CURRENT AFFAIRS

Polity-II

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Notes

Contents

Aadhar and its Controversy

CAG

Citizenship Amendment Act, 2015 - Merger of PIO and OCI

Collegium System

Should we shift from Democracy to other forms of Governance?

Right to live with Dignity and Reputation vs criminal Defamation

"Minimum Government and Maximum Governance"

Compulsory Voting

Parliamentary (cabinet) form of Governance is a Misnomer

PMO - PM's Office

Debating Secular & Socialist In Preamble

Statehood to Delhi

Importance of Leader of Opposition

Amendments Proposed in Prevention of Corruption Act

SC Judgment on Section 197 of Cr.PC

The Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts and
Commercial Bill, 2015

Analysis of NITI AAYOG

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Notes

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Aadhar and its Controversy

1.

Aadhar project launched in 2009 provides a unique 12-digit identity number

based on biometrics to every resident of India.

2.

Why?

3.

4.

5.

6.

a.

To have a single reliable identity instead of multiple identities.

b.

To make it the basis of various government schemes to deliver benefits

(it is the basis of transferring MGNREGA payments, benefits of
PDS, LPG; its the basis of JAM trinity).

c.

And this helps to target beneficiaries effectively (avoids inclusionexclusion errors due to use of biometrics) and reduces the leakages.

Notes

Criticism to it petitions have been filed challenging various grounds

a.

No legal basis of UID as National Identification Authroity of India

bill is still pending in Parliament.

b.

Violates citizens Right to Privacy (although it is debatable).

c.

Making it mandatory instead of voluntary is leading to denial of

services to various people.

d.

Security issue private agencies are involved in collecting personal

information without government provisions.

In this background SC passed an interim order on august 11, 2015 in

which it said
a.

Aadhar will not be used by authroities for purpose other than PDS
& LPG distribution system

b.

Government should widely publicize it by media that it want madatory

for a citizen to obtain Aadhar.

c.

Information collected wont be shared with any agency.

Government saw it as a setback and countered by saying that

a.

Right to privacy is not a FR (as said by SC in 1954, 1962 judgments).

b.

Data captured is secure (stored in GOIs servers with world class

standards).

c.

Around 90 crore people have been already enrolled in it (thus doesnt

lead to exclusion of population).

d.

SC is too late to act. It should have acted earlier (Government has

spent millions and has enrolled 90 crore people and is using for
transferring MGNREGA payments, pension and basis of JAM Trinity.
This will affect governance).

Way forward
a.

Shouldnt be scrapped & restricted because of potential benefits.

b.

But government should make sure

i.

Given its legal sanctity.

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ii.

Ensure that data is not shared without supervision.

CAG
Accountability of CAG
1.

In sept 2015, a conference of chairperson of PACs was held. Its convenor

demanded to make CAG more accountable to parliament through a
constitutional amendment

2.

Arguments sighted

3.

a.

Parliamentarians belief that the Parliament is supreme.

b.

CAG uses public money.

c.

While auditing government accounts, CAG also demonstrate that it

itself is transparent, effective and efficient.

Arguments against
a.

Its not the Parliament, rather constitution is supreme which has

made CAG independent.

b.

Not a priority; it will not lead to any improvement.

c.

Today AG, tomorrow they want ECI to report to Parliament.

d.

If Parliament is dominated by executive, then instead of CAG holding

executive accountable, executive will hold CAG accountable.

e.

CAG is already accountable

i.

Article-148: in extreme cases, if CAG doesnt function according

to its constitutional role, he/she can be impeached.

ii.

Media discusses its report.

iii. Executive can challenge every statement in audit report including

at stage of examination by PAC.

4.

iv.

Accountant General nominated by CAG audits its own account.

v.

Peer-review has formed an international forum of SAIs of

other countries to review its work.

Conclusion
Instead of more accountability, empower it by
a.

Bringing new forms of bodies under its purview.

b.

Changing the appointment process to ensure its independence.

CAG the most important office of Constitution of India

1.

According to Ambedkar CAG is the most important office of

Constitution (even more important than judiciary)

2.

Its importance can be seen by the fact that its removal procedure is
identical to SC judge.

3.

Why is it important?
a.

Through its audit, it ensures financial accountability (ensures that

expenses voted by Parliament are not exceeded)

Notes

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4.

5.

b.

Often the only authoritative source of functioning of govts/

department; conducts performance audit also.

c.

Has recently exposed various scams like 2G, CWG (Common Wealth
Game), fodder scam.

d.

Guides PAC in its functioning.

e.

Performs accounting functions also (prescribes forms of account for

the center/states).

Notes

Criticism Structure
a.

Appointed by executive, thus raises doubt over impartiality. Instead

should be appointed by committee having PM, leader of opposition,
the CJI.

b.

Posts filled by generalists (IAS), who dont have expertise in financial

administration.

c.

Over-burdened as he doesnt audit accounts of states (thus create

separate auditor for states).

Criticism functioning
a.

Delayed submission of reports (over-burdened, bureaucratic

procedures).

b.

Only partial functions (not a controller since cannot do before-hand,

only do post-mortem).

c.

Many new govt. structures out of its domain PSUs when govt
share below 50%, PPP, NGOs.

d.

Cannot enforce the findings e.g. cannot take disciplinary action against
erring officials, cannot make them pay for losses caused to state by
them.

e.

Threat to autonomy recent instance.

Citizenship Amendment Act, 2015 Merger of

PIO and OCI
1.

Before 2015, two schemes existed for PIOs PIO card scheme (since
2002) and OCI card scheme (since 2005).

2.

Both these schemes conferred work, residence and education benefits to

PIOs. They served as Indias solution to offering a status close to that of
dual citizenship (for which their constitution does not allow).

3.

But differed in following

OCI cardholder

PIO cardholder

Can visit India without visa for

life-long.

Can visit india without visa for

15 years from the date of issue
of PIO cards.

Exempt from having to register at

the local (FRRO) regardless of the
duration of their stay in India.

Required to undergo registration

formalities through the local FRRO
(Foreigners (Regional) Registration
Office) for their stay exceeding 180
days.

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4.

5.

Now the PIOs were demanding the merger of PIO card scheme with OCI
card scheme as
a.

Firstly, it created confusion and

b.

Secondly as we can see above that PIO cardholders were denied

various benefits given to OCI cardholders.

Subsequently government enacted the Citizenship Amendment act, 2015

in March 2015 which amended the Citizenship Act, 1955. Under this
a.

PIO and OCI cards were merged and now only one OCI Card is in
existence.PIO category is now closed to all new applicants and all
existing PIO Card holders will be deemed to be Overseas Citizens of
India (OCI) Card holders automatically.

b.

The Bill provides certain additional grounds for registering for an

Overseas Citizen of India card. These are:

c.

i.

A minor child whose parent(s) are Indian citizens; or

ii.

Spouse of foreign origin of an Indian citizen or spouse of foreign

origin of an Overseas Citizen of India cardholder subject to
certain conditions.

Earlier, one year continuous stay in India (without break) is mandatory

for an OCI cardholder to apply for Indian citizenship. But now OCI
cardholders are allowed breaks not exceeding 30 days in the one-year
continuous stay.

Collegium System
1.

2.

Timeline
a.

In India, since 1993, a collegium system constiting of CJI and other

senior SC judges has made recommendations for persons to be
appointed as SC and HC judges to the president.

b.

But it was criticized for various reasons (see below arguments against
collegium system). Due to this parliament in 2014 enacted NJAC act
and 99th constitution amendment act, 2014 to replace collegium system
with National Judicial Appointments Commission in which politicians
and civil society had a final say in the appointent of judges to the
highest court.

c.

In October 2015, the constitution bench in majority of 4:1 rejected

the NJAC act and 99th constitution amendment as unconstitutional
and void. Thus collegium system as it existed before the NJAC act
was passed, will become operative again.

Arguments in favour of collegium system (as sighted by SC)

a.

In India, organic developemnt of civil society has not yet sufficiently

evolved. (it questioned the appointment of 2 eminent persons).

b.

It would create a culture of reciprocity of favors between the

government and the judiciary. Executive appointing its favorites as
judges in higher judiciary.

c.

It is necessary for ensuring independence of Judiciary and separation

Notes

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of powers (then only it can perform its duties of safeguarding the

rights of the citizens).

3.

4.

i.

Appointment process would be impacted by political

considerations as union law minister is one of the members of
the NJAC.

ii.

And this is not good as government is a major litigant in cases

with higher courts (allegations against PM/ministers and cases
involving allocation of natural resources).

Notes

Arguments against collegium system (by sole Dissenting judge (justice

J. Chelameswar) and other constitutional experts).
a.

There is no system of accountability in this system. Collegium system

has not produced the best judges.

b.

Constituent assembly (dominated by lawyers) envisaged that

government should have a say in judicial appointments.

c.

Judiciary isnt the only constitutional organ protecting the liberties of

people.

d.

Primacy of judiciary in appointing judges isnt the only way of securing

judical independence. Also there is no constitutional basis for primacy
of judicray in appointmenets. It is a judicial innovation.

e.

If independence of judiciary is part of the basic structure of

constitution, so is the system of checks and balances.

f.

Excluding political and civil class violates the democratic principles.

In all the major democracies (like US, germany) concept of judges
appointing judges is not there.

g.

Executive with its vast adminsitrative machinery under its control

can make valuable contribution to the selection process.

h.

It negates peoples will (the bills were passed unanimously by 2 houses

and ratified by 20 states).

Conclusion
a.

While there may be concerns about the choice of eminent persons in

the NJAC, striking the whole act was not required.

b.

Instead of improving upon the collegium system (which the

constitutional bench argued), it should have suggested steps to remove
the flaws in NJAC (if there are any).

Should we shift from Democracy to other forms

of Governance?
1.

Findings of national survey by the Centre for the Study of Developing

Societies, published in august 2015 are:
a.

Under 50% respondents preferred democracy.

b.

43% are either indifferent or of no opinion.

c.

11 % up from 6 % in 2005 preferred authoritarian government

to a democratic one.

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d.

2.

3.

4.

Even among those having preference to democracy have a tilt towards

authoritarian regime. Nearly 40 % want India should get rid of
Parliament and elections.

Reasons for this response

a.

Paralysis in parliament (as seen in recent monsoon session).

b.

Lack of trust among political parties, police and ration shops which
are percived as corrupt.

c.

Red Tapism.

d.

Regular demonstrations by people (casteists groups for demanding

reservation or be it trade union).

e.

In west political/psychological modernization preceded democracy,

here it is not the case.

f.

India is only a $2trillion dollar economy, has poor economic indicators

as compared to $ 10 trillion Chinese economic high on HDI index.

But shifting to a communist or autocratic model is not desirable

a.

Inherent advantages of democracy as compared to other models

Liberty, freedom of thought, deals with conflict in peacefull manner,
enhanced dignity of citizens, respects for human rights, real
empowerment of masses, accountability to people, strong civil society,
entrepreneur culture. As they say argument a day keeps divorce away.

b.

Chinese growth is plateauing, increasing incidence of corruption in

CPC, India is poised to overtake china in growth rate by 2016-7
according to IMF and the world bank; there are lot of ills in chinese
which are hidden due to suppression of media.

c.

Earlier, everyone was surprised at erstwhiles USSR growth, but

gradually everyone saw the ills which even led to its breakup.

d.

USA, the present world leader in almost all the aspects is a democracy.

e.

All we need is a strong decisive leader, who can maintain the

democratic values.

We can summarize it best in the quote by Winston Churchill Democracy

is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that
have been tried from time to time. It has its ills, but is better than the
others.

Democracy
1.

Meaning
a.

Literal meaning peoples rule.

b.

In words of Abraham Lincoln Democracy is by the people, for

the people and of the people.

c.

In Indian context.
i.

Political democracy people have universal adult franchise to

elect and can run for any post.

Notes

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ii.

Economic democracy.

Notes

iii. Social democracy.

2.

Types
a.

Direct people exercise their supreme power directly through following

devices

1.

Referendum

A proposed legislation is referred to the electorate for

settlement by their direct votes

2.

Plebiscite

Obtaining the opinion of people on any issue of public

importance.

3.

Recall

Voters can remove a representative or an officer before

the expiry of term, when he fails to discharge his duties
properly.

4.

Initiative

People proposing a bill to the legislature for enactment.

5.

Gram Sabha

Specific to India

b.

Indirect
i.

People exercise their supreme power indirectly through their

representatives elected by them.

ii.

Types it is of two kinds

1.

Parliamentary democracy (Indian Constitution provides for

it), and

2.

Presidential democracy.

iii. Representative democracy is the main form everywhere.

3.

Features of democracy
a.

Concept of citizenship
i.

I.E. Member of the state are not subjects rather citizens. And
as citizen they.

ii.

Have Certain duties towards the others.

iii. Enjoy certain rights .

b.

1.

I.E. various freedoms which promote Individualism.

2.

Rule of law so that power elite cant misuse their power

3.

Equality before law.

Representative Government
i.

These citizens will elect political representatives thus an indirect

form of government.

ii.

Functions of government and political parties is Interest

aggregation and achieving value consensus.

iii. It should be tolerant to dissent/protest agitations.

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c.

4.

5.

Accountability
i.

To ensure rule of law (preventing tyranny of majority) there

should be system of checks and balances; separation of
power.

ii.

There should be civil society and pressure groups to keep the

government on its toes.

Pre-requisites for success of democracy

a.

Law and order.

b.

Value consensus among all sections on some common principles

c.

Industrialization and economic development.

d.

Education and middle class who are active, can articulate interest.

e.

Use all points of features of democracy.

Evaluation in India
a.

Indias existence has been a puzzle for all political scientists. It is

because inspite of having (a) poverty and (b) cultural hetrogenity.
We are still a united democracy. Indias existence has violated all
scientific generalizations. Apart from a brief period of emergency
we have survived successfully.

b.

Achievements
i.

Largest 700 million electorate.

ii.

Fair and Peacefull elections due to efforts of ECI.

iii. Local governance which has increased the depth of democracy.

c.

iv.

All south asian neighbours went through military coups or violent

upheavals.

v.

All this is largely due to efforts of ECI, independent Judiciary,

CAG, civil society, media and Middle class.

Challenges
i.

Political challenges
1.

Problems in 3 pillars
a.

2.
ii.

Todays democracy is not for the people, by the

people, and of the people but it is by the officialdom,
of the officialdom for the officialdom.

FRs are being curtailed by government and also misused

by people.

Socio-economic challenges extreme diversity in class, caste,

religion.

iii. Internal Security challenges.

d.

Conclusion by guha
i.

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Contradictory trends in Indian democracy (Best quote on it)

Notes

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ii.

1.

Political side being corroded (decline of Parliament,

Executive and Judiciary).

2.

Social side enriched (rise of civil society, new social

movements since 70s).

Notes

60 years after independence, India do remains a democracy,

but no longer a constitutional democracy, but a populist
democracy.

iii. Ambedkars comment

6.

1.

Democracy in India is only a top dressing which is

essentially undemocratic.

2.

Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment, it has

to be cultivated, our people have yet to learn it.

Ambedkars 3 warnings which were critical in ensuring the survival of

Constitutional democracy a.

Instead of debating on streets, debate by constitutional means in

legislature.

b.

Stop hero worship : Never lay your liberties at the feet of even
Great Men.

c.

Political democracy cannot last unless there lies at its base social
democracy.

Right to live with Dignity and Reputation vs

criminal Defamation
1.

At present defamation is both a:

a.

Civil wrong (under it, person can be sued for monetary compensation)
and.

b.

Criminal offence Sections 499 and 500 in the IPC, 1860 (it invites
imprisonment up to two years).

2.

Petitions have been filed to decriminalize defamation.

3.

Grounds cited by Centre in SC in July 2015 to justify the continuance of

Sections 499 and 500 of IPC.
a.

Citizens are unlikely to have enough liquidity to pay damages for

civil defamation;

b.

Online defamation in the Internet age can be countered only by

making it a criminal offence,

c.

Constitutionally valid as defamation is a reasonable restriction

under Article-19 (2).

d.

Criminalizes only those speech having no social utility, only aim is

to harm reputation.

e.

Need to protect the right to live with dignity of citizens under Article
21.

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4.

f.

There are safeguards in Section 499 to prevent misuse.

g.

Sections 499 and 500 are not vague.

h.

Mere possibility of abuse cannot be a ground to strike down law.

Arguments against defamation

a.

Not against civil defamation, only against criminal defamation. Civil

suit will provide them adequate protection.

b.

UN Special Report on freedom of expression has told states to abolish

it as it:
i.

Intimidates citizens,

ii.

Dissuades them from exposing wrongdoing,

iii. Is against their democratic opinion.

iv.

Has potential to be misused by government to curb criticism by

media and political opponents.
1. Jayalaitha filed against subramaniamswamy, RSS against
Rahul Gandhi.
2. In May 2015, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal told his
departments to file cases against news items which are
defaming him.

5.

c.

Grounds by govt are misleading.

d.

Groups claiming to be defamed abuse the process by initiating multiple

proceedings in different places and thus have to magistrates regularly.

e.

CrPC already gives public servants an unfair advantage by allowing

the states prosecutors to stand in for them when they claim to have
been defamed by the media/opposition.

Concluding Remark
a.

Even as the court deliberates the matter, govt. should reconsider its
stand and come out against the criminal defamation law.

Minimum
Government
Governance

and

Maximum

1.

Since coming to power, NDA government has been talking about minimum
government and maximum governance on the belief that good governance
doesnt require large interfering govt, rather a small/appropriate sized
facilitator govt.

2.

Structurally it involves

3.

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a.

Downsizing the government.

b.

Using technology i.e. e-governance to achieve its task (digital india

has been launched in pursuance to it).

Functionally, govt. has no business to be in business where private sector

can deleiver best. As PM Modi said in a summit in 2015 that government
is needed only for 5 things:

Notes

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4.

5.

a.

Providing Public goods such as defense, police, and judiciary.

b.

Designing a welfare system where poor people are provided basic

services like education, healthcare and relevant subsidies.

c.

A regulatory system for negative externalities.

d.

Checking monopolies.

e.

Plug information gaps and ensure that people can make informed
choices.

Notes

Steps taken by him

a.

Reducing the size of COM below 50.

b.

Mergers of ministries with similar functions, GOMs were abolished,

reducing burecarcy and red tapism and.

c.

Bibek Debroy report on railways.

d.

In Aug 2015 Lok Sabha passed the Repealing and Amending (Fourth)
Bill, 2015 which scrapped 295 obsolete acts which led to Inspector
Raj.

Challenges: Critical analysis

a.

Downsizing
i.

COM has been increased to around 65 especially in the

background of state elections to please regional leaders and
allies.

ii.

GOMs are informally back.

iii. Labor reforms are facing hurdle by trade unions who against
increasing contractualisation of labor.
b.

Digital India in April 2015, TRAI reported that India is below

Bhutan in broadband reach: TRAI, there is huge urban-rural divide
and for this NOFN (national optical fiber network) needs to be
implemented.

c.

If we see functionally then

i.

It is even encroaching on states list, why is not empowering the

states and local bodies.

ii.

why is his government not privatising loss making PSUs like

Air India, MTNL and BSNL where there is a robust private
sector presence.

iii. Why it is following a catious approach to disnvestment.

iv.
d.

Hasnt give public sector banks any autonomy which are in

mess.

Increasing cases of tax terrorism.

Compulsory Voting
1.

In Nov 2014, the Gujarat Local Authorities Laws (Amendment) Bill,

2009 received the Governors assent. This act

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a.

Makesvoting compulsory in the civic body elections.

b.

Voters have been given the option of NOTA and online voting (in
case they can not come to polling booth).

c.

Non-voting will amount to a fine of Rs 100.

2.

In Aug 2015, Gujarat HC stayed the implementation of compulsory voting

in civic polls to be held in in Oct till further order.

3.

Arguments in favor:
a.

Would reverse the trend of declining voter turnout in successive

elections.

b.

Legislature would reflect, more accurately, the will of the electorate.

c.

People who know they will have to vote will take politics more
seriously.

d.

Voting is a public duty in a democratic state which everyone should

do.

e.

It is done in some countries like Australia, Latin American countries

like brazil, Argentina.

f.

Non-voting contributes to the domination of certain segments of the

population by others.

4.

Arguments against:
a.

Violates Section 79(d) of RPA,1951 (electoral right includes the

right to vote or refrain from voting at an election).

b.

Violates Fundamental Rights [(19(1) (a), 21)].

c.

Implementing the law could lead to huge no. of cases (in 2009 Lok
Sabha polls, as many as 30 crore voters did not vote.If we fine them
with even Re.1, we will have to file 30 crore cases).

d.

Not all voters possess the requisite political knowledge to choose

good candidates/parties. Thus enures quality of voting.

e.

Alternatives to increasevoter turnout by NCRWC

f.

i.

Provide incentives like tax incenstives, ration, speed in granting

license.

ii.

Develop mobile polling stations with EVMs to reach people in

communal sensitive areas or difficult terrain.

Votern turnout is increasing due to efforts of ECI and political

mobilization. In General Election 2014 voter turnout was 66.4 % up
from 56% in 2009. Infact youth (18-22 yrs) voter turnout at 68% was
more than national average. Steps by ECI like
i.

Appointment of community-based booth liaison officers,

ii.

Hand-delivery of voter slips prior to the election day and

iii. Running of awareness campaigns in the media

14

1.

Involving youth icons like sport-stars, actors.

2.

Use social media to spread the message.

Notes

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iv.

Since 2010, ECI is running Systematic Voters Education and

Electoral Participation (SVEEP)programmeto increase voters
turnout. It involves planning innovative interventions, monitoring
implementation, interacting with voting publics, civil society
groups and media.

v.

Celebrating National voters day since 2011.

Notes

Parliamentary (cabinet) form of Governance is

a Misnomer
1.

There are 2 schools of thought about the position of PM vis--vis his/her

cabinet.

2.

First school of thought regards PM as just the 1st among the equals.

3.

Other school of though says that that PM is not merely 1st among the
equals. PM is the head of COM as under Article-75, Council of Ministers
are appointed by President on advice of PM, PM can ask a minister to
resign, he/she allocates portfolios to ministers and death or resignation of
PM brings the collapse of the cabinet.

4.

But the most acceptable view is that it all depends on various factors like
his/her personality, popularity among the masses and whether his/her
party has majority or is head of the coalition government.

5.

At present we have clearly moved towards a prime ministerial form of

government.
a.

6.

Hero worship
i.

It is proclaimed as Modi Sarkar/govt. instead of NDA/BJP

governemnt.

ii.

Has huge popularity among masses;

b.

Led the party to clear majority; due to clear majority has full control
over the cabinet.

c.

It is said that decisions at present are taken by the Modi-shah-Jaitley

Trimuvate. It is said that there is a lack of internal democracy within
the party; they decide the CM candidate in states.

Now it has its benefits like speedy decisions, lack of policy paralysis and
way better than the 2 head of govt in previous regime but as Ambedkar
warned us to stop hero worship. It should be ensured that it doesnt
become a dicatatorial form of government.

PMO PMs Office

1.

2.

What is it?
a.

Its a staff agency to provide secretariat assistance to PM.

b.

Formed in 1947 under allocation of busines rules, 1961.

c.

Headed politically by PM, administratively by princiapal secretary.

Status of PMO
a.

Its status depends on PM (under Nehru it was small, but under

Indira Gandhi it was strong).

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b.

But overall it has grown in size and status; it is more in PMs Modi
era.

c.

How can we say that

i.

Abolishing GOM/EGOM and all ministries facing problem to

be guided by PMO.

ii.

PMO was involved in this years budget formulation,

iii. Almost every ministry has been duplicated here.

iv.
d.

Has a strong influence in foreign policy.

Reasons
i.

Due to enormous role of PM (who has important role in cabinet

activities).

ii.

Depends on personality of principal secretary (during tenure of

PC Alexender, Brijesh Mishra, PMOs were dominant).

iii. PMO members generally have an authority to acquire power in

the name of PM.
3.

PMO and cabinet secretary

a.

Ideal situation
i.

Both have defined roles, thus should perform those without

interfering in each others domain.
1. PMO for secretarial assistance to PM.
2. CS for secretarial assitance to cabinet

ii.

And as we have a cabinet form of government, instead of

prime ministerial form of government (i.e. cabinet is the real
decision-making power), so cabinet secertariat should have a
superior role.

b.

Reality PM has overshadowed it and called as super-cabinet

c.

Reasons same as above

Debating Secular & Socialist In Preamble

1.

In early 2015 some leaders of shiv sena and BJP mooted the idea of
debating and deleting the words secular and socialism (added by 42nd
amendment) on the ground that
a.

These were not part of the original constitution.

b.

These two words were added during the period of the Emergency.

c.

And India is a Hindu nation.

2.

A subsequent republic day advertisement also showed the original preamble

of the constitution which didnt had the two words. But later the govt
clarified that the government has no such intention to do so.

3.

Now this event was criticized on various grounds:

a.

16

Firstly 42ndAmendment Act, only made explicit what is implicit.

Our constitution since starting has a socialist content (in the form of

Notes

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DPSP and FRs like Article - 13, 14, 15, 16) and secular content (in
Right to equality (Article 14, 15, 16) and Right to freedom of
religion (Article 25 to 28)).
b.

In theS.R. Bommaicase, the Supreme Court held that secularism

is an integral part of the Constitutions basic structure.

c.

Even the Morarji Desai-led Janata Party government did not think
it necessary to delist these two words when they enacted the 44th
Amendment to nullify the objectionable features introduced in the
42nd Amendment Act.

d.

With or without the amended Preamble, the Indian Constitution will

remain secular, but the signal the dropping of the words would
send will be disconcerting to the minorities.

e.

Wrong focus government should debate bills and other important

socio-eco issues.

Notes

Socialist
1.

The term socialism was added by the 42nd amendment act of 1976. But
even before that the constitution had a socialist content in the form of
DPSP and FRs like Articel 13, 14, 15, 16.

2.

Indian brand of socialism is democratic socialism and not a communistic

socialism (or state socialism).

3.

a.

Communistic socialism nationalization of all means of production;

abolition of private property.

b.

Democratic socialism both public and private sectors co exist

(mixed economy).

It implies to social and economic equality.

a.

Social Equality no discrimination on basis of caste, color, creed,

sex, religion etc.

b.

Economic Equality government will aim for ending poverty and

income inequality.

Secular
1.

The term secular was added by the 42nd amendment act of 1976. But
even before that the constitution had a secular content in the form of
fundamental rights Right to equality (Article 14, 15, 16) and Right to
freedom of religion (Article 25 to 28).

2.

Indian brand of secularism is different from western notion of secularism

3.

a.

Western view Doesnt support any religion.

b.

Indian Socialism State/govt has no religion , but it equally promotes

all religions. Anybody can preach, practice and propagate any religion
of his or her choice. i.e. Sarva Dharma Sambhav.

Are we a secular nation ?

a.

YES - we have a modern secular constitution and laws based on

humanism instead of religion.

b.

NO - pseudo secular due to vote bank politics.

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i.

ii.

Either appeasing minorities

1.

Parties are not concerned with welfare of minorities but

only with their votes and thus appease them.

2.

Evidence

a.

UCC is not being imposed.

b.

Rajiv Gandhi overturned SC verdict in the Shah Bano

case in 1985 to appease Muslim sentiments.

c.

In June 2014 congress leader A.K. Antony acknowledged

that Congresss secularism is biased towards the minority
communities.

Or against minorities Evidence in support

1.

State sponsored communal attack. And even if not

sponsored then the govt. hasnt taken action and has failed
in rehabilitatiion on and in deliveruing justice.

2.

According to Sachhar committee even in recruitment in

govt services they face discrimination.

3.

Attempt to modify the books.

4.

Ghar wapsi

Statehood to Delhi
1.

69th Constitution Amendment Act of 1991 provided a special status to

UT of Delhi.
a.

Designated delhi as NCT of delhi.

b.

Administrator designated as Lt. governor.

c.

Articel -239 A (a) 239 A (b) were added to provide for a LA and
COM for Delhi.

d.

LA is empowered to make all laws on all matters of states and

concurrent list except 3 matters.
i.

Public order

ii.

Police

iii. Land
2.

Coming of AAP in Delhi revived the demand.

3.

Arguments in favor

18

a.

Has 1.7 crore population (more than population of many states).

b.

Two governments governing it leads to conflict, confusion and blamegame (Dengue in Delhi).

c.

CM and LA have been elected by people, thus should be given more

power to deal with issue. (According to principle of subsidarity
(government to be held accountable by most proximate body and
principle of democratic decentralization).

Notes

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4.

5.

d.

Bills passed by Delhi Legislaltive Assembly have to get assent from

president which makes enactment of laws prone to abuse if dfferent
parties are at center and state.

e.

DDA is under union ministry of urban development. This Parastatal

cant be held accountable for affordable housing.

f.

Difficult to raise public finances/debt as its budget is part of union

budget.

g.

Lt. governor has misused his discretionary power under Article239A(A).

Notes

Arguments against
a.

Wasington DC, Canberra are maintained by federal government.

b.

Even Mumbai has similar population.

c.

Delhi is the seat of governance (houses secretariat, ministers, SC,

hosts various foreign missions. Thus central govt has a role.

d.

Statehood is just one of the many means of good governance.

Way forward middle path

a.

b.

Instead of granting State, some changes should be brought:

i.

Central govts influence limited to new delhi (control of NDMC),

rest municipal bodies under control of Delhi government.

ii.

VIP security should retain with central government., other

functions like traffic to be moved to Delhi government.

Lt governor should not misuse his power, both should coordinate.

Importance of Leader of Opposition

1.

A democracy operates on the basis that there is room for choice all the
way up to the selection of the government. This implies that the legislature,
which makes the laws for the country, must itself provide an opportunity
for various views to be heard throughout the term. These views should
encompass not only those on the government benches but also those who
are opposed to the policies underlying the ways of operation.

2.

Thus in the Parliament there is a provision for the Leaders of the Opposition
both in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.

3.

Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1972 defines Leader of the

Opposition, as that member of the Council of States or the House of the
People, as the case may be, who is, for the time being, the Leader in that
House of the party in opposition to the Government having the greatest
numerical strength and recognised as such by the Chairman of the Council
of States or the Speaker of the House of the People, as the case may be.

4.

Where there are two or more parties in opposition to the Government, in

the Council of States or in the House of the People having the same
numerical strength, the Chairman of the Council of States or the Speaker
of the House of the people, as the case may be, shall, having regard to the
status of the parties, recognise any one of the leaders of such parties as
the Leader of the Opposition for the purposes of this section and such
recognition shall be final and conclusive.

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5.

The Leader of the Opposition occupies a seat in the front row left to the
Chair. He/she also enjoys certain privileges on ceremonial occasions like
escorting the Speaker-elect to the rostrum and a seat in the front row at
the time of the Address by the President to members of both the Houses
of Parliament.

6.

In the last Lok Sabha election in India conducted in May 2014, neither
of the opposition parties could gain a minimum of 10% seats as prescribed
by the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha to get
the recognition of the main opposition party. Resultant, the 16th Lok
Sabha remained without Leader of Opposition.

7.

Leader of Opposition helps in making democracy a healthy democracy.

Leader of Opposition also serves as a member on panel of various bodies
that makes appointments to various statutory bodies like CVC, CIC, CBIED, NHRC, Lokpal.

8.

Hence the government of India has amended the Central Vigilance

Commission Act, 2003, clause 4, which provides for the leader of the
largest opposition party to be inducted as a member of the selection
committee in a scenario where the lower house of parliament does not
have a recognized leader of the opposition.

Amendments Proposed
Corruption Act

in

Prevention

of

1.

In the pre-independence period, the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was the main
tool to combat corruption in public life. At that time the need for a special
law to deal with corruption was not felt.

2.

However the Second World War created shortages which gave opportunity
to unscrupulous elements to exploit the situation leading to large scale
corruption in public life. This situation continued even after the war. The
lawmakers concerned about this menace, felt that drastic legislative measures
need to be taken. Hence the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947 was
enacted to fight the evils of bribery and corruption.

3.

Corruption in the private sector was not under the purview of the
Prevention of Corruption Act. If the private sector (or any person engaged
by them) was involved in bribing any public authority then he/she is liable
to be punished for the offence of abetment of bribery under the Prevention
of Corruption Act. A large number of public services, which were
traditionally done by government agencies, are being entrusted to nongovernment agencies. In such cases, persons engaged by the private agency
replace the role of erstwhile public servants.

4.

Hence the government has amended the Act to bring in private sector in
the corruption Act.

5.

The proposed amendments would fill in perceived gaps in the domestic

anti-corruption law and also help in meeting the countrys obligations under
the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC)more
effectively.

6.

The proposed amendments are mainly aimed at laying down more stringent
measures to tackle corruption as follows:
a)

20

Providing for more stringent punishment for the offences of bribery,

both for the bribe giver and the bribe taker.

Notes

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b)

Penal provisions being enhanced from minimum 6 months to 3 years

and from maximum 5 years to 7 years (The seven year imprisonment
brings corruption to the heinous crime category).

c)

To contain gain of benefits from profits of corruption, the powers of

attachment are proposed to be conferred upon the trial Court (Special
Judge) instead of the District Court.

d)

Expanding the ambit of provision for containing inducement of public

servant from individuals to commercial entities is being added to
contain supply side of corruption.

e)

Providing for issue of guidelines for commercial organizations to

prevent persons associated with them from bribing a public servant.

f)

The average trial period of cases under PC Act in the last 4 years has
been above 8 years. It is proposed to ensure speedy trial by providing
a trial completion within 2 years.

g)

Intentional enriching by public servants will be construed as criminal

misconduct and possession of disproportionate assets as proof of
such illicit enrichment.

h)

Non-monetary gratification has been covered within the definition of

the word gratification.

i)

By way of explanation 2 to section 7(2), the obligation of a public

servant has been explicitly delineated such that the public servant
deters from violating a statutory duty or any set of rules, government
policies, executive instructions and procedures.

7.

It is also proposed to extend the protection of prior sanction for prosecution

to public servants who cease to hold office due to retirement, resignation
etc.Further, prior sanction for inquiry and investigation shall be required
from the Lokpal or Lokayukta, as the case may be, for investigation of
offences relatable to recommendations made or decision taken by a public
servant in discharge of official functions or duties.

8.

Critical aspect Positives

a.

The proposed changes seem to present a coherent and effective legal

weapon to tackle the menace of corruption. Borrowing from legal
systems elsewhere, significant new concepts have been introduced to
create a well-rounded and balanced legal architecture. Penal provisions
have been increased more stringent punishment is envisaged both
for the bribe giver and taker.

b.

In a significant move, bribe-giving commercial establishments have

been brought under the ambit of the act. The responsibility for
bribing a public servant will go right up to the head of the organisation,
not be restricted to the low-level official.

c.

The concept of non-monetary gratification has also been brought in.

As opposed to the long trial periods seen previously the Lalu
Prasad and J. Jayalalithaa cases that stretched into decades, for
instance a ceiling of two years has been fixed for completing the
trial. A special court system has also been envisaged to bring sharper
focus. These and other features create expectations that the
government is serious about addressing the issue. To give greater
comfort to officials who formulate policy often with inadequate

Notes

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information and without the benefit of hindsight the procedure

for prior approval for investigation/ prosecution has been extended
to include retired civil servants. This has been a long-demanded reform
to facilitate speedy policymaking, and should help in preventing the
harassment of honest officials, who are often roped in just because
they were in the decision-making loop.
9.

22

Critical aspect Challenges/Apprehensions

a.

The actual wording of the proposed legislation has not yet been
made public. However, the press note issued by the government is
silent on the question of amending or deleting Section 13(1)(d)(iii)
of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, on causing wilful loss to
the public. There has been much speculation that this clause may
actually be dropped indeed the amendment bill of 2013 envisaged
its removal on the arguably specious grounds that it leads to
harassment and vexatious investigation. Those who have followed
the history of the parliamentary and legal debate on this issue would
recall that the 69th standing committee of the Rajya Sabha, in its
report of February 2014, had strongly argued against its deletion.
The recent Law Commission report on the subject has also endorsed
this view. It needs to be verified whether the section is actually up
for deletion. If it has been proposed, it is highly unfortunate. First,
civil servants will now, under the new proposed dispensation, get
suitable cover through the provision on prior sanction for the
investigation process. Besides, there is no other provision to tackle
wilful damage to public financial interest, particularly when any
consideration, bilateral or multilateral, could be difficult to detect or
ascertain prima facie. For the lay reader, it may suffice to point out
that the deletion of this clause would severely damage the prosecution
in many scam-related cases, especially the 2G cases and Coalgate
indeed, the charge against former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
flows from this section. In case this clause has been dropped, it could
not be inadvertent.

b.

No one need be under the illusion that the war against corruption has
been fully joined the cabinet decision is only a proposal for
legislation. Given the fate of so many other well-meaning bills and
ordinances in Parliament, where the debate is mostly not on merit
but on purely political considerations, it remains to be seen if the
amendments are finally passed.

c.

However, legislation is only the beginning; implementation, through

investigation, prosecution and the trial process, is even more of the
essence. One has not, so far, seen an interest or urge on the part of
any state government to press forward with a drive against corruption.
As our democracy has evolved, the root of the issue is that politics
is now an unregulated business, largely aimed at the generation of
illegal wealth do the states have the will to fight corruption? Take
any state and one will find that the polity is heavily dependent on the
sand, land, liquor, excise, forest and/ or builder groups, which call the
shots. In our far-flung districts and state headquarters, politics is not
for public service it is a passport to unheard-of riches. This is the
context in which the new proposed law will have to operate, to clean
up the system.

Notes

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3.

d.

It is relatively easy for the prime minister to clean up the

administration in Delhi this process is well under way. But how
will he impact the deeply entrenched political interests in our provinces
and mofussils? Which chief minister will willingly shoot himself in
his political foot? That is the real challenge. It is relatively easy to
tackle transactional corruption at the field level exemplary and
swift deterrent punishment will quickly start bearing fruit. But who
will bell the cat? Policy corruption is relatively more difficult to
address, particularly at the state level. Which chief minister seriously
wants to tackle it and pursue it as a political goal?

e.

Addressing administrative corruption is only a small step in the

scheme of things. Electoral and political reform, as well as speeding
up the judicial process, are equally critical if the war is to be joined.
This is a tall order does our polity have the stomach for it?

Notes

Meanwhile, let us celebrate the first bugle sounding the charge last week
in Delhi. One has to be an optimist; let this new seed sprout, and let its
impact reach every part of the country.

SC Judgment on Section 197 of Cr.PC

1.

In april 2015, Supreme Court has held that a public servant cannot by
default claim legal protection of prior sanction against prosecution under
Section 197 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.PC).
a.

This safeguard is meant to help government servants perform their

duties honestly without fear of malicious prosecution. However, the
provision has largely become a ruse to delay prosecution in corruption
cases.

b.

SC said that this protection under Section 197 of CrPC was only
available to a public servant for the honest discharge of his duty.
Prosecution for corruption should be exemplary and without delay,
the apex court observed.

c.

Public servants have, in fact, been treated as special category under

Section 197 of CrPC to protect them from malicious or vexatious
prosecution. Such protection from harassment is given in public
interest; the same cannot be treated as a shield to protect corrupt
officials.

2.

Besides, this protection cannot be claimed immediately after a complaint

is lodged. The question of prior sanction would be considered later, during
stages in the criminal trial, as and when the need arises, the apex court
observed.

3.

The court noted that procedural provisions relating to sanction must be

construed in such a manner as to advance the causes of honesty and
justice and good governance as opposed to escalation of corruption.

The Commercial Division and Commercial

Appellate Division of High Courts and
Commercial Bill, 2015
1.

In its report, the 20th Law Commission sought to set up commercial

courts in India to settle such disputes in a time-bound manner, so that no

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dispute shall be dragged over the years without conclusion of arguments.

The concept of commercial court a dedicated forum aimed at resolving
complex commercial disputes between parties is an idea that has merit
in its own right.
2.

The need for such mechanism arises:

a)

Due to the vast changes in the economic policies of the country

post-1991;

b)

Due to the perception that the Indian judicial system had collapsed
due to inordinate delays. Pending commercial cases in five high courts
of Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Madras and Himachal Pradesh stood at
16884, which was 51.7 percent of all civil cases pending in these
courts.

c)

Due to the need to ensure the fast disposal of high value commercial
disputes to provide assurance to domestic and foreign investors.

d)

A stable, efficient and certain dispute resolution mechanism is must

for the growth and development of trade and commerce.

e)

To improve the international image of the Indian justice delivery

system.

3.

The Union has introduced a bill namely, The Commercial Division and
Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts and Commercial Courts
Bill, 2015" to enable the creation of commercial divisions in high courts,
and commercial courts at the district level.

4.

The Salient Features of the Proposed Bill are as under:

24

a)

Commercial dispute is defined broadly to mean dispute arising out

of ordinary transactions of merchants, bankers, financiers and traders
such as those relating to mercantile documents; joint venture and
partnership agreements; intellectual property rights; insurance and
other areas.

b)

Commercial Divisions are to be set up in those High Courts which

are already exercising ordinary original civil jurisdiction such as Delhi,
Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, and Himachal Pradesh High Court.
Commercial Divisions will exercise jurisdiction over all cases and
applications relating to commercial disputes. The Commercial
Division shall have territorial jurisdiction over such area on which it
has original jurisdiction.

c)

Commercial Courts which will be equivalent to District Courts are

to be set up in (i) The States and UTs where the High Courts do not
have ordinary original civil jurisdiction, and (ii) In the States where
the High Court has original jurisdiction, in respect of those regions
to which the original jurisdiction of a High Court does not extend.
The minimum pecuniary jurisdiction of such Commercial Courts
and commercial division is proposed as Rs. One Crore.

d)

Commercial Appellate Division shall be set up in all the High

Courts to hear appeal against (i) Orders of Commercial Division of
High Court; and (ii) Orders of Commercial Courts. e) Commercial
Divisions or Commercial Courts shall not have jurisdiction in matters
relating to commercial dispute, where the jurisdiction of the civil
court has been either expressly or impliedly barred under law.

Notes

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f)

All pending suits and applications relating to commercial disputes

involving a claim of Rupees One Crore in the High Courts and Civil
Courts will be transferred to the relevant Commercial Division or
Commercial Court as the case may be.

g)

It is proposed to have a streamlined procedure which is to be adopted

for the conduct of cases in the Commercial Division and in the
Commercial Court by amending the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
so as to improve the efficiency and reduce delays in disposal of
commercial cases. The amended CPC as applicable to the
Commercial Divisions and Commercial Courts will prevail over the
existing High Court Rules and other provisions of the CPC to the
contrary.

5.

The establishment of commercial courts in India is a stepping stone to

bring about reform in the civil justice system.

6.

Advantages of commercial courts

7.

a)

It will seek to bring in uniformity across the country with regard to

Commercial Disputes of a Specified Value as such disputes would be
dealt with by the Commercial Divisions of High Courts. This will
help reduce the burden on the District Courts and facilitate the
speedy disposal of cases in India

b)

It mandates the plaintiff to file documents like inter alia affidavits

containing his as well other witnesses statements in examination- inchief, application for discovery and production of documents and all
other material considered necessary by him at the time of filing the
plaint itself to quicken the process. Under the normal court procedure,
these documents are usually filed at the time of trial and would add
to the delay owing to the several adjournments taken by the parties
to file the same.

c)

The provision of allowing a single judge of the Commercial Division

to fix schedules for finalization of issues, cross-examination of
witnesses, filing of written statements and oral submissions, record
evidence etc. during case management conferences is a radical change
and will help the object of disposing the matter in an efficient manner
within 2 years. Also empowering the same court i.e. the Commercial
Divisions with power to execute its own decrees and orders would
further hasten the process.

d)

Another positive step is the provision empowering the Commercial

Division to appoint a Commissioner with considerable experience to
conduct the cross examination and re-examination of parties and
witnesses.

Notes

Establishment of commercial courts in UK and US (especially London

and New York) are undoubtedly some of the most successful and enduring
instances of judicial administration and have been applauded by the
business community. A step in the same direction by India not only
projects its determination to fast track justice but also to meet the
demanding world standards. This should fortify the trust of foreign investors
in the Indian Judicial system and further encourage foreign investment.

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Analysis of NITI AAYOG

1.

India has undergone a paradigm shift over the past six decades - politically,
economically, socially, technologically as well as demographically.

2.

The role of Government in national development has seen a parallel

evolution. Keeping with these changing times, the Government of India
has decided to set up NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming
India), in place of the erstwhile Planning Commission, as a means to
better serve the needs and aspirations of the people of India.

3.

The new institution will be a catalyst to the developmental process;

nurturing an overall enabling environment, through a holistic approach to
development going beyond the limited sphere of the Public Sector and
Government of India.

4.

The NITI Aayog will aim to accomplish the following objectives and
opportunities:

5.

26

a)

An administration paradigm in which the Government is

anenablerrather than a provider of first and last resort.

b)

Progress from food security to focus on a mix of agricultural

production, as well asactual returns that farmers get from their
produce.

c)

Ensure thatIndia is an active player in the debates and deliberationson

the global commons.

d)

Ensure that the economically vibrant middle-class remains engaged,

and itspotential is fully realized.

e)

LeverageIndias pool of entrepreneurial, scientific and intellectual

human capital.

f)

Incorporate thesignificant geo-economic and geo-political strength

of the Non-Resident Indian Community.

g)

Use urbanization as an opportunity to createa wholesome and secure

habitat through the use of modern technology.

h)

Use technology to reduce opacityand potential for misadventures in

governance.

Proposed benefits of NITI Aayog

a)

NITI Aayog will seek to provide a critical directional and strategic

input into the development process. The centre-to-state one-way
flow of policy, that was the hallmark of the Planning Commission
era, is now sought to be replaced by a genuine and continuing
partnership of states.

b)

NITI Aayog will emerge as a think-tank that will provide

Governments at the central and state levels with relevant strategic
and technical advice across the spectrum of key elements of policy.

c)

The NITI Aayog will also seek to put an end to slow and tardy
implementation of policy, by fostering better Inter Ministry
coordination and better Centre-State coordination. It will help evolve
a shared vision of national development priorities, and foster
cooperative federalism, recognizing that strong states make a strong
nation.

Notes

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6.

d)

The NITI Aayog will develop mechanisms to formulate credible plans

to the village level and aggregate these progressively at higher levels
of government. It will ensure special attention to the sections of
society that may be at risk of not benefitting adequately from
economic progress.

e)

The NITI Aayog will create a knowledge, innovation and

entrepreneurial support system through a collaborative community
of national and international experts, practitioners and partners.

f)

It will offer a platform for resolution of intersectoral and interdepartmental issues in order to accelerate the implementation of the
development agenda.

g)

In addition, the NITI Aayog will monitor and evaluate the

implementation of programmes, and focus on technology upgradation
and capacity building.

Notes

Critical analysis of NITI Aayog

a)

Niti Aayog may lead to centralization of economic power. First, the

winding up of the Planning Commission will inevitably mean a
strengthening of the Ministry of Finance, which is a far more closely
controlled departmental body of the Central government than the
Planning Commission of yore ever was.

b)

There were typically three channels for the devolution of resources

from the Centre to the states in India: one was through the Finance
Commission which, though a Constitutional body, was always
appointed by the central government, with no consultations with the
states, and hence filled with persons willing to do its bidding; the
second was through the Planning Commission which again was a
departmental body, though admittedly of an unconventional kind, of
the Central government; and the third was through the Ministry of
Finance which was a conventional departmental body and which
made financial transfers to states at its own discretion. While the
Centre influenced all three channels of transfers, these three channels
can clearly be ordered in terms of their relative independence from
the dictates of the Central government, the last of these being
obviously the one that is directly governed by such dictates. The
winding up of the Planning Commission will necessarily mean
therefore that the flows which used to come to the states through the
Planning Commission channel will now be effected through the
Ministry of Finance; and this will mean greater direct control by the
Centre over what flows to which state.

c)

The second reason that the winding up of the Planning Commission,

will lead to centralization is the simultaneous abolition of an apex
body, the National Development Council. The National Development
Council, to which the Planning Commission reported, though not a
statutory body, was a forum where state Chief Ministers expressed
themselves, not just on issues affecting their own states but on national
development issues. True, the NDC did not vote; but the Centre was
under some pressure at its meetings to accommodate states demands
(though no doubt there certain notable instances where it did not).
The states used to come to learn of each others positions at the
NDC meetings and often derived confidence from the fact that other

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states too were voicing concerns similar to their own. But now,
according to the information made available so far at any rate, there
will be no NDC, but only a few Regional Councils where the Prime
Minister will sit with the state chief ministers. This necessarily means
a downgrading of the voice of the states in matters concerning national
economic development.
d)

28

The confidence that the states had in sitting together with the Centre,
and the pressure that the Centre was subjected to when the states
spoke with one voice on major issues, will now be replaced by an air
of supplication. A bunch of supplicant state governments of particular
regions will be pleading for greater largesse from the Centre at
occasional regional meets. For both these reasons, in other words,
centralization of economic powers will be carried further forward,
compared even to the days of the old Planning Commission.

Notes