13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO)

Why in News: The 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) concluded without any major breakthroughs, as most key issues remained unresolved. WTO reforms continue to be a major challenge. However, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, highlighted that India has successfully preserved its policy flexibility to safeguard the interests of its farmers.

Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

Why in News: The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament has recently instructed the government to reassess the current regulations governing toll taxation on National Highways.

About PAC

• It is a parliamentary committee responsible for auditing the revenue and expenditure of the Indian government.
• Functions as a check on government spending, ensuring financial accountability.
• Examines the audit report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) after its presentation in Parliament.
• The C&AG assists the committee during investigations.
• Ensures that funds granted by Parliament are spent within their intended scope.

Genesis of the Committee

• One of the oldest parliamentary committees, established in 1921.
• Initially, the Finance Member served as the Chairperson, and the Finance Department handled its secretarial work.
• After the Constitution came into force in 1950, it became a Parliamentary Committee under the Speaker’s control.
• The Lok Sabha Secretariat took over its secretarial functions.

Membership Structure

Comprises 22 members:

15 from Lok Sabha

Up to 7 from Rajya Sabha

• Elected annually through proportional representation with a single transferable vote.
• Term of office: One year.
• Chairperson is appointed by the Speaker from Lok Sabha members.
• Since 1967-68, the Chairperson has been from the Opposition.
• Ministers cannot be members, and if an elected member becomes a Minister, they vacate the position.

Functions of PAC

• Examines government expenditure accounts to ensure proper use of allocated funds.
• Reviews the annual finance accounts of the government.
• Scrutinizes appropriation accounts and C&AG reports to verify:
• Legality of fund usage.
• Adherence to financial regulations.
• Proper authorization of re-appropriations.

Sant Ravidas

Why in News: The 648th birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas was recently observed, emphasizing his teachings on social justice, equality, and the idea of Begumpura.

His Life and Background

• Mystic and Religious Leader: A key figure in the Nirgunabhakti tradition and founder of the Ravidassia religion (15th–16th century CE).
• Birth and Caste Identity: Born in 14th-century Varanasi into the Chamar caste (leather-working community).
• Challenge to Social Norms: Rejected caste discrimination, gender bias, and ritualistic practices, promoting devotion to a formless God (Nirankar).
• Influence on Sikhism: The Guru Granth Sahib includes 41 of his verses, compiled by Guru Arjan Dev.
• Concept of a Just Society: Advocated for Begumpura, an ideal land free from sorrow and social divisions.
• Mentor to Meera Bai: Served as a spiritual guide to Meera Bai, the Bhakti poet and queen of Chittoor.

Philosophy and Teachings

• Social Equality: “Jaati paati puchhe nahi koi, hari ko bhaje so hari ka hoi” (God does not ask for caste; anyone who worships Him belongs to Him).
• Purity of Mind Over Rituals: “Man changa toh kathoti mein Ganga” (A pure heart is as sacred as the Ganges).
• Ideal Society: “Begumpura shahar ka nao” (Begumpura is a city free from suffering and inequality).

Begumpura: His Vision of an Ideal Society

• An Egalitarian World: A society free from caste oppression, poverty, and injustice.
• Parallels with Socialism: Shares similarities with Karl Marx’s classless society, though Ravidas emphasized caste-based equality.
• Core Principles:
  • No taxation, no monarchy, and no fear of rulers.
  • Equal access to resources and opportunities for all.
  • Community welfare prioritized over individual wealth.

Impact and Contemporary Relevance

• Influence on India’s Constitution: His teachings align with social justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• Inspirational Figure for Reformers:
  • B.R. Ambedkar: Incorporated Begumpura’s ideals into constitutional provisions.
  • Kanshi Ram: Advocated for political and economic rights for marginalized groups.
• Government Recognition: His birth anniversary is a public holiday in Delhi, acknowledging his social impact.
• Continuing Relevance in Modern India:
  • Fighting Caste Discrimination: His ideas remain crucial in eradicating social inequalities.
  • Economic Empowerment: Advocates wealth redistribution and equal opportunities.
  • Universal Human Values: Promotes compassion, social unity, and collective progress.

Supreme Court Debate on Lifetime Ban for Convicted Politicians

Context

• The Supreme Court is hearing petitions seeking a lifetime ban on convicted individuals from contesting elections.
• This has reignited the debate on decriminalizing politics and ensuring probity in public life.

Provisions Under the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951

• Section 8(3): Disqualifies individuals convicted and sentenced to two years or more of imprisonment; banned for six years post-release.
• Section 8(1): Disqualifies individuals convicted of heinous crimes (e.g., rape, corruption, UAPA offenses) regardless of sentence length; six-year post-release ban applies.
• Section 62(5): Prevents imprisoned individuals from voting, but undertrials can still contest elections.
• Section 11: Grants the Election Commission (EC) power to reduce disqualification periods, as seen in the case of Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang (2019).

Why Ban Convicted Individuals from Elections?

• Rising Criminalization of Politics: Reports indicate 46% of MPs elected in 2024 face criminal charges; 31% accused of serious crimes like murder and rape.
• Erosion of Public Trust: Allowing convicted individuals in politics undermines democratic institutions.
• Moral Turpitude Concerns: Heinous crimes and corruption convictions directly contradict public service ethics.
• Electoral Advantage of Criminals: Candidates with criminal backgrounds have a 15.4% winning probability, compared to 4.4% for clean candidates.

Challenges to Imposing a Lifetime Ban

• Potential for Misuse: Criminal charges could be weaponized against political rivals.
• Delayed Judicial Process: Slow trials allow candidates to contest multiple elections before conviction.
• Proportionality Issue: A lifetime ban may be too harsh for minor offenses.
• EC’s Discretion: Section 11 grants the EC power to reduce disqualification, raising concerns about bias and fairness.

Suggested Reforms and Way Forward

• Amend RPA Act: Disqualify candidates against whom charges are framed for crimes with five years or more punishment (Law Commission recommendations: 1999 & 2014).
• Fast-Track Courts: Expedite trials for MPs/MLAs (as per Supreme Court’s 2023 directive).
• Review EC’s Powers: Ensure transparency and accountability in disqualification decisions.
• Voter Awareness: Promote informed voting choices against candidates with criminal backgrounds.
• Political Consensus: Engage political parties to build consensus on criminalization reforms.

Conclusion

The criminalization of politics threatens democracy and weakens public trust. While a lifetime ban for heinous crimes is justified, a balanced approach is necessary to prevent misuse and ensure fairness. Stronger laws, faster trials, and voter awareness are crucial to achieving clean and accountable politics.