Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The bedrock of any democracy lies in its fair and transparent electoral processes and robust financial oversight. In India, these are ensured by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), respectively. Established under Article 324 of the Constitution and Article 148, these institutions have evolved significantly over the last two decades, adapting to new challenges posed by political dynamics, technological advancements, and increasing demands for accountability. This answer will examine their roles, functioning, and the key developments impacting their effectiveness in the 21st century.
The Election Commission of India (ECI): Role and Functioning
The ECI is responsible for conducting free and fair elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President. Over the last two decades, the ECI has focused on several key areas:
- Expanding Electoral Participation: Initiatives like the National Voters’ Day (2011), voter education programs, and simplification of registration processes have aimed to increase voter turnout. The use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) has been expanded to enhance transparency and build trust.
- Combating Electoral Malpractices: The ECI has taken stringent measures to curb the use of money and muscle power in elections, including stricter enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, increased surveillance, and disqualification of candidates found guilty of electoral offenses.
- Technological Advancements: The introduction of online voter registration, e-filing of nominations, and real-time monitoring of election expenditure have improved efficiency and transparency. The ECI is also exploring the use of remote voting technologies to facilitate participation for migrant voters.
- Addressing Challenges: The ECI has faced challenges related to criminalization of politics, the influence of social media, and allegations of bias. The debate surrounding the use of EVMs and VVPATs continues, with demands for reverting to ballot papers from some quarters.
Recent Developments: The ECI’s handling of the 2019 and 2024 general elections, marked by record voter turnout and extensive use of technology, has been noteworthy. However, concerns regarding the neutrality of the ECI have been raised by opposition parties, particularly regarding the timing of election announcements and the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG): Role and Functioning
The CAG is the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service and is responsible for auditing all government accounts in the country. Its primary function is to ensure that public funds are used efficiently and effectively. Over the last two decades, the CAG has played a crucial role in:
- Performance Auditing: The CAG has increasingly focused on performance auditing, which assesses the efficiency and effectiveness of government programs and policies. This has led to the identification of significant inefficiencies and wastage of public funds.
- Investigating Corruption: The CAG has uncovered several high-profile cases of corruption and financial irregularities, including the 2G spectrum allocation scam (2010), the Coal allocation scam (2012), and the Commonwealth Games scam (2010).
- Strengthening Accountability: The CAG’s reports are submitted to Parliament and State Legislatures, which can then take action based on its findings. This has helped to strengthen accountability and transparency in government.
- Technological Integration: The CAG has adopted technology to improve its auditing processes, including the use of data analytics and automated audit tools.
Recent Developments: The CAG’s report on the Rafale deal (2019) generated significant political controversy. The CAG also played a crucial role in auditing the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting shortcomings in procurement and distribution of essential supplies. The CAG’s increasing focus on environmental auditing and social sector audits is also noteworthy.
Comparing ECI and CAG
| Feature | Election Commission of India (ECI) | Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Basis | Article 324 | Article 148 |
| Primary Function | Conducting free and fair elections | Auditing government accounts |
| Accountability | To the President of India | To the President of India and Parliament |
| Focus Areas (last 2 decades) | Voter participation, electoral malpractices, technology | Performance auditing, corruption investigation, accountability |
Challenges and the Way Forward
Both the ECI and CAG face ongoing challenges. The ECI needs to address concerns about its neutrality and ensure that elections remain free from undue influence. The CAG needs to enhance its capacity to audit complex financial transactions and ensure that its findings lead to effective action. Strengthening the independence of these institutions, providing them with adequate resources, and promoting a culture of transparency and accountability are crucial for safeguarding India’s democratic values.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the ECI and CAG have played a vital role in strengthening India’s democratic institutions over the last two decades. While they have achieved significant successes, they also face ongoing challenges. Continued reforms, technological advancements, and a commitment to independence and accountability are essential to ensure that these institutions remain effective in safeguarding the interests of the Indian people and upholding the principles of good governance. Their continued evolution is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring a vibrant democracy.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.