National integrity

<–2/”>a >National integration has been a very serious and prominent challenge in all the developing countries including India. For a proper analysis of the concept of national integration it is necessary to know the meaning of certain concepts. The first and foremost concept is the term integration itself which may be defined as “a process of becoming whole.” In other words, “an integrated whole is one in which all structural aspects and parts, fit together with at least some minimal amount of unity or mutual compatibility.” Furthermore, “integration is the name for the state of relationship between parts of the system.” It “has to do with the interrelations of units.” Thus, “an integrated Society is one in which established institutions and rights and values associated with them are generally accepted.” These definitions generally present the static character of integration with its main focus at maintenance of the system. But in reality while concerned with the process of becoming whole, integration is also directed towards an orderly change within the system.

Various Challenges to National Integration are:-

The term national integration tends to be obscure in the Light of varying definitions of nation and nationalism. The minimum requisite for nationhood is considered to be the people living in a compact geographical area with general cultural unity. They form a nation by accepting a particular political order and forming a state. Language, race, religion and history are additional factors which generally strengthen the bond of nationhood. According to J. P. Narayan nationhood is made up of tangible and intangible Elements, the latter constituting much the larger part of it.

The most essential tangible elements of nationhood are:

A well-defined territory
Political unity represented by a constitution, common Citizenship-2/”>Citizenship and a government
A workable medium of Communication.

The intangible elements are:

An Attitude of mind which makes it natural and normal for every citizen to regard loyalty to the nation as being above sectional and group loyalties
An attitude of mind which makes it natural and normal for every group and section of the nation to subordinate its interest to national interests;
An attitude of mind which makes it natural and normal for the nation to think of the interests of every citizen and of every group and section of the nation.

Problem of National Integration in Post-Independence India

The main challenges to national integration in post-independence India are :-

Potential Areas Of Socio-political conflicts between and within Indian States,
Traditional, Contemporary and Emerging Threats
Internal and External Threats;
Threats of Conflicts,
Naxal Problems,
Terrorism,
Trans-border Infiltration and Insurgency Issues,
Communalism,
Organised crimes,
Cyber issues,
Drug trafficking
and other such issues.

Potential areas of socio-political conflicts between and within Indian States,

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Various disputes amongst the Indian states are :-

1-Inter State River Water Disputes

2- Land Boundary Disputes

3- Trade Imbalance

4- Migration and encroachment.

Various interstate river water disputes are :-

(i) Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.

(ii) The Krishna water dispute between Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

(iii) The Tungabhadra water dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

(iv) The Aliyar and Bhivani river water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

(v) The Godavari river water dispute between Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Karnataka.

(vi) The Narmada water dispute between Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

(vii) The Mahi river dispute between Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

(viii) The Ravi and Beas river water dispute between Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi.

(ix) The Satluj-Yamuna Link canal dispute between Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

(x) The Yamuna river water dispute between Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi.

(xi) The Karmanasa river water dispute between Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

(xii) The Barak river water dispute between Assam and Manipur.

Efforts are made to resolve disputes through negotiations amongst the basin states with the assistance of the Central Government. Many of these interstate river water disputes have been settled on the basis of equitable apportionment which is the universally accepted principle. Adjudication through appointment of water disputes Tribunals is also resorted to as and when require. So far, the following tribunals have been appointed to resolve inter-state water disputes:

(i) The Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal

(ii) The Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal

(iii) The Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal

(iv) The Ravi and Beas Water Disputes Tribunal

(v) The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal

(vi) New Krishna Water Disputes

The first three Tribunals have given their final reports.

Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal gave its interim order in June 1991 and the final order is awaited. The Ravi and Beas Tribunal submitted its report in January, 1987. A further reference was made to the Tribunal comprising of a suo-moto reference by the Central Government and references received from the Governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan seeking explanation/guidance on certain points in the report. Further report of the Tribunal is awaited. The New Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal was set up on April 2, 2004.

Central Government has also received request from the State Government of Goa in August 2002 for the constitution of Tribunal for adjudication of water disputes relating to Madei Inter-state River among the states of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Subsequently, Goa expressed the desire in June, 2003 to settle the disputes through negotiations.

In developing country like India, the inter-state river water disputes have to be resolved quickly and amicably. This is most urgent for the proper utilization of water Resources and economic Growth.

Various Land Boundary Disputes amongst Indian states are:-

1. Assam – Nagaland:- These two states share a 434 kilometre boundary, but Nagaland has behaved aggressively towards Assam ever since its inception in 1963 and has in fact encroached on vast tracts of land in upper-Assam districts of Sivasagar, Jorhat and Golaghat.
The Centre had tried to resolve the turmoil by forming the Sundaram Commission in 1971 and Shastri Commission in 1985, and though both commissions ruled in favour of Assam, no solution was implemented, as Nagaland refused to accept the recommendations. Assam currently has a pending lawsuit with Supreme Court on these border issues: a verdict is still awaited.

2. Maharashtra-Karnataka:- Five decades ago, under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, some parts of Bombay, Hyderabad, Madras and Coorg were joined with the erstwhile state of Mysore to form Karnataka. In the process, 865 Marathi-speaking villages in Belgaum, Karwar, Gulbarga and Bidar were merged with Karnataka. This is the primary cause of dispute between the two states.

3. Gujarat – Rajasthan:- The dispute between Gujarat and Rajasthan relates to Mangadh Hill, located on the border of the two states. Gujarat claims half of the hill, while Rajasthan claims the entire hill is theirs. The dispute is 40 years old, though the Rajasthan Government presently has control over the hill.

According to folklore, hundreds of tribals were killed in the hills while protesting against British rule in 1911. Their relatives gather there every year in the month of January to pay their respects to the dead. The Panchmahal District Administration of Gujarat recently started constructing a road to reach hill, along with forest huts and hand pumps for the pilgrims. The Rajasthan government raised strong objections to this.

Many land owners have filed complaints for illegal encroachment on their land, alleging that Rajasthanis owning the adjacent pieces of land indulge in illegal activities on their lands. So far, no development from both sides has taken place to resolve the issue.

4. Karnataka- Kerala:- In 1956, the Reorganisation Committee decreed that the district of Kasaragod, comprising mainly of Kannada- speaking people, be made part of Kerala. Since then, people in the district have complained of “step-motherly” treatment from Kerala Government.

5. Odisha – West Bengal:– The dispute between these states has been going on for more than 30 years. This is a fierce territorial dispute between the states at all levels – points of skirmish are farmers disputing land at the border, land grabbing by both states to build government institutions and people living at the border holding dual voter ID cards to achieve political Motives.

6. Assam – Meghalaya:- These states have been embroiled in a border dispute for decades now. It first started when Meghalaya challenged the Assam Reorganisation Act of 1971, which gave Part 1 and Part 2 of Mikir Hills to Assam and those, according to Meghalaya, are part of United Khasi and Jaintia Hills.

7. Assam – Arunachal Pradesh:- The Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh was formed on January 20, 1972. Later when Arunachal Pradeshwas carved out of Assam in 1987 as a state under the North East Reorganization Act, 1971, the people of Arunachal Pradesh accepted their notified borders with Assam. However, subsequent to this, there has been the issue of alleged Assamese encroachment.

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Traditional, Contemporary and Emerging Threats;

Various Traditional Threats Faced by India are as follows:-
Regional Diversity:- India has been blessed with variation of culture and customs throughout the length and breath of the nation. Unity in diversity has been the major problem for national integration.
Casteism:- Indian Society is divided into several castes and sub-castes, The conflicts between several castes has intensified in the advent of increasing caste politics.
Internal and External Threats;
Threats of Conflicts,
Naxal Problems,
Terrorism,
Trans-border Infiltration and Insurgency Issues,
Communalism,
Organised crimes,
Cyber issues,
Drug trafficking

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Internal and External Threats;

Internal Threats Faced by India are as follows:-

Secessionist Movements in Key States
Left Wing Extremism:- Naxal Problems,
Black Money
Organized Crime

External Threats Faced by India are as follows:-

International Terrorism
Piracy and Maritime security
Challenges to security through communication Networks
Terror Financing and Money Laundring

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Threats of Conflicts,

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Naxal Problems,

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Terrorism,

Terrorism is the unofficial or unauthorized use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims.

Mazor terrorists faced by india are:-

Millitant Terrorism in Kashmir
Khalistan- oriented terrorism in punjab
Naxal terrorism in Bengal,Bihar,Jharkhand,Chattisgarh,AndraPradesh
Terrorism in NE States

India has been effected by the terrorist activities in the past as follows:-

Bomb blasts in Mumbai on 13^th July
The recent incidents of mv Wisdom and mv Pavit landing up at the Juhu beach give an impression that the coast-guard is not fully equipped
- The CAG in its report said that coast guard was “ill-equipped” to discharge its enhanced role
Bomb blast in Delhi in Sept 2011.

Anti-terrorism agencies

National Investigations Agency (NIA)
National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC)
National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)

The problems in dealing with terrorism

Grassroots police capabilities and competence leave much to be desired
Intelligence sharing and action on intelligence information seems poor
Bihar has a pathetic 74.29 police for every 100,000 residents, about a quarter of what it needs.

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Trans-border Infiltration and Insurgency Issues,

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Communalism,

Communalism is a strong allegiance to one’s own ethnic group rather than to society as a whole. Communalism become extreme when the ethnic group feel that their issues are different from other ethnical groups and are conflicting.

India is a land of several religions and different communities have coexisted here peacefully throughout the history. Divide and rule policy of Britishers have caused the problem of ethical conflicts in the nation.

Possible questions.

Is a communal violence bill needed? Aren’t the existing provisions in law enough?
What are the major features of the communal violence bill?
How can communal harmony be promoted in the country? Suggest steps.

Why a law needed?

Commissions of enquiry setup after every major conflagration have consistently come down heavily on the State authorities as also certain parties and organisations for their role in violence
However, it is in very rare cases that perpetrators have been convicted.
By and large, police and the administrative class have been left untouched by the law
Hence, a carefully designed law on communal violence is the need of the hour

More arguments for a separate law

It can be seen that various provisions exist in the IPC to punish the perpetrators of violence. Under sections 153A and B of the IPC even hate speeches are actionable. Similarly, even a public servant can be charged under the ordinary law.
So it seems that at least a section of communal or targeted violence can be dealt with under the existing criminal law.
Failure to implement the law rather than its absence is one of the major problems confronting the prevention of communal violence.
But caveats exist
- Turning a blind eye to communal and targeted hate speech
- Refusal to register FIRs or registering them without naming the culprits even when some of the perpetrators are identified
- Refusal to take adequate action to disperse mobs
However there are large areas where laws are absent or inadequate
Mass violence is a quantitatively different category from stray individual violence. The impact and trauma of mass violence is long term and ongoing.
Second, though laws exist on hate speech, they cannot be set into motion without the prior sanction of the government. In this case what really matters is which party is in power.
Third, even to prosecute public servants it becomes necessary to obtain the Consent of the state which is a long, tedious process.
Fourth, a large number of cases in court collapse because witnesses are too frightened to depose truthfully. Though an individual witness can ask for police protection against threats there is no comprehensive witness protection law in India
Fifth, while in the aftermath of every carnage, a relief and rehabilitation package is announced, there is no uniformity in these packages. There is no legislative mandate or compulsion for reparation including relief and rehabilitation.
Besides, communal violence is a specific form of brutality which is required to be dealt with in a holistic and comprehensive manner since it includes within it element of hate propaganda, sexual assault, uprooting of communities, societal bias, state complicity and judicial indifference.
A law which deals specifically with targeted or communal violence thus becomes necessary

Communal Violence (Prevention, Control and Rehabilitation of Victims) Bill, 2005

Objective:

Prevention and control of communal violence
Speedy investigation and trials
Rehabilitation of victims

Sets conditions for the state government to declare an area as communally disturbed.

A competent authority can take measures (such as regulating assembly, directing persons to deposit their arms etc) to control communal violence.

Special courts to try offences under this law. Increased punishment.

Features in the draft bill

Union Home Minister headed 11 member national council to oversee relief and the rehabilitation of victims. <Civil society is proposing instead a Communal harmony Justice and Reparation Commission (CHJRC) with national, state and district councils and wider powers>
There is a provision to declare certain areas as communally disturbed. <Civil society objects to this on the ground that such declaration would give the government a free hand to use draconian laws in such areas>

This bill has been amended by the NAC and a new draft introduced in 2011.

Communal Violence Bill, 2011

The draft law features

Defines communal and targeted violence as
- Any act or series of acts, whether spontaneous or planned, resulting in injury or harm to the person and or property, knowingly directed against any person by virtue of his or her membership of any group, which destroys the secular fabric of the nation
Elaborate definition of sexual assault to cover not just Women but men as well
Apart from treating some of the offences under the IPC as crimes under this law, the bill also creates certain additional offences like torture, command responsibility, etc
Public Servants
- Penalises public servants for torture to specific groups
- Penalises for dereliction of duty
- Breach of command responsibility treated as an offence
- Public servants with the duty of maintenance of public order also given the duty to prevent communal and targeted violence
- Command Responsibility: Any public servant in command of forces who fails to exercise control over his sub-ordinates which results in offences under the bill shall be guilty of breach of command of responsibility
Emergency Provisions can be invoked
- The occurrence of communal and targeted violence shall constitute ‘internal disturbance’ within the meaning of ARTICLE 355 of the constitution and the Central Govt may take such steps as the nature and circumstances of the case so requires.
Witness protection provisions are incorporated.
Accountability framework set up concerning the police.
Entails the provision of relief and rehabilitation. Creates the Communal and Targeted Violence Relief and Rehabilitation Fund
National Authority for communal harmony, justice and reparation
- The authority can initiate investigation and enquiry into complaints
Similarly, state authorities for communal harmony, justice and reparation
The act waives constitutional immunity for the purpose of proceedings under the act

Some issues with the draft

The law applies to only the minorities – religious or linguistic – in a state (+ SCs and STs)
- This assumes that the majority community is always the perpetrator of violence and never the victim
- This criticism however misses the basic point of Democracy: that majority can take care of itself but minorities need certain protection
- Article 29 and 30 in the constitution are such provisions
- Worldwide minorities are protected through laws – blacks in US, aborigines in US
Communal violence defined in terms of an act that destroys ‘the secular fabric of the nation’
- This definition is liable to be misconstrued
- Even large scale riots may not present an actual threat to the secular fabric of the nation.
The incorporation of the emergency provision

Conclusion

Amended draft of the Communal and Targeted Viiolence Bill is a major step forward.
However, it needs to incorporate within it lessons learnt from recent international advancement especially in matters pertainin g to reparation and command responsibility.
The chapters concerning setting up of national and state level bodies need a complete review as do the provisions concerning dereliction of duties and witness protection

National Integrity is a complex concept that can be defined in many ways. It can be seen as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It can also be seen as the state of being free from Corruption. In either case, national integrity is essential for a country to function effectively and to be able to achieve its goals.

There are many factors that contribute to national integrity. One of the most important is a strong Rule of Law. This means that the laws of the country are applied fairly and consistently, and that there is no Tolerance for corruption. Another important factor is a well-functioning government. This means that the government is efficient and effective, and that it is accountable to the people.

Civil society also plays an important role in promoting national integrity. Civil society organizations can help to hold the government accountable, to promote Transparency and Accountability, and to educate the public about the importance of integrity.

Corruption is a major threat to national integrity. Corruption can take many forms, such as bribery, extortion, and Nepotism. It can undermine the rule of law, weaken the economy, and damage the fabric of society.

There are many things that can be done to fight corruption. One important step is to strengthen the rule of law. This means ensuring that the laws of the country are applied fairly and consistently, and that there is no tolerance for corruption. Another important step is to improve transparency and accountability. This means making sure that government officials are open about their activities, and that they are held accountable for their actions.

Education is also important in fighting corruption. People need to be educated about the dangers of corruption, and they need to be empowered to fight it.

National integrity is essential for a country to function effectively and to be able to achieve its goals. There are many factors that contribute to national integrity, including a strong rule of law, a well-functioning government, a strong civil society, and the fight against corruption. By strengthening these factors, countries can promote national integrity and build a better future for their citizens.

Anti-corruption is a broad term that refers to the efforts to prevent, detect, and punish corruption. Corruption is a major problem in many countries, and it can have a devastating impact on the economy, the Environment, and the Quality Of Life. Anti-corruption efforts can take many different forms, including:

Legislative reforms: This can include laws that make it easier to prosecute corruption, as well as laws that strengthen transparency and accountability.
Institutional reforms: This can include reforms to the judiciary, the police, and other institutions that are responsible for fighting corruption.
Public awareness campaigns: These campaigns can help to educate the public about the dangers of corruption and how to report it.
International cooperation: This can involve working with other countries to share information and best practices on fighting corruption.

Anti-corruption is a complex and challenging issue, but it is one that is essential to building a more just and equitable world. By working together, we can make a difference in the fight against corruption.

Civil society is the arena outside of government where people associate to advance common interests. It is often described as the “third sector” of society, distinct from government and business. Civil society can take many forms, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, faith-based organizations, and social movements.

Civil society plays an important role in promoting national integrity. It can help to hold the government accountable, to promote transparency and accountability, and to educate the public about the importance of integrity. Civil society can also provide a voice for the marginalized and excluded, and it can help to build a more just and equitable society.

Corruption is a major threat to national integrity. Corruption can take many forms, such as bribery, extortion, and nepotism. It can undermine the rule of law, weaken the economy, and damage the fabric of society.

Education is also important in fighting corruption. People need to be educated about the dangers of corruption, and they need to be empowered to fight it.

What is national integrity?

National integrity is the quality of being honest and fair in all aspects of government and public life. It is essential for a country to be successful and prosperous.

What are the benefits of national integrity?

There are many benefits to national integrity. It can lead to economic growth, political stability, and social cohesion. It can also help to reduce corruption and improve the quality of life for citizens.

What are the challenges to national integrity?

There are many challenges to national integrity. Corruption, nepotism, and cronyism are all common problems that can undermine trust in government and lead to economic stagnation. In addition, POVERTY and inequality can create conditions that make it difficult to build a strong and resilient society.

What can be done to promote national integrity?

There are many things that can be done to promote national integrity. Governments can enact laws and regulations that promote transparency and accountability. They can also invest in education and public awareness campaigns to help citizens understand the importance of integrity. In addition, civil society organizations can play a vital role in monitoring government performance and holding officials accountable.

What are some examples of national integrity in action?

There are many examples of national integrity in action. One example is the United States’ Freedom of Information Act, which gives citizens the right to access government records. Another example is the United Kingdom’s Bribery Act, which makes it a crime to offer or accept bribes. In addition, many countries have anti-corruption agencies that work to investigate and prosecute corruption cases.

What are some examples of national integrity being undermined?

There are also many examples of national integrity being undermined. One example is the Watergate scandal in the United States, which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Another example is the 2008 financial crisis, which was caused in part by the collapse of the subprime mortgage market. In addition, many countries have experienced high levels of corruption, which can undermine trust in government and lead to economic stagnation.

What is the future of national integrity?

The future of national integrity is uncertain. There are many challenges that need to be addressed, such as corruption, poverty, and inequality. However, there are also many reasons to be optimistic. Governments are increasingly recognizing the importance of integrity, and civil society organizations are playing a vital role in promoting it. With continued effort, it is possible to build a more just and equitable world.

Sure, here are some MCQs without mentioning the topic of national integrity:

Which of the following is not a characteristic of a good citizen?
(A) Respects the law
(B) Obeys the law
(C) Is loyal to the country
(D) Is always critical of the government
Which of the following is not a responsibility of a citizen?
(A) Pay taxes
(B) Serve in the military
(C) Vote in Elections
(D) Obey the law
Which of the following is not a right of a citizen?
(A) Freedom of speech
(B) Freedom of Assembly
(C) Freedom of religion
(D) Freedom to be arrested without a warrant
Which of the following is not a way to participate in government?
(A) Voting in elections
(B) Running for office
(C) Contacting elected officials
(D) Protesting
Which of the following is not a way to improve the country?
(A) Volunteering
(B) Donating to charity
(C) Voting in elections
(D) Criticizing the government
Which of the following is not a way to protect the environment?
(A) Recycling
(B) Conserving water
(C) Driving less
(D) Protesting against pollution
Which of the following is not a way to promote peace?
(A) Supporting diplomacy
(B) Opposing war
(C) Promoting understanding between cultures
(D) Protesting against violence
Which of the following is not a way to fight poverty?
(A) Volunteering at a soup kitchen
(B) Donating to charity
(C) Voting for candidates who support social programs
(D) Protesting against government cuts to social programs
Which of the following is not a way to promote education?
(A) Volunteering at a school
(B) Donating to a scholarship fund
(C) Voting for candidates who support education funding
(D) Protesting against government cuts to education funding
Which of the following is not a way to promote Health?
(A) Exercising regularly
(B) Eating a healthy diet
(C) Getting enough sleep
(D) Protesting against government cuts to healthcare funding

I hope these MCQs are helpful!