The Union Budget 2026 introduced the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-RAM G) Act, 2025, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005. The new scheme has been allocated ₹95,692.31 crore for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Additionally, ₹30,000 crore has been set aside to clear liabilities from the previous year's MGNREGS. The government aims to provide 125 workdays to all enrolled workers. However, experts suggest that an outlay of ₹2.3 lakh crore would be necessary to fully meet this commitment for all 8.65 crore active job card holders.
- The VB-RAM G Act, 2025, replaces the MGNREGA, 2005, as the primary rural job guarantee.
- Total allocation for the new scheme is approximately ₹95,692 crore for FY27.
- The government target is to provide 125 workdays per year to all enrolled workers.
The 16th Finance Commission (16th FC) has recommended maintaining the vertical tax devolution to States at 41%, a level consistent since 2021. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the government's acceptance of these recommendations in the Budget 2026 speech. Notably, the formula for horizontal distribution was adjusted, resulting in an increased share for five Southern States: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. The commission also recommended ₹1.4 lakh crore as grants for rural and urban local bodies and disaster management for the fiscal year 2026-27.
- Vertical devolution remains at 41% as per the 16th Finance Commission's recommendations.
- The horizontal distribution formula was tweaked, benefiting Southern States like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
- Total grants to states for local bodies and disaster management are set at ₹1.4 lakh crore for FY27.
The Supreme Court recently stayed the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, calling them 'too sweeping.' However, the legal analysis underscores that these rules stem from Article 15 of the Constitution, which mandates the State to remedy historical injustices faced by marginalized communities. While the draft rules aimed to address rising caste-based discrimination on campuses, critics argue they might lead to 'reverse discrimination.' The Court is examining whether the definition of discrimination in the rules has a reasonable link to the objective of promoting full equity in HEIs.
- Caste-based discrimination complaints in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have more than doubled in the last five years.
- Article 15(1) and 15(2) provide the constitutional basis for prohibiting discrimination and ensuring access to public services.
- The Sukanya Shantha case established the principle of substantive equality to correct historical injustices.
Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran presented the Economic Survey 2025-26, charting a framework for a medium-term 'entrepreneur state.' The Survey highlights India's economic stability despite global flux but warns of risks like a 10-20% probability of a global crisis in 2026. It addresses the falling rupee, attributing it to capital flight to AI-developed nations rather than weak fundamentals. Key focus areas include developing 'strategic indispensability' in global supply chains, maintaining fiscal flexibility at the Centre, and cautioning States against fiscal populism and rising revenue deficits.
- The Survey proposes an 'entrepreneur state' model that is risk-taking and agile in policymaking.
- India aims to move from import dependence to 'strategic indispensability' in merchandise supply chains.
- While the Centre halved its fiscal deficit ratio in five years, many States face increasing revenue deficits.
The Union government has amended the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019, to replace mandatory licence requirements for non-commercial drug manufacture with a prior-intimation mechanism. This move aims to facilitate 'ease of doing business' and fast-track drug development by up to three months. Developers can now manufacture small quantities for research after notifying the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) via the SUGAM portal. While the industry welcomes the reduction in 'licence raj,' experts caution that the removal of regulations must not compromise quality control, citing recent fatal incidents involving substandard cough syrups as a warning against poor pharmaceutical oversight.
- Mandatory test licences for small-scale research drugs are replaced by a prior-intimation mechanism.
- The move aligns with the goal of improving ease of doing business in the pharmaceutical sector.
- Statutory processing time for high-risk psychotropic or narcotic drugs is reduced from 90 days to 45 days.
This analysis highlights the growing fiscal strain on Indian States due to inadequate Central tax devolution. Despite the 15th Finance Commission's 41% share recommendation, the effective flow is eroded by the Centre's increasing use of cesses and surcharges, which remain outside the divisible pool. Consequently, States are increasingly relying on State Development Loans (SDLs) to fund routine expenditures and welfare schemes. In 2024-25, SDLs accounted for 35% of Tamil Nadu's and 26% of Maharashtra's total revenue receipts. The editorial argues for bringing cesses into the divisible pool and reworking horizontal devolution criteria to give greater weight to tax effort and efficiency.
- States are increasingly dependent on State Development Loans (SDLs) for day-to-day spending needs.
- Cesses and surcharges are excluded from the divisible pool, reducing effective devolution to States.
- The 15th Finance Commission fixed the States' share at 41% of the divisible pool.
The Supreme Court has stayed the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026. Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that the regulations, which focus exclusively on caste-based discrimination against SC, ST, and OBC communities, might be 'regressive' and divide society. The court expressed concern that the rules fail to protect upper-caste or general-category students, particularly in cases of ragging where they might lack remedy. Until further examination, the 2012 regulations will remain in force. The bench emphasized the need for all-inclusive discrimination policies rather than an exclusive focus on specific castes to maintain unity in educational institutions.
- SC stayed the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, calling them 'too sweeping'.
- The court questioned if the policy is regressive after 75 years of forging a casteless society.
- Concerns were raised about the lack of remedy for general category students in ragging cases involving SC/ST seniors.
The Supreme Court is examining whether the Enforcement Directorate (ED) can file writ petitions in High Courts. The issue arose from a Kerala High Court ruling that upheld the ED's right to do so. The Kerala government argues that the ED is merely a department of the Union government, not a 'juridical person' with independent legal rights to maintain a writ petition. Conversely, the ED maintains it has statutory powers under the PMLA. The case involves the balance of power between Central agencies and State authorities, particularly regarding investigations into state-level officials.
- The core issue is whether the ED, as a government department, has the 'locus standi' to file writ petitions under Article 226.
- Article 32 allows citizens to move the Supreme Court for fundamental rights, while Article 226 gives High Courts broader powers.
- The Kerala government contends that the ED does not have independent legal rights vis-à-vis State governments.
A report by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) shows that over 66% of Group C 'safai karmacharis' (sanitation workers) in the Union government belong to SC, ST, and OBC categories. Specifically, SCs make up 36.75%, STs 8.18%, and OBCs 21.15% of these roles. In contrast, Group A posts show lower representation: 14.2% for SCs, 6.54% for STs, and 19.14% for OBCs. The report highlights a trend shift where OBC representation in government jobs has increased from 21.57% in 2018-19 to 26.32% currently, while SC representation slightly declined.
- Over 66% of central government sanitation workers are from SC, ST, and OBC communities.
- OBC representation across all central government groups has risen to 26.32% from 21.57% in 2018-19.
- Group A posts (highest level) have 14.2% SC, 6.54% ST, and 19.14% OBC representation.
The Supreme Court rejected arguments that Aadhaar should be dropped from voter identity verification due to forgery risks. The Court noted that even passports, which are issued through private agencies, can be forged. Justice Bagchi clarified that while Aadhaar is a document of identity for 'good governance' and targeted delivery of subsidies under the 2016 Act, it is not proof of citizenship. The Court referred to Section 23 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which allows citizens to furnish Aadhaar numbers for establishing identity in electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
- Forgery risks are not sufficient grounds to exclude Aadhaar from the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
- Aadhaar is established as a document of identity, not a proof of citizenship or domicile.
- Section 23 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, permits the use of Aadhaar for identity establishment.
President Droupadi Murmu addressed a joint sitting of Parliament, emphasizing the government's commitment to social justice for Dalits, Backward Classes, and tribal communities. She highlighted the expansion of social security schemes, which now reach 95 crore Indians compared to 25 crore in 2014. Murmu invoked leaders like Ambedkar and Gandhi, stressing that national unity is paramount. She mentioned the 'Viksit Bharat' goal for 2047 and the 'Reform Express' for economic growth. The speech also touched upon national security, citing 'Operation Sindoor' and the destruction of terror camps across the border as evidence of India's decisive action against terrorism.
- Social justice is defined as ensuring every citizen gets to exercise full rights without discrimination.
- The government aims to achieve 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by the year 2047.
- Social security coverage has expanded significantly, currently covering approximately 95 crore citizens.
The Karnataka government has officially constituted the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers’ Welfare Development Board under the 2025 Act. This move aims to implement welfare measures for gig workers engaged with platforms like Zomato, Uber, and Amazon. Both workers and aggregators must register with the Board within 45 days. A welfare fee of 1% to 1.5% will be levied on aggregator platforms to fund social security benefits. The Board will include representatives from the government, labor unions, and aggregator platforms, with the Labour Minister serving as the ex-officio president.
- Karnataka is among the first states to create a dedicated welfare board and fund for gig workers.
- Aggregators are required to pay a welfare fee based on their turnover to support the fund.
- Registered gig workers will receive a unique identification number to access social security benefits.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) informed the Supreme Court that maintaining a place in the electoral roll is a 'qualified right' rather than an absolute one. During a hearing on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar, the EC argued that voters must continuously fulfill essential conditions, such as Indian citizenship and age requirements, as laid out in Article 326 of the Constitution. The SIR is a verification exercise to ensure the integrity of the roll by weeding out duplicates and deceased voters, rather than a process to determine citizenship.
- Article 326 of the Constitution provides for adult suffrage but requires voters to be 18 years old and Indian citizens.
- The EC maintains that the fulfillment of these conditions is a continuous requirement to remain on the electoral roll.
- The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is defended as a verification exercise to improve voter turnout and roll accuracy.
The article critiques the newly introduced Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-GRAM G Act), which aims to replace or modify MGNREGA. While the government claims it enhances the employment guarantee to 125 days, critics argue that Section 5(1) allows the Centre to 'switch off' the guarantee in specific areas, undermining the 'right to work' principle. Furthermore, the shift toward 'normative funding' (budget caps) may lead to an inequitable distribution of funds across states, potentially disadvantaging poorer states like Bihar and Jharkhand that require higher MGNREGA employment.
- The VB-GRAM G Act introduces a discretionary 'switch-off' provision that allows the government to suspend the guarantee in specific areas.
- Normative funding replaces the demand-driven approach, potentially limiting funds for states with high poverty levels.
- The Act emphasizes digital technology for transparency, though critics point to past failures of such systems in MGNREGA.
Recent instances of Governors skipping or altering their addresses to State Legislatures have sparked constitutional debates. Articles 175 and 176 of the Constitution mandate the Governor to address the house, outlining the government's policies. Historically, this speech is prepared by the council of ministers and reflects the elected government's views, not the Governor's personal opinions. Conflicts often arise in Opposition-ruled states. Commissions like Sarkaria and Punchhi have recommended consulting Chief Ministers before appointing Governors to minimize friction. The underlying issue remains the perceived politicization of the Governor's office and its impact on federal structure.
- Article 176 makes it mandatory for the Governor to address the first session of the year.
- The Supreme Court in 'Shamsher Singh vs State of Punjab' held that the Governor is a constitutional head acting on ministerial advice.
- The 'Motion of Thanks' allows legislators to debate the policies mentioned in the Governor's address.
Addressing the nation on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized India's role as a messenger of peace amidst global conflicts. She highlighted the success of 'Operation Sindoor' in national security and the rise of 'Nari Shakti' as central to becoming a developed nation by 2047. The President noted significant progress in poverty alleviation through the principle of 'Antyodaya' and the achievement of making the Constitution available in all 22 Eighth Schedule languages, fostering 'constitutional nationalism'. She also celebrated India's digital leadership and the 150th anniversary of the composition of 'Vande Mataram'.
- India's defense preparedness was showcased through 'Operation Sindoor' which destroyed terror infrastructure.
- Women's empowerment is seen as a reshaper of the country, with 46% representation in Panchayati Raj institutions.
- The 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' is expected to take political empowerment to unprecedented heights.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, U.S. President Donald Trump formally established the 'Board of Peace' to oversee the reconstruction of war-devastated Gaza. The board is part of a 20-point plan focusing on demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction. It will be chaired by Trump and includes members like former British PM Tony Blair and World Bank President Ajay Banga. While over 50 countries were invited, many, including major European nations and China, have stayed away or expressed concerns about the board's potential to overshadow the United Nations.
- The Board of Peace aims to manage Gaza's transition to a 'New Gaza' with modern infrastructure and industrial zones.
- The initiative is separate from the UN and has faced criticism for lacking a clear role for international bodies.
- India has been invited to join the board but has yet to make a final decision.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a blocking order for a viral video depicting the killing of a 29-year-old man in Manipur's Churachandpur. The order was issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, following a request from the Union Home Ministry. The Manipur administration argued before the High Court that the video's circulation was likely to disturb public order in the sensitive region. Social media intermediaries like YouTube, Meta, and Google were directed to remove the content. The court has issued notices to the Union government regarding the progress of the blocking order.
- The blocking order was issued under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, to prevent the disturbance of public order.
- The Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009 were invoked.
- The Manipur High Court is monitoring the implementation of the order and has scheduled a hearing for February 18.
Recent instances of Governors walking out of State Legislative Assembly sessions in opposition-ruled states have sparked a debate on constitutional propriety. Article 176(1) mandates that the Governor address the Assembly at the commencement of the first session each year. Legal experts and court rulings, including the Nabam Rebia case (2016) and Shamsher Singh case (1974), emphasize that the Governor must act on the 'aid and advice' of the Council of Ministers. The Governor's address is a statement of government policy, and selective reading or walkouts may overstep constitutional boundaries.
- Article 176(1) makes it mandatory for the Governor to address the first session of the year.
- The Supreme Court has consistently held that the Governor's discretionary powers are limited and clearly stated in the Constitution.
- The Governor's address is prepared by the State Cabinet and reflects the government's policy.
Former CEC S.Y. Quraishi discusses the upcoming delimitation process scheduled after the 2027 Census. Delimitation, the redrawing of electoral boundaries, has been frozen since 1976 to prevent penalizing states that successfully controlled population growth. The article highlights the potential shift in political power from southern and western states to northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar due to population disparities. It explores various options, such as increasing Lok Sabha seats to 750 or 888, and emphasizes the need for a transparent process to maintain federal spirit and fair representation.
- Delimitation is the process of redrawing electoral maps to reflect population changes.
- The 84th Amendment in 2001 extended the freeze on seat redistribution until the first census after 2026.
- Southern states fear losing political representation despite better performance in social and demographic indicators.
The Registrar-General and Census Commissioner of India (RG&CCI) has notified 33 questions for the first phase of Census 2027, scheduled from April 1 to September 30. This will be India's first digital census, allowing respondents to self-enumerate through a portal. Significantly, this census will include caste enumeration for the first time. The first phase focuses on house-listing and housing schedules, while the second phase (Population Enumeration) in February 2027 will record caste details. The notification splits questions on housing materials into three distinct categories to improve data accuracy.
- Census 2027 will be the first digital census in India's history.
- Caste enumeration will be conducted during the second phase in February 2027.
- The first phase includes 33 questions covering building details, household amenities, and assets.
A Supreme Court Bench recently delivered a split verdict on the constitutional validity of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), 1988. Section 17A requires prior approval from the government before initiating an investigation into a public servant for acts related to their official duties. Proponents argue it protects honest officers from malicious prosecution, while critics claim it creates an unnecessary shield for the corrupt and violates Article 14 (equality before the law). The matter has been referred to a larger Bench for a final decision on whether such protections are constitutional.
- Section 17A was inserted into the PCA in 2018 to ensure officers can make bold decisions without fear of wrongful prosecution.
- The Santhanam Committee (1962) was instrumental in the original formulation of anti-corruption laws in India.
- The Vineet Narain case (1998) previously struck down similar 'Single Directive' requirements for high-ranking officers.
The process for removing a Supreme Court or High Court judge, often referred to as 'impeachment,' is governed by Article 124(4) and the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. A judge can only be removed on grounds of 'proved misbehaviour or incapacity.' However, a significant loophole exists: the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or Chairman of the Rajya Sabha has the statutory power to admit or refuse a removal motion even if signed by the required number of MPs. This discretion can potentially thwart the constitutional process, especially if the government of the day opposes the motion.
- The Constitution uses the term 'removal' for judges; 'impeachment' is technically reserved for the President under Article 61.
- A removal motion requires signatures from 100 Lok Sabha members or 50 Rajya Sabha members to be initiated.
- The Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, outlines the procedure for investigation by a high-level committee after a motion is admitted.
Recent actions by the Governors of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, who deviated from or skipped portions of their customary addresses to the State Assemblies, have sparked a constitutional debate. While Articles 87 and 176 require the President and Governors to make special addresses, constitutional convention dictates they read the text cleared by the Cabinet. Critics argue that treating these addresses as a 'meaningless formality' undermines the Westminster model of parliamentary democracy. Some suggest constitutional amendments to scrap these mandatory addresses while retaining the right to address the legislature under Articles 86 and 175.
- Articles 87 and 176 mandate special addresses by the President and Governors at the start of the first session of the year.
- Conventionally, the Governor acts as a 'mouthpiece' for the elected government, reading a speech that outlines state policies.
- Deviations from the Cabinet-approved text are seen as violations of time-honoured constitutional norms and conventions.