Join us for an exciting discussion on Elections in India with M Laxmikanth’s book “Indian Polity for UPSC” presented by Amit Kilhor!
What is the minimum age to vote in Indian elections?
- The minimum age to vote in Indian elections is 18 years.
How many houses make up the Indian Parliament?
- The Indian Parliament consists of two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
What is the duration of the term of the Lok Sabha?
- The term of the Lok Sabha is five years unless dissolved earlier.
How are members of the Rajya Sabha elected?
- Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies.
Who is eligible to contest in Indian elections?
- Any Indian citizen who is at least 25 years old is eligible to contest in Indian elections.
How are the President and Vice President of India elected?
- The President and Vice President of India are elected by an Electoral College consisting of elected members of both houses of Parliament as well as members of the State Legislative Assemblies.
What is the role of the Election Commission of India?
- The Election Commission of India is responsible for overseeing the conduct of elections in the country and ensuring that they are free and fair.
- How many phases are typically involved in the general elections in India?
- General elections in India are typically conducted in multiple phases, with each phase covering different states and union territories.
The article discusses the system of elections in India as outlined in the book “Indian Polity” by M Laxmikanth, specifically in reference to the 74th Amendment Act. The 74th Amendment Act was passed in 1992 and aimed at decentralizing power by establishing urban local bodies in India. These bodies are responsible for various functions such as planning, regulation of land use, infrastructure development, and social welfare activities.
According to the article, the elections for urban local bodies in India are conducted by the State Election Commission, which is an independent body responsible for overseeing the entire electoral process. The elections are held every five years, and the electoral system is based on the principle of universal adult franchise. This means that every citizen above the age of 18 has the right to vote and participate in the democratic process.
The article also highlights the composition of urban local bodies, which consist of three main tiers – Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council, and Nagar Panchayat. Each tier has specific functions and responsibilities based on the size and population of the area it governs. The members of these bodies are elected through direct elections, with reserved seats for marginalized sections of society such as women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes.
Furthermore, the article emphasizes the importance of decentralization in empowering local governments and promoting participatory democracy. Decentralization allows for greater community participation in decision-making processes and ensures that the needs and concerns of local residents are adequately addressed. The 74th Amendment Act also mandates the establishment of Ward Committees to facilitate citizen engagement at the grassroots level.
In conclusion, the article underscores the significance of elections in India’s democratic framework and the role of urban local bodies in promoting good governance and efficient administration. By devolving power to the local level, the 74th Amendment Act has empowered communities to take charge of their development and contribute to the overall growth of the country. The system of elections in India ensures that every voice is heard and that all citizens have the opportunity to participate in shaping the future of their communities.
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