What’s in Today’s article?

• Whip System in Parliament Latest News
• About Whip System
• Introduction to the Whip System in India
• Legal and Democratic Context
• Purpose of the Whip System
• Significance During Division Voting
• Role of the Party Whip
• Types of Whips
• Significance of the Three-Line Whip
• Key Roles in the Whip System
• Government’s Chief Whip
• Consequences of Violating a Whip
• Significance of the Whip System
• Role in Parliamentary Democracy
• Platform for Exchange: All-India Whips Conference
• Whip System in Parliament FAQs

Whip System in Parliament Latest News

• Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar recently criticized the party whip system, stating it restricts MPs' freedom of expression and enforces servility by compelling them to follow the party line. 
• Speaking to students recently, he questioned the necessity of whips, arguing that they prevent representatives from using independent judgment. 
• The whip system is perceived as crucial for ensuring party discipline, particularly during significant votes in Parliament, with penalties like expulsion for non-compliance.

About Whip System

• The term "whip" originates from England's hunting fields, where a whipper-in was tasked with keeping stray hounds within the pack.
• Introduction to Politics
• The political use of the term is credited to Edmund Burke, an Anglo-Irish politician and philosopher. 
• In a speech in the House of Commons, he described how the King’s ministers rallied their supporters, referring to it as “whipping them in.”

Introduction to the Whip System in India

• The whip system in India dates back to the beginning of its parliamentary history and plays a crucial role in maintaining party discipline, particularly during important votes.

Legal and Democratic Context

• The Anti-Defection Law, enacted in 1985, enforces compliance with the whip system to preserve the integrity of political parties in India’s parliamentary democracy. 
• While some view the system as restrictive, even the Supreme Court has upheld its necessity for maintaining party discipline and stability in governance.

Purpose of the Whip System

• Parties see voting on key issues as central to their political identity and expect MPs to align with the party line. 
• Non-compliance or absence during critical votes can cause significant embarrassment.

Significance During Division Voting

• For ruling parties or coalitions, unanimous attendance and compliance during division votes are vital to showcase their majority strength. Failure to do so could lead to a no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha.

Role of the Party Whip

• The party chief whip acts as the liaison between the leadership and MPs, communicating the party's stance on critical matters, ensuring attendance during votes, and coordinating which members speak on specific issues in Parliament.

Types of Whips

• One-Line Whip: Informs members about a vote but allows them to abstain.
• Two-Line Whip: Requires members to be present but does not dictate how to vote.
• Three-Line Whip: The strictest directive, instructing members to be present and vote as per the party line.

Significance of the Three-Line Whip

• The three-line whip, typically issued by the party’s chief whip, mandates strict adherence. 
• Violation can lead to disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law, as recommended by the party leader to the House's Presiding Officer.

Key Roles in the Whip System

• The chief whip of a political party holds the most crucial role in enforcing the whip system, supported by additional whips within the party.

Government’s Chief Whip

• In the Lok Sabha, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs acts as the government’s chief whip, coordinating with ruling alliance leaders to issue a three-line whip.
• In the Rajya Sabha, the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs serves as the government’s chief whip.

Consequences of Violating a Whip

• If a member of the ruling alliance defies the chief whip’s directive, the party leader can recommend the member’s disqualification to the Presiding Officer. 
• For members, compliance with their party whip’s directions remains paramount.

Significance of the Whip System

• The whip system ensures discipline and coherence within political parties, crucial for the functioning of Parliamentary democracy. 
• According to experts, the outcome of a single vote in Parliament can determine the fate of legislation or even the Council of Ministers.

Role in Parliamentary Democracy

• Former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan emphasized that MPs elected on a party ticket represent the party’s ideology and policies. 
• While internal disagreements can be voiced within party forums, compliance with the party’s final decision is necessary, ensuring accountability and unity.

Platform for Exchange: All-India Whips Conference

• Since 1952, the All-India Whips Conference is organized by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
• The Conference has provided a platform for whips from all political parties, both ruling and Opposition, to share views and strategies, promoting better coordination in Parliamentary processes.

Whip System in Parliament FAQs

Q1. What is the whip in the Parliament?

Ans. The whip is a directive issued by political parties to ensure discipline and voting alignment among their members in Parliament.

Q2. What is the role of a whip?

Ans. The whip ensures party discipline, directs members on key votes, and communicates the party's stance on parliamentary matters.

Q3. What is the meaning of whip in elections?

Ans. In elections, a whip ensures that party candidates adhere to their party's principles and decisions during campaign and voting processes. 

Q4. Who is called a whip?

Ans. A whip is a designated member of a political party responsible for ensuring members' attendance and adherence to party directives.

Q5. What is the role of government whip? 

Ans. The government whip in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha coordinates with ruling parties to issue voting instructions and ensures compliance.

Source: IE | ToI | MPA

What’s in Today’s article?

• Chinar Tree Latest News
• About Chinar Tree
• Characteristics
• Origin of the Name 'Chinar'
• Mughal Influence on Chinar Plantations
• Importance of Chinar in Kashmir
• Chinar Conservation Project Overview
• Chinar Tree FAQs

Chinar Tree Latest News

• The Jammu & Kashmir government has launched the “Tree Aadhaar” mission to conserve the region’s declining chinar trees. 
• The initiative includes conducting a census of chinar trees and assigning each tree a unique identity to monitor and protect them effectively.

About Chinar Tree

• Chinar is also known as Oriental plane tree (plantus orientalis var cashmeriana).

Characteristics

• Maple-like tree with a vast canopy.
• Found in cool climates with sufficient water, mainly in the Eastern Himalayas.
• Grows up to 30 metres tall with a girth of 10-15 metres.
• Takes 30-50 years to mature and 150 years to reach full size.

Origin of the Name 'Chinar'

• Coined by the Mughals, possibly by Emperor Jahangir.
• Derived from the Persian phrase “Che naar ast” meaning “What flame is that?” – inspired by the crimson red leaves in autumn.

Mughal Influence on Chinar Plantations

• Role: Mughals expanded chinar plantations in Kashmir and parts of Jammu’s Chenab region.
• Symbol: Considered a “royal tree.”
• Notable Contributions by Jahangir:
  • Created Naseem Bagh on Dal Lake’s banks with over 1,100 chinar trees.
  • Planted chinars on a small Dal Lake island, now known as Chaar Chinari (Four Chinars).

Importance of Chinar in Kashmir

• State Tree
  • The chinar is the "state tree" of Jammu & Kashmir (now a Union Territory).
• Tourist Attraction
  • The chinar becomes a major attraction in autumn when its leaves turn crimson red and golden.
• Cultural and Artistic Significance:
  • Chinar motifs are commonly seen in local papier mache, embroidery, hand-woven carpets, and walnut wood carvings.
  • The tree holds a special place in the art, literature, and craft traditions of Kashmir.
• Religious Significance:
  • Chinar trees are found near many Muslim and Hindu shrines in the region.
• Oldest Chinar Tree:
  • The oldest surviving chinar (around 700 years old) is located in Chattergam village in Budgam, central Kashmir, and was planted by a Sufi saint.

Chinar Conservation Project Overview

• Government Permission for Tree Cutting:
  • Cutting a chinar tree requires government approval, even on private property. Despite this, illegal cutting still occurs.
• Project Goals:
  • The initiative aims to track the status of each chinar tree across the Kashmir valley and Chenab region.
• Census and Tree Aadhaar:
  • A census of chinar trees has been conducted district-wise. Each tree has been assigned a unique Tree Aadhaar and geo-tagged for identification and monitoring.
• Current Status:
  • As of now, 28,560 chinar trees have been enumerated and geo-tagged, out of an estimated total of 32,000 to 33,000 trees.
• Challenges:
  • Some trees are inaccessible, such as those located near security installations or no-go areas.
• QR Code Implementation:
  • A metallic QR code is being placed on chinar trees. Scanning the code provides information on 25 parameters including:
    • Longitude and latitude
    • Age, height, and girth
    • Number of branches and tree health
    • Canopy size and eco-threats faced by the tree.

Chinar Tree FAQs

Q1. Who is responsible for introducing Chinar trees in Kashmir?

Ans. The Mughals, particularly Emperor Jahangir, expanded chinar plantations in Kashmir.

Q2. Where is Chinar tree found in Kashmir?

Ans. Chinar trees are found across the Kashmir valley and parts of Jammu's Chenab region.

Q3. What is the importance of Chinar trees in Kashmir?

Ans. Chinar trees are the state tree, a tourist attraction, and hold cultural and religious significance in Kashmir. 

Q4. What is the use of Chinar tree in medicine?

Ans. Chinar trees are believed to have medicinal properties, especially for treating skin diseases and inflammations.

Q5. Is Chinar and maple tree same?

Ans. No, Chinar is a type of Oriental plane tree, distinct from the maple tree, though they share similarities in leaf shape.

Source: IE | MYB | TH

What’s in Today’s article?

• Should Governors Be Chancellors of State Universities Latest News
• Historical Context of the Governor’s Role
• Challenges of the Current System
• Insights from Commissions and Alternatives
• Reform Models
• Need for Progressive Reforms
• Conclusion
• Should Governors Be Chancellors of State Universities FAQs

Should Governors Be Chancellors of State Universities Latest News

• The role of the Governor as Chancellor of State universities has been a subject of intense debate in recent times.

Historical Context of the Governor’s Role

• The role of Governors as Chancellors of State universities in India traces its roots to colonial-era policies. 
• Introduced in 1857 with the establishment of universities in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras, this model aimed to maintain British control over educational institutions. 
• Post-independence, the system was retained without reconsideration of its relevance in a democratic and federal context.
• Governors, in their capacity as Chancellors, wield significant authority over universities, including appointing Vice-Chancellors, nominating syndicate members, and approving university statutes. 
• However, this role has often led to conflicts, especially in states governed by opposition parties.

Challenges of the Current System

• Politicization of the Role:
  • From the late 1960s, Governors transitioned from neutral figures to politically influenced appointees. 
  • Studies reveal that 52% of Governors between 1950 and 2015 were active politicians, undermining the credibility of the position.
• Conflicting Authorities:
  • The dual accountability of universities to both state governments and Governors has led to governance challenges, including delays in appointments and decision-making.
• Lack of Expertise:
  • Many Governors lack the academic qualifications necessary to guide universities effectively. This gap often results in non-transparent decisions and political interference.
• Erosion of Federal Principles:
  • Allowing centrally appointed Governors to control state-funded institutions dilutes federalism, reducing universities’ accountability to state governments.

Insights from Commissions and Alternatives

• Several commissions have highlighted the limitations of the Governor’s role:
  • Sarkaria Commission (1983-88): Recognized the Governor’s statutory role but recommended consultations with Chief Ministers in university matters.
  • M.M. Punchhi Commission (2007-10): Advocated for separating the Governor’s constitutional and statutory roles, suggesting that states appoint eminent academicians as Chancellors.

Reform Models

• Ceremonial Role: States like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra have redefined the Governor’s role to a ceremonial one, acting on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
• State-Appointed Chancellors: Telangana and Kerala propose appointing distinguished academicians or public figures as Chancellors, but such reforms face delays in Presidential assent.
• University-Elected Chancellors: Global practices, like those in Oxford and Melbourne, allow university bodies to elect Chancellors, ensuring autonomy and accountability.

Need for Progressive Reforms

• The colonial legacy of Governors as Chancellors must be dismantled to ensure university autonomy, foster academic excellence, and minimize political interference. 
• Reforming university governance aligns with global best practices and reinforces India’s federal structure.
• States like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal await Presidential assent for their reform Bills, highlighting the need for equitable and timely decision-making at the national level.

Conclusion

• Reforming the role of Governors as Chancellors is essential for fostering transparent, accountable, and autonomous university governance. 
• By adopting models that prioritize academic independence and minimize political entanglements, India can create an educational framework aligned with democratic principles and global standards.

Should Governors Be Chancellors of State Universities FAQs

Q1. What is the historical origin of Governors as Chancellors in India?
Ans. The practice dates back to British colonial rule in 1857 for maintaining control over universities.

Q2. Why is the Governor’s role as Chancellor debated?
Ans. The role is criticized for politicization, governance conflicts, and undermining university autonomy.

Q3. What reforms have been proposed for the Governor’s role as Chancellor?
Ans. Suggestions include appointing ceremonial Chancellors, state-appointed academicians, or university-elected leaders.

Q4. Which states have reformed the Governor’s role as Chancellor?
Ans. Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra have implemented variations of the ceremonial Chancellor model.

Q5. What is the primary challenge in reforming the Governor’s role?
Ans. Delays in Presidential assent to state Bills and the politicization of the approval process hinder reforms.

Source: TH