket decisions like bringing about a law against Triple Talaq to protect the rights of our Muslim women, making major amendments in laws to counter terrorism and to make it more stringent and powerful; transfer of approximately 90,000 crores of rupees to the bank accounts of farmers who are beneficiaries of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.

Our brothers and sisters from the farming community, our small entrepreneurs could never believe that they will ever be able to avail of pension schemes and live a dignified life even after they attain 60 Years, when they are physically weak and need some support. We have implemented a Pension Scheme to meet these needs.

Water crisis is a big concern these days. It is being predicted that an impending water crisis is staring us in the face. Anticipating such a situation, we have announced the formation of a new dedicated Ministry of Jal Shakti where the Centre and States will together develop schemes and policies to address issues of water crisis.

Our country needs doctors in huge numbers along with robust health facilities. To fulfil this requirement we need new laws, upgraded infrastructure, new thinking and create new opportunities to motivate the youth to take up the medical profession. In view of this, we have formulated laws and taken important steps to bring transparency in Medical Education.

Now a days we come across incidents of child rights violation all over the world and India will not leave her children vulnerable. A much warranted stringent law to protect child rights was needed and has been enacted.

Brothers and sisters, you gave me an opportunity to serve you all for five years from 2014-2019. We took cognizance of the struggles faced by the common man to avail the basic facilities. Over the past five years, our government has been striving to provide the facilities to meet the daily needs of the common man. Special efforts have been made to facilitate those living in villages, and those who are poor, marginalized, victimized, exploited, deprived and tribals. We are working relentlessly in this direction to bring the nation back on track towards development. But times change. While 2014-2019 was a period of fulfilling your basic needs, the years from 2019 and beyond will see your aspirations and dreams getting fulfilled.

What should 21st Century India look like?How fast should it move? How extensively, should it work, what heights should it strive for- we are taking steps one after the other by preparing a roadmap for the next five years, keeping all these things in mind.In 2014, It was a new beginning for me. Prior to the election in 2013-2014, I travelled across the country and tried to understand the feelings of our countrymen. But everyone had disappointment written on their face, everyone had apprehensions. People used to wonder if the country could change at all. Can the country change with the change of Government? A sense of hopelessness had percolated into the minds of the common man. This was the result of their experience over a long period- hopes did not last long, they sank into the depths of despair very fast.But when in 2019, after five years of hard work, with only dedication to the common people, only my country in my heart, only my millions of countrymen in my heart - with this feeling we kept on moving, dedicated every moment for that. When we ran for the office again in 2019, I was surprised. The Mood of the country changed. Despair had changed into hope, dreams got linked to resolutions, accomplishment was visible and the common man had only one determination that he can change his country. Yes it was the feeling that We too can change our country and that we cannot stay behind.

This feeling of the 130 crore citizens, this echoing of emotions gives us new the strength, new faith.

We had started with the mantra Sabka Saath- Sabka Vikas , but within five years, the countrymen have painted the entire mood of the nation with the color of Sabka Vishwas. The Trust and confidence that everyone reposed in us over the last five years will inspire us to serve the nation with more vigour.

I have seen in the recent elections and I had felt then that this is an election in which no politician was contesting, no political party was contesting, neither Modi was contesting nor were friends of Modi contesting the election. It was the people of India who were contesting the election, 130 Crore countrymen were contesting the election. They were contesting for their own dreams. The real nature of Democracy could be seen in this election.

My dear countrymen, the solution to the problems - along with the period of dreams, determination and accomplishment - we have to walk together now. It is evident that sense of self-reliance develops when problems get solved. Solution to problems encourages speed of self-reliance. When self-reliance occurs, self-esteem develops automatically and self-esteem has very strong potential. The power of self-respect is greater than anything and when there is a solution, resolution, capability, self-respect, then nothing can come in the way of success and today the country, with the feeling of that self-respect.

And today, with that self-respect we are determined to move forward to touch new heights of success. When we are trying to solve problems we should not think in isolation. There will be difficulties. Half-hearted efforts made with the aim of earning applause will not help in fulfilling the dreams of the country. We have to strive to remove problems from their roots.

You would have seen how our Muslim daughters and sisters used to live in fear with the sword of Triple Talaq dangling over their heads. Even if they were not victims of Triple Talaq, they were constantly haunted by the fear that they could be subjected to it anytime. Many Islamic countries abolished this evil practice long time back. But for some reason we were hesitant to give our Muslim mothers and sisters their due rights. If, we can abolish Sati Pratha, if we can enact laws to end female foeticide, if we can raise our voice against child marriage, if we can take strong steps against dowry system in this country, then why can’t we raise our voice against Triple Talaq? We have taken this important decision in the spirit of India’s democracy and constitution, to respect the thinking of Baba Saheb Ambedkar so that our Muslim sisters get equal rights; so that new confidence is generated in them; so that they also become active participants in the India’s development journey. Such decisions are not for political gains. They guarantee a lasting protection to our mothers and sisters.

Similarly, I will give another example. What was the reason behind revocation of Article 370 and 35A? This is the hallmark of this government. We do not avoid problems, nor do we let them fester. There is no time to delay or neglect problems. The work that was not done in the last 70 years has been accomplished within 70 days after this new government came to power. The abrogation of Article 370 and 35A has been carried out in both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha by two-thirds majority. This means that everyone wanted this decision, but perhaps they were waiting for somebody to initiate the same and carry it forward. I have come to accomplish the task assigned to me by my countrymen. I work selflessly.

We are moving forward with re-organization of Jammu and Kashmir. For 70 years every government made efforts to do something.

But the desired results were not achieved, and when desired results are not achieved, there is a need to think afresh and take new steps. It is our responsibility to see that the aspirations of the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh get fulfilled. It is our collective responsibility to give new wings to their dreams. This responsibility has to be shouldered by all 130 crore of my countrymen. To meet this commitment we have made endeavours to remove whatever hurdles were there in the way.

The system that prevailed over the past seventy years had aggravated separatism and given birth to terrorism. It had encouraged dynastic rule and in a way strengthened the foundations of corruption and discrimination. We have to make efforts so that the women of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh get their rights. We have to make efforts so that my dalit brothers and sisters living there, get the rights which they have been deprived of so far. The rights enjoyed by the tribal people of India must also be available to my tribal brothers and sisters of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. There are several such communities, like Gujjars, Bakarwals, Gaddis, Sippies or Balties- all such communities must be empowered with political rights. It is surprising that in Jammu & Kashmir there were legal restrictions on Safai Karamchari brothers and sisters. Their dreams were trampled upon. Now, we have freed them from such shackles.

When India was partitioned, crores of people had to leave behind their ancestral homes for no fault of theirs. Those who settled down in Jammu & Kashmir got neither human rights, nor citizenship rights. There are people from hill regions living in Jammu &Kashmir. We intend to take steps for their welfare as well.

My dear countrymen, peace and prosperity of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh can be an inspiration for India. They can greatly contribute to India’s development. We need to make efforts to bring back their glorious past. The new system that has come into being after the recent step will create facilities that will directly benefit the people of the State. Now, anybody in Jammu and Kashmir, like the rest of Indians, can reach out to the Government in Delhi. There will be no hurdles in between. We have put in place such a system. Our recent action to strike down Article 370 and 35 A has been welcomed by the entire country and also by people from all political parties of the country, without exception. Some have openly supported us while others give their tacit support. But some in the corridors of power, in a bid to take mileage from vote-bank politics, have been talking in favour of Article 370. The country demands an answer from those speaking in favour of Article 370, that if Article 370 and 35-A were so important.

If Article 370 was so crucial then why did ruling parties not make it permanent in the last 70 years despite having a majority? Why was it kept temporary? If there was so much of conviction, you should have moved ahead and made it permanent. This means that you knew all along that the decision taken was not right. But you did not have the courage and the will to amend it. Concerns about political future kept coming up. For me, the country’s future is everything, political future has no meaning.

Our constitution makers and great personalities like Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel took these bold and important decisions even during those difficult times, keeping the goals of national integration and political unification in mind. The exercise towards national integration was a successful one, but some difficulties have been faced because of Article 370 and 35A.

Today, as I address the nation from the Red Fort, I can proudly say that every Indian today can speak of One Nation, One Constitution and we are trying to fulfil Sardar Sahibs dream of Ék Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. So we must develop such systems which strengthen the country’s unity and serve as a cementing force, and this process must go on continuously. It should not be merely an interim measure but a continuous process.

Through GST we have fulfilled the dream of One Nation One Tax. Similarly, we successfully achieved the dream of One Nation, One Grid in the energy sector recently.

Likewise, we have developed the system of One Nation, One Mobility card and currently there is a nationwide debate about holding simultaneous elections in the country. This discussion should be taken up in a democratic manner. We will have to add many such new ideas to realize our dreams of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.

My dear countrymen, the country has to achieve newer heights, the country has to make its mark globally. For this we have to change the attitude towards poverty alleviation in the country. It should not be treated as a favour, but as oura dutiful contribution towards building a bright future for the country because we have to free ourselves from the clutches of poverty at any cost. A number of successful efforts have been made during the last 5 years to reduce poverty. We have achieved more success than before and at a faster pace. A little respect and support to the poor can boost their self-esteem and pull them out from the grips of poverty without any government help.

He will be able to defeat poverty with his own strength. It is my poor brethren who have the might to fight against any adversity. He fights against extreme cold with his clenched fists. We need to bow before his innate strength to face adversities and help in eliminating the challenges of his daily life.

Why should poor people not have toilets, no electricity in the house, no house to live in, no water supply and no bank account. Why should they be compelled to go to the moneylender to take loans through mortgage? Come, let us make efforts to boost the self-respect, self-confidence and self-esteem of the poor.

Brothers and sisters, it is over 70 years since Independence. All governments have done a lot of work in their own way. Every government, irrespective of the party, be it the central or the state, has tried in its own way. But still it is a fact that today almost half of the houses in India do not have drinking water. People have to struggle to get drinking water. Mothers and sisters have to travel 2, 3, 5 km carrying the load of water on their heads. A large part of their lives is spent in struggling for water. Therefore, this government has decided to emphasize upon a special task and that is - how to ensure availability of water in every house. How does every house get water, pure drinking water? And so I declare from the Red Fort today that in the days to come, we will take forward the 'Jal-Jeevan' Mission. The central and the state governments will jointly work on this 'Jal-Jeevan' Mission. We have promised to spend more than Rs. 3.5 lakh crores on this mission in the coming years. Work should be done on water conservation, irrigation, rain-water harvesting, seawater or waste water treatment, and 'Per Drop, More Crop Micro Irrigation for the farmers. Water conservation campaigns should be launched, creating awareness in the common citizens about water, arousing their sensitivity so that they understand the importance of water; even the children should be taught about water conservation as part of their curriculum in their childhood. We must move forward with the belief that in the next five years we have to do more than four times the work that has been done in the last 70 years for water conservation and to revive the sources of water. We cannot wait any longer. The great Saint Thiruvalluvar ji had professed hundreds of years ago when perhaps no one would have thought of the water crisis and the importance of water.

And then Saint Thiruvalluvar ji had said NeerIndri Amiyadhu Ulganein नीरिंडरी अमियदु उलगनें meaning that if water starts disappearing, then nature’s processes get disrupted and eventually come to an end. This initiates the process of total destruction.

I was born in Gujarat. In North Gujarat, there is a jain pilgrim city called Mahudi. Approximately 100 years ago there lived a Jain saint who was born in a farmer’s family. He used to work in the fields but under the influence of Jainism. He became a Jain saint called Budhi Sagar ji Maharaj. He left behind some scriptures 100 years ago in which he shared a premonition that there will be a time when water will be sold in grocery shops. Can you imagine that the words of the saint written hundred years ago have actually become a reality now. What was predicted a century ago is now a ground reality, and today, we all are actually buying water from grocery shops.

Dear countrymen, we are not to get tired in our efforts, nor shall we halt or hesitate in moving ahead.

This campaign on Water conservation should not just remain a government initiative. It should become a people’s movement like our Swacchh Bharat Abhiyan. We have to carry forward this movement with the help the common man’s ideals, aspirations and efforts.

Dear Countrymen, our nation has reached a phase when we should be transparent about everything.

Time has now come that we should take challenges head-on. Sometimes decisions are taken keeping in mind political advantage but they come at the cost of growth of future generation of our country. I would like to highlight the issue of population explosion in one Country from the aegis of the Red Fort today.

This rapidly increasing population poses various new challenges for us and our future generations.

In our society, there is a section which is very well aware of the consequences of the uncontrolled population growth. They all deserve accolades and respect. This is also their expression for their love for the nation. Before having a baby, they take a well considered decision whether they will be able to take care of the child’s needs and fulfill his/her dreams by playing the role of a responsible parent.

Keeping these parameters in mind, this small sections of responsible citizens is self motivated to keep their family small. Not only do they contribute to the welfare of their family but also to the good of the nation.

They express patriotism. I would like all the people of our society to watch their lives closely and see how much they have served their families by limiting increase in family size. It is about how the family has moved forward in just a generation or two, how the children have got education, how the family is free from disease, how well the family fulfils their primary needs.

We should learn from them. Before a child arrives into our family we should think - have I prepared myself to fulfil the needs of the child ? Or will I leave it dependent on the society? Will I leave the child un-nurtured? No parents can continue to give birth to children who are forced to live this type of life and therefore a social awareness is needed.

The people who have played this huge role need to be honoured, and by setting them as examples we need to inspire the segment of the society who are still not thinking on these lines. We need to worry about population explosion.

Governments also have to come forward through different schemes. Be it the State Government or the Central Government - everyone has to walk together to shoulder this responsibility. We cannot think of an unhealthy society, we cannot think of an uneducated society. In 21st century India, the ability to fulfill dreams starts with a person, starts with a family. If the population is not educated, not healthy, then neither the home nor the country can be happy. If the population is educated, empowered, and skilled and has adequate means available to achieve the right ambience to fulfill their wishes and needs, then I think the country can fulfill these things.

My dear countrymen, you are well aware that corruption and nepotism have damaged our country beyond imagination and entered into our lives like termites. We are continuously trying to weed them out. There have been successes also, but the disease is so deeply entrenched, the disease is so wide spread that we will have to keep putting in more efforts and that too at every level, not just at the government level, and we need to keep doing it continuously.

All work cannot be done at one go, bad habits are like chronic disease. Sometimes it gets cured, but sometimes it relapses. This too is a disease for which we have taken many steps, eliminating it by continuous use of technology. Every effort has been made to strengthen honesty and transparency at all levels.

You must have seen that immediately after formation of the Government, and also in the last five years the Government has removed many top officials. All such people creating obstacles were told that the country does not need their services anymore and they have been removed.

I believe that there should be change in the system, but at the same time there should be a change in the social fabric. Along with the change in the social fabric, a change in the mindset and beliefs of the people running the systems is also very essential. Then only the desired results can be achieved.

Brothers and sisters, the country has, in a way, matured after so many years of independence.

We are going to celebrate the 75 th anniversary of Independence. This Freedom is as precious to us as our ethical values, attitudes and sensitivities. Whenever I hold meetings with officials I’d always mention, I do not talk about it publicly but today I feel like speaking out, I repeatedly exhort the officials that after so many years of Independence can we not do something about cutting down red tape and reduce the involvement of the Government in the daily life of the common man.

The meaning of an Independent India for me is to create an ecosystem that gradually reduces the involvement of govt. in the lives of its peoples. This will give people the choice to decide about their own destiny and embark upon whichever direction they wish in the national interest, for betterment of their families and in the pursuit of their dreams.

Citizens should not feel pressure of the government but at the same time during a crisis the government must not be found wanting. The government should neither be exerting nor wanting, but let us all move forward with our dreams. The government should be always standing by us, as a companion. In case the need arises, the people should be assured that Govt. is always there to back them up. Can we create such a system?

We have done away with several unnecessary laws and rules which had been rendered redundant. In the last five years I have abolished, practically, one redundant law every day. Perhaps the common man is not aware of it, - abolishing one obsolete law each day means almost 1,450 laws have been done away with an aim to reduce the burden from the common man’s life. The (new) government has only completed ten weeks into office, and already (another) 60 laws have been repealed with an aim to bring about ‘Ease of Living’. ‘Ease of Living’ is imperative for an Independent India and we are committed to focus on ‘Ease of Living’ and want to take it ahead.

Today, we have made much progress towards ‘Ease of doing business.’ We aim to reach the Top Five in the global ranking and for this there will be a need for several reforms; anybody wanting to set up a small business or industry, faces several small and big issues, - such as filling up several forms, going from pillar to post, he has to make visits to scores of offices, but he still doesn’t get the requisite sanction. In attempts to unshackle this intricate web, bringing reforms after reform, taking the Centre and States together, taking along the city and metropolitan municipalities, we have been able to achieve a fair degree of success towards ‘Ease of doing business.’

Across the globe there is a growing realization that such a large country as India, a developing nation, can dream big and make such a big leap. ‘Ease of doing business’ seems just a milestone; my ultimate objective is to achieve is ‘Ease of living’, - where a common man does not have to exercise himself to get Govt./Officials clearances, he gets his due rights easily and thus there is a need for us to proceed in that direction.

My dear countrymen, our nation must march forward, but the country cannot now wait much longer for incremental progress, we will have to take a big leap, we will have to change our thinking. To make India reach the Global Standards we need to build modern infrastructure.

Notwithstanding despondent attitudes, ordinary people always dream of a good system. They like good things; they have developed a taste for it. So we have decided to invest 100 lakh crore rupees for modern infrastructure in this time period. This will generate employment; will develop new systems and various aspirations will be met. Be it Sagarmala Project or Bharat Mala Project, modern railway stations, bus stations or airports, be it modern hospitals or world class educational institutions, we want to develop the entire infrastructure. Now the country also requires seaports. The ordinary people have changed and we have to understand that.

Earlier, if a decision was taken on paper that a railway station was going to be constructed in a particular area, there used to be a positive feeling for years together that a new railway station would be available somewhere nearby. Times have changed now. The ordinary citizens are no longer satisfied with just a railway station. They will immediately ask, “When will Vande Bharat Express come to our area?” Their thinking has changed. If we construct a very good bus station or five star Railway station, the people will not say “well done”. They will forthwith ask, “When will the airport be ready”? That means their thinking has changed. The people who were happy with just getting a railway stoppage are now asking, “It is ok, but when is the airport going to open here?”

Earlier people used to ask, “When will a metaled road be constructed in our area?” Now people ask, “Will the road be of 4-lane or 6-lane one?” They are not satisfied to metaled roads any longer. I think this is a very significant change for aspiring India.

Earlier, even on seeing the electricity poles lying on the ground people used to be happy, thinking that the electricity had reached them even if the pole had not been erected. But now even after the installation of transmission wires and electric meters, people ask “When will we get 24-hour electric supply?” They are no longer happy with just poles and wires.

Earlier, when mobile phones were just in vogue, people were content that mobile phone had finally arrived. But now they discuss about data speed. We have to understand this transformation of psychology and changing times. We have to move forward in many fields, with the Global Benchmark like modern infrastructure, clean energy, gas based economy, gas grid, e-mobility etc.

My dear Countrymen, generally the governments of our country are identified with what they have done in a particular area or for a particular community or group. Generally, the government and the people went by the yardstick as to how much a government has given or to whom it has been given. This was considered as good enough. May be it was the need of the hour and a compulsion.

But despite whatever, however, whenever or whoever may have received in the past, we now need to unitedly think about what dreams we want to achieve as a nation. Time demands that we live fight and move ahead in unison to fulfil these dreams. Keeping this in mind we have set a dream target of building a five trillion dollar economy. 130 crore countrymen can move together even with small contributions. The target of 5 trillion dollar economy may appear difficult to some people. They may not be wrong but if we don’t accomplish difficult tasks, how will the country moved ahead? If we don’t take up difficult challenges how will we develop a mind set to move forward? Psychologically also we must always aim high and that is what we have done. This is not just in the air. We had reached a 2 trillion dollar economy after 70 years of independence, after 70 years’ journey on the path of development we could achieve just a 2 trillion dollar economy. But within five years from 2014 to 2019 we reached a 3 trillion dollar economy i.e we added one trillion dollars. If we succeeded in taking such a big jump in just 5 years, then we can become a 5 trillion dollar economy in the next five years. This must be a dream of every Indian.

When the economy grows, it brings better standard of living for the people. Opportunities get created to fulfil the dreams of even of those at bottom. In order to create these opportunities we have to develop this mind set about the economic sector of the country.

When we dream to double the income of our farmers, when we dream that after 75 years of independence each family, including the poorest of the poor, should own a house, when we dream that on completing 75 years of independence each family must get electricity in their house, when we dream that on completing 75 years of independence each village of India must have optical fibre network, broad band connectivity and long distance education, these should no longer be seem to be dreams.

We must focus upon developing our maritime resources and blue economy. We should empower our fishermen community. Our farmers, who provide us food, may become energy givers. Why should they not become exporters as well, why should the produce of our farmers not dominate the international market? We want to move ahead with these dreams. Our country will have to boost its export. Let us make every effort to reach the global market.

Each district of our country has a potential equal to that of one country, each of our districts has the capacity equal to a small country in the world. We need to understand this power and channelize this potential. And why should each district not think of becoming an export hub? Each district has its own handicraft and each district has its unique specialities. If some district is known for its perfumes then some other district may have saris as its distinct identity whereas some other district is known for utensils and the other district is famous for its sweets. Each of our districts has a diverse identity and potential for global market.

We are trying to see how can we use zero defect zero effect in manufacturing for global markets. If we focus on exports by making the world aware of this diversity, and work towards capturing the world market, then the youth of the country will get employment. This will give great strength to our small scale and micro level industries. We have to increase that strength.

Our country can be a fascinating tourist destination for the world, but for some reason, we have not been able to do it as fast as we need to. Come, let all of us, the countrymen, take the decision to boost tourism in the country. As tourism grows, capital investment provides more employment opportunities. The country's economy also gets a boost. People all over the world are ready to see India in a new way today. Let us think how we can attract tourists to our country from the world over, how we can strengthen the tourism sector and what arrangements should be made at tourist destinations. We should also talk about increasing the income of ordinary citizens, better education for them, new employment opportunities. There should be launching pads for the middle class people so that they can realize their dreams. Our scientists should have the best facilities and resources, our forces should have the best weapons and equipment that too indigenously made. I believe that there are many areas which can give India a new strength to become a five trillion dollar economy.

My dear brothers and sisters, today the country has a very favourable environment for achieving economic success. When there is a stable government, the policies are predictable and systems are stable, then the world also starts having confidence in you. The people of the country have shown this. The world is also watching India's political stability with great pride and respect. We should not let this opportunity go. Today the world is keen to do business with us. It wants to connect with us. Today, it is a matter of great pride for us that while controlling inflation, we are moving forward with an important equation to increase the growth rate. Sometimes the growth rate may increase, but inflation is not under control. Sometimes when the inflation is under control, the growth rate gets affected. But our government has not only controlled inflation but has also increased the growth rate.

The fundamentals of our economy are very strong. And this strength gives us confidence to move ahead. In the same way, by developing a system like GST, and bringing reforms like Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, we want to develop an environment of confidence. There should be increased production in our country, increased processing of our natural wealth, value addition, export of the value added products to the world. Why can’t we have a dream wherein every country in the world imports some or the other Indian product, wherein every district of India exports some product? If we take these two things into consideration, then we can also increase the income. Our companies and entrepreneurs also dream of getting access to the world market. By getting access to the world market, our investors will be able to enhance the status of India; our investors will be able to earn more; our investors will be able to invest more; our investors will be able to generate more employment. We are completely ready to encourage our investors to come forward for generating employment.

In our country, certain wrong beliefs have come into existence. We have to come out of those mindset. Those who create wealth for the country, those who contribute in the nation’s wealth creation are all serving the country. We should not doubt our wealth creators.

The need of the hour is to recognise and encourage the wealth creators of our nation. They should receive more honour. If wealth is not created, wealth cannot be distributed. Further, if wealth is not distributed we cannot uplift the poor sector of our society. Such is the importance of wealth creation for our country which we need to facilitate further.

Those who are making efforts to create wealth, according to me they themselves are an asset to the nation and must be empowered.

My dear Countrymen, today we are emphasising on peace and security along with development. Globally, countries are gripped with several insecurities. Death seems hovering in some or the other part of the world.

India has to play a vital role in reinstating world peace. We cannot remain silent spectators in the global environment. We are putting up a tough fight against terrorist organisations. In any part of the world, an act of terrorism should be regarded as an attack on humanity. Therefore, I urge all forces to unite against those who promote and give shelter to terrorist outfits. India should contribute in exposing these anti-humanitarian activities and is resolute to unite all world forces to end terrorism.

We want that India should play a crucial role in the war against terrorism. India should unite all forces to expose those who give shelter to terrorists, those who encourage terrorism and those who export terrorism.

Some terrorist organisations have not only targeted India, but are also damaging our neighbouring countries. Bangladesh and Afghanistan are also grappling with terrorist activities. In Sri Lanka, sadly, innocent people have been killed en-masse inside a church. This is such a heart wrenching event. Hence, we all have to unite and act proactively to bring security, peace and harmony in this sub-continent.

Our friendly neighbour Afghanistan is also going to celebrate its 100th year of independence, four days from now. I would like to extend my heartiest greetings to them on this auspicious occasion.

It is our clear policy that those who are spreading fear and fostering violence must be razed to the ground. We have made this clear through our policies and strategies to curb all such malafide intentions. We have no inhibitions. Our army, border security forces and security agencies have done a commendable job. They always stand tall in their uniforms and guard us from all adversities. They have martyred their lives to ensure a bright future for us. I salute and I pay my homage to them. It is important that we take timely steps towards reforms.

You must have noticed that deliberations are on since a long time to bring reforms in military infrastructure, armed forces and military resources. Previous governments have also discussed the same. Several commissions have been formed and all the reports have brought to light the same issues.

There is hardly any difference, but this has been stated repeatedly. There indeed is coordination between our Navy, Army and Air Force. We can be proud of the arrangement of our armed forces. Any Hindustani can be proud of Indian Military. They also strive for modernity in their own way.

But the world is changing today, the scope of war is changing, the nature of war is changing. It is becoming technology driven; in the circumstances India too should not have a fragmented approach. Our entire military power will have to work in unison and move forward. Things cannot move smoothly if anyone from the Navy, Army and Air Force is a step ahead from the other two forces, while the other two are lagging behind. All the three should move simultaneously at the same pace. There should be good coordination and it should be relevant with the hope and aspirations of our people. It should be in line with the changing war and security environment in the world and today I want to announce an important decision from Red Fort. The subject experts on the issue have been demanding this for a long time. Today we have decided that we will now have a Chief of Defence Staff- CDS and after formation of this post all the three forces will get effective leadership at the top level. The CDS System is a very important and compelling task in our dream to reform the strategic pace of Hindustan in the world.

My dear countrymen, we are lucky that we are born in such a period, we are living in such a period, when we have the ability to do something. Sometimes it comes to my mind that when we were fighting for freedom, great men like Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru were competing for their sacrifice. Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, freedom fighters were going door-to-door, to awaken the country to realize their dreams of independence. We were not born at that time. We did not get a chance to sacrifice for the country, but we have definitely got a chance to live for the country now. And it is a privilege that this period is like this, this year is very important for us. This is the festival of 150th birth anniversary of Bapu Mahatma Gandhi.

We feel blessed to have such opportunity. 75 years of our Independence and the remembrance of those who sacrificed for the country, inspires us to do something. We should capitalise on this opportunity. We, 130 crore of countrymen, have to move further, to achieve the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi, the dreams of freedom fighters of the country. We should make the 75 years of independence and 150 years of Gandhi into a festival. This is a great opportunity for our inspiration.

I had spoken about Swachhata in 2014 from this Red Fort. I am confident that within next few weeks of 2019 itself India will declare itself Open Defecation Free. States, Villages, Municipalities, Media, everyone has started Mass-Movement regarding ODF. The government was nowhere to be seen, people participated in the mass movement and the results are quite evident.

My dear countrymen, I would like to put forward a small request to you. On this 2 October can we make India free from single- use plastic? Let us move around, form teams and move out from home, school, college.

Remembering revered Bapu, we should move out of home collecting single-use plastic from homes, streets, chowks, and drains. Municipalities, Municipal corporations, Gram Panchayat should make arrangements to collect single-use plastic. Can we take first big step on 2 nd October, towards making India free from single-use plastic?

Come my countrymen, let us take this forward.

I will request start-up organizations, technicians and entrepreneurs to see what we can do to recycle this plastic? Plastic is being used in making highways. Many such remedies can be there. But to get rid of such problems we have to initiate mass movement but at the same time we have to think of the alternate systems. I will request all shopkeepers along with many sign boards in your shop please also put another one exhorting customers not to use plastic bags; that they should instead bring their own cloth bags or buy cloth bags for carrying their goods. Let us create an environment. We generally give gifts to people on Diwali. Why not pack those gifts in cloth bags this year and every time? If people go to market with cloth bags, that will be an advertisement for your company too. If you give a diary or calendar nothing will happen. But if you give a bag, that will be a medium of your advertisement. It should be a jute bag. It will help farmers. The cloth bag will help famers. These are all small things. It will help poor widows who are into sewing. Our small steps can change the lives of ordinary people and we have to work towards that.

My dear countrymen, whether it is a five trillion economy dream or the dream of a self-reliant India, we are following the principles of Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals are relevant even today. So we have to take forward our ‘Make in India’ mission. Shouldn’t made in India products be our priority? Let us decide whatever is produced and available in our country should be our priority. We have to give stress on local products for lucky tomorrow; we have to go for local for bright future. Whatever is produced in the village should be given priority. If it is not available in the village we have to go beyond that- to Tehsil, to the district and then to the state level. I don’t think that one has to go outside the state to meet one’s requirements. Our rural economy will get a boost; our small entrepreneurs will get a boost; our traditional things will get a fillip.

Brothers and sisters we like mobile phones, we like to send whatsapp messages, we like to be on Facebook-twitter. But we can help country’s economy through these means. Technology is useful for the people who know its usefulness. Technology is helpful for the development of a modern India. Why shouldn’t we move towards Digital payment? Today we are proud that our RuPay card is accepted in Singapore. In the near future RuPay card will be accepted in more countries. Our digital platform is spreading steadily. Shouldn’t we stress on digital payment in villages, small shops and small shopping malls? For the sake of honesty, transparency and to make our country’s economy strong let us move towards digital payment. If you go to villages you will generally see boards put up by traders saying “only cash, no credit please”. I will urge the businessmen to display another board: “say yes to digital payment and no to cash”. We should create an atmosphere like this. I will urge the banking sector and the people from the business world to give emphasis on these things.

In our country the bulk of middle class and higher middle class are increasing. This is a good thing. People go to various countries as a tourist with their family once or twice in a year. It is good that our children get exposure. But today I want to urge all such families to think over whether they will want their children to know their country as well, when it celebrates the 75 th Year of its Independence, which could be achieved after many great men and women had sacrificed their lives? Are there any parents who do not want their children to be emotionally connected with the country’s soil, its history, its air and water? Do they not want their children to gather new energy from all these? We have to move ahead in right earnest. No matter how advanced we become, if we get cut off from our roots, we can never survive. Today from the ramparts of Red Fort, I am asking you one thing. This is to generate employment of the youth, to build an image of India in the world and to tell the world what India is capable of. It is time you decide that before 2022, when India will be celebrating the 75 th Year of its Independence, we take our families to at least 15 tourist destinations in the country. We may face some difficulties in those places but still, you should go. There may not be good hotels. But, sometimes such difficulties also bring opportunities along. Our children will learn what their country is, when they visit such tourist destinations. The people who can build facilities will also reach there and that will generate employment. Why don’t we develop 100 good tourist destinations, why shouldn’t there be target of developing 2, 5 or 7 top class tourist destinations in every state? North-East of India has huge natural resources but how many universities make that part of the country as their tourist destination? You do not have to spend much, neither do have you need to spend a lot of time; in 7 to 10 days you can visit within the country.

A new world will come into being in the places you visit. You will get bliss in the life once we Indians visit the tourist spots of North-East, foreigners will also follow suit. But, think over when we go out of the country and the people there ask, whether you have seen that temple in Tamil Nadu and we say ‘’No’’; then how does it feel. They would be surprised and say that they being foreigners, have visited that temple but you being an Indian have not seen it so far. So, before we go abroad we must know our country well.

Now, I want to ask something from my farmer brothers. For farmers, for my countrymen this country is their motherland. As we chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai” our hearts are filled with new energy.

The word “Vande Mataram’’ enthuses our hearts with a wish to sacrifice for the country. A long history beckons us. But have we ever cared to think about our motherland’s health? The way we are using chemical fertilizers and pesticides, it is damaging the health of its soil. As a farmer, as a child of this soil, I have no right to damage its health. I have no right to make my mother India sad nor do have I right to make her sick.

We would soon complete 75 years since our Independence.

Revered Bapu showed us the way. Should we not cut down the use of chemical fertilizer in our fields by 10% or 20% or 25% and if possible should we not launch a Muktikar Abhiyan (campaign)?. This would be a great service to the nation. This would be a great step in saving our Mother Earth. Your endeavour in saving our mother earth will also get blessings of those who dedicated their lives chanting Vande Mataram in order to fulfil the dream of achieving freedom for our motherland. Therefore I appeal to you as I am fully confident that my countrymen will definitely be able to achieve this. My farmers will fulfil this request of mine because I have full trust in them.

My dear brothers and sisters, professionals of our country are at a commanding position globally. Their potential is very well recognised. People respect them. Be it space, be it technology, we have achieved new heights. It’s a matter of happiness of us that our Chandrayaan is moving speedily towards that part of the moon where no one has ever reached. Such is the mastery of our scientists.

Similarly, our presence was much less in the field of sports. Today young sons and daughters of my country in the age group of 18 to 22 are making India’s tricolor fly in various sports stadia. How proud that feels! Our sportspersons are earning laurels for the country.

Dear countrymen, we have to take our country forward. We have to transform our country. We have to make our country reach newer heights and we have to do this collectively. The government and the people have to achieve this collectively and jointly. Our 130 crore countrymen have to do this. Prime Minister of the country is also a child of this country like you and he also is a citizen of the country. We all have to work unitedly for this.

In the coming days about 1.5 lakh wellness centres and health centres will have to be set up in rural areas. Setting up one medical college for every three Lok Sabha constituencies will make us realize the dream of our youth becoming doctors. Houses for more than 2 crore poor people have to be built. We have to supply potable drinking water to 15 crore houses in rural areas, construct 1.25 km roads in rural areas. Each village has to be provided with Broad Band connectivity and connected with optical fibre network, also a network of more than 50000 new start-ups has to be raised. We need to move forward with so many dreams.

And, therefore, brothers and sisters, we the countrymen have to collectively take our country forward with these dreams in mind and for this 75 years of independence is a very big motivation.

130 crore countrymen have their dreams, their challenges. Each dream and each challenge has its own importance. It is not that some is more important and the other is less important. It may not be possible for me to delve at all the topics during this speech. So, whatever I could speak today and whatever I could not speak are equally important. If we move forward, we should keep in mind that we have to take our country forward.

75 years of Independence, 150 years of Gandhi and 70 years of India’s Constitution has been completed for realising the dream of Baba Saheb Ambedkar. We are also celebrating 550 th Parv of Guru Nanak Dev ji this year. Let us move ahead following the teachings of Baba Saheb Ambedker and Guru Nanak Dev ji as we have to build a better society and a better country as per the expectations of the whole world.

My dear brothers and sisters, we know that our targets are as high as the Himalayas, our dreams are even more than the innumerable stars. But we also know that even skies cannot check the flight of our courage.

This is our resolve, our potential is beyond measure just like the Indian Ocean. Our efforts are holy like the flowing Ganges and are ever continuing. Above all these things our values draw inspiration from our ancient culture and the penance of our sages and saints. The sacrifice and hard work of our countrymen is our motivation.

Come on, let us move ahead to build a new India keeping these ideals and resolves in mind. Fulfilling our responsibilities with a new confidence and a new resolve to build a new India should be our mantra. Let us together take our country forward with this single expectation, I once again bow to everyone who lived, fought, died for the country.

Bharat Mata ki Jai.

Vande Mataram

Thank you very very much.

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Constitutional Corner – America’s Fundamental Principles: One Nation Under God

Constitutional Corner – America’s Fundamental Principles: One Nation Under God.

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“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Some Americans have been saying most of this pledge since 1892, and all of us since Congress adopted it as our official pledge in 1942, no doubt giving author Francis Bellamy , a Baptist minister, and Christian socialist, enormous pride – except for the fact that Bellamy had already been dead eleven years. Oh well. Often the “Bellamy salute” included something reminiscent of the Nazi arm salute, until WWII made that less appealing.

As many of you probably know, the pledge, as initially adopted, did not contain the words “under God,” those came later in 1954 when recently baptized President Dwight D. Eisenhower urged Congress to add them.

But even before the words “under God” were added, the pledge was under assault; Jehovah’s Witnesses, who considered any pledge a form of idolatry, demanded that their children be excused from recitation in school. Initially the Supreme Court ruled they could be compelled to recite the pledge, [1] and three years later changed its mind. [2] Go figure.

In 2002, the 9 th Circuit Court of Appeals actually ruled the phrase “one nation under God” to be an unconstitutional infringement on the Establishment Clause of the 1 st Amendment. [3] The Supreme Court decided there was a procedural discrepancy (standing) and overturned the decision. While three of the eight Justices (Justice Scalia recused himself) disagreed that the plaintiff did not enjoy standing, these three all found that the phrase did not offend the Constitution. While the ruling was not definitive on the Constitutional question, the Court sent a clear message that future challenges would fail.

Today, the pledge is taken pretty much for granted and recited at many public gatherings, both governmental and casual (at least at the gatherings of social groups who consider patriotism still in vogue). We recite the pledge so often it becomes rote, and possibly even meaningless.

Let’s review.

What does it mean to be “one nation under God?”

The one nation part is pretty easy, we’re arguably not; at least not precisely. The socialist Bellamy certainly wished we would consider ourselves a single nation, as many today do, but the fact is we remain a union of 50 sovereign states and not a single nation, despite the claim of the Pledge. Madison made this point clear in Federalist 39:

“That [establishing the Constitution] will be a federal and not a national act, as these terms are understood by the objectors; the act of the people, as forming so many independent States, not as forming one aggregate nation , is obvious from this single consideration, that it is to result neither from the decision of a majority of the people of the Union, nor from that of a majority of the States. It must result from the unanimous assent of the several States that are parties to it.” (Emphasis added)

But the fact remains we do have a single government presiding over those 50 states, a government endowed with both national and federal properties. Later in Federalist 39 Madison concludes: “ The proposed Constitution (and the government it created) therefore is in strictness neither a national nor a federal constitution; but a composition of both .”

The character of America as “one nation” faced its severest test in 1861 when the southern states were forcibly prevented from peacefully leaving the union. “Horray, Lincoln saved the Union!” we say, but we nearly always forget the cost in lives and constitutional affronts caused by Lincoln’s action. [4] Some believe the war settled the question of secession. I say it settled nothing of the sort. All the war settled was that with a President named Abe Lincoln, states would not be permitted to unilaterally secede.

Could they today? I see nothing preventing it, particularly if the seceding state(s) could convince Congress and their neighbors to agree. It would still be “one nation” for the remaining states, just slightly smaller. For this reason, the word “indivisible” from the pledge tends to stick in my throat each time I say it (but I do say it).

Let’s turn our attention to the “under God” part of the pledge; what does it mean for a people to declare themselves to be “under God.”

First, it is clear that such talk gives atheists a severe case of hives. Apparently, even hearing the word “God” is more than they can bear. They want the word removed from our currency , pledges and banished from public view or public hearing. And there are plenty of public places they will encounter this public recognition of God; from the first words of a Supreme Court session; to the start of every day in Congress; to the marble frieze on the south wall of the Supreme’s courtroom, which features Moses holding the Ten Commandments; to Jefferson’s words carved into his memorial . The aluminum capstone that crowns the Washington Monument, the first piece of property in Washington, D.C. touched by the rising sun, is inscribed on the east face with “LAUS DEO,” Latin for “Praise be to God.” These public acknowledgments shouldn’t surprise us: “ We are a religious people whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being.” [5]

None of these, of course, constitute America’s first acknowledgements, as a people, of being “under God.” The very first charter granted to settle America, the Virginia charter of 1606, announced one of the goals of the colony to be “in propagating of Christian Religion to such People, as yet live in Darkness and miserable Ignorance of the true Knowledge and Worship of God, and may in time bring the Infidels and Savages, living in those parts, to human Civility, and to a settled and quiet Government.” Where did Virginia’s settlers get the idea that God wanted them to propagate Christianity? Numerous Bible verses command it; Acts 1:8 being one example, where Jesus proclaims his followers: “will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The Mayflower Compact of 1620 proclaimed: “Having undertaken, for the Glory of God, and advancements of the Christian faith and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern parts of Virginia…”

The Pilgrims believe they were establishing a covenant with God “for His glory.” They had covenanted together as they left England for Holland, now they were entering a covenant, a solemn agreement, with Almighty God for his guidance and protection. As long as they modeled their lives after His commandments, they felt God would in return bless their endeavor.

One can argue that some colonies, such as Virginia, while acknowledging God in its charter, did not formally establish a covenant, such as did the Pilgrims. But one would be wrong. A charter is not the only mechanism for covenant. Pastor Robert Hunt clearly dedicated the Jamestown settlement to God when they first came ashore at Cape Henry. Can the prayer of a single pastor in 1607 place an entire nation in covenant with God? I think that’s up to God, don’t you?

The story of the founding of Pennsylvania is also instructive. [6] Twelve-year old William Penn had a dramatic conversion to the Quaker religion. Quakers were a persecuted sect in a country where the Church of England was the only recognized religion. Arrested and jailed multiple times for illegal “street preaching,” Penn’s eventual trial is a great example of jury nullification, but that’s another story for another day. Penn eventually inherited his wealthy father’s estate and in exchange for cancellation of a £16,000 debt owed the estate by the British government, Penn was able to secure from King Charles II title to 28,000,000 acres of land in America, which became Pennsylvania (literally, Penn’s Woods). Soon thereafter, Penn wrote:

“There may be room [in Pennsylvania ] for such a Holy Experiment. For the nations want a precedent and my God will make it the Seed of a Nation, that an example may be setup to the Nations, that we may do the thing that is truly wise and just.”

In his first Constitution for the colony, a Frame of Government, Penn concludes a lengthy explanation of the purpose of government by declaring:

“To carry this evenness is partly owing to the constitution and partly to the magistracy; where either of these fail, government will be subject to convulsions; but, where both are wanting, it must be totally subverted; then where both meet, the government is like to endure. Which I humbly pray and hope God will please to make the lot of this of Pennsylvania. Amen.” [7]

Sounds like a request for covenant to me. So we have Virginia in the south, Massachusetts in the north and Pennsylvania in the center, all believing themselves in covenant with God.

Pennsylvania would of course become the “seed of the nation” when its capitol, Philadelphia, hosted the 2 nd Continental Congress in 1776, who declared our independence, and eleven years later, the “Grand Convention” of 1787, which gave us our Constitution. So Penn’s prayer that his colony be made the “seed of the nation” would appear to have been answered, in spades.

Recall that the Declaration of Independence concludes with the delegates stating:

“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

With its three other open references to God, the Declaration is among our most religious founding document. But could the delegates even ask for the protection of Divine Providence if they did not consider themselves in covenant relationship with God? And mind you, this was not the Deist god, who had created the world and then essentially said “have fun with it,” this was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of Israel.

There is open debate to this day as to whether the Constitution describes a covenantal relationship with God. It does, however, tangentially acknowledge several tenets of the Christian faith. [8]

In “ God’s Covenant with America ,” [9] Bill Hunter describes the many events in early American history which point to the establishment of a covenant with God. The trilogy [10] written by Peter Marshall and David Manuel contain even more references.

On December 11, 1776, Congress declared:

“Therefore the Congress hereby Resolve, That it be recommended to all the States, as soon as possible to appoint a day of solemn Fasting and Humiliation, to implore of Almighty God the forgiveness of the many sins prevailing among all ranks , and to beg the countenance and assistance of his Providence in the prosecution of this just and necessary war .” (Emphasis added)

Why would people who did not believe they were in covenant relationship with God bother begging his “countenance and assistance?” [11]

Every one of the original 13 State Constitutions, in its freedom of religion clause or in its preamble, placed the state in some sort of subservient relationship to God, and nearly always it was crystal clear that this was the God of the Bible. The remaining 37 states would follow suit. A sampling:

Massachusetts : “to promote their happiness and to secure the good order and preservation of their government, the people of this commonwealth have a right to invest their legislature with power to…make suitable provision…for the institution of the public worship of God, and for the support and maintenance of public Protestant teachers of piety, religion and morality.”

Virginia : “all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other.”

Connecticut : “The People of this State being by the Providence of God , free and independent, have the sole and exclusive Right of governing themselves as a free, sovereign, and independent State;…”

If the atheists and secularists are to be successful in obliterating references to God from the public square, they really have their work cut out for them – but they are truly a persistent lot; Freedom from Religion Foundation and American United for Separation of Church and State have learned how to work the legal system, and FFRF in particular has sympathetic contacts in the Pentagon who have made great progress in turning the very regimented environment of the U.S. military into a “religion-free zone.”

As Gary DeMar makes clear in this essay , however, the phrases “One Nation Under God” and “In God We Trust” are not necessary to establish the truth of either phrase. All nations on the earth are under God , whether they acknowledge this fact or not; it is a feature of the creation. Psalms 22:28 states: “For the kingdom is the Lord’s, and He rules over the nations.” In Acts 17: 24-26 we read: “The God who made the world…gives to all life and breath and all things; and He made…every nation…, having determined their appointed times, and the boundaries of their habitation…”

Americans who deny this fact or fight to edit it out of history books or public view do not change it. So taking the phrases out of the pledge or off our currency would not change an eternal truth.

The Bible is replete with examples of God dealing with people as nation-groups. God judges the collective behavior of nations and renders judgement upon that behavior. “Nations are judged in our lifetime, not in eternity.” [12]

But is there some advantage or requirement for a people to publically acknowledge that they exist “under God?” And do they derive any benefit in doing so? Does God?

Luke 12: 8 tells us:

“…whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God.”

This reciprocity is typically seen as an individual commandment to publically acknowledge faith in Christ, but could it also have a collective component, a national component?

II Chronicles 7:14 declares:

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

“If…then,” a familiar statement to computer programmers, and a guarantee that if the “if” conditions are met, we can expect the “then” response.

Let’s step into the way-back machine and ask some Founders what they think: do they think it appropriate for a nation to acknowledge God and/or His providence.

George Washington, perhaps the chief beneficiary of God’s providence during the Revolutionary War, proclaimed as President: “It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favors.” Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1789

In his Thoughts on Government, John Adams wrote: “It is the duty of all men in society, publicly, and at stated seasons, to worship the SUPREME BEING, the great Creator and Preserver of the universe.”

In his request for prayer at the Constitutional Convention, feisty self-proclaimed-Deist Ben Franklin proclaimed:

“God governs in the affairs of men, and if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that “except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it.” I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing Governments by Human Wisdom and leave it to chance, war and conquest.”

By the way, if this was the speech of a Deist, Franklin was clearly unaware of the tenets of his faith.

In Federalist No. 2, John Jay wrote:

“I often note with equal pleasure that God gave this one connected country to one united people — a people descended from the same language, professing the same religion, attached to the same principles of government, very similar in manners and customs, who by their joint counsels, arms, and efforts, fighting side by side through a long bloody war, have nobly established general liberty and independence.”

Samuel Adams issued this Proclamation as Governor of Massachusetts on October 13, 1795:

“That God would be pleased to guide and direct the administration of the Federal government, and those of the several states, in union, so that the whole people may continue to be safe and happy in the constitutional enjoyment of their rights, liberties and privileges, and our governments be greatly respected at home and abroad.”

Elias Boudinot, President of Congress:

“Let us enter on this important business under the idea that we are Christians on whom the eyes of the world are now turned… [L]et us earnestly call and beseech Him, for Christ’s sake, to preside in our councils. . . . We can only depend on the all powerful influence of the Spirit of God, Whose Divine aid and assistance it becomes us as a Christian people most devoutly to implore. Therefore I move that some minister of the Gospel be requested to attend this Congress every morning . . . in order to open the meeting with prayer.” [13] (emphasis added)

I could fill several pages with similar quotations. I think you get the picture; the Founders were not reticent in acknowledging their connection to the God of the Bible, and encouraging their fellow citizens to do likewise.

So let’s suppose for the moment that early American settlers were successful in establishing a covenantal relationship with the God of the Bible. Are we still in such a relationship yet today?

Deuteronomy 28:1: “Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the LORD your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth . Another “if…then” statement. How well have we kept our end of the covenant? How well have we kept God’s commandments?

Not well at all. We’ve murdered 50 million of our unborn; we have racked up unimaginable debt and made totally unfulfillable promises to our citizens; we celebrate sexual immorality and castigate those who speak against it; we redefine a millennia-old institution created by God (marriage), with impunity. We send our children off to government-run schools without care for what they are being taught – our values or someone elses’? A good portion of our citizenry has even abandoned the basic concept of God. [14] If there was ever a nation that failed to live up to its covenantal responsibilities it is the United States of America.

Despite our consistent failure, has God kept his end of the Deuteronomy 28:1 covenant? In many ways America has indeed been “set high above all the nations of the earth;” but there is ample evidence we will not stay there forever, or even much longer.

The Bible demonstrates the fate of a nation that turns its back on their God; the Jewish nation discovered this more than once. In “God’s Final Warning to America,” [15] John McTernan, outlines a litany of natural disasters which he believes reveal God trying to get our attention. We as a people have rejected God, failed miserably to keep His commandments, and generally fulfilled the words of Judges 17:6 . [16]

Nevertheless, the Bible also shows us the infinite forgiveness of God, provided there is true repentance. But how does this repentance occur? What is the spark?

America has seen many revivals in the past [17] and some have had great impact on both the people and the direction of their government (Many of the Founders were influenced by the First Great Awakening of 1740). [18] We desperately need another.

How much longer will God wait to come to the aid of America? Perhaps a better question would be: “How much longer will we wait to turn back to God?” A final question, equally pertinent, would be: “What will it look like if/when God withdraws from the Covenant?” In the opinion of John McTernan: “If God destroyed America tomorrow, He could not be accused of being too harsh.” [19]

Americans face a difficult choice: proclaim in their official pledge a relationship which they disbelieve, or affirm in the pledge a relationship which they believe to be true, but which is very much not in evidence as you look across this great land.

It is not too late to preserve this unique nation we call America, to restore the relationship we had with the God of Covenant, to truly become once again “One nation under God;” but the longer we wait, the more we flirt with our judgement.

We will be discussing this topic on “We the People, The Constitution Matters” on WFYL radio Friday morning, 19 February, 7-8am. You can “Listen Live” at www.1180wfyl.com , or, if you are fortunate enough to live in the station’s broadcast area, on the radio as you drive to work that morning. I’m lead to believe that at least one of my co-commentators has a somewhat radical idea to propose.

You can later download the podcast of the show and listen at your leisure, or you can listen to one of the rebroadcasts during the weekend. I would love to hear your ideas on this topic. Hope you’ll join us.

“Constitutional Corner” is a project of the Constitution Leadership Initiative, Inc. To unsubscribe from future mailings by Constitution Leadership Initiative, click here .

[1] Minersville School District v. Gobitis , 310 U.S. 586 (1940)

[2] West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette , 319 U.S. 624 (1943)

[3] Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow , 542 U.S. 1 (2004)

[4] For a fuller discussion of this topic see: “The Real Lincoln” by Thomas J. DiLorenzo. (2002, Three Rivers Press).

[5] Zorach v. Clauson , 343 U.S. 306 (1952).

[6] The fuller version of this story can be found in “The Seed of a Nation – Rediscovering America” by Darrell Fields (2008, Morgan James Publishers).

[7] http://www.constitution.org/bcp/frampenn.htm.

[8] Keeping the Sabbath (Article I, Section 7, Clauses 2 and 3); Two witnesses required (Article 3, Section 3, Clause 1); the First Amendment’s reference to “religion,” which any fair reading of the debate in Congress will reveal reflected a desire not to establish any one Christian denomination as a national religion; and the Subscription Clause, which used the Judeo-Christian method of dating.

[9] Book 1 is subtitled: “From Birth through the Nineteenth Century,” Book 2 is subtitled: ”The Dawn of a New Day.”

[10] “The Light and the Glory”, “Sounding Forth the Trumpet,” “From Sea to Shining Sea.”

[11] http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/cgi-bin/philologic/getobject.pl?c.27968:1.amarch

[12] Olivia M. McDonald, Acknowledging God in the Decisions of State, 2nd Edition: A Treatise on Biblical Statesmanship , p.1.

[13] Elias Boudinot, The Age of Revelation, or the Age of Reason Shewn to be An Age of Infidelity (Philadelphia: Asbury Dickins, 1801), p. xv, from his “Dedication: Letter to his daughter Susan Bradford.”

[14] http://www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape/

[15] 1996, published by the author.

[16] “ In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes .” (NASB)

[17] http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2013/June/American-Revivals-Key-to-Shaping-US-History

[18] http://constitutionleadership.org/essays/The_First_Great_Awakening-Impact_on_the_Founding_Fathers.pdf

[19] “God’s Final Warning to America, p. 178.

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One Nation, One Election: Benefits, Challenges, and the Way Forward | Sociology UPSC | Triumph IAS

Table of Contents

One Nation, One Election: Benefits, Challenges and Way Forward

(relevant for general studies paper prelims/mains).

One Nation, One Election: Benefits, Challenges, and the Way Forward, Best Sociology Optional Coaching, Sociology Optional Syllabus.

“One Nation, One Election” stands as a pivotal reform within the current central government’s agenda. Former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind , outlined this as a reform proposal in his address to Parliament in January 2018. In his speech, he underscored the citizens’ concerns regarding the recurrent elections held in different parts of the country, highlighting their adverse effects on the nation’s economy and developmental progress. The Prime Minister has consistently expressed strong support for the concept of conducting a single synchronized election throughout the nation. Hence, it’s important to note that this idea did not emerge suddenly; it has been a subject of prior discussion and consideration.

Idea behind One Nation, One Election

The fundamental concept underlying “One Nation, One Election” is the synchronization of Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across all states to minimize the frequency of elections nationwide.
This practice was in effect until 1967 but was disrupted due to various factors, including defections, government dismissals, and dissolutions.
The cycle was initially disrupted in 1959 when the Central government invoked Article 356 to dismiss the Kerala government at that time.
Subsequently, due to defections and counter-defections between political parties, numerous Legislative Assemblies dissolved after 1960, resulting in separate elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
Presently, assembly elections in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha coincide with the Lok Sabha elections .
The idea of conducting simultaneous elections was initially proposed in 1999 by the Law Commission under the leadership of BP Jeevan Reddy.

Benefits of having One Nation, One Election

Effective Governance: Implementing “One Nation, One Election ” enables the government to focus on governance without the constant interruption of elections. Currently, elections occur somewhere in the country at least every three months, capturing the undivided attention of the nation’s leaders, from the Prime Minister to local panchayat members. This election-centric focus often results in a significant slowdown in administrative functions at various levels, which can impede India’s growth prospects.
Continuity in Policy-Making : The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into effect as soon as the Election Commission (EC) announces elections. During this period, no new policy decisions can be made, causing delays in key policy initiatives both at the central and state levels. Additionally, the implementation of ongoing projects can be disrupted as political leaders and government officials become preoccupied with election-related responsibilities, neglecting routine administration.
Cost Savings in Elections : Frequent elections are a primary driver of political corruption, as substantial funds need to be raised for each election. Simultaneous elections can significantly reduce election-related expenses for political parties by eliminating the need for repeated fundraising efforts. This can relieve public and business communities from the pressure of making election donations multiple times. In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, for example, an estimated Rs 60,000 Crores were spent. Additionally, the Election Commission’s costs can be lowered with simultaneous elections, albeit requiring an initial investment in infrastructure development. The same electoral rolls can be utilized for all elections, saving substantial time and resources previously spent on updating them and ensuring a smoother process for citizens concerned about their names missing from the rolls.
Reduced Deployment of Security Forces : Conducting elections peacefully requires deploying a significant number of police personnel and paramilitary forces, incurring substantial costs and diverting key law enforcement personnel from their primary duties. Simultaneous elections can reduce the need for such massive redeployment, resulting in cost savings and allowing law enforcement to focus on their critical functions.
Minimized Horse Trading: Holding elections at fixed intervals may reduce the possibility of elected representatives engaging in horse-trading, even with anti-defection laws in place. Simultaneous elections make it more challenging for them to switch parties or form alliances for personal gains, promoting political stability.
Reduced Populist Measures and Improved State Finances: Frequent elections often push governments to make populist policy decisions to attract voters. While this practice cannot be entirely eliminated, fewer elections mean fewer opportunities to announce costly freebies. Frequent elections have strained the finances of many state governments, and with a reduced election frequency, their financial situations could improve.
Feasibility Concerns : The proposal for “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) raises significant feasibility concerns in light of Article 83(2) and 172 of the Constitution, which stipulate the five-year tenure of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies unless dissolved earlier. Under Article 356, assemblies can be dissolved earlier in specific circumstances. Therefore, key questions arise regarding the ONOE plan:
What would happen if the Central or State government collapses mid-tenure?
Would elections be conducted anew in every State, or would President’s rule be imposed?
Logistical Challenges : Implementing ONOE would pose substantial logistical challenges related to the availability and security of electronic voting machines, personnel, and other resources. The Election Commission (EC) may encounter difficulties in managing such a massive and synchronized electoral exercise.
Federalism Concerns : The ONOE concept seemingly contradicts the principle of federalism, as it operates on the premise of the entire nation being “one,” which is at odds with Article 1 of the Constitution, defining India as a “Union of States.”
Legal Hurdles : The Law Commission, led by Justice S. Chauhan , has reported that conducting simultaneous elections is not feasible within the existing constitutional framework. They argue that the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act 1951, and the Rules of Procedure of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies would require substantial amendments to facilitate simultaneous polls. Additionally, the commission suggested that ratification from at least 50% of the States would be necessary, which may prove challenging.
Overshadowing Regional Interests : Recurrent elections in the present format are seen as beneficial in a democracy, as they allow voters to voice their concerns more frequently. Conducting simultaneous elections could lead to the blending of national and State-level issues, potentially diminishing accountability. A study by the IDFC Institute found that there was a 77% chance that the winning political party or alliance would secure victories in both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections when held simultaneously, potentially undermining each state’s distinctive demands and needs.
Cost-Effectiveness Debate : While proponents argue that ONOE would reduce election costs, estimates by the Election Commission and NITI Aayog suggest that conducting all State and parliamentary elections in a five-year cycle would cost the equivalent of Rs. 10 per voter per year. In contrast, synchronized elections would cost the equivalent of Rs. 5 per voter per year. However, in the short term, implementing ONOE would involve higher costs for deploying a significantly larger number of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) devices. Consequently, amending the constitution to save Rs. 5 per voter per year may not be a prudent decision.
Economic Impact of Election Expenses: Research indicates that election spending by political parties and candidates can benefit the economy and government tax revenues by stimulating private consumption. Therefore, the argument that election expenses are always detrimental may not hold.

What can be done

Achieving Consensus : Building consensus among all political parties and states regarding the necessity and viability of simultaneous elections can be accomplished through inclusive dialogues, consultations, and deliberations among various stakeholders.
Constitutional Amendments : To enable simultaneous elections, amendments to the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act 1951, and the Rules of Procedure of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies are imperative. This necessitates garnering a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament and securing ratification by at least half of the states.
Infrastructure and Technological Readiness : Adequate investment in infrastructure and technology is vital for conducting simultaneous elections effectively. This includes provisions for electronic voting machines (EVMs), voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines , polling booths, and the deployment of sufficient security personnel.
Alignment of Electoral Cycles: To synchronize the electoral cycles of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, constitutional adjustments are required. This may involve either extending or curtailing their terms through a one-time constitutional amendment.
Legal Framework Establishment : The establishment of a comprehensive legal framework is necessary to address potential scenarios like no-confidence motions, premature dissolution of assemblies, or hung parliaments that may arise during simultaneous elections. It is also advisable to schedule two cycles per year to accommodate cases where a state assembly dissolves prematurely, enabling a re-election in the subsequent cycle.
Voter Awareness Campaign : Raising awareness among voters about the advantages and challenges associated with simultaneous elections is crucial. Ensuring that voters can exercise their franchise without confusion or inconvenience should be a priority.

The government should not rush into the implementation of ONOE; instead, it should undertake further studies, assess the available data, and seek input from voters, opposition party leaders, and regional parties regarding the execution of this concept. Therefore, India should be allowed to determine whether it wishes to proceed with the “One Nation, One Election” initiative or not.

Sample Question for UPSC Sociology Optional Paper:

Question: What is the fundamental concept behind “One Nation, One Election” in India? Answer: The fundamental concept is to synchronize Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across all states to reduce the frequency of elections nationwide.

Question: How can simultaneous elections lead to effective governance in India? Answer: Simultaneous elections can allow the government to focus on governance without constant interruptions from elections, thereby promoting effective governance.
Question: What are the challenges associated with the implementation of “One Nation, One Election” in India? Answer: Challenges include feasibility concerns, logistical challenges, federalism concerns, legal hurdles, and the potential overshadowing of regional interests.
Question: How can consensus be achieved among political parties and states for simultaneous elections? Answer: Consensus can be achieved through inclusive dialogues, consultations, and deliberations among various stakeholders.

Question: What are the key steps required for implementing “One Nation, One Election” in India? Answer: Key steps include constitutional amendments, infrastructure readiness, alignment of electoral cycles, establishing a legal framework, and conducting voter awareness campaigns.

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PM Narendra Modi calls for one nation, one election in Independence Day speech

In his independence day speech, pm modi said that now there is one nation and one constitution, while adding that this spirit has become a reality..

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PM Modi said, "In 2019, I was amazed. The mood of the people has changed. Disappointment turned into optimism, dreams became connected with desire and everyone was on the same page that this country can change."

PM Modi also talked about the GST and said that it has brought to life India's dream of one nation and one tax.

"GST brought to life the dream of one Nation, one Tax," PM Modi said.

Talking about the energy sector, PM Modi said that India has also achieved one nation, one grid.

He also said, "Arrangements have been made for one nation, one mobility card."

In his speech, PM Modi added, "Today, India is talking about one nation, one election."

Last August, the Law Commission had recommended holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies to save public money.

The draft, submitted to the Law Ministry, however, cautioned that "holding simultaneous elections is not possible within the existing framework of the Constitution".

Addressing a Niti Aayog meeting in June, PM Modi had called for widespread debate and consultations on simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies, keeping in view various aspects such as the resulting financial savings and consequent better utilisation of resources.

The government think-tank, NITI Aayog, had last year suggested synchronised two-phase Lok Sabha and assembly polls from 2024 to ensure minimum campaign-mode disruption to governance.

In June, soon after returning to power, PM Modi had met leaders of various political parties having representation in Parliament to explore possibilities of holding Lok Sabha and assembly elections together.

A committee will be set up by the government to further explore the issue. Also Read | If we can abolish Sati, why not triple talaq: PM Narendra Modi in Independence Day speech Also Read | PM Independence-Day Speech Live: Want to ensure ease of living and doing business in India, says PM Modi Published By: Sumeda Published On: Aug 15, 2019 --- ENDS ---

Essay on Constitution of India

500+ words indian constitution essay for students and children in english.

A Constitution is a set of rules and regulations guiding the administration of a country. The Constitution is the backbone of every democratic and secular fabric of the nation. The Constitution of India is the longest Constitution in the world, which describes the framework for political principles, procedures and powers of the government. The Constitution of India was written on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950. In this essay on the Constitution of India, students will get to know the salient features of India’s Constitution and how it was formed.

Constitution of India Essay

On 26th January 1950, the Constitution of India came into effect. That’s why 26th January is celebrated as Republic Day in India.

How Was the Constitution of India Formed?

The representatives of the Indian people framed the Indian Constitution after a long period of debates and discussions. It is the most detailed Constitution in the world. No other Constitution has gone into such minute details as the Indian Constitution.

The Constitution of India was framed by a Constituent Assembly which was established in 1946. Dr Rajendra Prasad was elected President of the Constituent Assembly. A Drafting Committee was appointed to draft the Constitution and Dr B.R. Ambedkar was appointed as the Chairman. The making of the Constitution took a total of 166 days, which was spread over a period of 2 years, 11 months and 18 days. Some of the salient features of the British, Irish, Swiss, French, Canadian and American Constitutions were incorporated while designing the Indian Constitution.

Also Read: Evolution and Framing of the Constitution

Features of The Constitution of India

The Constitution of India begins with a Preamble which contains the basic ideals and principles of the Constitution. It lays down the objectives of the Constitution.

The Longest Constitution in the world

The Indian Constitution is the lengthiest Constitution in the world. It had 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules at the time of commencement. Now it has 448 articles in 25 parts and 12 schedules. There are 104 amendments (took place on 25th January 2020 to extend the reservation of seats for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies) that have been made in the Indian Constitution so far.

How Rigid and Flexible is the Indian Constitution?

One of the unique features of our Constitution is that it is not as rigid as the American Constitution or as flexible as the British Constitution. It means it is partly rigid and partly flexible. Owing to this, it can easily change and grow with the change of times.

The Preamble

The Preamble has been added later to the Constitution of India. The original Constitution does not have a preamble. The preamble states that India is a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic. The objectives stated by the Preamble are to secure justice, liberty, and equality for all citizens and promote fraternity to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation.

Federal System with Unitary Features

The powers of the government are divided between the central government and the state governments. The Constitution divides the powers of three state organs, i.e., executive, judiciary and legislature. Hence, the Indian Constitution supports a federal system. It includes many unitary features such as a strong central power, emergency provisions, appointment of Governors by the President, etc.

Fundamental rights and fundamental duties

The Indian Constitution provides an elaborate list of Fundamental Rights to the citizens of India. The Constitution also provides a list of 11 duties of the citizens, known as the Fundamental Duties. Some of these duties include respect for the national flag and national anthem, integrity and unity of the country and safeguarding of public property.

Also Read: Difference between Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties

India is a republic which means that a dictator or monarch does not rule the country. The government is of the people, by the people and for the people. Citizens nominate and elect its head after every five years.

Related Read: Constitution of India – 13 Major Features

The Constitution serves as guidelines for every citizen. It helped India to attain the status of a Republic in the world. Once Atal Bihari Vajpayee said that “governments would come and go, political parties would be formed and dissolved, but the country should survive, and democracy should remain there forever”.

We hope that this essay on the “Constitution of India” must have helped students. For the latest updates on ICSE/CBSE/State Board/Competitive Exams, stay tuned to BYJU’S. Also, download the BYJU’S App for watching interesting study videos.

Also Read: Independence Day Essay | Republic Day Essay | Essay on Women Empowerment

Frequently Asked Questions on Constitution of India Essay

Who is the father of our indian constitution.

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is the father of our Indian Constitution. He framed and drafted our Constitution.

Who signed the Indian Constitution?

Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first person from the Constitution Assembly to have signed the Indian Constitution.

What is mentioned in the Preamble of our Indian Constitution?

The preamble clearly communicates the purpose and emphasis the importance of the objectives of the Indian Constitution.

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We are now one nation, one constitution, says PM Modi

'J&K and Ladakh can be beacons of peace and development for India': PM Modi PM Modi said that in less than 10 weeks alone, the Centre had taken several important decisions across all areas

'The aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh need to be fulfilled and that is our responsibility': PM Modi

New Delhi: As India ushered in its first Independence Day under the second term of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the new order of One Nation One Constitution, following the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and the scrapping of special status under Article 370, last week.

“Today I can say with pride that every Indian can say we are one nation, one constitution. And this one dream of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel has been realised," Modi said, following the paradigm shift in Jammu and Kashmir, last week.

Speaking at the Red Fort, PM Modi said that in less than 10 weeks alone, the Centre had taken several important decisions across all areas, wherein the focus has been to fulfill the common people’s aspirations without any delay “with full commitment from us."

“These decisions are life changing. Similarly, Article 370 and 35A were reasons. This is our identity. We don’t dodge or nurture problems. This was the work that was not done in the last 70 years. After the formation of the new government, within 70 days the two houses of Parliament voted with two-thirds majority to remove them. This means that people had thought about this but they were waiting for someone who would step forward to remove it. I came forward to do the work you entrusted me with," PM Modi said.

PM Modi added that for 70 years, everyone had made efforts in Jammu and Kashmir but the desired results were not achieved.

“The aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh need to be fulfilled and that is our responsibility. So we have taken on the task to remove their problems. Separatism has given wings to terrorism and corruption and solidified the problems there. So now the women, Dalits, tribals in India who get the same rights should be extended to the people of Jammu and Kashmir whether it is Gujjars or Bakarwals – should also get political opportunities," PM Modi added.

Speaking on the 73rd Independence Day, the Prime Minister said that while India had been partitioned, the people who settled in Jammu and Kashmir did not get basic rights.

“J&K and Ladakh can be beacons of peace and development for India and we should try to restore their lost glory and this new arrangement should work for their betterment. Now any ordinary citizen there can reach out directly to the Centre," he said.

Taking a dig at the Opposition, Modi also added that even though political parties had been giving their assent to removing Article 370, 35A, parties had weighed it through the prism of political gains.

“The country asks them – if Article 370 or 35A were so necessary, then despite such a majority for 70 years why didn’t you make it permanent? Why did you leave it as temporary? This means that even you know that what happened was not right, but you did not have the courage to rectify it or the political will to do it. For me the future of the country is everything, not merely its political future," Modi stated.

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Why in news?

Recently, the Centre set up a committee to examine various aspects, both legal and logistical, for implementing the “one nation, one election” idea.
The Law Ministry has outlined seven terms of reference for the eight-member panel headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind and including Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
One of the terms of reference is to examine if a constitutional amendment to facilitate simultaneous polls would have to be ratified by the states.

What’s in today’s article?

Amending the Constitution

Process of amendment

Entrenched provisions

Ratification by states: From the perspective of Supreme Court

In India, Article 368 of the Constitution deals with the power and process of amending the Constitution.
The interpretation of this provision has been fraught, leading to tensions between Parliament and the judiciary since 1951.
The Constituent Assembly debated extensively on whether the Constitution should be flexible or rigid.
The British constitution is considered flexible, as it can be amended by Parliament passing a law in the same manner in which it would pass any ordinary legislation.
On the other hand, the United States Constitution cannot be amended without the ratification of at least three fourths of the individual states.
The Indian Constitution adopted a combination of both flexibility and rigidity.
Informally, the Constitution is amended through judicial interpretation and conventions established through usage.
For example, the process of appointment of judges to the higher judiciary.
While the Constitution refers to a consultation between the President and the Chief Justice of India for appointment of judges, the Supreme Court has interpreted this to the effect that consultation means “concurrence.”
This interpretation led to the evolution of the collegium system of appointment of judges, and virtually a change in the letter of the Constitution.
Several provisions of the Constitution can be amended by the simple legislative process adopted in passing any ordinary legislation in Parliament.
This is done through a majority of those present and voting and does not require a quorum.
Article 368 does not directly make a list of such ‘less significant’ provisions .
However, throughout the Constitution, such provisions are excluded from the purview of Article 368, creating a separate category.
E.g., Changing of names of states, admitting new states to the Union, and re-drawing the boundaries of states etc.
For amending provisions that do not fall under the first category, Article 368 requires that the amendment Bill is passed in both Houses of Parliament by a majority of not less than two thirds of the members present and voting.
Under Rule 158 of the Lok Sabha Rules, total membership means the total number of members of the House, irrespective of any vacancies or absentees at the moment .
A third category of provisions need not just a special majority to be amended, but also require ratification by the legislatures of at least half of the states.
Only after the states’ ratification can such an amendment be presented to the President for assent.
While the first two categories are not specifically listed under Article 368, the provisions that require ratification are listed out.
E.g., The 99th Constitutional amendment in 2014, establishing the national judicial accountability commission, was ratified by 16 state legislatures before receiving the President’s assent.
Similarly, in 2016, the 122nd Constitutional Amendment Bill, which introduced the Goods and Services Tax regime, was ratified by 23 states.
Article 54 and 55, dealing with the election of the President of India.
Article 73 and 162, dealing with the extent of executive power of the Union and states.
Articles 124–147 and 214–231, which deal with powers of the Supreme Court and the High Courts.
Article 245 to 255, dealing with the scheme of distribution of legislative, taxing, and administrative powers between the Union and the states.
Article 82-82, dealing with the representation of states in Parliament.
Article 368 itself.
In Kihoto Hollohan v Zachillu , a 1992 decision of the Supreme Court, the question of ratification emerged as important.
Tenth Schedule deals with disqualification of elected representatives .
The amendment, among other things, sought to bar jurisdiction of courts in any matter connected with the disqualification process.
This tinkered with one of the six aspects that require ratification by half the states — jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and the High Courts.
The Supreme Court struck down this part of the amendment while upholding the validity of the Tenth Schedule.

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One Nation, One Election: A blow to federalism, a challenge to implement

It would require multiple constitutional amendments. simultaneous elections are also an attack on the autonomy and independence of state governments.

The idea of simultaneous elections, or “One Nation, One Election”, was first formally proposed by the Election Commission of India in its 1983 report. The commission suggested that conducting simultaneous Lok Sabha (parliamentary) and state legislative assembly elections could reduce the frequency and associated costs of elections. Subsequently, the Law Commission of India also examined the issue and submitted several reports suggesting measures to synchronise the terms of the state legislatures with those of the Lok Sabha.

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a vocal supporter of simultaneous elections. In 1999, he was elected to the Lok Sabha and he brought the idea with him. However, the proposal did not lead to legislative changes.

In 2017, the Niti Aayog released a paper titled ‘Election Time Table’, discussing the feasibility of simultaneous elections. It suggested a practical roadmap for implementing the concept. In 2018, the Law Commission of India released a draft working paper that outlined the legal and constitutional aspects of simultaneous elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also stressed the need for debate and discussion on simultaneous elections in his Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort in 2019.

Several all-party meetings have been called to discuss the feasibility and merits of holding simultaneous elections. Various political parties and stakeholders have also been involved in these discussions. In 2020, the issue was examined by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law and Justice, headed by Member of Parliament Anand Sharma. The committee had sought inputs from various stakeholders.

Most recently, this month, the Centre has constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Former President Ram Nath Kovind. It will study the electoral process in India.

It is important to note that the implementation of “one nation, one election” would require constitutional amendments, legal changes and political consensus, which is a complex and lengthy process. The concept has both supporters and detractors, and its feasibility and desirability remain a matter of political discussion and debate in India.

One Nation, One Election may be a topic of discussion, but it has its challenges and problems. The most important of which are the challenges of federalism. India is a country of diversity, which has its federal structure with the division of powers between the central and state governments. Simultaneous elections are an attack on the autonomy and independence of state governments. This can not only weaken this federal structure but also increase the conflict of interest between the Centre and states.

In our country, with a population of almost 150 crore, it is a logistical challenge. In India, elections are festivals of democracy. This requires careful planning and coordination, which can be difficult if simultaneous choices have to be made.

Some argue that simultaneous elections can reduce voter fatigue. Others point to a potential information overload for voters, given that they have to pick their leaders at multiple levels of government at the same time. Every voter has different considerations and consequently, different voting preferences at national, state and regional levels. Simultaneous elections run the danger of national issues eclipsing local issues. This can have a poor impact on voters’ decision-making abilities while picking candidates — due to confusion or overwhelm.

Due to the complex nature of the country’s political and constitutional framework, implementing One Nation, One Election in India presents many legal challenges. It would require significant amendments to the Indian Constitution, like key provisions relating to the terms of elected bodies (e.g., Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies). At least five Articles of the Constitution — 83, 85, 172, 174 and 356 — and several statutory laws would have to be amended before any such proposal could be implemented. It will also be necessary for Union and state assemblies to have fixed tenures. This means that the House’s tenure cannot be extended at any cost, except in case of a declared emergency. It would also allow for the House to be dissolved before the expiry of its term. Amending the Constitution is a lengthy and politically challenging process that requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament. States will also have to give consent.

Coordinating the terms of different levels of government (central, state, and local) to simultaneously coincide with the election cycle is legally complex. For example, the terms of state governments vary, and some states are given special provisions under Article 371 of the Constitution. State governments in India have a large degree of autonomy and can oppose any move that violates their powers. This move amounts to an attack on the autonomy of the states. It may affect their independent functioning, which is constitutionally protected.

Similarly, local elections follow a decentralised system of governance, in which local bodies enjoy significant autonomy. Simultaneous elections would require changes to the laws governing local body elections to align them with the new election cycle.

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Simultaneous elections may lower election expenditures, but they have their financial and administrative challenges. Its implementation will require the allocation of massive financial and administrative resources. Implementing such a change would require a sound legal framework for budget allocation and resource coordination.

Simultaneous elections may also require amendments to anti-defection laws to prevent legislators from switching parties in line with the election cycle, which could potentially weaken the spirit of the concept.

Legal representation in courts may be affected, too. The number of cases in courts at different levels (national, state and local) may increase during elections, thereby affecting the judicial process.

Achieving political consensus on holding simultaneous elections among different political parties, especially regional parties, is a legal and political challenge in itself. Convincing all political stakeholders to agree on the necessary legal changes is a significant hurdle.

The writer is a former Rajya Sabha MP

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One Nation, One Election:

GS Paper 2:

Topics Covered: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra has said that the Election Commission is ready to hold simultaneous elections or ‘ One Nation, One Election’.

Earlier this year, on National Voters’ Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address had raised the topics of ‘One Nation, One Election’ and ‘One Nation, One Voters’ list’, and had said that the continuous cycle of election results is affecting development works.

What is ‘One Nation, One Election’?

It refers to holding elections to Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, Panchayats and Urban local bodies simultaneously, once in five year.

But, what are the challenges posed by frequent elections?

Massive expenditure.
Policy paralysis that results from the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct during election time.
Impact on delivery of essential services.
Burden on crucial manpower that is deployed during election time.
Puts pressure on political parties, especially smaller ones, as elections are becoming increasingly expensive.

Benefits of Simultaneous Elections:

Governance and consistency: The ruling parties will be able to focus on legislation and governance rather than having to be in campaign mode forever.
Reduced Expenditure of Money and Administration.
Continuity in policies and programmes.
Efficiency of Governance: Populist measures by governments will reduce.
The impact of black money on the voters will be reduced as all elections are held at a time.

Impact on Regional parties:

There is always a tendency for voters to vote the same party in power in the state and at the Centre in case the Lok Sabha polls and the state elections are held together.

For simultaneous elections to be implemented, Changes to be made in Constitution and Legislations:

Article 83 which deals with the duration of Houses of Parliament need an amendment.
Article 85 (on dissolution of Lok Sabha by the president).
Article 172 (relating to the duration of state legislatures).

The Representation of People Act, 1951 Act would have to be amended to build in provisions for stability of tenure for both parliament and assemblies. This should include the following crucial elements:

Restructuring the powers and functions of the ECI to facilitate procedures required for simultaneous elections
A definition of simultaneous election can be added to section 2 of the 1951 act.

InstaLinks:

Prelims Link:

What is Model Code of Conduct?
Powers of the Election Commission to conduct elections.
Overview of the Representation of People Act, 1951 Act.
Overview of Articles- 83, 85 and 172.

Mains Link:

Discuss the merits and demerits of the concept of “One nation, One election” for Indian polity.

Sources: the Hindu.

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One Nation, One Election: Prospects and Challenges

Backgrounder

The idea of one nation, one election is against federalism

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: S.R. Bommai case

Mains level: potential consequences of One Nation, One Election

One Nation, One Election': Panel gets thousands of responses on simultaneous polls | India News - The Indian Express

Central Idea:

The article discusses the formation and potential implications of the ‘High Level Committee on One Nation, One Election’ set up by the Union Government in September 2023. It delves into the reasons for and against the concept, focusing on the financial aspects and governance downtime. The author raises legal concerns, particularly regarding the constitutional autonomy of states, linguistic bias in consultations, and the role of the Election Commission. The looming possibility of a constitutional showdown in the Supreme Court is emphasized, drawing parallels with the U.S. case of Baker v. Carr.

Key Highlights:

Formation of the ‘High Level Committee on One Nation, One Election’ chaired by former President Ramnath Kovind.
Reasons supporting the concept include reducing election expenses and minimizing governance downtime caused by the Model Code of Conduct.
Opposition argues that democratic processes, including elections and the Model Code of Conduct, are essential for a functioning democracy.
Legal concerns raised, citing potential violation of state autonomy and constitutional provisions, particularly as stated in the S.R. Bommai case.
The linguistic bias in consultations, with the committee’s website available only in English and Hindi, is highlighted.
The Election Commission’s seemingly passive role and lack of involvement in the process are questioned.

Key Challenges:

Constitutional and legal concerns regarding the potential alteration of the duration of State Legislative Assemblies.
Linguistic bias in consultations, limiting the inclusivity of the decision-making process.
Potential compromise of the Election Commission’s independence and autonomy.
Balancing financial considerations with the fundamental principles of democracy.
The challenge of ensuring a fair and unbiased decision-making process amid political interests.

Key Terms and Phrases:

One Nation, One Election
High Level Committee
Model Code of Conduct
S.R. Bommai case
Constitutional autonomy
Governance downtime
Baker v. Carr moment
Linguistic bias
Election Commission
Constitutional showdown

Key Quotes:

“The cost of holding free and fair elections… is a price that can never be high.”
“The introduction of a common election process would necessarily require alteration of the existing duration of a number of State Legislatures.”
“Similar to demonetisation, when the Reserve Bank of India was kept in the dark, the Election Commission seems to be a silent spectator.”

Key Statements:

“The Supreme Court would be called upon to determine the ultimate fate of Indian democracy.”
“The potential alteration of the duration of State Legislatures would be anti-federal and unconstitutional.”
“The stage is set for a constitutional showdown in the not-too-distant future.”

Key Examples and References:

Baker v. Carr case in the U.S. as a reference for the potential role of the Supreme Court in a constitutional showdown.
Comparison with demonetization to highlight concerns about the Election Commission’s apparent lack of involvement.

Key Facts and Data:

The estimated cost of the 2014 general elections was ₹3,870 crore.
The High Level Committee’s website is available only in English and Hindi.

Critical Analysis:

The article critically examines the potential consequences of One Nation, One Election, questioning its feasibility and highlighting legal and constitutional concerns. It underscores the importance of democratic processes and the need for the Supreme Court to play a pivotal role in preserving India’s constitutional architecture.

Way Forward:

Ensure comprehensive and inclusive consultations in multiple languages to address linguistic bias.
Strengthen the autonomy of the Election Commission and ensure its active participation in decision-making processes.
Balance financial considerations with the preservation of democratic principles.
Address legal concerns, particularly those related to state autonomy and constitutional provisions.
Encourage public discourse to raise awareness and engage citizens in the decision-making process.

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One Nation, One Election – wrong problem, bad solution

Prelims level: Election- Constitutional provisions

Mains level: One nation, one election plan, advantages and concerns and challenges and federalism

What’s the news?

The Center has taken a significant step towards implementing the One Nation, One Election concept by forming a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind.

Central idea

The recently concluded special session of Parliament has brought into focus the idea of One Nation, One Election as a means to address the challenges posed by frequent elections in India. While this proposal has gained attention, it requires thorough examination and data-driven deliberation before any decisive steps are taken.

What is the ONOE plan?

Concept : The ONOE plan aims to synchronize the timing of the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across all states in India to reduce the frequency of election cycles nationwide.
After the enforcement of the Constitution on January 26, 1950, the first-ever general elections for both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies occurred simultaneously in 1951–1952.
This practice continued for the following three Lok Sabha elections until 1967, streamlining the election process.
In 1959, the cycle was disrupted as the Central government invoked Article 356 of the Constitution, leading to the dismissal of the Kerala government due to a perceived failure of constitutional machinery.
Subsequent to 1960, defections and counter-defections among political parties led to the dissolution of several state legislative assemblies.
This fragmentation resulted in separate election cycles for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
Current Scenario : Presently, only specific states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha conduct their assembly polls concurrently with the Lok Sabha elections.

Critical analysis

Excessive Expenditure: A Questionable Concern

Rising Election Costs: The cost of elections has been steadily increasing. In 2019, the expenditure for the general elections was about Rs 9,000 crore, averaging about Rs 100 per voter.
Political Party Spending: Political parties spent nearly Rs 3,000 crore during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, with an estimated Rs 50,000 crore informally spent. Addressing this informal expenditure is a primary concern.
Data-Driven Decision-Making : The absence of comprehensive data on total public expenditure for separate versus simultaneous elections limits our understanding. To make informed decisions, a meticulous analysis of costs and potential savings is imperative.

Diversion of Duty: A Matter of Debate

Essential Responsibility: While election duty is considered essential for security forces, it’s also a privilege for civilian officials.
Lack of Statistical Data: The absence of statistical data showing the exact number of days dedicated to election duties for simultaneous versus separate elections hinders informed decision-making.

Disruption in Development: A Misconception

Model Code of Conduct (MCC): The MCC primarily restricts certain categories of public expenditure during elections, not all development work.
Need for Data: The lack of data demonstrating the extent of disruption in development work is a crucial gap in the argument against simultaneous elections.
Historical Perspective: Flexibility in Democracy

Historical context reveals flexibility in Indian democracy:

15 Years of Simultaneous Elections: From 1951–52 to 1967, elections were held simultaneously for 15 years without a specific constitutional provision.
Preserving Political Freedom: Imposing limits on election timing could curb political parties’ freedom to express a lack of confidence or engage in democratic processes.

Local autonomy vs. centralization

Local Impact: State-level elections primarily concern local voters and leaders and should not unduly affect voters in other states or the central government.
Centralization of Politics: Centralized campaigning diminishes the focus on local governance, weakening local democratic institutions and representation.

Urgent Priorities for Reform

Pressing Issues Abound : India faces a multitude of pressing issues, from natural disasters to public agitations. These challenges can disrupt normal governance and require immediate attention.
Nature’s Fury : Natural disasters, such as heavy rainfall or hazardous air quality, often paralyze regions and demand swift government response to alleviate suffering and manage the aftermath.
Educational Disruptions : Factors like heatwaves or international events like the G20 meetings can lead to the closure of educational institutions, affecting students’ routines and demanding educational policy adjustments.
Protracted Agitations : Protests and agitations, sometimes lasting for months, can bring normal life to a standstill, necessitating government intervention and resolution.
Meaningful Electoral Reforms : Rather than focusing on the mechanical scheduling of elections, there is an urgent need for more substantial electoral reforms that enhance transparency and accountability.
Managerial Efficiency : Improving the efficiency of election management can be achieved without the need for onerous constitutional amendments.
The proposal for ONOE is intriguing but lacks the necessary data and robust debate to support its implementation. India should prioritize addressing more pressing governance issues and electoral reforms that enhance transparency.

Why simultaneous elections would militate against federalism

Prelims level: Simultaneous elections

Mains level: One nation one election analysis, impact on the federal structure

The next Lok Sabha election is scheduled to be held before June 16, 2024. Should the concept of simultaneous elections be realized and implemented, it would necessitate the shortening of the terms of legislative assemblies across many states. This alignment could potentially require term extensions or curtailments in 2029.
The recent move by the Union government to establish a committee to explore the feasibility of conducting simultaneous elections to various tiers of governance in India has sparked a significant debate. While the idea of simultaneous elections promises cost savings, it also raises crucial questions about its impact on the federal structure of Indian democracy and the unique roles of different governance tiers.

The Specificity of Governance Tiers

India’s governance structure involves multiple tiers, each with distinct roles and responsibilities.
Representatives in Indian Governance Tiers:
Lok Sabha Representatives: 543
Assembly Legislators: Over 4,100
Urban Local Ward Representatives: 89,194
Elected Panchayat Representatives: Nearly 31.89 lakh (across village panchayats, panchayat unions, and district panchayats)

The cost-saving argument for simultaneous elections

Cost Parity: The 2018 Law Commission report claims that the expenses for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in any state are approximately equal, forming the basis for the cost-saving argument.
Reduced Duplication: Simultaneous elections aim to reduce duplication of administrative efforts, such as voter registration, setting up polling booths, and deploying security personnel, which can lead to cost savings by optimizing resource utilization.
Efficient Resource Allocation: Holding elections together allows for more efficient allocation of resources like electoral staff, transportation, and security, as they can be shared across different levels of elections.
Streamlined Campaigns: Political parties and candidates can potentially save on campaign costs when elections are synchronized, as they need to conduct campaigns once for multiple levels of government rather than separately.
Economies of Scale: The argument posits that simultaneous elections could leverage economies of scale, leading to cost savings across various aspects of the electoral process.

Implications for Federalism

Subsuming Governance Tiers: Simultaneous elections could lead to various governance tiers’ issues being bundled into a single electoral mandate. This might require voters to prioritize a wide range of concerns within a single election, potentially blurring the roles and responsibilities of each governance tier.
Federalism Undermined: Such subsumption has the potential to undermine the principles of federalism in India, which involve a clear division of powers between central and state governments, each addressing specific issues.
Distinct Roles of Tiers: Federalism recognizes that local issues are best addressed locally, while national issues are the central government’s domain. Simultaneous elections may blur these distinctions, forcing voters to prioritize certain issues due to the single-mandate nature of the elections.
Local Autonomy: Local self-governance through municipalities and panchayats could face challenges as simultaneous elections combine local and national issues. This may dilute the focus on local governance.
Unique Needs Ignored: India’s governance structure is designed to address the unique needs of citizens at different levels. For instance, local concerns like garbage management are meant to be handled locally. Simultaneous elections might not allow voters to adequately prioritize such local concerns.

Way forward

In-Depth Federalism Assessment: Prioritize a comprehensive assessment of the federal aspects of Indian democracy before proceeding with simultaneous elections. This assessment should analyze the potential impact on federalism, the distinct roles of governance tiers, and the preservation of local autonomy.
Transparent Public Discourse: Encourage transparent public discourse and awareness campaigns to ensure that citizens are well-informed about the implications of simultaneous elections. Engage with citizens, experts, and political parties to gather diverse perspectives and concerns.
Consultation with State Governments: Conduct extensive consultations with state governments and political parties to understand how simultaneous elections may affect state autonomy and governance. Address the concerns and feedback of state-level stakeholders.
Pilot Projects: Consider implementing simultaneous elections on a trial basis in select regions or states to assess the practical challenges and benefits. Pilot projects can provide valuable insights into the feasibility and impact of such a significant electoral reform.
Legal and Constitutional Framework: Develop a robust legal and constitutional framework that explicitly accommodates the principles of federalism and the unique roles of different governance tiers. Ensure that the framework safeguards the autonomy of local bodies and addresses the specific needs of each governance level.
While the idea of simultaneous elections in India offers the promise of cost savings, it should be approached with careful consideration of its impact on federalism and the specificity of governance tiers. The committee, led by former President Ramnath Kovind, must conduct a thorough analysis of these federal aspects to ensure that the essence of Indian democracy, with its multifaceted governance structure, is preserved and enhanced.

Govt forms committee on simultaneous elections: What is the idea, and the arguments around it?

What is the debate around ‘one nation, one election’.

The government forms a committee to explore the possibility of One Nation, One Election .
On September 1st, the Central government established a committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind to assess the viability of the ‘one nation, one election’ (ONOE) proposal. This concept revolves around synchronizing the timing of Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across all states to reduce the frequency of electoral processes across the country.
After the enforcement of the Constitution on January 26, 1950, the first-ever general elections for both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies occurred simultaneously in 1951-1952.
In 1959, the cycle was disrupted as the Central government invoked Article 356 of the Constitution, leading to the dismissal of the Kerala government, due to a perceived failure of constitutional machinery.
Subsequent to 1960, defections and counter-defections among political parties led to the dissolution of several State Legislative Assemblies.
This fragmentation resulted in separate election cycles for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
Current Scenario : Presently, only specific States such as Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha conduct their assembly polls concurrently with the Lok Sabha elections.

Reports and Perspectives on ONOE

Law Commission of India (LCI) Report – 2018 :
The LCI, led by Justice B. S. Chauhan, issued a draft report in August 2018 that scrutinized simultaneous elections.
The report acknowledged the constitutional and legal complexities surrounding this proposal.
It emphasized that the current constitutional framework necessitates amendments for the plan to be realized.
The LCI also recommended seeking approval from at least 50% of the States for such an overhaul.
Despite feasibility challenges, the report recognized potential benefits, including cost savings, reduced administrative burden, timely policy execution, and focused governance.
Historical Context – LCI Report 1999 :
Notably, the LCI, headed by Justice B. P. Jeevan Reddy, supported the concept of simultaneous elections as early as 1999.
This historical context underscores that the idea has been debated over time.
Balancing Perspectives :
The reports and perspectives reveal a dualistic landscape: ONOE offers advantages like efficient governance and reduced election strain, but it’s hampered by practical and constitutional complexities.
In assessing ONOE’s viability, the focus is on a well-rounded understanding that considers both the potential benefits and the intricate challenges.

Concerns Regarding the One Nation, One Election Plan

The Constitution outlines fixed tenures (Article 83(2) and 172) for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, raising doubts about the feasibility of simultaneous elections.
The possibility of mid-term government collapse necessitates a clear mechanism for holding fresh elections or imposing the President’s rule.
ONOE seems to conflict with the federal structure, contradicting the idea of India as a Union of States (Article 1).
Altering this balance might affect the autonomy and authority of state governments.
Frequent elections allow citizens to address national and state issues separately, enhancing accountability.
ONOE’s merging of issues might dilute accountability mechanisms and lead to a less-focused governance approach.
While the Central government highlights the substantial costs of frequent elections, critics argue that the actual expenses are not as massive.
The analysis questions whether the Election Commission’s expenditure of ₹8,000 crore over five years, amounting to ₹1,500 crore annually or ₹27 per voter per year, is a significant expense for maintaining India’s democratic pride.
Engage legal experts to meticulously assess necessary constitutional amendments for ONOE.
Develop a contingency plan to handle midterm government collapses, ensuring stability and smooth transitions.
Initiate dialogues with state governments to understand and address their concerns about centralization.
Craft a balanced framework that respects both federal principles and national electoral efficiency.
Explore a hybrid approach that retains staggered elections for select states while implementing ONOE for others.
Maintain distinct accountability mechanisms for national and state issues, promoting effective governance.
Conduct an independent and transparent assessment of the costs and savings associated with ONOE.
Present factual data to address misconceptions and inform stakeholders about the financial implications.
Begin ONOE implementation through pilot projects in a limited number of states.
Assess challenges, gather insights, and refine the approach before nationwide adoption.
The proposal for one nation, one election envisions synchronizing Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections to curtail the frequency of polls. The Indian democracy’s complex dynamics and diverse contexts warrant a comprehensive assessment before implementing such a transformative change.

Govt forms committee to work on ‘One Nation One Election’ legislation

Prelims level: One Nation, One Election

Mains level: Not Much

Central Idea

The Centre has taken a significant step towards implementing the “One Nation, One Election” concept by forming a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
This concept aims to synchronize elections across different levels of governance, with the intent of boosting efficiency and governance.
The committee’s primary role is to draft the necessary legislative framework for the successful implementation of the concept.

One Nation, One Election: Background and Rationale

The frequent occurrence of elections disrupts the continuity of developmental activities due to adherence to election-related codes and rules.
The Prime Minister has been a vocal advocate of simultaneous elections as a solution to this issue.
The core idea is to streamline elections across various tiers of government, thereby reducing administrative complexities.

Nature of Simultaneous Elections

Presently, India conducts separate elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, leading to staggered electoral cycles.
The “One Nation, One Election” approach envisions holding elections for all state assemblies and the Lok Sabha simultaneously.

Historical Context and Shifting Trends

In the initial decades after independence, India witnessed concurrent elections.
This trend shifted with the untimely dissolution of the fourth Lok Sabha in 1971, which marked the decline of simultaneous elections.
The dissolution of the Lok Sabha during the National Emergency declared in 1975 and the dissolution of state assemblies after the 1977 Lok Sabha election further disrupted this cycle.

Challenges and Necessary Constitutional Amendments

A significant challenge lies in aligning the terms of the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies.
Amendments to relevant articles of the Constitution, such as Article 83 for the Lok Sabha and Article 172(1) for Legislative Assemblies, may be required to enable synchronized elections.

Efficiency and Governance Benefits

Simultaneous elections offer several benefits:

Reduction in effort, time, and expenditure due to consolidated election cycles.
Mitigation of governance disruptions caused by the Model Code of Conduct during elections.
Streamlined campaign expenses, potentially leading to cost savings.
Improved voter turnout and enhanced credibility of the electoral process.

Challenges and Counterarguments

Challenges include synchronizing terms, preventing mid-term dissolutions, and addressing the costs associated with electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Counterarguments raise concerns about influencing voter choices, potential erosion of government accountability, and implications for democratic principles and federalism.

Ensuring Effective Implementation

Robust legal safeguards are essential to address the challenge of mid-term dissolutions and maintain the integrity of synchronized elections.
Some countries employ mechanisms like “no-confidence motions” to ensure governance continuity during the synchronized cycle.
The “One Nation, One Election” initiative holds the potential to streamline India’s electoral process and enhance governance efficiency.
Overcoming challenges requires a comprehensive approach along with suitable legal provisions, making the concept a practical reality while preserving democratic principles and federalism.

Prelims level: NA

Mains level: The concept of one nation, one election, pros and cons

The government forms a committee to explore the possibility of One Nation, One Election.
In a significant move, the Indian government has established a committee under the leadership of former President Ram Nath Kovind to delve into the viability of implementing the concept of one nation, one election. This proposal coincides with the announcement of a special parliamentary session scheduled between September 18 and 22, with its specific agenda undisclosed.

Historical Context

Independent India’s initial elections featured simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls. However, the synchronized cycle was disrupted due to various political changes, including the rise of regional parties.
Over time, some states aligned their assembly elections with the Lok Sabha polls, while others maintained separate cycles.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently advocated for the synchronization of Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.
He announced the formation of a committee in June 2019 after his re-election, intending to explore this concept in consultation with political party leaders.

Arguments in Favor of Simultaneous Elections

Cost Efficiency: Conducting multiple elections throughout the year consumes significant resources. Synchronizing elections could lead to substantial cost savings by consolidating administrative efforts, reducing expenses, and optimizing resource allocation.
Effective Governance: Frequent elections disrupt governance as the Model Code of Conduct restricts policy announcements. Simultaneous elections could ensure uninterrupted policy implementation and governance, benefiting citizens with a consistent and focused administration.
Resource Rationalization: Organizing elections requires considerable manpower, security personnel, and financial resources. Simultaneous elections would streamline resource allocation, reducing the strain on logistical arrangements and personnel deployment.
Enhanced Voter Participation: Coordinated elections could potentially boost voter turnout by creating a sense of importance and urgency among citizens to participate in a comprehensive electoral process.
Engagement of security forces: D eployment of security forces is normally throughout the elections and frequent elections take away a portion of such armed police force which could otherwise be better deployed for other internal security purposes.
Impact on social fabric: Frequent elections perpetuate caste, religion, and communal issues across the country as elections are polarising events that have accentuated casteism, communalism, and corruption.
Focus on populist measures: Frequent elections will impact the focus of governance and policymaking as it forces the political class to typically think in terms of immediate electoral gains rather than focus on long-term programs and policies.

Arguments Against Simultaneous Elections

Logistical Challenges: Coordinating elections across states and levels of government presents significant logistical challenges, including the availability of polling stations, security arrangements, and managing a large-scale operation.
Regional Representation: Simultaneous elections may favor national parties over regional ones, leading to a reduction in the representation of regional issues and undermining the diversity of political voices.
Disruption on Government Collapse: If a government collapses before its term concludes, simultaneous elections could lead to a prolonged period of political uncertainty and governance instability at both state and national levels.
Constitutional Amendments: Implementing simultaneous elections necessitates extensive amendments to the Constitution, electoral laws, and parliamentary procedures, which may require complex negotiations and consensus-building.
Impact on Federal Structure: Simultaneous elections might blur the distinction between state and national issues, potentially weakening the federal structure and eroding the autonomy of state elections.
Electoral Commission Capacity: Coordinating simultaneous elections would place a significant burden on the Election Commission’s resources, possibly affecting the efficiency and credibility of the electoral process.
Complexity of the Anti-Defection Law: Simultaneous elections could complicate the implementation of the anti-defection law, potentially leading to legal challenges and political instability.
Suppression of Diverse Voices: A single overarching election campaign might overshadow regional concerns and reduce the space for a diverse range of opinions and local issues.

Previous Considerations and Recommendations

Election Commission’s 1983 Suggestion: In 1983, the Election Commission proposed the idea of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
The Law Commission’s 1999 Recommendation: The Law Commission, led by Justice B.P. Jeevan Reddy, presented its 170th report in May 1999. The report recommended exploring a system where elections for the Lok Sabha and all legislative assemblies are held simultaneously.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Effort (2003): In 2003, then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee discussed the concept with Congress President Sonia Gandhi. Though initial discussions were positive, the idea did not gain traction beyond that point.
L.K. Advani’s Proposal (2010): In 2010, BJP leader L.K. Advani proposed fixed-term legislatures and simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. He emphasized the need to avoid frequent elections for the stability of governments.
Election Commission’s Support (2019): In 2019, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora expressed support for the idea of simultaneous elections, calling it a desirable goal. He suggested aligning the terms of state assemblies with the life of the Parliament for successful implementation.
Parliamentary Standing Committee (2015): The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law, and Justice, led by E.M. Sudarsana Natchiappan, compiled a report in 2015. The report highlighted benefits such as reduced expenditure, policy continuity, and a minimized impact on essential services during election times.
Law Commission’s Draft Report (2018): In August 2018, the Law Commission, under the leadership of Justice B.S. Chauhan, drafted a report stating that simultaneous elections couldn’t be held within the existing constitutional framework. The Commission recommended amendments to the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act 1951, and parliamentary procedures for its implementation. The report suggested that at least 50% of states ratify constitutional amendments.

Contemporary Perspectives

BJP’s Manifesto (Recent Years): The BJP included the idea of “one nation, one election” in its election manifesto, viewing it as a means to streamline the electoral process and minimize disruptions caused by frequent elections.
Opposition’s Reservations (2023): In 2023, leaders from parties such as Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Congress have expressed opposition to the idea of simultaneous elections. They argue that it could diminish the importance of state elections and regional parties, leading to their overshadowing by national leaders.

Way forward?

The standing committee recommended a cycle of elections, according to which elections to some legislative assemblies whose term end within six months to one year before or after the election date could be held during the midterm of Lok Sabha . For the rest of the states, elections could be held along with the general elections to Lok Sabha.
Cost can be brought under control by ensuring that the legal cap on expenditure of candidates is followed by all parties.
Accomplishing one year one election will be easier as it doesn’t require as many legal amendments as simultaneous polls for which the Centre will have to make five amendments to the Constitution.
The concept of one nation, one election remains a subject of ongoing deliberation in Indian politics. While proponents emphasize its potential advantages, critics raise valid concerns about its implementation and impact on regional dynamics. The future of this proposal will depend on how these considerations are navigated in the evolving political landscape of India.

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One Nation One Election Essay – Pros and Cons (English, Hindi)

Published by team sy on september 3, 2023 september 3, 2023.

One Nation One Election Essay: “One Nation One Election” has emerged as a prominent and widely debated concept in the Indian political landscape. This visionary idea envisions synchronizing the electoral cycles of the central and state governments to hold all elections simultaneously. In this article, we will understand the meaning of One Nation One Election, its potential advantages and disadvantages, and provide valuable insights for UPSC aspirants. Additionally, we offer an essay on this topic and explore its significance in contemporary Indian politics. So now it’s time to unravel the intricacies of this electoral reform and its potential impact on the world’s largest democracy.

Table of Contents

One Nation One Election Essay – 500 Words

One Nation One Election (OONE) is a proposal to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Indian Parliament) and all state legislative assemblies. The proposal has been around for many years, but it has gained renewed attention in recent years due to the high cost of elections and the disruption they cause to development work.

There are several potential benefits to OONE. First, it could save money. Currently, elections are held every 5 years for the Lok Sabha and every 3 to 5 years for state legislative assemblies. This means that there are elections every year in some part of the country. OONE would reduce the number of elections, which could save money on election-related expenses such as polling booths, security, and transport.

Second, OONE could reduce the disruption caused by elections. When elections are held, there is a lot of focus on campaigning and electioneering. This can lead to a slowdown in development work as government officials are busy campaigning or providing security for election-related activities. OONE would reduce the number of times this happens, which could help to improve the efficiency of government.

Third, OONE could increase voter turnout. When elections are held frequently, people may be less likely to vote because they feel that their vote does not matter. OONE would make elections more important because they would be held less frequently. This could lead to higher voter turnout.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to OONE. First, it could be difficult to implement. It would require a constitutional amendment to change the way that elections are held in India. This would be a complex and time-consuming process.

Second, OONE could lead to a concentration of power in the hands of the central government. If all elections are held at the same time, the central government would have a lot of influence over the outcome of the elections. This could undermine the powers of the state governments.

Third, OONE could lead to a decrease in the quality of elections. If elections are held less frequently, there would be less time for campaigning and voter education. This could lead to less informed voters and a less competitive electoral process.

Overall, there are both potential benefits and drawbacks to OONE. It is a complex issue with no easy answers. More research is needed to determine whether OONE would be a good idea for India.

In addition to the points mentioned above, here are some other factors to consider when evaluating the OONE proposal:

The impact on the political parties. OONE would likely favour larger, more established parties that have the resources to campaign across the country. Smaller, regional parties may find it more difficult to compete.
The impact on the media. OONE would mean that the media would have to cover a much larger number of elections in a shorter period of time. This could put a strain on media resources and make it more difficult for the media to provide in-depth coverage of each election.
The impact on the public. OONE would mean that voters would have to vote more frequently. This could lead to voter fatigue and a decrease in voter turnout.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to implement OONE is a political one. There is no easy answer, and the decision will need to be made based on a careful consideration of all the factors involved.

One Nation One Election Essay – Pros and Cons

In recent years, the concept of “One Nation One Election” has gained significant attention in the Indian political arena. This visionary idea proposes to synchronize the electoral cycles of the central and state governments, aiming to streamline the election process and reduce its frequency. However, like any major reform, it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, each with far-reaching implications for the world’s largest democracy.

Pros of One Nation One Election:

Following are some advantages of one nation one election.

Reduced Expenditure: Conducting multiple elections at different levels is an expensive affair. One Nation One Election can substantially reduce the financial burden on the government, saving public funds that can be allocated to other crucial areas like healthcare and education.
Efficient Governance: Frequent elections often lead to a temporary hiatus in policy implementation. Synchronizing elections could ensure a stable government for a longer duration, enabling consistent policy formulation and execution.
Enhanced Voter Turnout: Voter fatigue is a common issue with frequent elections. By reducing the frequency, more citizens may be encouraged to participate in the democratic process, leading to a healthier and more representative democracy.
Streamlined Logistics: Organizing elections is logistically challenging. Conducting multiple elections disrupts daily life, but One Nation One Election could streamline the process, minimizing inconvenience for the public.
Focus on Development: Politicians and governments spend a significant portion of their tenure in campaign mode. With fewer elections, they could focus more on governance, development, and addressing critical issues.

Cons of One Nation One Election:

Following are some demerits of one nation one election.

Diminished Regional Voice: India’s diversity is its strength, and state elections often reflect unique regional aspirations and concerns. Synchronizing elections might lead to the overshadowing of these regional voices by national issues.
Increased Centralization: Critics argue that One Nation One Election might centralize power at the national level, diluting the federal structure of the Indian political system.
Complex Transition: Transitioning to a synchronized election system is a complex and challenging task. It requires legal, logistical, and constitutional changes, which could be prone to political disputes and delays.
Erosion of Accountability: Frequent elections hold politicians accountable to the electorate. Reducing their frequency might lead to reduced accountability and responsiveness to public concerns.
Lack of Flexibility: Crises, political instability, or a loss of majority can necessitate early elections in the current system. One Nation One Election might limit the flexibility to address these situations promptly.

In conclusion, the concept of One Nation One Election presents both promising advantages and potential pitfalls. Striking a balance between streamlining the electoral process and preserving the democratic principles of diversity and accountability is crucial. As India continues to evolve, discussions and debates surrounding this reform will shape the future of its political landscape.

Read: Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Essay

“एक देश, एक चुनाव” पर निबंध – वन नेशन वन इलेक्शन

“एक देश, एक चुनाव” अथवा “एक राष्ट्र एक चुनाव” (वन नेशन वन इलेक्शन) एक प्रसिद्ध और महत्वपूर्ण विषय है जो भारतीय राजनीति में गहरी चर्चा का विषय बन चुका है। इस निबंध में, हम एक देश, एक चुनाव की आवश्यकता, उसके फायदे और नुकसान के बारे में विचार करेंगे।

प्रस्तावना:

“एक देश, एक चुनाव” का मतलब है कि भारत में सभी चुनावों को एक ही समय पर आयोजित किया जाए, यानी कि लोकसभा और राज्यसभा के चुनाव एक ही वक्त में हों। यह प्रस्ताव एक प्रणालीकृत और संघटित चुनाव प्रक्रिया को प्राथमिकता देता है और उसके साथ ही एक देश में चुनावों के व्यवस्थित आयोजन की संभावना को बढ़ावा देता है।

एक देश एक चुनाव के फायदे

समय और धन की बचत: एक देश, एक चुनाव के अंतर्गत, चुनावों के लिए होने वाले असमयित और असंगठित व्यय को कम किया जा सकता है। इससे सरकार और चुनाव आयोग को समय और धन की बचत होती है जिसे वे विकास के लिए निवेश कर सकते हैं।

स्थिरता: यह प्रणाली राजनीतिक स्थिरता को बढ़ावा देती है क्योंकि चुनाव के तंत्र में आवश्यक तबादले को कम कर देती है। इससे सरकार को अपने कार्यों को सुचारित और प्रभावी ढंग से करने का मौका मिलता है।

सार्थक चर्चा: एक बार पर्याप्त समय के लिए चुनावों पर ध्यान केंद्रित किया जाता है, जिससे चुनाव प्रक्रिया पर और विशेषज्ञता से विचार किया जा सकता है।

निर्विवाद प्रक्रिया का अनुशासन: इस प्रणाली से, आपातकालीन परिस्थितियों में चुनाव स्थगित करने की संभावना होती है, जिससे सार्वजनिक निर्विवाद प्रक्रिया की गारंटी दी जा सकती है।

एक देश एक चुनाव के नुकसान

राज्यों के विशेषता का कमी: अलग-अलग राज्यों के चुनाव की अलग-अलग स्थितियाँ और चुनौतियाँ हो सकती हैं, और इस प्रणाली से यह मुश्किल हो सकता है कि विभिन्न राज्यों के चुनावों को एक ही तरीके से प्रबंधित किया जाए।

राजनीतिक स्थिरता का भंग: एक बार पर्याप्त समय के लिए चुनाव प्रक्रिया को अटकाने के चुनौती हो सकती है, जिससे यह मुश्किल हो सकता है कि विभिन्न राज्यों के चुनावों को संचालित किया जाए।

“एक देश, एक चुनाव” एक प्रमुख विषय है जो भारतीय राजनीति के आगे के दिनों में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभा सकता है। इसके फायदों और नुकसानों को मध्यस्थता के साथ विचार करना महत्वपूर्ण है ताकि यह तय किया जा सके कि क्या यह वाकई मुमकिन और उपयोगी है। चुनाव प्रक्रिया को संघटित करने और सरकार को सुचारित करने के साथ ही भारतीय राजनीति को नया दिशा देने के लिए इस प्रस्ताव का साहसी प्रयास है।

FAQs on One Nation One Election Essay

One Nation One Election (OONE) is a proposal to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Indian Parliament) and all state legislative assemblies.

The potential benefits of OONE include: Saving money on election-related expenses, Reducing the disruption caused by elections, Increasing voter turnout, Strengthening the federal system and Reducing corruption.

The potential drawbacks of OONE include: Being difficult to implement, Leading to a concentration of power in the hands of the central government, Decreasing the quality of elections, Favouring larger, more established political parties and Putting a strain on media resources.

The OONE proposal was first made in 1951 by the then-Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. However, it has not yet been implemented.

Whether or not One Nation One Election is a good idea is a matter of debate. There are both potential benefits and drawbacks to the proposal. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to implement OONE is a political one.

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One Nation One Language India Related Article UPSC - IAS

One Nation One Language India | UPSC – IAS

The debate over One Nation One Language started in the constituent assembly debates on the official language. — Hindi was voted as official language, however due to outpour and anti-Hindi agitation from various sections, English was also continued as an associated official language.

The Constituent Assembly of India adopted Hindi written in Devnagari Script along with English as the official language of the country on September 14, 1949, under Article 343(1).

Articles Relating to Hindi language in Indian Constitution

To promote the spread of the Hindi language,
To develop it so that it may serve as a medium of expression for all the elements of the composite culture of India and
To secure its enrichment by assimilating without interfering with its genius, the forms, style and expressions used in Hindustani and in the other languages of India specified in the Eighth Schedule.
Article 120 and 210 regarding language to be used in Parliament and state legislature respectively gives the option of transacting business in Hindi as well in English.
Article 343 gives power to parliament to decide by law, the languages to be used for official work.
Article 344 provides for constitution of a parliamentary committee every 10 years to recommend to the President regarding progressive use of the Hindi language for the official purposes of the Union and restrictions on the use of English.
Article 29 gives every Indian the right to a distinct language, script & culture.

Arguments in favor of One Nation One language | UPSC – IAS

Removing barriers in the development: There are various areas where there is a perceived lag only because of lack of national language, like trade, education and research, areas of national security like military, etc. Thus, the lack of national language acts as barrier for the progress of nation.
For the creation of knowledge and thus creating a Public Sphere: As we often see that, students avoid going to other places for education and research due to lack of understanding of local languages. There is difficulty to collaborate in various ideas in different spheres; non participation in national affairs and hesitancy to relocate in other parts of India due to the absence of a national language.
Thus , a universal language which will be spoken and understood by everyone will be best suited to become the lingua franca of the country.
• For effective administration: The various people who works for central government or Armies etc. always face the language problem when they move to other regions of India. Therefore, the administrative machinery will not be able to deliver efficiently, if the language becomes a barrier in understanding people’s aspirations and needs.
For Leveraging technology: If India adopts a national language it might automatically become the largest spoken language thus giving numerous opportunities to software developers to make many applications which is unreachable today mainly due to lack of understanding of English language.
To give India a global Identity: It is necessary that there is one language to represent India in the world. A uniform national language, will give us great advantage at global scale due to its large number of users thus forcing people of other nations to learn that language, in order to engage with India in trade, business, education etc.
False sense of glory attached with Multilingual Image of India: India has always been shown having a great diversity such as having 22 different languages, 415 different dialects etc. But is it truly a matter of glory that the knowledge existing in one language can’t be understood by a person of other language? We need to come out from this false sense of glory to the true sense of glory by adopting a single national language.

Arguments against One Nation One Language | UPSC – IAS

Language is the lifeline of culture, tradition and customs of people living in a particular region and the best way to preserve or promote any language is to use it extensively.

Idea of one country, one language: A colonial Construct: The idea that a language represents a nation is one of the colonialism’s construct. The complex process of modern nation building in colonial countries involved questions of cultural unity. Language and literature held the key to this project of cultural continuity from a unique and great past.
Delinking language from cultural Identity: Often it is argued that a national language is considered a language which represents Indian culture; however, we can definitely preserve our culture in spite of adopting other language and also learning one more language beside our regional language would not ruin or destroy us or our culture. So, changing the medium of expression would not change our identity which can be understood by even an ordinary person.
Therefore, any such efforts of imposing a language on the unwilling people is hardly unifying, and rather it could turn out to be divisive.
o All languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution are national languages and must be treated equally. Any attempt to impose any one language will lead to the disruption of our country’s unity and integrity.
Inevitability of English: English is today’s language of science and technology in the whole world. Even if we replace English from all technological usage in India with Hindi, still it will remain the language of science as it would be immensely difficult to translate all the scientific knowledge-base in Hindi language.
Significance of Language Diversity: As there have not been enough success stories globally- e.g. the imposition of Mandarin, Russian or Urdu have rarely fulfilled such aims of unity and integration.

Conclusion | UPSC – IAS

To preserve our ancient philosophy, our culture and the memory of our freedom struggle, it’s important that we strengthen our local languages simultaneously without being biased towards any one language.
The need today is to respect, protect and nurture diversity of our nation so that unity is ensured and it lies in the quality of unity and togetherness.

Is Guyana’s Oil a Blessing or a Curse?

More than any single country, Guyana demonstrates the struggle between the consequences of climate change and the lure of the oil economy.

With the discovery of offshore oil, Guyana is now building a natural gas pipeline to bring the byproducts of oil production to a planned energy plant. Credit...

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By Gaiutra Bahadur

Photographs by Keisha Scarville

March 30, 2024 Updated 1:38 p.m. ET

Basjit Mahabir won’t let me in.

I’m trying to persuade Mr. Mahabir to open the padlocked gate of the Wales Estate, where he guards the ramshackle remains of a factory surrounded by miles of fallow sugar cane fields. The growing and grinding of sugar on this plantation about 10 miles from Georgetown, Guyana’s capital, ended seven years ago, and parts of the complex, its weathered zinc walls the color of rust, have been sold for scrap.

I plead my case. “I lived here when I was a little girl,” I say. “My father used to manage the field lab.” Mr. Mahabir is friendly, but firm. I’m not getting in.

The ruins are the vestiges of a sugar industry that, after enriching British colonizers for centuries, was the measure of the nation’s wealth when it achieved independence.

Now the estate is slated to become part of Guyana’s latest boom, an oil rush that is reshaping the country’s future. This nation that lies off the beaten track, population 800,000, is at the forefront of a global paradox: Even as the world pledges to transition away from fossil fuels , developing countries have many short-term incentives to double down on them.

Before oil, outsiders mostly came to Guyana for eco-tourism, lured by rainforests that cover 87 percent of its land. In 2009, the effort to combat global warming turned this into a new kind of currency when Guyana sold carbon credits totaling $250 million, essentially promising to keep that carbon stored in trees. Guyana’s leadership was praised for this planet-saving effort.

Six years later, Exxon Mobil discovered a bounty of oil under Guyana’s coastal waters. Soon the company and its consortium partners, Hess and the Chinese National Offshore Oil Corporation, began drilling with uncommon speed. The oil, now burned mostly in Europe, is enabling more global emissions — and producing colossal wealth.

The find is projected to become Exxon Mobil’s biggest revenue source by decade’s end. The deal that made it possible — and which gave Exxon Mobil the bulk of the proceeds — has been a point of public outcry and even a lawsuit, with a seeming consensus that Guyana got the short end of the stick. But the deal has nonetheless generated $3.5 billion so far for the country, more money than it has ever seen, significantly more than it gained from conserving trees. It’s enough to chart a new destiny.

The government has decided to pursue that destiny by investing even further in fossil fuels. Most of the oil windfall available in its treasury is going to construct roads and other infrastructure, most notably a 152-mile pipeline to carry ashore natural gas, released while extracting oil from Exxon Mobil’s fields, to generate electricity.

The pipeline will snake across the Wales Estate, carrying the gas to a proposed power plant and to a second plant that will use the byproducts to potentially produce cooking gas and fertilizer. With a price tag of more than $2 billion, it’s the most expensive public infrastructure project in the country’s history. The hope is that with a predictable, plentiful supply of cheap energy, the country can develop economically.

At the same time, climate change laps at Guyana’s shores; much of Georgetown is projected to be underwater by 2030.

Countries like Guyana are caught in a perfect storm where the consequences for extracting fossil fuels collide with the incentives to do so. Unlike wealthy countries, they aren’t responsible for most of the carbon emissions that now threaten the planet. “We’re obviously talking about developing countries here, and if there’s so much social and economic development that still needs to happen, then it’s hard to actually demand a complete ban on fossil fuels,” says Maria Antonia Tigre, a director at the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University. Still, she insists, “we’re in a moment in the climate crisis where no one can get a pass.”

This struggle between the existential threats of climate change and the material gains dangled by fossil fuels bedevils rich countries, too. The International Energy Agency predicts that oil demand will peak in five years as big economies transition to renewable sources. But it is a transition of indeterminate length, and in the meantime, the Biden administration approved drilling in the Alaska wilderness just last year, and the United States is producing more oil than ever in its history. A country like Guyana, with an emerging economy, has even more reason to jump at temptation.

The country has already been transformed. Next to its famously elegant but decaying colonial architecture, new houses, hotels, malls, gyms and offices of concrete and glass crop up constantly. Trucks carrying quartz sand for all this construction judder along the highways. While nearly half of Guyanese still live below the poverty line, the country is bustling with possibility, and newcomers arrive from around the world. During a five-month stay there, I met a logistics manager from Sri Lanka, a nightclub singer from Cuba, a Briton developing a shrimp farm and a Nigerian security guard who joked that a sure sign that Guyana had become a hustler’s paradise was that he was there.

As I survey the stranded assets of the sugar works on the Wales Estate, imagining the steel pipes to come, the gleaming future Guyana’s government promises feels haunted by its past as a colony cursed by its resources. The potential for the petroleum boom to implode is in plain sight next door, where Venezuela — which has recently resurrected old claims to much of Guyana’s territory — is a mess of corruption, authoritarian rule and economic volatility.

For centuries, foreign powers set the terms for this sliver of South America on the Atlantic Ocean. The British, who first took possession in 1796, treated the colony as a vast sugar factory. They trafficked enslaved Africans to labor on the plantations and then, after abolition, found a brutally effective substitute by contracting indentured servants, mainly from India. Mr. Mahabir, who worked cutting cane for most of his life, is descended from those indentured workers, as am I.

Fifty-seven years ago, the country shook off its imperial shackles, but genuine democracy took more time. On the eve of independence, foreign meddling installed a leader who swiftly became a dictator. Tensions between citizens of African and Indian descent, encouraged under colonialism, turned violent at independence and set off a bitter contest for governing supremacy that continues to this day. Indigenous groups have been courted by both sides in this political and ethnic rivalry.

It wasn’t until the early 1990s that Guyana held its first free and fair elections. The moment was full of possibility. The institutions of democracy, such as an independent judiciary, began to emerge. And the legislature passed a series of robust environmental laws.

Now that Exxon Mobil has arrived to extract a new resource, some supporters of democracy and the environment see those protections as endangered. They criticize the fossil-fuel giant, with global revenue 10 times the size of Guyana’s gross domestic product, as a new kind of colonizer and have sued their government to press it to enforce its laws and regulations. The judge in one of those cases has rebuked the country’s Environmental Protection Agency as being “submissive” toward the oil industry.

Addressing some of these activists at a recent public hearing, Vickram Bharrat, the minister of natural resources, defended the government’s oversight of oil and gas. “There’s no evidence of bias toward any multinational corporations,” he said. Exxon Mobil, in an emailed statement, said its work on the natural gas project would “help provide lower-emissions, reliable, gas-powered electricity to Guyanese consumers.”

The world is at a critical juncture, and Guyana sits at the intersection. The country of my birth is a tiny speck on the planet, but the discovery of oil there has cracked open questions of giant significance. How can wealthy countries be held to account for their promises to move away from fossil fuels? Can the institutions of a fragile democracy keep large corporations in check? And what kind of future is Guyana promising its citizens as it places bets on commodities that much of the world is vowing to make obsolete?

Along a sandy beach, people take photographs with their phones alongside large rocks, one painted with a smiley face.

A land of new possibilities

Oil has created a Guyana with pumpkin spice lattes. The first Starbucks store appeared outside the capital last year; it was such a big deal that the president and the American ambassador attended the opening. People still “lime” — hang out — with local Carib beer and boomboxes on the storied sea wall, but those with the cash can now go for karaoke and fancy cocktails at a new Hard Rock Cafe.

The influx of wealth has introduced new tensions along economic lines in an already racially divided country. Hyperinflation has made fish, vegetables and other staples costlier, and many Guyanese feel priced out of pleasures in their own country. A new rooftop restaurant, described to me as “pizza for Guyana’s 1 percent” by its consultant chef from Brooklyn, set off a backlash on social media for serving a cut of beef that costs $335, as much as a security guard in the capital earns in a month.

This aspirational consumerist playground is grafted onto a ragged infrastructure. Lexus S.U.V.s cruise new highways but must still gingerly wade through knee-deep floods in Georgetown when it rains, thanks to bad drainage. Electricity, the subject of much teeth-sucking and dark humor, is expensive and erratic. It’s also dirty, powered by heavy fuel, a tarlike residue from refining oil. In 2023, 96 blackouts halted activity across the country for an average of one hour each. A growing number of air-conditioners taxing aging generators are partly to blame, but the system has been tripped up by weeds entangling transmission lines, backhoes hitting power poles and once, infamously, a rat.

The country’s larger companies — makers of El Dorado rum, timber producers — generate their own electricity outside the power grid. Small companies, however, don’t have that option. This year, the Inter-American Development Bank cited electrical outages as a major obstacle to doing business in Guyana.

The government’s investment in a natural gas pipeline and power plant offers the prospect of steady and affordable power. The gas, a byproduct of Exxon Mobil’s drilling, tends not to be commercialized and is often flared off as waste, emitting greenhouse gases in the process. But at the government’s request, Exxon Mobil and its consortium partners agreed to send some of the natural gas to the Wales site. The consortium is supposed to supply it without cost, but no official sales agreement has been made public yet.

At international conferences, rich countries have pledged to help poorer, lower-emitting ones to raise their living standards sustainably with renewable energy, but the money has fallen short . Natural gas is cleaner than the heavy fuel Guyana now uses, and the country’s leaders claim that it will serve as an eventual bridge to renewable energy. The fact that it’s not as clean as solar or other renewable sources seems, to some local manufacturers, beside the point because the status quo is so challenging.

During blackouts, Upasna Mudlier, who runs Denmor Garments, a textile company that makes uniforms, fire safety jackets and lingerie, has to send home the two dozen seamstresses she employs. That means a big hit in productivity. A chemist in her late 30s, she inherited the company from her father. Ms. Mudlier was nervous about networking in the burly crush of the male-dominated local business elite, but she nonetheless attended an event hosted by a business development center funded by Exxon Mobil. She leaned in, and it paid off: She won a contract to make a thousand coveralls for workers building an oil production vessel headed for Guyana’s waters.

It was a bright spot nonetheless dimmed by her electric bill. An astounding 40 percent of her operating budget goes to paying for power. Ms. Mudlier is eager for the natural gas plant. Cheaper, reliable energy could allow her to price her products to compete internationally.

Textiles are a tiny niche in Guyana, but hers is the kind of manufacturing that experts say Guyana needs to avoid becoming a petroleum state. Ms. Mudlier agrees with the government’s messaging on the gas project. “It will create more jobs for people and bring more investments into our country and more diversity to our economy,” she said.

Widespread anxiety that the best new jobs would go to foreigners led to a law that sets quotas for oil and gas companies to hire and contract with locals. Komal Singh, a construction magnate in his mid-50s, has benefited from the law. Mr. Singh, who directs an influential government advisory body on business policy, works as a joint partner with international companies building the Wales pipeline and treating toxic waste from offshore oil production.

“We say to them, ‘It’s you, me and Guyanese,’” he told me. “If Guyanese are not part of the show, end of conversation.”

Guyana has lost a greater share of its people than any other country, with two in five people born there living abroad. So the oil boom and the local partner requirement have set off something of a frenzy for passports and have fueled debate over who, exactly, is Guyanese. I met a British private equity manager with a Guyanese mother who obtained citizenship shortly after his second visit to the country. One local partner’s contested citizenship became a matter for the High Court.

With the value of land and housing skyrocketing, some local property owners have profited by becoming landlords to expats or by selling abandoned fields at Manhattan prices for commercial real estate. But to many Guyanese, it has seemed as if “comebackees,” the term for returning members of the diaspora, or the politically connected elite are the most poised to benefit from the boom.

Sharia Bacchus returned to Guyana after two decades living in Florida. Ms. Bacchus, who has family connections in the government and private sector, started her own real estate brokerage. She rents apartments and houses to expats for as much as $6,000 a month.

I shadowed her as she showed a prospective buyer — a retired U.S. Marine of Guyanese descent — a duplex condo in a coveted new gated community. She eagerly pointed out amenities that comebackees want: air-conditioning, a pool and, of course, an automatic backup generator.

“If you lose power at any time, you don’t have to worry about that,” she said, reassuringly.

The ghosts of the past

As glimpses of this new Guyana emerge, the ghosts of the past linger. A year ago, a Georgetown hotel, hustling like so many to take advantage of the new oil money, staged a $170-a-head rum-tasting event called “Night at the Estate House.” I’d been trying, unsuccessfully, to interview Exxon Mobil’s top brass in Guyana. When I heard rumors that its country manager would attend, I bought a ticket and, though he was a no-show, I found a seat with his inner circle.

As we sipped El Dorado rum in the garden of a colonial-style mansion, one of the event’s hosts gave a speech that invoked a time when “B.G.,” the insider’s shorthand for British Guiana, the country’s colonial name, also stood for Booker’s Guiana. Now, the speaker observed matter-of-factly, “it’s Exxon’s Guyana.”

Booker McConnell was a British multinational originally founded by two brothers who became rich on sugar and enslaved people. At one point, the company owned 80 percent of the sugar plantations in British Guiana, including the Wales Estate. The Exxon Mobil executive sitting next to me didn’t know any of this. His face reddened when I told him that the speaker had just placed his employer in a long line of corporate colonialism.

Independence came in 1966, but the U.S. and British governments engineered into power Guyana’s first leader, Forbes Burnham, a Black lawyer whom they deemed more pliable than Cheddi Jagan, a radical son of Indian plantation laborers, who was seen as a Marxist peril. But Burnham grew increasingly dictatorial as well as, in a twist of geopolitical fate, socialist.

Booker, which would later give its name to the Booker Prize in literature, still owned Wales at independence. But in the mid-1970s, Burnham took control of the country’s resources, nationalizing sugar production as well as bauxite mining. Like other former colonies, Guyana wanted to make its break with imperialism economic as well as political.

Burnham pushed the idea of economic independence to the breaking point, banning all imports. Staples from abroad, such as cooking oil, potatoes, wheat flour and split peas, had to be replaced with local substitutes. But Guyana didn’t have the farms and factories to meet the demand, so people turned to the black market, waited in ration lines and went hungry.

Guyana was 15 years free when my family arrived on the Wales Estate, by then part of the nationalized Guyana Sugar Company; my parents, then in their 20s, were young, too. My father, the son of plantation laborers, had just earned a natural sciences degree from the University of Guyana, founded at independence to educate the people who would build the new nation. As field lab manager, he tested sucrose in the cane to determine harvest time and oversaw the trapping of rats and snakes in the fields.

We lived in a former overseer’s house two doors from the estate’s main gate, where Mr. Mahabir now stands sentinel, and my mother taught high school in the guard’s village. My parents had only ever studied by kerosene lamp or gas lantern — but this house had electricity, generated on the estate by burning sugar cane trash.

I can remember at age 6 the cold delicacy of a refrigerated apple, a Christmas present from American aunts. It wouldn’t be long before we joined them.

Rigged elections kept Burnham in power for two decades of hardship and insecurity, both ethnic and economic. As soon as our long-awaited green cards allowing entry to the United States were approved, we left, participating in an exodus that created a “barrel economy,” with many communities sustained by money and care packages sent in barrels from relatives abroad. That exodus gutted Guyana: Today, less than 3 percent of the population is college educated.

Burnham’s death in 1985 touched off a series of events that began to change the country. Within seven years, Guyana held its first free and fair elections. Jagan, by then an old man, was elected president. Soon, a younger generation of his party took office and wholeheartedly embraced capitalism. Private companies could once again bid for Guyana’s vast resources. Corruption, endemic in the Burnham era, took new forms.

Then came proof of the dangers of unchecked extraction. In 1995, a dam at a Canadian-owned gold mine gave way. The 400 million gallons of cyanide-laced waste it had held back fouled two major rivers. Simone Mangal-Joly, now an environmental and international development specialist, was among the scientists on the ground testing cyanide levels in the river. The waters had turned red, and Indigenous villagers covered themselves in plastic to protect their skin. “It’s where they bathed,” Ms. Mangal-Joly recalled. “It was their drinking water, their cooking water, their transportation.”

The tragedy led to action. The next year, the government passed its first environmental protection law. Seven years later, the right to a healthy environment was added to the Constitution. Guyana managed to enshrine what the United States and Canada, for instance, have not.

For a moment, Guyana’s natural capital — the vast tropical rainforests that make it one of the very few countries that is a net carbon sink — was among its most prized assets. Bharrat Jagdeo, then president, sold the carbon stored in its forests to Norway to offset pollution from that country’s own petroleum production in 2009. Indigenous groups received $20 million from that deal to develop their villages and gain title to their ancestral lands, though some protested that they had little input. Mr. Jagdeo was hailed as a United Nations “Champion of the Earth.”

And then Exxon Mobil struck oil.

The vision of a green Guyana now vies with its fast-rising status as one of the largest new sources of oil in the world. The country’s sharply divided political parties stand in rare accord on drilling. Mr. Jagdeo, who is now Guyana’s vice president but still dictates much government policy, is a fervent supporter of the Wales project.

But a small, steadfast, multiracial movement of citizens is testing the power of the environmental laws. David Boyd, the U.N. special rapporteur on human rights and the environment, describes the country as a front line for litigation using innovative rights arguments to fight climate change. It includes the first constitutional climate change case in the region, brought by an Indigenous tour guide and a university lecturer.

Not all critics of the petroleum development are environmentalists. What unites them is the belief that the nation’s hard-won constitutional protections should be stronger than any corporation.

‘The rule of law is the rule of law.’

Liz Deane-Hughes comes from a prominent family. Her father founded one of Georgetown’s most respected law firms, and in the 1980s, back in Burnham’s time, he fought against repressive changes to the constitution. She remembers her parents taking her to rousing rallies led by a multiracial party battling Burnham’s rule. When she was 13, she came home one day to find police officers searching their home. “I lived through the 1980s in Guyana,” says Ms. Deane-Hughes, who practiced at the family firm before quitting the law. “So I do not want to go back there on any level.”

I talked to Ms. Deane-Hughes, now an artist and jewelry designer, on the sprawling veranda of a colonial-style house built on land that has been in her family for five generations. The government has claimed part of it for the natural gas pipeline, which crosses private property as well as the Wales Estate. But the issue, she told me, is bigger than her backyard.

Last month, Ms. Deane-Hughes joined other activists, virtually, at a hearing before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, making the argument that oil companies have compromised environmental governance in Guyana. This coterie of activists have spoken out and filed suits to bring the corporation under the scrutiny of the country’s laws and regulations.

Ms. Mangal-Joly, who responded to the cyanide disaster that prompted those environmental laws, says the government has failed to fulfill its oversight duties. As part of her doctoral research at University College London, she found that Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency had waived the environmental assessments for every facility treating toxic waste or storing radioactive materials produced by offshore oil production.

The gas plant, too, has been given a pass. In January, the E.P.A. waived the environmental assessment for the proposed Wales plant because Exxon Mobil, although it isn’t building the plant, had done one for the pipeline.

The E.P.A. defended the decision. “It is good and common practice” to rely on existing environmental assessments “even when done by other project developers,” wrote an agency spokeswoman on behalf of its executive director. The agency asserted its right to waive assessments as it sees fit and noted that the courts hadn’t overturned its exemptions, saying, “This no doubt speaks to the E.P.A.’s high degree of technical competence and culture of compliance within the laws of Guyana.”

Ms. Mangal-Joly notes that the power plant sits above an aquifer that supplies drinking water to most of the country. “Our water table is shallow,” she says. “There’s a generation, and generations to come, that will not inherit clean water. We are despoiling a resource far more valuable than oil.”

The waiver infuriated Ms. Deane-Hughes. And the independence of the board that hears citizen concerns struck her as a sham. Its chairman, Mahender Sharma, heads Guyana’s energy agency, and his wife directs the new government company created to manage the power plant. At a hearing of the board, Ms. Deane-Hughes cited the mandate against conflicts of interest in the Environmental Protection Act and asked Mr. Sharma to recuse himself. “I would like you not to make a decision,” she told him.

Six weeks later, the board did make a decision: It allowed the power company to keep its environmental permit without doing an impact statement.

Mr. Sharma, the energy director, dismissed the critics as a privileged intellectual elite sheltered from the deprivations that have led many Guyanese to welcome the oil industry.

At the Inter-American commission meeting, Mr. Bharrat, the minister of natural resources, argued that it is his government’s right as well as its responsibility to balance economic growth with sustainability. “Our country’s development and environmental protection are not irreconcilable aims,” he told them. And he reminded them that they can turn to the courts with their complaints.

Guyana’s highest court has dealt the activists both setbacks and victories. In one of the more consequential cases, activists have thus far prevailed. Frederick Collins, who heads the local anti-corruption group Transparency Institute of Guyana, sued the E.P.A. for not requiring Exxon Mobil’s local subsidiaries to carry a more substantial insurance policy. Mr. Collins argued that the existing $600 million policy was inadequate in the extreme. Major oil spills aren’t rare — two happen worldwide every year. The biggest blowout ever, at BP’s Deepwater Horizon, cost that company $64 billion. The deepwater drilling in Guyana is the riskiest kind.

A retired insurance executive and Methodist preacher, Mr. Collins had been feeling pessimistic about the case ever since the judge allowed Exxon Mobil, with its daunting resources, to join the E.P.A. as a defendant a year ago. In legal filings, the defendants had dismissed him as a “meddlesome busybody” without legal standing to bring the suit.

But in May, the judge, Sandil Kissoon, pilloried the E.P.A. as “a derelict, pliant” agency whose “state of inertia and slumber” had “placed the nation, its citizens and the environment in grave peril.” He found that the insurance held by Exxon Mobil’s local subsidiary failed to meet international standards and ordered the parent company to guarantee its unlimited liability for all disaster costs — or stop drilling. The case is being appealed.

An Exxon Mobil spokesperson said by email that the company’s insurance is “adequate and appropriate” and that a $2 billion guarantee it recently provided, at the order of the court considering the appeal, “exceeds industry precedent and the estimate of potential liability.”

At a news conference, Mr. Jagdeo, the vice president, criticized the ruling and called on Guyana’s courts to make “predictable” decisions. “We are playing in the big leagues now,” he said. “We are not a backwater country where you can do whatever you want and get away with it.”

To Melinda Janki, the lawyer handling most of the activists’ suits and one of the few local lawyers willing to take on the oil companies, the question is whether Exxon Mobil can get away with doing whatever it wants. She helped shape some of Guyana’s strongest environmental laws. “Even though this is a massive oil company,” she said, “they still have to obey the law. The rule of law is the rule of law.”

The dissidents are deploying the law in their fight against the oil giant and the government, but with billions on the line, they’re also combating the currents of public opinion.

A fossil fuel economy in a changing world

For all the misery wrought by sugar during the colonial era, its legacy as an economic powerhouse lingers in local memory.

In Patentia, the village closest to Wales, where I attended first grade, laid-off sugar workers remember the estate as the center of the community. When its 1,000 workers lost their jobs, thousands more were sent reeling, as businesses from rum shops to mom-and-pop groceries folded.

The Guyana Sugar Corporation, then the country’s largest employer, eliminated a third of its work force, leaving about a fifth of the population coping with the effects of unemployment.

The timing of the closures, a year after the oil discovery, raised hopes that the petroleum industry might somehow fill the void. Seven years after the closures, however, most sugar workers haven’t found new jobs. Certainly, very few are employed by the petroleum industry.

Their struggle raises a crucial question for Guyana as it wrestles with the transition from the old economy to the new: How can Guyanese without the skills or education for petroleum jobs benefit? Nested within that quandary ticks another: What if the new economy isn’t so new? What if its petroleum-driven vision of progress is actually already outdated?

Thomas Singh, a behavioral economist who founded the University of Guyana’s Green Institute, has argued for transforming the still-active sugar industry’s waste into cellulosic ethanol, a cutting-edge biofuel. But Mr. Sharma, the energy agency head, says the industry is too small for its cane husks to power very much. Some of the jackpot from Norway for carbon offsets has been earmarked for eight small solar farms, but Mr. Sharma, who drives an electric car and has solar panels at his house, maintains that solar energy is too expensive to be a primary power source, despite arguments to the contrary . The giant hydroelectric project the Norway deal was supposed to fund, powered by a waterfall, has long been stalled.

What dominates the local imagination now is oil and gas. During my stay in Guyana, I kept hearing the calypso song “ Not a Blade of Grass ” on the radio. Written in the 1970s as a patriotic rallying cry and a stand against Venezuela, which threatened to annex two-thirds of Guyana, it has made a comeback with a new cover version. (So, too, have Venezuela’s threats .) The lyrics, to an outsider’s ear, sound like an anthem against Exxon Mobil: “When outside faces from foreign places talk about takin’ over, we ain’t backin’ down.” But in Guyana, it has been invoked recently to assert the nation’s right to pump its own oil. The voices against drilling, however outspoken, remain isolated; the more passionate debate is over whether Guyana should renegotiate its contract to get a bigger take of the oil proceeds.

Oil is seen as such a boon that even questioning how it’s regulated can be branded unpatriotic. Journalists, academics, lawyers, workers at nongovernmental organizations and even former E.P.A. employees confided their fear of being ostracized if they spoke against petroleum.

Since becoming an adult, I’ve returned to Guyana every few years to research the country’s past and its legacies. During this recent trip, an elder statesman I interviewed told me that it was time I moved back permanently. The thought points to a hope, reawakened by oil, that Guyana can reclaim its lost people. But from my recent trips back to the country, it’s hard to tell now what Guyana is becoming, and who will thrive there as it evolves.

The house my family lived in on the Wales Estate still stands. It has been freshly painted and refurbished, with a daunting sign outside threatening trespassers with closed-circuit television, dogs and drone surveillance. It has passed into private hands. Exactly who owns it is a matter of speculation. The rumor in Patentia? A former sugar worker from Wales repeated it to me: “Exxon owns that house.”

Do you have a connection to Guyana?

It’s still early days in Guyana’s transformation, and the events unfolding in Guyana will have a notable impact worldwide. We’d like to hear your perspectives on where the country is heading. We especially want to engage Guyanese people and those with family or ancestral connections to the country.

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Gaiutra Bahadur is the author of “Coolie Woman: The Odyssey of Indenture.” She teaches English and journalism as an associate professor at Rutgers University in Newark.

A Guide to Sugar and Other Sweeteners

One of the best things you can do for your health is to cut back on foods with added sugar . Here’s how to get started .

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A narrative that sugar feeds cancer has been making the rounds for decades. But while a healthy diet is important, you can’t “starve a tumor.”

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Are artificial sweeteners a healthy alternative to sugar? The W.H.O. warned against using them , saying that long-term use could pose health risks.

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Cash-strapped Trump is now selling $60 Bibles, U.S. Constitution included

Rachel Treisman

Then-President Donald Trump holds up a Bible outside St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., during a controversial 2020 photo-op. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Then-President Donald Trump holds up a Bible outside St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., during a controversial 2020 photo-op.

Former President Donald Trump is bringing together church and state in a gilded package for his latest venture, a $60 "God Bless The USA" Bible complete with copies of the nation's founding documents.

Trump announced the launch of the leather-bound, large-print, King James Bible in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday — a day after the social media company surged in its trading debut and two days after a New York appeals court extended his bond deadline to comply with a ruling in a civil fraud case and slashed the bond amount by 61%.

"Happy Holy Week! Let's Make America Pray Again," Trump wrote. "As we lead into Good Friday and Easter, I encourage you to get a copy of the God Bless The USA Bible."

Consider This from NPR

Why trump's persecution narrative resonates with christian supporters.

The Bible is inspired by "God Bless the USA," the patriotic Lee Greenwood anthem that has been a fixture at many a Trump rally (and has a long political history dating back to Ronald Reagan). It is the only Bible endorsed by Trump as well as Greenwood, according to its promotional website .

The Bible is only available online and sells for $59.99 (considerably more expensive than the traditional Bibles sold at major retailers, or those available for free at many churches and hotels). It includes Greenwood's handwritten chorus of its titular song as well as copies of historical documents including the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Pledge of Allegiance.

"Many of you have never read them and don't know the liberties and rights you have as Americans, and how you are being threatened to lose those rights," Trump said in a three-minute video advertisement.

"Religion and Christianity are the biggest things missing from this country, and I truly believe that we need to bring them back and we have to bring them back fast."

'You gotta be tough': White evangelicals remain enthusiastic about Donald Trump

Trump critics on both sides of the aisle quickly criticized the product, characterizing it as self-serving and hypocritical.

Conservative political commentator Charlie Sykes slammed him for "commodifying the Bible during Holy Week," while Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota critiqued him for "literally taking a holy book and selling it, and putting it out there in order to make money for his campaign."

Trump says the money isn't going to his campaign, but more on that below.

Klobuchar added that Trump's public attacks on others are "not consistent with the teachings of the Bible," calling this "one more moment of hypocrisy." Tara Setmayer, a senior adviser for anti-Trump Republican PAC the Lincoln Project, called it "blasphemous ."

And former Rep. Liz Cheney, a Republican from Wyoming, trolled Trump with a social media post alluding to his alleged extramarital affairs.

"Happy Holy Week, Donald," she wrote. "Instead of selling Bibles, you should probably buy one. And read it, including Exodus 20:14 ."

Christianity is an increasingly prominent part of his campaign

Trump has made a point of cultivating Christian supporters since his 2016 presidential campaign and remains popular with white evangelicals despite his multiple divorces, insults toward marginalized groups and allegations of extramarital affairs and sexual assault.

And his narrative of being persecuted — including in the courts — appears to resonate with his many Christian supporters.

Trump has increasingly embraced Christian nationalist ideas in public. He promised a convention of religious broadcasters last month that he would use a second term to defend Christian values from the "radical left," swearing that "no one will be touching the cross of Christ under the Trump administration."

He made similar comments in the Bible promotional video, in which he warned that "Christians are under siege" and the country is "going haywire" because it lost religion.

What to know about the debut of Trump's $399 golden, high-top sneakers

"We must defend God in the public square and not allow the media or the left-wing groups to silence, censor or discriminate against us," he said. "We have to bring Christianity back into our lives and back into what will be again a great nation."

Trump himself is not known to be particularly religious or a regular churchgoer. He long identified as Presbyterian but announced in 2020 that he identified as nondenominational .

A Pew Research Center survey released earlier this month found that most people with positive views of Trump don't see him as especially religious, but think he stands up for people with religious beliefs like their own.

Trump said in the promotional video that he has many Bibles at home.

"It's my favorite book," he said, echoing a comment he's made in previous years. "It's a lot of people's favorite book."

The Impact Of Christian Nationalism On American Democracy

Trump's relationship to the Bible has been a point of discussion and sometimes controversy over the years.

In 2020, amid protests over George Floyd's murder, he posed with a Bible outside a Washington, D.C., church, for which he was widely criticized. U.S. Park Police and National Guard troops had tear-gassed peaceful protesters in the area beforehand, seemingly to make way for the photo-op, though a watchdog report the following year determined otherwise .

That same year, a clip of a 2015 Bloomberg interview, in which Trump declines to name his favorite — or any — Bible verse resurfaced on social media and went viral.

Bible sales are unlikely to solve Trump's financial problems

An FAQ section on the Bible website says no profits will go to Trump's reelection campaign.

"GodBlessTheUSABible.com is not political and has nothing to do with any political campaign," it says.

However, the site adds that it uses Trump's name, likeness and image "under paid license from CIC Ventures LLC."

Trump is listed as the manager, president, secretary and treasurer of CIC Ventures LLC in a financial disclosure from last year.

Here's what happens if Trump can't pay his $454 million bond

Trump's sales pitch focuses on bringing religion back to America.

"I want to have a lot of people have it," he said at one point in the video. "You have to have it for your heart and for your soul."

But many are wondering whether Trump has something else to gain from Bible sales while facing under mounting financial pressure.

There's his presidential reelection campaign, which has raised only about half of what Biden's has so far this cycle. Trump acknowledged Monday that he "might" spend his own money on his campaign, something he hasn't done since 2016.

There's also his mounting legal expenses, as he faces four criminal indictments and numerous civil cases. Trump posted bond to support a $83.3 million jury award granted to writer E. Jean Carroll in a defamation case earlier this month, and was due to put up another $454 million in a civil fraud case this past Monday.

Trump is on the verge of a windfall of billions of dollars. Here are 3 things to know

His lawyers had said last week that they had approached 30 companies for help making bond, but doing so was a "practical impossibility" — prompting New York's attorney general to confirm that if Trump did not pay, she would move to seize his assets . On Monday, the appeals court reduced the bond amount to $175 million and gave Trump another 10 days to post it.

Trump has evidently been trying to raise money in other ways.

The day after the civil fraud judgment was announced, he debuted a line of $399 golden, high-top sneakers , which sold out in hours . The company behind his social media app, Truth Social, started trading on the Nasdaq exchange on Tuesday, which could deliver him a windfall of more than $3 billion — though he can't sell his shares for another six months.

Donald J. Trump
sales pitch
Christianity

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