Indian States’ Macro-Fiscal Health

Introduction

The fiscal health of States is vital since they spend more than the Union on health, education, and welfare. A CAG review shows States moved from high deficits in the 2000s, to recovery in the 2010s, and back to stress after the pandemic.

Fiscal Trends

• 2000s: Persistent deficits.
  
  
• 2010s: Growth, reforms, and GST support led to improved balances.
  
  
• Post-2020: Shrinking revenues and emergency spending revived fiscal stress.
  
  

Revenue Imbalances

• Maharashtra raises ~70% of its receipts internally; Arunachal just 9%.
  
  
• Uttar Pradesh generates only 42%, depending on Union transfers.
  
  
• Volatile sources: Kerala (lotteries), Odisha (mining royalties), Telangana (land sales).
  
  

Borrowing & Debt

• High debt: Punjab (45% of GSDP), Rajasthan (40%), Bihar (39%).
  
  
• Moderate: Maharashtra, Gujarat (~20%).
  
  
• Small States: Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur at 40–60% despite low absolute numbers.
  
  
• Post-pandemic: Andhra, Rajasthan borrowed more; Odisha, UP reduced borrowings.
  
  

Welfare Paradox

Surpluses often stem from central transfers, off-budget borrowings, or deferred liabilities, not genuine fiscal strength. Welfare schemes expand on weak fiscal bases, with under-investment in health, education, and infrastructure.

Challenges & Way Forward

• Rising debt, volatile revenues, and vertical fiscal imbalance.
  
  
• Need to expand States’ revenue base, prioritise capital over revenue spending, regulate off-budget borrowings, and strengthen fiscal federalism.
  
  

Conclusion

India’s States face a paradox of ambitious welfare on fragile finances. Balancing welfare delivery with fiscal sustainability is key to long-term growth.

National Security Act (NSA), 1980 – Explained

Introduction

The detention of activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980 has brought the law back into public debate. Preventive detention is one of the most powerful tools available to the State, meant to safeguard national security and public order, but its use also raises serious questions about fundamental rights and democratic accountability.

What is NSA?

• Enacted in 1980, the National Security Act empowers both the Centre and State governments to detain individuals in certain cases to prevent them from acting in ways “prejudicial to the security of India, the maintenance of public order, or the maintenance of essential supplies and services.”
  
  
• It is a preventive detention law, different from punitive detention. It is meant to stop an individual from committing a possible future act deemed harmful.
  
  

Key Provisions of NSA

1. Wide Powers of Detention:
   
   
   1. The Act authorises District Magistrates, Police Commissioners, and the Central government to order preventive detention.
      
      
   1. A person can be detained up to 12 months, extendable if fresh grounds exist.
      
      
2. Maximum Period:
   
   
   1. Detention cannot exceed 3 months without approval from an Advisory Board of High Court judges.
      
      
   1. With approval, detention can be extended up to 12 months.
      
      
3. Judicial Oversight:
   
   
   1. The Advisory Board reviews each case within 3 weeks of detention.
      
      
   1. However, detainees are not allowed legal representation before the Board.
      
      
4. Grounds for Detention:
   
   
   1. Threat to national security.
      
      
   1. Disturbance of public order.
      
      
   1. Threat to the maintenance of essential supplies and services.
      
      

Rights & Remedies Available

• The detainee has the right to make a representation to the government.
  
  
• Judicial review is possible through High Courts and the Supreme Court under Articles 32 and 226.
  
  
• However, the grounds of detention are often vague, limiting the detainee’s ability to challenge detention.
  
  

Punishments, Remedies & Safeguards

• Unlike normal criminal law, charges are not required under NSA.
  
  
• The government only needs to justify detention on “reasonable suspicion.”
  
  
• Safeguards such as review by Advisory Boards exist, but in practice, these checks are often weak.
  
  

Recent Usage of NSA

• The Act has been used in politically sensitive situations:
  
  
  • Anti-CAA protests (2020) – several detainees were booked under NSA.
    
    
  • Uttar Pradesh – used against individuals accused of cow slaughter or protests.
    
    
  • Madhya Pradesh, Assam – frequent use against those allegedly disturbing public order.
    
    
  • Activists and political leaders have often been booked, raising allegations of misuse.
    
    

Criticism of NSA

• Vague provisions → allows misuse for political or administrative convenience.
  
  
• Erosion of Fundamental Rights → Preventive detention curtails Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty).
  
  
• Lack of transparency → No public accountability in justifying detentions.
  
  
• Judicial limitations → Courts cannot always intervene effectively because of the government’s broad discretionary powers.
  
  

Significance for UPSC

• Demonstrates the tension between security and liberty in Indian democracy.
  
  
• Highlights constitutional debate around preventive detention (allowed under Article 22 of the Constitution).
  
  
• Raises questions of federalism (since both Centre and States can invoke it).
  
  

Conclusion

The NSA remains one of India’s most controversial laws. While designed to protect the nation’s security and maintain public order, its vague language and sweeping powers often result in allegations of misuse against activists, political opponents, and dissenters. For a democratic nation, striking the right balance between security concerns and the protection of civil liberties is essential. Reforms ensuring greater accountability, transparency, and judicial oversight may help prevent misuse of preventive detention laws while retaining their utility for genuine national security needs.

 

 

 

Govt Eases Hindi Requirement for EMRS Recruitment

Current Context

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has relaxed Hindi language norms in the recruitment guidelines for teaching and non-teaching staff of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS). The move addresses concerns of regional representation and aims to remove language barriers in hiring for schools catering to tribal communities.

Key Changes in Language Requirement

• Earlier (2023): Hindi competency was mandatory for TGT candidates even if they chose a regional language.
  
  
• Now (2025 guidelines): Candidates will be assessed on English, Hindi, and one regional language of their choice.
  
  
  • Component: 30 marks (qualifying in nature).
    
    
  • Requirement: 12 aggregate marks across all three languages.
    
    
• Relaxation also applies to female staff nurse posts.
  
  
• Hindi remains mandatory for PGT candidates teaching classes 9–12.
  
  

Background on EMRS

• Launched: 1997–98 to provide quality residential education to tribal students (Classes 6–12) in remote areas, modeled on Navodaya Vidyalayas.
  
  
• Revamp (2018–19): Became a central sector scheme. Mandate → 1 EMRS in every block with >50% ST population & >20,000 tribal persons.
  
  
• Status: 722 sanctioned schools → 479 functional, 235 under construction. Around 1.46 lakh students enrolled, with ~13,437 staff.
  
  

Recruitment and Implementation

• Since 2018–19, recruitment is centralised under National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS).
  
  
• Current cycle: 7,267 vacancies advertised.
  
  
• Some states (e.g., Bihar, Tamil Nadu) not yet under centralised recruitment, continuing state-level processes.
  
  

Significance of the Move

• Removes Hindi as a bottleneck for candidates from non-Hindi speaking regions.
  
  
• Enhances inclusivity and regional representation in staffing tribal schools.
  
  
• Supports the broader aim of equitable access to quality education for Scheduled Tribes.
  
  

Conclusion

The relaxation of Hindi requirements in EMRS recruitment reflects the government’s effort to balance national language policy with regional diversity and inclusivity. By removing language barriers, it ensures that quality teachers and staff from across India can contribute to tribal education. This step strengthens both the accessibility and effectiveness of EMRS, advancing the goal of empowering Scheduled Tribes through equitable and culturally sensitive education.

Naxalism in Bastar (Chhattisgarh CM’s Claim)

News in Context

• Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai (Sept 2025) declared that Naxalism in Bastar has been eliminated.
  
  
• Emphasized:
  
  
  • Success of double engine government (Centre + State coordination).
    
    
  • Priority to tourism, agriculture, dairy for tribal livelihood.
    
    
  • Ongoing Maoist rehabilitation policy.
    
    

Background

• Naxalism / Left Wing Extremism (LWE):
  
  
  • Originated from Naxalbari (West Bengal, 1967).
    
    
  • Expanded to tribal-dominated central & eastern India (the “Red Corridor”).
    
    
• Bastar region (Chhattisgarh):
  
  
  • Historically the epicenter of Maoist violence.
    
    
  • Dense forests + socio-economic deprivation of tribals = fertile ground for LWE.
    
    
  • Known for repeated ambushes against security forces.
    
    

Government Measures

1. Security Operations
   
   
   1. Intensified counter-insurgency by CRPF, COBRA, state police.
      
      
   1. Increased deployment of technology: drones, satellite mapping.
      
      
   1. Development of security infrastructure (roads, camps, air surveillance).
      
      
2. Surrender & Rehabilitation Policy
   
   
   1. Financial incentives, skill training, housing, and livelihood support for surrendered Maoists.
      
      
3. Development Push
   
   
   1. Road and telecom connectivity in remote Bastar.
      
      
   1. Tribal-focused livelihood: dairy, agriculture, forest produce value-addition.
      
      
   1. Tourism as a driver of integration.
      
      

Challenges / Criticisms

• Human Rights Issues: Allegations of fake encounters, collateral civilian casualties.
  
  
• Tribal Alienation: Socio-economic inequalities and displacement due to mining remain.
  
  
• Sustainability of Peace: Declaring “elimination” may be premature; resurgence possible if governance gaps persist.
  
  
• Civil Society Concerns: Letters and protests about continued violence in Bastar.
  
  

UPSC Linkages

• GS-II (Governance): Cooperative federalism, policy implementation, tribal rights.
  
  
• GS-III (Internal Security): LWE – causes, government strategies.
  
  
• Essay/Ethics: Role of dialogue, rehabilitation, and collective responsibility.
  
  

Practice Questions

Prelims MCQ
 With reference to Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India, consider the following:

1. The Red Corridor extends across only Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
   
   
2. The Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal agency for counter-LWE strategy.
   
   
3. The Samadhan doctrine includes both security measures and developmental interventions.
   
   

Which of the statements are correct?
 A) 1 and 2 only
 B) 2 and 3 only
 C) 1 and 3 only
 D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B) 2 and 3 only

Mains (GS-III)
 “While security measures are essential, Left Wing Extremism can only be permanently addressed through inclusive development and tribal empowerment.” Discuss with reference to Bastar.

Maharashtra Floods

News in Context

• At least 10 killed, 11,800+ evacuated due to heavy rains across Maharashtra.
  
  
• Red Alert issued for Mumbai, Konkan, Marathwada.
  
  
• Six villages cut off in Dharashiv district.
  
  
• State government declared emergency measures; opposition demanded special Assembly session.
  
  

Background: Monsoon Extremes in Maharashtra

• Maharashtra often faces dual disasters:
  
  
  • Floods in Konkan & Western Ghats (Mumbai, Raigad, Ratnagiri).
    
    
  • Drought in Marathwada & Vidarbha.
    
    
• Rapid urbanization, unplanned construction, and drainage bottlenecks worsen flood risks (e.g., Mumbai floods 2005, 2017, 2021).
  
  
• Climate Change Impact: IMD data shows increased frequency of heavy rainfall events but reduced rainy days = intense, short-duration deluges.
  
  

Immediate Impacts

• Human Losses: 10 confirmed deaths, thousands displaced.
  
  
• Infrastructure Damage: Villages cut off, waterlogging in urban centers, damage to crops.
  
  
• Economic Costs: Disruption of transport, agriculture, and small industries.
  
  

Government Response

• State Emergency Operations Centre activated.
  
  
• Evacuation to relief camps.
  
  
• NDRF/SDRF mobilized for rescue.
  
  
• Special review meetings by CM; opposition demanding legislative debate.
  
  

Challenges Highlighted

• Urban Flooding: Mumbai drainage system inadequate; outdated infrastructure.
  
  
• Dam Safety: Sudden water releases often worsen downstream flooding.
  
  
• Agricultural Vulnerability: Small farmers hit hardest.
  
  
• Preparedness Gaps: Despite IMD alerts, response remains reactive.
  
  

Way Forward / Policy Measures

1. Structural Measures:
   
   
   1. Strengthening embankments, reservoirs, urban drainage redesign.
      
      
   1. Flood-resilient housing and smart urban planning.
      
      
2. Non-Structural Measures:
   
   
   1. Early warning systems (IMD, Doppler radars).
      
      
   1. Local community training for disaster preparedness.
      
      
   1. Land-use regulation to avoid construction in floodplains.
      
      
3. Long-Term Strategy:
   
   
   1. Climate Resilience: Integrate adaptation into state plans.
      
      
   1. River basin management, inter-agency coordination.
      
      

UPSC Linkages

• GS-I (Geography): Monsoon variability, extreme weather events.
  
  
• GS-III (Disaster Management): NDMA guidelines, Sendai Framework.
  
  
• Essay: Balancing development and disaster resilience.
  
  

Practice Questions

Prelims MCQ
 Which of the following are part of India’s institutional framework for flood management?

1. Central Water Commission (CWC)
   
   
2. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
   
   
3. India Meteorological Department (IMD)
   
   
4. Geological Survey of India (GSI)
   
   

A) 1, 2 and 3 only
 B) 1 and 4 only
 C) 2 and 4 only
 D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: A) 1, 2 and 3 only

Mains (GS-III)
 “Recurring urban floods in India are less a result of extreme weather events and more a consequence of poor planning and governance.” Analyse with reference to Maharashtra floods.