Content :
- The Census and the remaking of a people
- Empowering women in agriculture for food security
- Tighten the process
The Census and the remaking of a people
Core Argument
- Census is not just a demographic exercise but a political act — it shapes how a “population” becomes a “people” in the constitutional sense.
- Census 2027 will be a transformational event akin to the impact of COVID-19, due to its scope, digital processing, and political ramifications.
Relevance : GS 1 (Indian Society) , GS 2 ( Polity & Governance)
Practice Question :“The Census is not just a tool of enumeration, but a powerful instrument of political transformation.” Examine this statement in the context of Census 2027 and its potential implications for federalism and social justice in India.(250 Words)
Key Issues and Implications
Delimitation and Representation
- Article 81 mandates redrawing of parliamentary constituencies after 2026 Census.
- The delay of 2021 Census fast-tracks this process — 2029 general election may occur on a new political map.
- Population as sole criterion could shift power from southern/western (low-birth, high-income) states to northern/central (high-birth, low-income) ones — sparking regional imbalance concerns.
Census as a Political Tool
- Captures migration, language shifts, urbanization, etc., which influence policy and identity.
- Data gathering shapes realities — recording caste, gender, migration may change electoral and social dynamics.
- Caste census revival after 1931 will intensify demand to revisit the 50% reservation cap.
Federal and Fiscal Dimensions
- The 16th Finance Commission’s report (2025) will coincide with the new Census data — critical for Centre-State revenue sharing.
- States like Tamil Nadu, Kerala may feel penalized for past success in population control and economic development.
Gender, Caste, and Identity Politics
- One-third reservation for women in Parliament and Assemblies will take shape post-Census.
- Gender and caste being counted as national categories may be used to neutralize regional imbalances in political representation.
Broader Themes
National Unity and Identity
- Shift from colonial-era static identities to fluid, negotiated identities.
- National unity is being reimagined across religion, caste, and region — Census 2027 is central to this renegotiation.
Political Strategy
- Parties may use population-based delimitation to consolidate strongholds and redefine national identity.
- Congress and Left face challenge of balancing regional vs national interests in response to the caste and demographic debate.
Conclusion
- Census 2027 is not a technical event — it is a political reset.
- It will redefine who we are as a people, how power is shared, and which groups are empowered — triggering long-term consequences across politics, federalism, and identity.
Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed here are based on the original article published in THE HINDU and do not reflect the official stance of Legacy IAS Academy. This content is provided solely for educational and discussion purposes.
Empowering women in agriculture for food security
Core Theme
- Declaring 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer is a global recognition of women’s pivotal role in agriculture, and a call to address persistent gender-based inequalities in the sector.
Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues) , GS 3(Agriculture)
Practice Question : “Empowering women in agriculture is not just a gender issue, but a strategy for food security and sustainable development.”Discuss the status of women in Indian agriculture and suggest measures to enhance their role in ensuring food security. (250 words)
Status of Women in Agriculture
- Women contribute 60–80% of food production in developing countries and 39% of agricultural labour in South Asia.
- In India, 80% of economically active women work in agriculture, yet only 8.3–14% own land.
- Lack of land ownership limits women’s access to credit, markets, and formal institutions — hampering productivity and empowerment.
Structural Challenges
- Limited access to technology (like mobile phones) reduces their ability to receive agri-advisories and information.
- Credit access through SHGs/microfinance exists but remains inadequate for high-value investments.
Government Support Schemes
- Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana: Skill-building and resource access.
- Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation: 50–80% subsidy for machinery for women.
- National Food Security Mission: 30% of funds reserved for women in certain regions.
Climate Change & Resilience
- Women farmers are disproportionately affected by climate change due to caregiving roles and exposure to agri-risks.
- ENACT project in Assam empowers women with:
- Weekly digital advisories on climate-resilient agriculture.
- Access to flood-resistant rice varieties, smart seed production, and livelihood diversification.
- Support from multiple government and technical partners.
Action Points
- Policy must be gender-responsive and based on granular data.
- Farming tools, credit systems, and value chains should be designed with women’s needs in mind.
- Strengthen collective action (e.g., SHGs), market access, and leadership roles for women.
Conclusion
- 2026 is a milestone opportunity to realign global and national efforts toward:
- Gender equality in agriculture.
- Strengthening women’s role in food security, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
Tighten the process
Core Theme : Concerns around electoral transparency demand a proactive, credible response from the Election Commission of India (ECI) to safeguard democratic legitimacy.
Relevance : GS 2(Elections , Electoral Reforms)
Practice Question : “Electoral legitimacy rests not just on outcomes but on the transparency and integrity of the process.” In this context, critically examine the recent concerns raised over voter roll management, access to election data, and appointment mechanisms of Election Commissioners in India. Suggest measures to enhance trust in electoral processes.(250 Words)
Key Issues Raised
- Voter Roll Anomalies:
- Rahul Gandhi alleges an abnormal surge in voter numbers in Maharashtra between the general and Assembly elections.
- Over 39 lakh new voters added in just six months — mirrors similar trends in 2014, but lacks transparency.
- Suspicious Turnout After 5 PM:
- Claims of unusually high voter turnout after 5 p.m. do not hold on scrutiny.
- Provisional figures (app-based) differ from Form 17C official counts, which are more accurate but delayed.
- Access to CCTV Footage:
- Recent amendment to the Conduct of Election Rules (1961) restricts access to polling station CCTV footage.
- Transparency concerns arise when parties are denied footage needed to assess irregularities.
- Appointment of Election Commissioners:
- Alleged executive overreach: Government ignored the Supreme Court’s 2023 directive recommending inclusion of CJI in the selection panel.
Arguments that Lack Merit
- Alleged spike in turnout post-5 p.m. is unsubstantiated and based on flawed provisional data.
Legitimate Concerns
- Transparency in voter roll updates is lacking — parties must be involved in pre-verification processes.
- Restricted CCTV access hinders scrutiny and weakens electoral accountability.
- Lack of real-time machine-readable roll data limits independent verification.
Responsibility & Recommendations
- ECI must:
- Ensure machine-readable, disaggregated roll data is published.
- Retain and allow controlled access to CCTV footage.
- Implement transparent, participatory processes during voter roll revisions.
- Political Parties must:
- Engage proactively in the voter registration and verification phases.
- Avoid raising post-result objections without prior scrutiny.
Conclusion
While some allegations may be politically motivated, there is a clear need for greater transparency, accountability, and institutional neutrality to uphold the credibility of Indian elections.
Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed here are based on the original article published in THE HINDU and do not reflect the official stance of Legacy IAS Academy. This content is provided solely for educational and discussion purposes.
