Latest news with #15th
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
The need to safeguard the right to vote
The story so far: On July 10, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission (EC) to consider Aadhaar cards, voter ID cards, and ration cards as acceptable documents for the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. It has listed the batch of petitions challenging the EC's decision for further hearing on July 28. The court's remark — that the question of 'right to vote' goes to the very root of the functioning of our republic — has cast a spotlight on the foundational processes of India's electoral machinery and the genesis of India's 'universal adult suffrage' (UAS). India's constitutional promise of the 'right to vote' differs significantly from that of many Western democracies. Reflecting the flawed belief, espoused by thinkers like J.S. Mill, that voting should be reserved for the 'enlightened' and denied to the 'ignorant,' countries like the U.K. initially restricted the franchise to male property owners. Universal male suffrage emerged only in 1918, and women were granted the right to vote a decade later in 1928. In the U.S., although the 15th and 19th Amendments extended voting rights to African Americans (1870) and women (1920), systemic barriers such as poll taxes and literacy tests continued to disenfranchise many for decades thereafter. How was universal adult suffrage made real in India? In sharp contrast, far from gradualism and the 'privileged class' criteria, India's choice of immediate, universal inclusion ensured 'democratic equality' from the outset, bypassing the prolonged and often violent struggles seen elsewhere. Article 326 of the Constitution granted every adult citizen the right to vote, regardless of gender, caste, religion, education, or property, at a time when most of the world moved cautiously. Initially set at 21 years of age, this threshold was lowered to 18 by the 61st Constitutional Amendment in 1989. This commitment to a robust, inclusive democracy found further constitutional reinforcement in a series of Supreme Court judgments, notably starting with Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), which established democracy as part of the 'basic structure' doctrine. For this ideal to function meaningfully, people should be able to freely decide the fate of their government, an unassailable right that shapes governance and must never be compromised. This inclusive vision was operationalised through two key laws: the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which governs the preparation and revision of electoral rolls; and the 1951 Act, which regulates election conduct, candidature, and electoral offences. The EC has repeatedly introduced administrative innovations to realise this 'constitutional promise'. Notably, the then Chief Election Commissioner Sukumar Sen, faced with the task of enrolling 173 million largely illiterate voters, turned a logistical hurdle into a democratic breakthrough by introducing election symbols, making UAS practically accessible. In India, EC has a great responsibility to reach the last citizen, wherever they may be, to actualise their 'right to elect'. As Winston Churchill once said, 'At the bottom of all tributes paid to democracy is the little man, walking into a little booth, with a little pencil, making a little cross on a little bit of paper…' His words remain a timeless reminder that the health of any democracy ultimately rests on the sanctity of the 'right to vote'. Is voting a fundamental right in India? The legal status of the 'right to vote' in India has long been debated. Although Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and K.T. Shah proposed including it in the Constitution's fundamental rights part, the Constituent Assembly's Advisory Committee ultimately rejected the idea. Importantly, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India (2006) held that the 'right to elect' is a statutory right under Section 62 of the RPA, 1951, and not a fundamental or constitutional right. Later in 2016, though a two-judge bench in Rajbala v. State of Haryana described the 'right to vote' as a constitutional right, the larger bench ruling in Kuldip Nayar prevails. Again, in Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023), the top court declined to pronounce on the issue, noting that it had already been settled by the five-judge Bench in the Kuldip Nayar judgment. However, in his dissent, Justice Ajay Rastogi asserted that the 'right to vote' is an expression of Article 19(1)(a) and reflects the essence of Article 21. Yet, as this view remains a minority opinion, the 'right to elect' continues to be recognised as a statutory right under prevailing law. Nevertheless, even though it is not a fundamental right, courts have regarded the right to vote as an inseparable part of democracy, anchoring their reasoning in the idea that it enables citizens to shape governance, making it a 'democratic imperative' vital to the Indian republic's survival. As philosopher John Dewey said, democracy is not just a form of government, but a social and personal ideal. Why does electoral roll accuracy matter? Free and fair elections rest on accurate electoral rolls, under the RPA, 1950. Inaccuracies — such as mass omissions, ineligible inclusions, duplicates, or incorrect entries — undermine the 'one person, one vote' principle by enabling impersonation, disenfranchisement, or dilution of votes, ultimately distorting the people's mandate. Therefore, the EC is empowered under Section 21 of the 1950 Act to prepare and revise these rolls to ensure integrity. While discrepancies may arise, courts have consistently held that only substantial and systemic errors that demonstrably 'materially affected' the election outcome can compromise the sanctity of the electoral roll. Minor mistakes or isolated disenfranchisement are insufficient. Allegations like those in Bihar warrant scrutiny, but it must also be noted that purification of rolls is necessary because just as the exclusion of an eligible voter undermines democracy, so does the inclusion of an ineligible name. Therefore, rather than disrupting or delaying the exercise, efforts should focus on helping improve the process. The Supreme Court's suggestion to include more accepted documents helps safeguard every genuine elector's right to be represented. While the right to inclusion or objection in electoral rolls is conferred on individuals, not political parties, the court in Lakshmi Charan Sen v. A.K.M. Hassan Uzzaman (1985) observed that in a largely illiterate and politically unaware electorate, parties should take steps to ensure eligible voters are included and ineligible ones are removed. Given India's party-based Parliamentary system, such vigilance will help to preserve 'electoral integrity'. Who qualifies as an ordinary resident? The EC under Article 324 serves as the constitutional guardian of elections, with powers of superintendence, direction, and control. A key duty is preparing accurate electoral rolls, guided by Section 19 of the RPA, 1950, which mandates that any citizen aged 18 or above, 'ordinarily resident' in a constituency and not disqualified, is entitled to be registered. 'Ordinary resident' implies a genuine, continuous presence, not a temporary stay. For example, a student living in a hostel may not qualify if their permanent home and intent to return lie elsewhere. Mere temporary absence from one's place of ordinary residence does not negate one's status as an ordinary resident of that location. This criterion prevents fraudulent registrations and ensures voters maintain real ties to their constituencies, preserving representative accountability. Interestingly, the Manmohan Singh case (1991) exemplifies judicial scrutiny on this front. His election from Assam was challenged for lack of 'ordinary residence,' leading the court to clarify that ordinary residence means habitual, regular, and genuine presence, not a temporary or casual stay or a nominal address. Beyond ordinary voters, India's electoral system accommodates those unable to vote conventionally. Under Rule 18 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, 'postal ballots' are available to service voters like armed forces personnel, paramilitary, armed State police posted outside, and government staff abroad, and voters on election duty. Overseas electors — Indian citizens living abroad without foreign citizenship — can register under Section 20A of the RPA, 1950. However, they must vote in person, as they are currently ineligible for postal or proxy voting. One of the most contentious issues regarding the SIR exercise in Bihar is the debate on 'citizenship verification'. In Lal Babu Hussein v. ERO (1995), the court quashed two EC directives (1992 and 1994) allowing District Collectors and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to identify and delete alleged foreigners from voter rolls. The Supreme Court noted that the poll body guidelines put the 'onus of proof of citizenship' on the person involved, even disregarding that several persons were voters in previous elections. The court ruled that EROs must give due weight to past electoral rolls, conduct full inquiries, and follow quasi-judicial procedures, ensuring natural justice and adherence to the Citizenship Act and Constitution. These safeguards must guide the current exercise as well. Moreover, allegations or vague suspicions cannot justify the exclusion of individuals from citizenship or voter lists without credible evidence and due process, according to the judgments in Lal Babu and Md. Rahim Ali (2024). What is next? The Bihar SIR controversy and broader electoral reform debates highlight a core democratic truth: India's democracy depends on electoral rolls that are accurate, inclusive, and accessible. As the Supreme Court prepares to resume hearings on July 28, the EC must complete the exercise with a careful balance between genuine vigilance and inclusion to uphold the fairness of the process. Public awareness should empower voters to verify and update their entries, making them active custodians of electoral integrity. Safeguarding the vote is not merely a statutory obligation; it is a shared democratic responsibility, requiring vigilant institutions, informed citizens, and forward-looking legal reforms. Kartikey Singh is a lawyer based in New Delhi
The Star
04-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Cancer survivor goes from battle to blackboard
Proud moment: Aisyah posing for a photo after the 15th IPGM convocation ceremony. — Low Lay Phon/The Star KAJANG: Breast cancer survivor, Aisyah Humaira' Mohd Aqbal, is a step closer to achieving her ambition of becoming a Bahasa Melayu (BM) teacher. The 23-year-old Alor Setar native dedicated her achievement to her late mother, her pillar of strength who encouraged her to take up teaching. Graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Teaching with a major in BM for primary education, Aisyah said her journey was filled with obstacles – but she never gave up. She was diagnosed with Stage Four breast cancer last year. 'Right after the diagnosis, the doctor started me on chemotherapy. I went through nine sessions and it was a painful experience. 'We had to change the chemo drug three times because it wasn't working. Eventually, I was put on hormone therapy and now take medication daily,' she said during the Institute of Teacher Education Malaysia (IPGM) convocation ceremony in Bangi yesterday. Throughout her battle with cancer, Aisyah was determined to finish her studies. 'I didn't want to waste the five years I had put into this journey. 'Being sick was never an excuse. I was determined to complete this,' said the IPG Darulaman campus graduate. Even though she often missed classes on chemotherapy treatment days, Aisyah kept up with lessons thanks to her lecturers and friends. 'I would WhatsApp my lecturers after chemo sessions and catch up on what I missed. 'My friends really helped me, especially with assignments. They shared materials and even their food with me,' she said. The second of three siblings explained that her father was her other pillar that kept her strong. 'My father makes and delivers kuih to local shops in Alor Setar. He and my late mum built the business together, and now he continues it. '(My mother) had knee problems and couldn't walk, but in the end, it was a stroke and Covid-19 that took her. I just wish she could be here to witness this. 'My mum encouraged me to apply to IPGM after my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams. She always loved teaching and recommended me to major in teaching BM. 'If she were here, I'd just want to say thank you. This degree is for her,' she said. Asked what kept her motivated throughout her illness, she said it was all about purpose. 'Stay strong. If you feel down, look at the people around you. 'We all have someone we want to make proud – our parents, our siblings. Don't give up,' she said. The four-day 15th Education Ministry IPGM Convocation Ceremony, which started on June 30, involved 5,390 graduates who completed their studies and teacher training at 28 IPGM campuses and English Language Teaching Centres.
The Star
03-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Education Ministry ends teacher shortage woes
KAJANG: The Education Ministry and the Education Service Commission (SPP) have implemented reforms to resolve teacher shortage issues, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. 'We have put an end to the matter to ensure that the issue of teacher shortages can be addressed through various mechanisms, particularly to ensure that the teachers we deploy are of high quality and can specifically meet the needs of our students. 'Therefore, together with our synergy partner SPP, we have successfully overcome the issue of teacher shortages, and God willing, it will continue to improve from time to time,' she said in her speech during the Institute of Teacher Education Malaysia (IPGM) convocation ceremony on Thursday (July 3). Meanwhile, she also said that applications to the IPGM continue to rise annually, indicating a high level of interest in becoming educators. 'However, teaching is not easy — it requires a genuine passion for the role, not just academic qualification,' she said. She also said entry pathways into the IPGM have been expanded to include Sijil Pelajaran Tinggi Malaysia (STPM), Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM), and Tahfiz Ulul Albab (TMUA) graduates, reflecting the ministry's push to admit high-potential candidates from diverse academic backgrounds. The four-day 15th Education Ministry IPG Convocation Ceremony, which started on June 30, involves 5,390 graduates who completed their studies and teacher training at 28 campus IPGs and English Language Teaching Centres. The convocation ceremony involved students from the June 2021 intake of the Bachelor of Teaching Degree Programme.
India Gazette
25-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Dharmendra Pradhan chairs meeting with Union Ministers on expansion of Rourkela Steel Plant in Odisha
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], June 25 (ANI): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday co-chaired a meeting with Minister of Steel HD Kumaraswamy and Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram to resolve issues pertaining to the expansion of Rourkela Steel Plant in Odisha. In a post on X, Dharmendra Pradhan posted, 'Together with Union Ministers HD Kumaraswamy and Jual Oram, co-chaired a meeting to resolve issues on the expansion of Rourkela Steel Plant in Odisha. Expansion of RSP is strategically important for India's steel sector as well as for the industrial and socio-economic development of Odisha and the eastern region.' 'The expansion will boost our steel production capacity, strengthen India's position in the global steel market, reduce imports, cater to the needs of key industrial sectors, catalyse Odisha's economy, drive growth and create large-scale jobs in steel and allied sectors in line with PM Narendra Modi's vision of Purvodaya,' said Pradhan's post. 'Thankful to Steel Minister for agreeing to my suggestion to form a High-powered Committee for addressing hurdles hindering the expansion, removing bottlenecks and resolving all unresolved issues. Also, appreciate his commitment to a vibrant steel sector in Odisha,' his post added. Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy also took to his handle on X and posted, 'Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Jual Oram met me to discuss the proposed expansion of Rourkela Steel Plant and to raise important concerns related to the welfare of local communities in the region.' 'We had a constructive and solution-focused discussion. I have assured them that all issues raised will be examined with utmost seriousness, and appropriate steps will be taken in coordination with all stakeholders. Development must be inclusive, and we are committed to ensuring that the growth of our steel sector brings prosperity to the people it touches,' he said. Union Minister Jual Oram also posted on X, 'Co-chaired a meeting with Union Ministers HD Kumaraswamy and Dharmendra Pradhan to discuss and address key issues related to the expansion of the Rourkela Steel Plant and the upgradation of Rourkela Airport.' 'During the meeting, we held an in-depth discussion on the expansion of the Rourkela Steel Plant, focusing on its strategic importance to the region's industrial growth, employment generation, and economic development. We also deliberated on the expansion and upgradation of Rourkela Airport, which will significantly improve regional connectivity and boost trade, tourism, and investment in Odisha,' he posted. Earlier on Monday, Dharmendra Pradhan met Housing and Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to seek his intervention on the timely release of 15th Finance Commission grants to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Sambalpur and Deogarh for the year 2024-25. According to an official release from Dharmendra Pradhan's office, 'Union Education Minister and Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Sambalpur Dharmendra Pradhan met Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Power Manohar Lal Khattar to seek his intervention towards ensuring timely release of 15th Finance Commission grants to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Sambalpur and Deogarh for the Financial Year 2024-25.' 'These funds are critical for carrying out essential developmental initiatives and completing a wide range of civic and infrastructure works, including improvement of roads, sanitation, urban beautification, health and wellness, among others in the region,' it said. It added that Pradhan also sought his cooperation for affordable housing projects, PM-SVANidhi, e-bus services, and effective regional waste management mechanisms. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
14-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka CM seeks higher share in central tax pool
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Friday pushed for a more equitable tax devolution system while urging the 16th Finance Commission to rectify what he described as a persistent imbalance in fiscal transfers from the Centre to states. 'Karnataka's fiscal strength fuels national growth. It is time to ensure that growth is not penalised but rewarded. We urge the commission to adopt a balanced, forward-looking approach to devolution,' Siddaramaiah said during a meeting with commission chairman Arvind Panagariya and members in New Delhi to present Karnataka's views through an additional memorandum. Highlighting Karnataka's contribution to the national economy, the chief minister pointed out that the state accounts for nearly 8.7% of India's GDP, despite representing only 5% of the country's population. It also ranks second in GST collections. 'For every rupee Karnataka contributes to Union taxes, it receives only 15 paise in return,' he pointed out. Citing the reduction in the state's share of tax devolution by the 15th Finance Commission — from 4.713% to 3.647%, the CM said that it resulted in a cumulative loss of over ₹80,000 crore. Karnataka's per capita devolution, he added, has fallen from 95% of the national average during the 14th Finance Commission to just 73% under the 15th, even as the state's GDP contribution rose. The 16th Finance Commission, established in December 2023, is tasked with recommending tax revenue distribution between the central government and states for 2026-31. The commission is currently conducting consultations and must submit its recommendations by October 31, 2025. Siddaramaiah was joined by economic advisor Basavaraja Rayareddy, the chief secretary, and senior officers from the finance department and the chief minister's office. In its main memorandum, Karnataka proposed increasing the states' share in vertical tax devolution to at least 50% and capping cesses and surcharges at 5%. It also recommended that Union non-tax revenues be included in the divisible pool. For horizontal devolution among states, Karnataka argued that high-performing states should retain about 60% of their contribution, with the remaining 40% directed toward less-developed states. The state also advocated reducing the weight assigned to the income-distance criterion — a metric used to determine fiscal capacity gaps — and shifting focus towards measuring each state's economic contribution. 'Equity must be implemented in a time-bound and outcome-oriented manner, without disadvantaging states that demonstrate strong economic performance and sound fiscal management,' Siddaramaiah said. The additional memorandum focused on three key areas — disparities in per capita devolution, flaws in the design of Revenue Deficit Grants, and the unpredictability of State-Specific Grants. The CM questioned the effectiveness of Revenue Deficit Grants, pointing out that 'persistent deficits in beneficiary states' raise doubts about their impact. He called for these grants to be distributed using the horizontal devolution formula instead. He also criticised the current assumptions used in determining these grants. 'Unfortunately, these assessments tend to place welfare policies on a lower pedestal compared to salaries, pensions, and administrative expenses,' he said. Referring to the state's welfare programs, Siddaramaiah said, 'Our government has been guided by Gandhiji's philosophy of Sarvodaya, emphasising welfare for all. These initiatives stimulate local demand and drive inclusive growth.' In place of discretionary grants, Karnataka proposed a formula-based allocation of 0.3% of Gross Union Receipts. However, if special grants are retained, the state reiterated its demand for support for Bengaluru and other critical projects. Seeking backing for ₹1.15 lakh crore in investments to upgrade Bengaluru's infrastructure, the CM said the capital city plays a central role in the state's economy. He also emphasized the need to address the regional imbalances in Kalyana Karnataka and Malnad, which continue to face poor infrastructure and low income levels. Concluding the presentation, Siddaramaiah asserted that equity and growth must go hand in hand. 'A strong Karnataka — supported by fair fiscal devolution — is essential for a strong India,' he told the commission.
