Introduction:
- The upcoming state elections in India have prompted the central government to intensify efforts to control food inflation to avoid its potential impact on election campaigns.
- However, the strategies employed to curb food inflation and their consequences warrant careful analysis for informed policy decisions.
Basmati Rice Export Policy:
- One of the notable measures taken is the imposition of a minimum export price (MEP) of $1,200 per tonne on basmati rice, which has traditionally been a key agricultural export.
- Over the last five years, India has averaged approximately 4.5 million tonnes of basmati rice exports annually, primarily to Gulf countries, certain European nations, and the United States.
- Punjab and Haryana are the primary producers, and export prices typically range from $800 to $1,000 per tonne. The imposition of a $1,200 MEP effectively restricts a significant portion of basmati rice exports.
Impact on Basmati Exports:
- Continuation of the MEP at this level is likely to result in a substantial decline in India’s basmati rice exports in the current year.
- This policy has had repercussions in the mandis (marketplaces) of Punjab and Haryana, where traders have become reluctant to purchase basmati rice.
- Consequently, farmers in these regions have experienced reduced prices compared to when exports were unrestricted.
Winners and Losers:
- The beneficiaries of the MEP policy are predominantly the upper-income urban class in India, which primarily consumes premium basmati rice.
- Conversely, the policy has adversely affected the farmers of Punjab and Haryana, who rely on basmati rice cultivation for their livelihoods.
- The imposition of the MEP has created a disparity where urban consumers benefit at the expense of rural producers.
Impact on Export Markets:
- It’s crucial to acknowledge that developing export markets is a long-term endeavor, and imposing a high MEP jeopardizes India’s position in these markets.
- This action effectively cedes the export market for basmati rice to Pakistan, India’s primary competitor in this industry. The question arises as to whether this is a conscious policy decision with broader geopolitical implications.
Conclusion:
The central government’s efforts to control food inflation ahead of state elections are evident in the imposition of a $1,200 per tonne MEP on basmati rice.
While this strategy may benefit urban consumers, it significantly impacts basmati rice producers in Punjab and Haryana.
Additionally, it raises concerns about the potential consequences for India’s export markets and its relationship with competitors like Pakistan. Analyzing these policy decisions is essential for rational and informed policymaking.
The Role and Challenges of Speakers in the Indian Political System
Introduction:
The Chief Justice of India expresses concern over the inaction of the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker regarding disqualification petitions of its members, emphasizing the importance of following court orders and upholding the court’s dignity.
Historical Origins of the Speaker:
- The concept of the Speaker’s role emerged in medieval Britain as a spokesperson for the House of Commons in its dealings with the King.
- Over time, the Speaker transitioned from being seen as an agent of the Crown to an impartial Chairman of the House of Commons, entrusted with safeguarding the rights and privileges of the House, its committees, and its members.
Speaker’s Functions and Conduct:
- In India, both the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies elect a Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively.
- The Speaker’s primary responsibilities include certifying Money Bills and deciding on disqualifications under the Tenth Schedule for defection.
- Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly rules allow the suspension of members for misconduct, often leading to allegations of misuse against opposition members.
- Instances of partisan actions by Speakers, such as swift suspension of opposition leaders and delayed action against ruling party members, raise concerns about impartiality and fairness.
- Notable examples of misuse include the unconstitutional suspension of BJP MLAs in the Maharashtra Assembly and the low referral of significant bills to parliamentary standing committees.
Challenges in Disqualification Decisions:
- The power to decide on disqualifications under the Tenth Schedule is vested in the Speaker, who is expected to act impartially.
- Past instances have shown a tendency of Speakers to favor the ruling party, undermining the democratic principles.
- Calls for amending the Constitution to establish an independent tribunal headed by judges, rather than the Speaker, to decide on defections have been made, supported by the Supreme Court’s recommendations in Keisham Meghachandra Singh vs. The Honble Speaker Manipur (2020).
- The Maharashtra Assembly Speaker’s inaction in deciding disqualification petitions, despite court directions, raises concerns about the Speaker’s role in ensuring political stability.
Impartiality and Accountability:
- In the UK, once elected, the Speaker resigns from their political party and seeks re-election as ‘the Speaker seeking re-election’ to demonstrate impartiality.
- In India, although the Tenth Schedule allows Speakers to resign from their political party upon election, no Speaker has done so.
- Constitutional functionaries, like Speakers, enjoy certain privileges, but it is essential that they demonstrate impartiality and adhere to sound democratic practices.
- The adoption of practices from the UK, along with a vow to uphold impartiality, could instill confidence in the office of the Speaker and enhance the functioning of Indian democracy.
Conclusion:
The role and conduct of Speakers in India’s political system have raised questions about their impartiality and fairness. Addressing these challenges, either through constitutional amendments or by embracing practices from countries like the UK, is crucial to maintain the dignity and credibility of the Speaker’s office and ensure a robust democratic system.
Basics of Speaker of Lok Sabha
Refer Present Day (30 Oct 2023) edition of Pulse of the Day
