In News:The Manipur crisis, the issue of managing diversity
2.Discuss the challenges of managing diverse identities within the framework of the Indian Constitution, particularly in light of recent events in Manipur. How can constitutional provisions be effectively utilised to reconcile these differences and promote political stability?
Diversity management is a unique feature of the Indian Constitution. However the escalating violence in Manipur underscores the complexities of managing diversity within the framework of the Indian Constitution.
Challenges of managing diverse identities:
- Breakdown of governance:
● Recent violence in Manipur indicates a failure in effective governance.
● A persistent governance deficit has led to the establishment of parallel governance structures by insurgent groups from various ethnic communities. - Constitutional provisions and their limitations:
● Articles 371F and 371C provide for special provisions aimed at protecting cultural identities and ensuring political representation
● Implementation issues exist, particularly with the Hill Area Committee(HAC) lacking sufficient powers to influence governance exacerbating tensions among different communities
● The establishment of the District Council in Manipur is governed by the Manipur Hill Areas Autonomous District Council Act, 2000, which lacks the veto power enjoyed by Scheduled Tribes in states like Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. - Representation issues:
● Disputes over resource allocation and representation exacerbate social tensions.
● Decades-long mistrust between communities and competing narratives regarding demographic changes and land rights have worsened tensions.
● The lack of specific protections for Scheduled Tribes in Manipur contrasts with other northeastern states, leading to feelings of marginalisation.
Utilising constitutional provisions for reconciliation:
- Strengthening existing mechanisms:
● Enhance the powers of the HAC under Article 371C by granting more substantial powers to ensure that local voices are heard in governance decisions affecting their communities. - Adaptive legal frameworks:
● Revisiting and potentially amending provisions like Article 355 to provide clearer guidelines on intervention during internal disturbances
● This can ensure that such actions are not perceived as arbitrary but rather as necessary for maintaining order and stability - Promoting inclusivity:
● Implementing measures such as earmarking legislative assembly seats for marginalised communities based on demographics.
● This approach aligns with the constitutional mandate to protect minority rights while promoting political stability. - Judicial interpretation:
● The judiciary should interpret constitutional provisions to promote stability and accommodate diverse identities.
● Ex: Landmark rulings like in R.C. Poudyal ,Subrata Acharjee which reiterated the scheme of accommodations and adjustments to facilitate the coexistence of different tribal identities
By effectively utilising constitutional provisions and adapting them to current realities, India can work towards reconciling differences and promoting political stability, especially in conflict-prone regions like Manipur.
PYQ
- To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity. 2016
- Recent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by the `Nagas’ as a threat to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the State. Discuss in light of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution. 2013
- Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss. 2013
Source:
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-manipur-crisis-the-issue-of-managing-diversity/article68788412.ece