Content:
- The post of Deputy Speaker is not symbolic or optional
- India’s urban future is at a crossroads
The post of Deputy Speaker is not symbolic or optional
Constitutional Mandate
- The office of Deputy Speaker is mandated under Article 93 of the Constitution.
- The phrase “as soon as may be” implies urgency, not discretion, in electing both Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
- Article 94 ensures the Deputy Speaker remains until resignation, removal, or disqualification.
Relevance : GS 2(Polity ,Constitution)
Practice Question : “The Office of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is not merely symbolic but a constitutional necessity.” In the light of recent developments, critically examine the significance of this office and the implications of its prolonged vacancy.(250 Words)
Not Merely Ceremonial
- The Deputy Speaker’s role is not symbolic or optional; it ensures continuity and stability in Lok Sabha proceedings.
- Acts as second-in-command, especially crucial during the Speaker’s absence or emergencies.
Historical and Institutional Importance
- The post evolved from the colonial-era Deputy President of the Central Legislative Assembly (first held by Sachidanand Sinha in 1921).
- Institutionalised even before the Constitution came into force; M.A. Ayyangar was the first elected Deputy Speaker post-independence.
- Played a key role during Speaker G.V. Mavalankar’s death (1956), proving its necessity.
Functional Relevance
- Ensures uninterrupted proceedings when Speaker is unavailable.
- Can preside over important committees and sensitive debates.
- Expected to act with neutrality and impartiality, like the Speaker.
Tradition of Bipartisanship
- Conventionally offered to the Opposition, fostering cross-party cooperation.
- Reinforces the non-partisan ethos of the legislative process.
- This convention, though unwritten, is central to democratic consensus.
Constitutional Neglect and Anomaly
- Office has been vacant for entire 17th Lok Sabha (2019–2024) and remains so even in the 18th Lok Sabha (2024–present).
- This prolonged vacancy is unprecedented in Indian parliamentary history.
- The delay violates constitutional spirit and centralises power in the ruling party via the Speaker.
Risks and Implications
- Absence of Deputy Speaker may lead to leadership vacuum in emergencies.
- Undermines institutional checks and balances.
- Erodes public trust in parliamentary norms and practices.
Need for Reform
- Suggests amending Article 93 to include a fixed timeline (e.g., within 60 days of first sitting).
- Alternatively, a statutory mechanism empowering the President to act on advice could ensure compliance.
- Reform is essential to prevent executive overreach and promote rule-based governance.
Conclusion
- The Deputy Speaker’s role is constitutionally essential for legislative integrity and democratic resilience.
- The current vacancy is not passive delay but active sidelining of consensus politics.
- Parliament must act to restore institutional credibility and uphold constitutional obligations.
India’s urban future is at a crossroads
Context & Current Urban Crisis
- Indian cities face acute water shortages and rising electricity demands amid increasing summer temperatures.
- Examples: Bengaluru and Hyderabad witnessing spikes in water tanker bookings; power outages due to surging AC usage.
- Highlights urban vulnerability to climate extremes and infrastructural inadequacy.
Relevance : GS 1(Urbanisation)
Practice Question: Urbanisation in India has led to growth and opportunities but also poses significant challenges, including environmental degradation, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure. With more than 30% of India’s population living in cities, it is crucial to assess whether Indian cities are prepared to tackle climate extremes and sustainable urbanisation.(250 Words)
Urbanisation: Opportunities & Threats
- Urbanisation promotes growth and development but also worsens:
- Pollution
- Congestion
- Environmental degradation
- Impacts disproportionately affect the urban poor, worsening inequality.
SDG-11 and India’s Urban Readiness
- SDG-11: “Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable” by 2030.
- India is far from this target due to:
- Inadequate planning for climate resilience
- Poor handling of the urban heat island effect
- Limited institutional preparedness
Limitations of Current Indices
- NITI Aayog’s SDG Urban Index:
- Covers 56 cities but SDG-11 based on only 4 indicators.
- Ease of Living Index:
- Broader coverage (111 cities) but lacks focused SDG-11 assessment.
- Global indices (Mercer, Economist):
- Miss India-specific urban ground realities.
New Research-Based Index Approach
- Developed four SDG-11 indices for 10 major Indian cities:
- Safety (9 indicators)
- Inclusivity (19 indicators)
- Sustainability (15 indicators)
- Resilience
- Used Shannon Entropy Weighting for objectivity.
- Data Sources: Census 2011, NCRB, NFHS-5, PLFS, IMD, etc.
Key Findings from the Indices
- Inclusivity:
- Best: Ahmedabad
- Worst: Jaipur
- Safety:
- Best: Bengaluru
- Worst: Kolkata
- Sustainability:
- Best: Surat
- Worst: Kolkata
- Resilience:
- Best: Chennai
- Worst: Jaipur
- Contrast with NITI Aayog rankings: Cities labelled as “front-runners” performed poorly in new indices.
Insights and Gaps Identified
- Inclusivity gaps: Unequal access to jobs, housing, mobility.
- Safety disparities: Variations in law enforcement effectiveness.
- Sustainability deficits: Poor waste, pollution, and environmental planning.
- Resilience shortfalls:
- Only 16 cities have city sustainability plans.
- Only 17 have city resilience strategies.
Policy Recommendations & Way Forward
- Empower Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for localized data collection and planning.
- Utilize Smart Cities Mission’s ICCCs for real-time urban governance.
- Introduce Urban Poor Quality of Living Surveys to update outdated poverty data (still based on Census 2011).
- Move towards city-specific, data-driven planning acknowledging regional uniqueness.
- Prioritise resilience-building and climate adaptation strategies in city budgets and planning.
Conclusion
- India’s urban transition is at a critical inflection point.
- Without bold, data-backed, localised interventions, cities risk becoming more unlivable and unequal.
- Achieving SDG-11 requires systemic reforms, sustained political will, and empowered city-level institutions.
