• 16 Oct 2024

Chief Election Commissioner Criticises Exit Polls

Why in News?

The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India raised concerns about the reliability of exit polls and premature display of vote counting trends, citing the recent Haryana elections as a case where exit polls created unrealistic expectations and raised political concerns.

Key Points

• Distortion by Exit Polls:
  • Exit polls often set unrealistic expectations, leading to a significant gap between predicted and actual election results.
  • In the recent Haryana elections, most exit polls predicted a landslide victory for the Congress, projecting over 50 seats, but the actual results did not match these expectations.
  • This created frustration among the public and political parties, with Congress raising concerns about the exit polls' accuracy.
• Premature Display of Early Counting Trends:
  • Some news channels aired early trends before official vote counting began, contributing to misinformation and speculation.
  • CEC criticized this practice as "nonsense," pointing out that initial trends shown before counting lacks a scientific basis and can mislead the public.
  • He explained that the actual counting process begins only after 8:30 a.m., with verified results being posted on the Election Commission's website after 9:30 a.m.
• Call for Self-Regulation:
  • While the Election Commission does not directly control exit polls, CEC urged that regulatory bodies overseeing media and polling must take a stronger stance on improving exit poll practices.
  • Transparency in exit poll methodology, including factors such as sample size, polling locations, and data collection methods, is necessary to maintain credibility.
  • CEC also emphasized that bodies governing media and polling agencies should enforce better practices to avoid misinformation during elections.
• Exit Poll Methodology Issues:
  • Exit polls are based on interviews conducted with voters as they exit polling stations, but their accuracy depends on the quality of data collected and how representative the sample is.
  • The methodology behind exit polls, including the sample's size and representativeness (reflecting various voter profiles like caste, religion, and geography), plays a crucial role in determining the accuracy of the polls.
• Swing Models and Prediction Challenges:
  • Exit polls use swing models to predict seat allocations based on vote share estimates from the previous election.
  • However, in a complex political environment like Haryana, where multiple parties and alliances are involved, these swing models often fail to capture shifts in voter behavior or alliance changes.

Election Commission of India

• About:
  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.
    • It was established in accordance with the Constitution on 25^th January 1950 (celebrated as National Voters' Day). The secretariat of the commission is in New Delhi.
  • The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies in India, and the offices of the President and Vice President in the country.
    • It is not concerned with the elections to panchayats and municipalities in the states. For this, the Constitution of India provides for a separate State Election Commission.
• Constitutional Provisions:
  • Part XV (Article 324-329): It deals with elections and establishes a commission for these matters.
  • Article 324: Superintendence, direction and control of elections to be vested in an Election Commission.
  • Article 325: No person to be ineligible for inclusion in, or to claim to be included in a special, electoral roll-on grounds of religion, race, caste or sex.
  • Article 326: Elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assemblies of States to be based on adult suffrage.
  • Article 327: Power of Parliament to make provision with respect to elections to Legislatures.
  • Article 328: Power of Legislature of a State to make provision with respect to elections to such Legislature.
  • Article 329: Bar to interference by courts in electoral matters.
• Structure of ECI:
  • Originally the commission had only one election commissioner but after the Election Commissioner Amendment Act, 1989, it was made a multi-member body.
  • The Election Commission shall consist of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and such number of other election commissioners, if any, as the President may from time-to-time fix.
  • Presently, it consists of the CEC and two Election Commissioners (ECs).
    • At the state level, the election commission is helped by the Chief Electoral Officer.
• Appointment & Tenure of Commissioners:
  • The President appoints CEC and Election Commissioners as per the CEC and Other ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
  • They have a fixed tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
  • The salary and conditions of service of the CEC and ECs will be equivalent to that of the Supreme Court Judge.
• Removal:
  • They can resign anytime or can also be removed before the expiry of their term.
  • The CEC can be removed from office only through a process of removal similar to that of a SC judge by Parliament, while ECs can only be removed on the recommendation of the CEC.

State Level Energy Conservation Awards, 2024

Why in News?

The Haryana government continues to emphasize energy conservation, aligning with national efforts under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.

• The awards aim to recognize contributions across sectors in promoting energy efficiency, particularly in light of increasing environmental concerns.

Key Points

• Purpose of the Awards:
  • Objective: To promote energy conservation by recognizing industries, commercial buildings, government institutions, educational institutions, hospitals, and individuals excelling in energy efficiency practices.
  • Regulatory Framework: Based on the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, which came into effect in March 2002, setting guidelines for the efficient use of energy resources.
• Administering Body:
  • The Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency (HAREDA) acts as the State Designated Agency (SDA) responsible for coordinating, regulating, and enforcing the Act’s provisions within Haryana. It is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Renewable Energy, Haryana.
• Award Categories:
  • Eligible Sectors: Industries, commercial buildings, government institutions, educational institutions, hospitals, municipal bodies, and individuals.
  • Criteria: Recognition is based on innovative measures to conserve energy, use of new technologies, and efficiency improvements in energy use. Specific fields include:
    • Innovations in energy conservation.
    • Adoption of energy-efficient practices.
    • R&D projects in energy.
• Award Details:
  • Prizes include monetary rewards up to Rs. 2 lakhs, depending on the specific category of the award. The awards aim to both encourage and financially support further energy-saving efforts by winners.
  • The awards are part of the state's broader efforts to reduce power consumption and support sustainable development.
• Recent Developments:
  • The 2024 edition continues these initiatives, encouraging institutions and individuals to submit applications demonstrating their commitment to energy conservation. Deadlines for submissions and guidelines are made available on the HAREDA official website

The Energy Conservation Act, 2001

• Regulatory framework
  • The EC Act establishes standards and policies for energy efficiency, and empowers the central and state governments to regulate energy use.
• Energy audits
  • Authorities can direct energy audits of buildings where energy-intensive industries operate.
• Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
  • The BEE was created to oversee the EC Act's programs and promote energy efficiency. The BEE's work includes certification, public awareness campaigns, and pilot projects.
• Carbon credit trading
  • The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022 allows the government to introduce a carbon credit trading scheme to encourage reducing carbon emissions.
• Energy savings certificates
  • The government can issue energy savings certificates to industries that consume less than their allotted energy. These certificates can be sold to customers who consume more than their allotted energy.

UP Government’s Ordinances on Food Safety and Contamination

Why in News?

The Uttar Pradesh government recently proposed two ordinances to address growing concerns over food contamination and anti-social activities in the food industry, spurred by a series of incidents involving contamination by human waste.

Key Points

• New Food Ordinances:
  • Prevention of Pseudo and Anti-Harmony Activities and Prohibition of Spitting Ordinance 2024.
  • Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Contamination in Food (Consumer Right to Know) Ordinance 2024.
  • These ordinances are designed to make food contamination by spitting or mixing human waste a cognizable and non-bailable offense.
• Ordinance to Address “Anti-Social Elements” and "Illegal Citizens":
  • The ordinances will include provisions to take strict action against food establishment employees confirmed to be “illegal foreign citizens.”
  • This move is aimed at weeding out individuals who hide their identities to engage in food contamination or other anti-social activities.
• Mandatory Name and Identity Display at Food Establishments:
  • To promote transparency, the government has made it mandatory for all food establishments to prominently display the names of owners and managers.
  • Additionally, all workers in food establishments must wear identity cards while on duty.
  • This measure is aimed at ensuring accountability and preventing individuals from hiding their identity.
• Compulsory Installation of CCTV Cameras:
  • All eateries and food establishments will be required to install CCTV cameras in their kitchens and dining areas.
  • The footage must be kept for at least a month and be available to district authorities if required.
  • This will help monitor food preparation and service to prevent contamination.
• Right to Information for Consumers:
  • Every consumer will have the right to essential information about the food they consume and the establishments where it is prepared.
  • The ordinances ensure that sellers display clear signboards and avoid using false names or pseudonyms, holding them accountable for any violation.
• Legal and Constitutional Process for an Ordinance:
  • Ordinance as a Legislative Tool:
    • An ordinance is a temporary law enacted by the executive (Governor, at the state level) when the legislature is not in session.
    • It is issued under Article 213 of the Indian Constitution for states, which empowers the Governor to promulgate ordinances in urgent situations.
  • Approval and Continuation:
    • Once an ordinance is issued, it must be presented to the state legislature when it reconvenes.
    • The ordinance will cease to exist if it is not approved by both houses of the state legislature within six weeks from the start of the next session.
  • Constitutional Safeguards:
    • The ordinance must adhere to the principles of reasonableness and public interest under Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty).
    • Judicial review is available if the ordinance is seen to violate fundamental rights or exceed the executive's constitutional mandate.

Madhya Pradesh: Emerging as India’s Mining Capital

Why in News?

Recently, Madhya Pradesh is positioning itself as a leader in the Indian mining sector, leveraging its vast mineral wealth and infrastructure.

Key Points

• Mineral Wealth:
• Madhya Pradesh is the only state producing diamonds, and leading in manganese, copper, limestone, and coal.
• Panna diamond mine produces 1 lakh carats annually, with the Bunder Block holding 32.2 million carats.
• Madhya Pradesh led the country in mineral block auctions, with 78 blocks auctioned in 2022-23 and received top awards for mineral auctions.
• State boasts 5.1 lakh km of roads, 7 airports, and 6 inland depots.
• The District Mineral Fund has completed over 7,500 projects for local development.
• Investment Opportunities:
  • Two-day conclave on mining 17^th -18^th Oct, 2024 to discuss technology (AI/ML) and energy.
  • Madhya Pradesh will also be focusing on coalbed methane (CBM) and national gas grid connection.

Diamond Industry in India

• India is the world's largest cutting and polishing center for diamonds, accounting for over 90% of polished diamond manufacturing globally.
  • According to Indian Minerals Yearbook 2019, diamond fields of India are grouped into four regions:
    • Central Indian tract of Madhya Pradesh, comprising Panna belt.
    • South Indian tract of Andhra Pradesh, comprising parts of Anantapur, Kadapa, Guntur, Krishna, Mahabubnagar and Kurnool districts.
    • Behradin-Kodavali area in Raipur district and Tokapal, Dugapal, etc. areas in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh.
    • Eastern Indian tract mostly of Odisha, lying between Mahanadi and Godavari valleys.
  • In 2022, India ranks first among the top exporters in cut & polished diamonds.

Madhya Pradesh's Excellence in Central Scheme Implementation

Why in News?

Recently, Madhya Pradesh has emerged as a national leader in effectively executing Central Government schemes, showcasing strong performance across sectors like housing, agriculture, health, and infrastructure.

Key Points

• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban & Rural): Aims to provide affordable housing for all through the urban and rural branches.
  • Urban: 97.58% of the target achieved with 8.2 lakh houses built.
  • Rural: 95.43% completion with 36.25 lakh houses constructed.
• Jal Jeevan Mission: Ensures safe drinking water to every rural household by 2024.
  • Achieved 87.53% of its target by providing 72.89 lakh tap connections.
• Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Provides health coverage of Rs. 5 lakhs to economically vulnerable families.
  • Issued 4.02 crore cards (85.83% of target) to ensure health insurance coverage.
• Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana: Aims to provide rural connectivity to unconnected habitations.
  • Achieved 99.98% of the rural road construction target by building 72,965 km.
• PM Kisan Samman Nidhi: Provides financial support to farmers with Rs. 6,000 per year.
  • 100% achievement, benefitting 83.83 lakh farmers.
• PM Jeevan Jyoti Insurance Scheme: Provides life insurance coverage to individuals aged 18-50 years.
  • 93 lakh beneficiaries receiving the scheme’s benefits (100% target achieved).
• PM Swamitva Yojana: Aims at providing rural land ownership rights through property cards.
  • 23.5 lakh Swamitva cards issued, with 100% drone surveys conducted in 43,130 villages.
• Bharat Net Yojana: Digital connectivity initiative to provide high-speed internet in rural areas.
  • 100% achievement by laying optical fiber cables in 20,422 gram panchayats.
• Soil Health Card Scheme: Provides farmers with information on the soil quality of their land.
  • Distributed 7.79 lakh soil health cards (77.96% achievement).
• Kisan Credit Card Scheme: Ensures timely access to credit for farmers.
  • Issued 65.83 lakh credit cards (100% achievement).
• Atal Pension Yojana: Focuses on providing pension security to unorganized sector workers.
  • 100% beneficiaries covered, providing pensions to 26.15 lakh individuals.
• PM Swanidhi Yojana: Aims to provide working capital loans to street vendors.
  • 157.25% target achieved, providing benefits to 11.74 lakh beneficiaries.
• AMRUT Sarovar Scheme: Focuses on creating water reservoirs for water conservation.
  • Constructed 5,839 ponds, exceeding the target of 3,900 ponds.

Jharkhand Assembly Elections, 2024

Why in News?

The Election Commission of India recently announced the poll schedule for the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections, which will be held in two phases in November, with results to be declared on 23^rd November.

Key Points

• Constituencies Voting in Phase 1 (13^th November):
  • Major constituencies include Kodarma, Hazaribagh, Jamshedpur East, Ranchi, Khunti (ST), and Daltonganj.
  • 43 constituencies will vote, with a significant number of ST and SC seats.
• Constituencies Voting in Phase 2 (20^th November):
  • Includes Rajmahal, Dumka (ST), Deoghar (SC), Dhanbad, Bokaro, and Ramgarh.
  • 38 constituencies will vote, covering diverse regions and social compositions.
• The elections will cover all 81 constituencies, including 44 General, 9 SC, and 28 ST seats, setting the stage for a new government formation by early 2025.

Election Commission of India

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.
  • It was established in accordance with the Constitution on 25th January 1950 (celebrated as National Voters' Day). The secretariat of the commission is in New Delhi.
• The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies in India, and the offices of the President and Vice President in the country.
  • It is not concerned with the elections to panchayats and municipalities in the states. For this, the Constitution of India provides for a separate State Election Commission.