"ASEAN is the cornerstone of India's Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision." Elucidate.
Main Body
ASEAN is a regional bloc in SE Asia formed in 1967 and Act East policy was launched in 2015 as a successor of Look East.
Act East policy:
a) Focus on strategic convergence between India
b) Leverage PARP ties old cultural diplomacy
c) Focus on North east as gateway to BIMSTEC connectivity (ref: BBIMLIT)
d) Connectivity focus (ref: BRIN-IMT)
e) Expand ASEAN & beyond → Japan-South Korea
ASEAN as cornerstone:
a) People to people connections Strongest with ASEAN → crucial for success of Act-East (ref: Buddhist connect)
b) India participates in various forums of ASEAN such as ARF, ADMM-EAS → strengthen strategic pillar of Act-East
Local self government was constitutionalized in India by 73rd & 74th CAA 1992, charting decentralization.
a) Addition of 11th & 12th schedule for functions declared major provisions
b) SFC, SECs formulating
c) 3-tier structure in PRI
d) DPC (A-243-ZD) for planning
e) Voluntary provisions → states can devolve funds & powers
f) Reservation for SC/ST, Women
Admin challenges—
Measures
Measures
LSG can ensure Gandhis dream of Gram Swaraj (A.40)
Article 124 governs the appointment of judges in the supreme court. It has been under constant debate.
Recent developments—
Yashwant Verma case → both in house
Appointment delays in SC & HC by govt.
Controversies by retired judges as well as allegations of biases by current judges
Evolution of collegium:
1983 | 1993 | 1999 | 2014
1st judge | 2nd judge case | III-rd judge case | NJAC case (IV)
NJAC can make appointments—
a) Ensure clear criterias for appointment
b) Appointment based on merit rather than 'uncle indigo' syndrome
c) Tackle backdrop of criticism of collegium
d) Based on majority votes → no discrimination
a) NJAC consisting of varied members → lawyer, SC/ST & judiciary invariably promot' in inclusivity
b) Broad set of parameters for appointments for holistic competency,
c) Publicised working & reasons ensure openers
a) ensure merit based appointment explains
Accountable
b) Balance judiciary & executive experience in appointment
c) Checks abuse of power by judiciary → no imperia in imperium (Ambedkar)
d) Checks & balances → NJAC a safe alternative to collegium
ISSUES—
a) Executive interference in judiciary → underomine independence
b) Undue influence → compromise autonomy of judges
c) Can weaken judicial scrutiny review of govt at judges might be chosen with a bias
d) Separation of power doctrine challenged
e) Checks of balances might be harmed.
NJAC is a good initiative based on IOK model
— Astha Jain · AIR 9
Conclusion
29 words
Diagram
A simple map showing India's relationship and ASEAN Indo-Pacific location
- Clear distinction between Act East Policy components
- Multiple dimensions covered (strategic, economic, cultural)
- References specific institutional frameworks (ARF, ADMM-EAS)
- Addresses contemporary geopolitical challenges
- Multiple dimensions of engagement covered
- Specific institutional mechanisms referenced
- Contemporary security concerns addressed
- Clear constitutional framework provided
- Specific challenges identified with statistics
- Multiple dimensions of administrative challenges covered
- References important reports and commissions
- Comprehensive set of measures for administrative devolution
- References specific schemes and initiatives
- Addresses both institutional and human capacity building
- Connects to Article 40 and Gandhi's vision
- Clear reference to constitutional framework
- Evolution of collegium system traced
- Recent developments highlighted
- Chronological presentation of cases
- Balanced presentation of NJAC advantages and disadvantages
- Multiple dimensions of appointment mechanism covered
- References constitutional principles (separation of power)
- Identifies key concerns about executive interference
Astha Jain
India and its Neighborhood - Relations
India-ASEAN Relations
ASEAN's role in India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision
818
Total words
12
Paragraphs
prescriptive and action-oriented
Tone