News Analysis 26 Aug, 2022

INDIAN POLITY SOCIETY GOVERNANCE
26 Aug, 2022

 NEWS HEADLINES

1. DISQUALIFICATION PROCEEDINGS UNDER OFFICE OF PROFIT.
2. MOONLIGHTING.
3. WIND ENERGY.
4. DELHI EXCISE POLICY.

1.DISQUALIFICATION PROCEEDINGS UNDER OFFICE OF PROFIT

 

Theme : State legislature-Structure, functioning and conduct of business, powers and privileges etc

 

GS-2

 

Context
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is understood to have conveyed its decision in the office-of-profit allegation against Jharkhand CM to the Governor.

 

What is an ‘office of profit’?

  • If an MLA or an MP holds a government office and receives benefits from it, then that office is termed an “office of profit”.

  • Disqualification: A person will be disqualified if he holds an office of profit under the central or state government, other than an office declared not to disqualify its holder by a law passed by Parliament or state legislature.

 

What are the basic criteria to disqualify an MP or MLA?

  • Article 102 and 191: Basic disqualification criteria for an MP are laid down in Article 102 of the Constitution, and for an MLA in Article 191.

  • Grounds for disqualification under Constitution: They can be disqualified for:

    • Holding an office of profit under the government of India or state government

    • Being of unsound mind

    • Being an undischarged insolvent

    • Not being an Indian citizen or for acquiring citizenship of another country.

 


 

2. MOONLIGHTING

 

Theme: Indian Society
 

GS-1
 

Context
Swiggy has announced a new “moonlighting” policy for its delivery personnel, which allows its employees to take up gigs or projects outside of their regular employment at the company.

 

 

WHAT IS MOONLIGHTING ?

  • The act of working at an extra job beyond regular working hours, usually without the knowledge of the employer.
  • Since the side job was mostly at nighttime or on weekends, it was referred to as moonlighting.
  • The term gained popularity when workers in the US started seeking a second job beyond their regular 9-to-5 work for additional income.

 

REASONS FOR MOONLIGHTING

  • To earn more money.
  • To develop new skills and explore related domains
  • To connect with more people.
  • To increase experience and build a profile.

 

CHALLENGES 

  • A worker may not give their organization the time it needs, and not give any extra time to either organization.
  • Holidays and time-off are also meant to rest a worker and improve their efficiency, but taking on another job could affect productivity.
  • Fear of leakage of confidential information of the primary job.
  • In India, private companies usually do not allow holding multiple jobs.
  • Shops and Establishment Acts of various states restrict double employment as well but vary in application especially when it comes to highly-specialized industries.

     

3. Wind Energy.

 

Theme: Renewable energy

 

GS-3

 

Context
Annual installation of new wind power projects in India will peak by 2024 and likely decline thereafter, according to a report by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and MEC+, a consulting firm that specializes in renewable energy.


 

 

PRESENT STATUS OF WIND ENERGY :

  • So far, only 40 GW of wind power capacity has been established.
  • India currently has the fourth highest wind installed capacity in the world.
  • Gujarat has highest Wind Energy potential while Tamil Nadu has highest annual wind power output.

 

INDIA’S TARGET :

  • As part of its transition away from fossil fuels, India has committed to sourcing 50% its  electricity in 2030 from non-fossil fuel sources and installing 60 gigawatt (GW, or 1000MW) of wind power by 2022.
  • Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has set a target of installing 5 GW of offshore capacity by 2022 and 30 GW by 2030.

 

EXISTING POLICIES ON WIND ENERGY :

  • National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy 2018: The main objective is to provide a framework for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar PV hybrid systems for optimal and efficient utilization of wind and solar resources, transmission infrastructure and land.
  • National Offshore Wind Energy Policy: Notified in October 2015, to develop the offshore wind energy in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) along the Indian coastline of 7600 km.

     

4. Delhi Excise Policy.

 

Theme :Government Policies and Interventions
 

GS-3
 

Context
Recent controversy around, now scrapped, Delhi Excise Policy.
The Delhi government introduced a new “New Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22” last year, in order to ensure the complete withdrawal of the government from the liquor business and handing over licenses to the private sector.

 

 

What is Delhi Excise Policy Scam?

The scam case pertains to alleged corruption in the framing and implementation of Delhi's excise policy 2021-22 which paved the way for the entry of private firms into the retail liquor sector. The accusations involve extending undue favors to the lincencees, waiver/reduction in license fee, and extension of L-1 license without approval in return of bribes.
 

 Issue with the Policy:

  • Location of vends near schools, religious places of new shops.

  • Violations related to non-conforming areas where certain businesses such as liquor retail are not allowed

  • Issues related to discounts and schemes such as 1+1

  • Surrendering of license: Only 468 of the around 850 liquor vends could actually open.
     

What is  Excise ?

An excise or excise tax (sometimes called an excise duty) is a type of tax charged on goods produced within the country (as opposed to customs duties, charged on goods from outside the country). It is a tax on the production or sale of a good.