UPSC Key: Constitution Day, Hayli Gubbi, and Booth Level Officers

Key Points to Ponder:

— Read about the historical evolution and drafting process of the Indian Constitution. 

— What are the key features of the Indian Constitution?

— What is the significance of Constitution Day in India?

— What initiatives have been undertaken to enhance public engagement with constitutional principles?

— What is the significance of the Preamble in the Indian Constitution? How does it reflect the core values and guiding principles of the nation?

— What was the consensus-driven approach adopted by the Constituent Assembly in drafting the Indian Constitution?

— What are the limitations of constitutional protections for freedoms?

Key Takeaways:

— “First, the Indian Constitution asserts a right to equality and, unlike Western constitutions, also expands upon its implications in a deeply unequal society. Provisions such as Article 14 — equality before the law and the equal protection of laws for all persons — and Article 15 — prohibitions on discrimination by the state against citizens — marked a new departure. Unlike Western constitutions, its equality provisions identify societal sources of discrimination against individuals, particularly in relation to caste. Thus, under Article 15 (2), citizens are to be protected from discrimination not just from the state but also private citizens in their access to public spaces.”

— “Article 17 outlaws the practice of untouchability. Similarly, in response to conditions of debt bondage tied to caste and landlordism, Article 23 prohibits human trafficking and forced labour. Indian Constitution-makers were thus not bound by Western liberal constitutionalism, with its emphasis on state restriction, recognising instead that in society, groups and communities wielded power separate from the state.”

— “Second, the Constitution recognised group-differentiated rights within a broadly egalitarian liberal framework, decades before these were admitted in Western liberal democracies. Heated debates ensued in the Constituent Assembly over protections for religious minorities and historically marginalised groups, which came to be reduced somewhat from the first to the final draft of the Constitution. Notably, legislative quotas for religious minorities were withdrawn in 1949.”

— “The Constitution adopted a nuanced approach to religious diversity. It established a secular state (although the term itself was introduced in 1976), eschewing special status for any religion, prohibiting compulsory taxation for any religion (Article 27), and prohibiting compulsory religious instruction in state-funded educational institutions (Article 28). It offered protections for religious freedoms in the case of individuals (Article 25), as well as groups (Article 26) Minorities such as Muslims, Christians, and Parsis retained their religious family laws.”

— “Articles 29 and 30 further guaranteed religious and linguistic minorities the right to preserve their language, script, and culture, and to establish and administer educational institutions.”

— “The Constitution’s approach is not without flaws. Protections for individual freedoms and pluralism remained partial, with rights and remedies limited in a range of circumstances, including through emergency provisions carrying over colonial laws.”

— “Even so, that the Constitution has survived as the normative standard for a colossal, diverse polity for over 75 years, and remains a beacon of hope for its marginalised, is an achievement in global terms. It reminds us that constitutions are not only legal texts but powerful narratives of national aspiration and belonging, that national unity does not require uniformity, and that equality does not require the same treatment in contexts of deep inequality and social difference.”

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍Why November 26 is being observed as Constitution Day since 2015

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(1) Consider the following statements in respect of the Constitution Day: (UPSC CSE 2023)

Statement-I : The Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to promote constitutional values among citizens.

Statement-II : On 26th November, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft Constitution of India.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

 

POLITICS

JJM graft: After PM push, 7 states slap Rs 129 cr fine

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

What’s the ongoing story: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed officials of the Jal Shakti Ministry to take action against those who have committed irregularities in the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), and after the Centre’s nudge, at least seven states have imposed penalties on and recovered over Rs 129 crore from contractors, a top official said Tuesday.

Key Points to Ponder:

— What is the objective of JJM?

— What is the funding mechanism of JJM?

— What are the various components of JJM?

— What are the key challenges in the implementation of this scheme?

— What are the necessary steps needed to be taken to address these challenges?

— What is the importance of safe drinking water?

— What is the status of water crisis in the country?

Key Takeaways:

— The official said that, as directed by the Prime Minister, states were asked to address critical observations and implementation gaps based on on-ground verification reports submitted by the Central Nodal Officers (CNO).

— According to the official, seven states, including Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Gujarat, Assam, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Rajasthan, have imposed penalties and recovery on contractors, of which Rs 12.95 crore have already been recovered.

— According to the official, the Centre has now decided to change the funding mechanism, and in the next phase of JJM, which is expected to be approved by the Union Cabinet soon, the Central Government will release funds scheme-wise. No lump sum money will be given to the states, the official said.

— On May 21, The Indian Express published the findings of its investigation into data uploaded by states and UTs on the JJM dashboard, which showed how changes in the Mission’s guidelines three years ago lifted a crucial check on expenditure and led to cost escalations. 

— The Centre launched JJM in 2019 to provide tap connections to every rural household by 2024. While the mission ended in 2024, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced its continuation in her budget speech on February 1, 2025, with enhanced financial support till 2028. However, this move is yet to be approved by the Union Cabinet.

Do You Know:

— Entry 17, State List (List II), Seventh Schedule of Indian constitution says, “Water, that is to say, water supplies, irrigation and canals, drainage and embankments, water storage and water power subject to the provisions of entry 56 of List I.” It means that states have the authority to legislate on water-related issues such as irrigation, water supply, canals, and embankments within their territory.

— Neeraj Singh Manhas writes: India is grappling with a water crisis that threatens its economic stability, food security, and public health. With 18 per cent of the world’s population but only 4 per cent of its freshwater resources, India faces severe water stress, intensified by the relentless impacts of climate change. 

— The NITI Aayog’s 2018 Composite Water Management Index warned that 600 million Indians experience high to extreme water stress, and by 2030, water demand could outstrip supply by twofold. 

— The World Resources Institute ranks India 13th among the 17 most water-stressed nations globally, with groundwater levels depleting at an alarming rate — over 60 per cent of irrigated agriculture and 85 per cent of drinking water depend on it. 

— The 2024 Annual Groundwater Quality Report revealed that 70 per cent of India’s water sources are contaminated, posing risks to health and livelihoods.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍India is grappling with a water crisis. It must act now 

📍Knowledge Nugget | Why Jal Jeevan Mission is must-read for UPSC Exam – From scheme to constitutional context

UPSC Prelims Practice Question Covering similar theme:

(2) Consider the following statements:

1. The Jal Jeevan Mission was launched in 2022.

2. Water is a matter included in the State list in the seventh schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:

What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (UPSC CSE 2020)

 

FRONT 

No SC relief to Christian officer fired for refusing to enter all-faith place of worship

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

Mains Examination: General Studies II: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

What’s the ongoing story: The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to interfere with the Delhi High Court order upholding the termination of services of a Christian Indian Army officer for allegedly refusing to enter the regimental Sarva Dharma Sthal, which symbolically represents all religions, citing his monotheistic belief.

Key Points to Ponder:

— What are the constitutional provisions related to freedom of religion?

— What is the “Essential Religious Practices” doctrine?

— How does the Essential Religious Practices doctrine balance the right to freedom of religion and other fundamental rights?

— How does Article 25 of the Indian Constitution balance an individual’s right to religious freedom with the need for discipline in the armed forces?

— What are the constitutional limits placed on fundamental rights for members of the defence forces under Article 33?

Key Takeaways:

— In its May 30 order, the Delhi High Court upheld Samuel Kamalesan’s termination, saying that keeping religion above a lawful command from a superior was “clearly an act of indiscipline”.

— On Tuesday, a bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymala Bagchi said the actions of Kamalesan were the “grossest kind of indiscipline by an army officer”. “We have heard the counsel for the petitioner at considerable length. We see no reason to interfere with the impugned judgment of the High Court order. The SLP is dismissed,” the bench added.

— The bench said while “he may be an outstanding officer in hundreds of things, but he is definitely a misfit for the Indian Army” known for its discipline and secular approach.

— Justice Kant asked Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, who appeared for Kamalesan, whether such “cantankerous conduct deserves to be in a disciplined force”. “Is this permissible?”

— Justice Bagchi pointed out that the officer had, in his reply, admitted that other Christian officers said “please do it, there is no difficulty”. “But your interpretation of your religious rights is ‘I am not going to offer flowers or havan in a gurudwara’. We understand that may be a sentiment of your understanding of your Christian faith. But that is not the essential features as appraised either by the pastor or other members of your faith.”

— “Breach of Article 25 needs to be seen from the angle of essential features of the religion, not every sentiment of a religion… We have to definitely acknowledge and respect your essential features but you have to respect the collective faith of the majority of your command which you are commanding.”

Do You Know:

— Article 25(1) of the Constitution guarantees the “freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practise and propagate religion”. It is a right that guarantees a negative liberty — which means that the state shall ensure that there is no interference or obstacle to exercise this freedom. However, like all fundamental rights, the state can restrict the right for grounds of public order, decency, morality, health and other state interests.

— Over the years, the Supreme Court has evolved a practical test of sorts to determine what religious practices can be constitutionally protected and what can be ignored. In 1954, the Supreme Court held in the Shirur Mutt case that the term “religion” will cover all rituals and practices “integral” to a religion. The test to determine what is integral is termed the “essential religious practices” test.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍What is the ‘essentiality’ test in religious practice?

UPSC Practice Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(3) Which Article of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of religion, including the right to profess, practice, and propagate any religion?

(a) Article 14

(b) Article 19

(c) Article 25

(d) Article 32

 

EXPLAINED

Hayli Gubbi: Why volcanic ash is dangerous for aircraft

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

Mains Examination: General Studies-I, III: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclones. etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes, Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

What’s the ongoing story: The eruption of Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia on Sunday (November 23) has led to some disruption in airline schedules in various countries, including India. Some flights have been cancelled, while a number of others face delays; a few were even diverted.

Key Points to Ponder:

— What are volcanic eruptions?

— What are the various types of volcanoes?

— How are volcanoes distributed around the world?

— How many volcanoes in India are active?

— What are the constituents of volcanic ash and how do they impact aircraft?

Key Takeaways:

— India’s aviation safety regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on Monday even issued an urgent operational advisory to all Indian airlines asking them to strictly avoid volcanic ash-affected areas and flight altitudes.

— Following the eruption, reported as the first for Hayli Gubbi in around 12,000 years, the ash clouds have since drifted over various countries, including Yemen, Oman, Pakistan, and parts of India.

— Volcanic ash particles are extremely abrasive and can clog important sensors, impair pneumatics, make the cockpit windscreens opaque, but more critically, they can damage the turbine blades of the aircraft engine and lead to it stalling or flaming out. 

— Along with abrasive particles, volcanic ash clouds also contain some toxic gases that can potentially enter the aircraft’s ventilation system as well. This could lead to a drop in the cabin’s air quality and cause respiratory troubles.

— From an aviation safety perspective, the most significant threat posed by volcanic ash is to aircraft engines. A jet engine draws in air, compresses it, and ignites it by mixing it with aviation fuel. The resultant high-pressure gases rush backwards, which in turn pushes the engine and the plane forward. 

Satellite/aerial-type map of Hayli Gubbi volcano (Volcano Discovery)

— The hottest part of a jet engine heats up to over 1,500 degrees Celsius, while volcanic ash, which contains a lot of silica, melts at around 1,000 degrees. When volcanic ash, which is effectively like powdered glass, enters the engine’s combustion chamber, it melts and changes into something very similar to molten glass. 

— This then goes to the turbine blades of the engine, and could easily form a layer of molten glass on them. This layer could effectively prevent the blades from functioning properly, which could result in the engine shutting down. And if all engines shut down, the plane is effectively a glider.

— The aviation sector’s dread of volcanic ash is not theoretical or hypothetical. There have been incidents in the past that show just how real and present the danger is following a volcanic eruption.

— In 1982, a British Airways Boeing 747 aircraft operating a flight from London to New Zealand’s Auckland flew into a cloud of volcanic ash that was spewed into the air from the eruption of Mount Galunggung in Indonesia. All four engines of the 747 shut down after encountering the ash. Fortunately, the pilots were able to glide the plane away from the ash cloud and were successful in restarting the engines, after which the plane diverted to Jakarta and landed there.

— The DGCA on Monday asked Indian airlines to conduct post-flight engine and airframe inspections for aircraft operating near the affected areas, and suspend or delay operations to impacted airports if conditions worsen.

Explained: How ash clouds from Ethiopia volcano reached all the way to India By Amitabh Sinha

— The volcanic ash was travelling at a height at which most of the long-distance airplanes fly. These pose dangers of lack of visibility and possible inhalation of toxic gases like SO2.

— The Hayli Gubbi volcano in northeastern Ethiopia erupted on Sunday, by all accounts for the first time in about 12,000 years. There was no lava or magma flow, but large amounts of gas and plume, consisting possibly of small fragments of rocks, glass and some other material, were ejected in an explosive eruption. 

— The heavier among these would have fallen in nearby areas, but the very fine particles, and gases like sulphur dioxide or carbon dioxide, could rise very high in the atmosphere, about 15-40 km above the surface.

— This happens mainly because the air around the volcano gets heated up severely, becomes lighter and rises up, taking along with it the finer particles and gases.

— At that height, air currents are very strong, and the volcanic plume generally travels in the direction of air current. This is what happened in the case of the plume coming out of Ethiopian eruptions.

— Following air currents, the volcanic ash and gases travelled westwards towards the Indian region, entering from Gujarat and Rajasthan, and then moving towards Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, in the southwest to northeasterly direction. Following the same trajectory, these are expected to move completely into China by Tuesday evening.

— The movement of volcanic plume is a short-term phenomenon. Their impact would most likely cease to exist completely within the next couple of days. Over time, the fine particles in the plume get dispersed, and spread out in concentrations that are not a concern anymore. Clouds and rains wash out a lot of these, significantly mitigating their effects.

— The gases in the plume, like sulphur dioxide or carbon dioxide, can remain much longer, but these gases already exist in the atmosphere. The amounts of these gases in the plume are not so high as to make any appreciable difference to their existing concentration in the atmosphere.

Do You Know:

— According to the US Geological Survey”Volcanoes are openings, or vents where lava, tephra (small rocks), and steam erupt onto the Earth’s surface”.

— Volcanoes can be on land and in the ocean. They are formed when material significantly hotter than its surroundings is erupted onto the surface of the Earth. The material could be liquid rock (known as “magma”, when it’s underground and “lava” when it breaks through the surface), ash, and/or gases.

— Magma refers to the material found in the upper mantle. When it begins to move towards the crust or reaches the surface, it is known as “lava.” Lava flows, pyroclastic debris, volcanic bombs, ash, and dust, along with gases such as nitrogen compounds, sulfur compounds, and trace amounts of chlorine, hydrogen, and argon, all reach the ground.

— There are four main types of volcanoes: cinder cones, composite or stratovolcanoes, shield volcanoes and lava domes. Their type is determined by how the lava from an eruption flows and how that flow affects the volcano, and, as a result, how it affects its surrounding environment.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍A Sicilian volcano is blowing smoke rings in the sky. What are volcanic vortex rings?

📍Knowledge Nugget: Understanding Volcanoes — What you must know for UPSC exam?

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(4) Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2018)

1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.

2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.

3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:

Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring out the association between the global distribution of fold mountains and earthquakes and volcanoes. (UPSC CSE 2014)

 

THE IDEAS PAGE

Busting myths and half-truths about Poshan Tracker 

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

What’s the ongoing story: Ananya Awasthi writes: The Poshan Tracker has been in the public conversation, and not always for the right reasons. Myths and half-truths about e-KYC and the Facial Recognition System (FRS) have led to confusion among citizens and Anganwadi workers alike.

Key Points to Ponder:

— What is the purpose of Poshan Tracker?

— What is FRS?

— How is the government integrating digital innovation in service delivery?

— What are the general challenges faced in implementing digital innovation?

— Understand the role of Anganwadi workers 

— For a successful implementation of any scheme, how significant is it to counter myths with accurate information?

(Thought Process: The author bursts the myth around the Poshan Tracker. As an aspiring civil servant, put yourself in the shoes of an administrator and think how would you tackle these myths while implementing any schemes.)

Key Takeaways:

— The Poshan Tracker, launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, is among the world’s largest government-funded nutrition monitoring systems. It connects more than 1.4 million Anganwadi Centres, recording service delivery and monitoring the nutritional status of over 88 million women, children and adolescent girls across target geographies.

— With a system of this magnitude, ensuring that the ration reaches its rightful recipient requires precision and trust. Despite sustained efforts by the government, challenges such as duplicate or “ghost” beneficiaries, diversion and leakage of food rations, and occasional shortfalls in quantity or quality have persisted. To overcome these gaps, the Poshan Tracker introduced e-KYC and FRS.

— Simply put, e-KYC means digital verification of a beneficiary’s identity through their Aadhaar. The Anganwadi worker enters the Aadhaar number, an OTP is sent to the registered mobile number, and once verified, the beneficiary is marked as e-KYC verified on the Poshan Tracker.

— The Facial Recognition System (FRS) ensures that the right person receives the food ration. As the take-home ration (THR) is distributed every month, the Anganwadi worker logs into the Poshan Tracker app, selects the beneficiary, and captures a live photo. 

— The app automatically compares this photo with the facial image captured during the time of registration and e-KYC authentication. When the match is confirmed, the Anganwadi worker hands over the ration, and the Poshan Tracker records it digitally as proof of delivery.

— With e-KYC and FRS, the system now enables real-time tracking of who received what, when and where. Like any reform, digital innovation comes with its share of doubts and misconceptions.

— One, that e-KYC needs to be done every month. The fact is that it is a one-time verification process. Once verified, the beneficiary is permanently marked as “e-KYC verified”.

— Myth two, even small children must undergo facial recognition. The Poshan Tracker does not undertake facial authentication of children under six years for delivery of THR.

— Myth three is that FRS for THR distribution cannot function offline. There are also some concerns about the lack of internet connectivity in rural areas. 

— Four, personal data and photographs are stored locally. While citizen concerns around data security are valid, the Ministry has affirmed that robust data protocols have been instituted. 

— Five, every beneficiary needs a smartphone for facial authentication to receive their ration. Beneficiaries are not required to own a smartphone for facial authentication. The Anganwadi worker conducts a one-time Aadhaar verification using an OTP sent to the beneficiary’s registered mobile number. 

— As of August, nearly 3.69 crore THR beneficiaries — out of 4.9 crore registered, representing about 75 per cent of the target base — had completed e-KYC and facial authentication. This reflects India’s remarkable readiness to embrace digital tools at scale and its growing confidence in technology-driven public service delivery.

— As the Poshan Tracker evolves, the focus must now shift to countering myths with accurate information, working on usability testing based on feedback from the ground, streamlining the service delivery workflows to reduce time burdens and investing in digital literacy of Anganwadi workers.

Do You Know:

— Anganwadi workers (AWWs) are part of the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (ICDS) launched in 1975, and their role relates to nutritional education, supplementation for women and children, and facilitation of the delivery of maternal and child health services. Though strictly not a part of the healthcare system, they work closely with it.

— In addition to capturing beneficiary data, the Poshan Tracker dashboard captures national, state and district-level data on three sets of indicators. 

— First, the Anganwadi infrastructure including the number of Anganwadi centres built, with functional toilets or drinking water and whether they have been open for service delivery. 

— Second, tracking the number of beneficiaries who received take-home rations (not raw rations) and hot cooked meals. And third, monitoring of nutritional outcomes.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍India’s healthcare system is leaning too heavily on volunteers and contractual workers for essential services

📍Mother, child and the Poshan Tracker 

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(5) Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? (UPSC CSE 2017)

1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.

2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.

3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.

4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 3 and 4 only

Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:

“Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (UPSC CSE 2021)

 

THE BIG PICTURE

SIR after Bihar: What changed for BLOs, electors

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national importance, Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution.

Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act, Constitution of India — features, significant provisions and basic structure.

What’s the ongoing story: The ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in nine states and three Union Territories is unfolding differently from the earlier exercise in Bihar. It’s this shift, a procedural one, that’s at the heart of what’s visible on the ground – with reports of alleged stress-related deaths and suicides among Booth Level Officers (BLOs).

Key Points to Ponder:

— What is the purpose of conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?

— How is it different from the National Register of Citizens (NRC)?

— What is the legal backing for conducting SIR?

— Read about the functions of Booth Level Officers (BLOs)?

—What challenges have arisen for Booth Level Officers during the ongoing SIR?

— What are the concerns related to SIR?

— Read about the Election Commission of India, its powers and functions.

Key Takeaways:

— In Bihar, anyone not found on the 2003 intensive revision roll had to submit during enumeration one of 11 documents mandated by the Election Commission. The EC altered the process for the rest of the country.

— The new form asks electors to provide details of themselves or any adult relative in the last intensive revision roll of their state, but BLOs have been instructed not to collect documents at this stage. Instead, they must physically search the last intensive revision rolls (from any state or UT) to trace electors or their relatives and write the corresponding serial number on the form.

— Though BLOs in Bihar were also tasked with searching the 2003 rolls to match the electors, the difference in SIR 2 is that the matching is required for a greater number of electors as all electors or their parents, aunts, uncles or grandparents needed to be traced to the old rolls.

— This makes the first phase lighter for electors, but increases workload for BLOs. And if the section – with details of the elector or her family members on the last intensive role – is left blank, they will get notices after the draft roll is published on December 9, when documents will be sought.

— What has also changed this time is the speed and scale of action against BLOs for any dereliction of duty. In the entire three-month Bihar SIR, EC sources say, 39 BLOs were suspended and 42 FIRs filed. In just the past week in Uttar Pradesh, that count has already been exceeded — including 60 FIRs in Noida alone — though EC officials maintain they have issued no specific instructions to states to initiate FIRs.

— The EC had ordered a nationwide SIR on June 24, with Bihar going first because of its upcoming polls. After Bihar published its final roll on September 30 — showing a 6% drop in electors — the Commission rolled out the exercise for the 12 states/UTs, with the enumeration phase from November 4 to December 4.

— It is in this phase that reports of BLO deaths, including at least five suicides, have surfaced (at least one in West Bengal, another in Rajasthan) with notes pointing to pressure linked to the SIR work.

Do You Know:

— Article 324(1) of the Constitution gives the ECI the power of “superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for, and the conduct of” elections to Parliament and state legislatures.

— Under Section 21(3) of The Representation of the People Act, 1950, the ECI “may at any time…  direct a special revision of the electoral roll for any constituency or part of a constituency in such manner as it may think fit”.

— The Registration of Electors’ Rules, 1960, says the revision of rolls can be carried out “either intensively or summarily or partly intensively and partly summarily, as the [ECI] may direct”. In an intensive revision, the electoral roll is prepared afresh; in a summary revision, the roll is amended.

— Special summary revisions take place every year, and the electoral roll is updated before each Lok Sabha and state Assembly election. Intensive revisions have been carried out in 1952-56, 1957, 1961, 1965, 1966, 1983-84, 1987-89, 1992, 1993, 1995, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(6) Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2017)

1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.

2. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.

3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 3 only

Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:

To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? (UPSC CSE 2017)

ALSO IN NEWS
EU leadership accepts invite for chief guests at Republic Day parade	The European Union’s leadership has conveyed its acceptance of the Indian invitation for the Republic Day parade as chief guests, sources have told The Indian Express.This would mean that President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa will be chief guests for the Republic Day celebrations next year. An official announcement is expected shortly. In fact, when the EU leaders come to India for the January 26 parade, the India-EU leaders summit — which was scheduled to be held in early 2026 — will be held in Delhi on Jan 25 or 27. An invitation to be the Republic Day chief guest is highly symbolic from the Indian government’s perspective.
Arunachal an inalienable part of India: Govt rejects China claim	As China denied allegations that an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh was harassed at Shanghai airport recently, and said that it does not recognise the state “illegally established by India”, India asserted Tuesday that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India and no amount of denial by the Chinese side is going to change this indisputable reality.
1983 Nellie massacre: 2 reports, one blames it on polls, other differs	Forty-two years after Assam was ravaged by violence amidst the contentious 1983 state elections – most prominently, the Nellie massacre, which was one of the worst incidents of mass violence in post-Independence India – two inquiry reports, one official and another unofficial, offering differing perspectives on what unfolded, were tabled in the Assam legislative assembly on Tuesday. The Nellie massacre is one of the darkest and most sensitive chapters of Assam’s history, and the lack of accountability and prosecution of perpetrators – no one was ever arrested for it – means that it remains an open wound. A key point of difference between the reports and their analysis of the incidents that unfolded is their stand on the decision to hold elections in Assam in 1983, while the Assam Agitation was at its peak. While the official Tewari commission report states that “the decision to hold the elections cannot be blamed for the outbreak of the violence of 1983”, the unofficial Mehta commission report states that “the elections were the main and immediate cause of the violence”.

 

PRELIMS ANSWER KEY

1. (c)  2. (b)  3. (c)   4. (a)  5. (a)  6. (d)

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