Why the Tarkunde Committee was constituted?
For election reforms
Understanding the Tarkunde Committee and its Purpose
The Tarkunde Committee is a significant name when discussing political and electoral reforms in India. Understanding why this committee was formed helps us grasp the evolution of the Indian electoral system and the continuous efforts made to make it fairer and more efficient.
Let's look at the specific purpose for which the Tarkunde Committee was constituted.
Purpose of the Tarkunde Committee: Election Reforms
The Tarkunde Committee, officially known as the Committee on Electoral Reforms, was appointed in 1974 by Jayaprakash Narayan as part of the Citizens for Democracy movement. Headed by Justice V.M. Tarkunde, a renowned civil liberties advocate, the committee was tasked with studying the electoral system in India and suggesting improvements.
The primary goal was to identify flaws in the existing electoral process and propose measures to ensure free and fair elections. This focus clearly places the committee's work in the domain of election reforms.
Key areas examined by the Tarkunde Committee typically included aspects like:
- Funding of elections
- Role of money and muscle power
- Composition and powers of the Election Commission
- Lowering of voting age (though this was implemented later)
- Methods to prevent rigging and other electoral malpractices
Therefore, the constitution of the Tarkunde Committee was directly linked to the need for comprehensive election reforms in India.
Analyzing the Given Options
Let's examine the provided options in light of our understanding of the Tarkunde Committee's work:
| Option | Description | Relevance to Tarkunde Committee |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | For election reforms | Directly aligns with the committee's stated purpose and work. The committee was specifically formed to recommend improvements to the electoral system. |
| 2 | For improvement of Panchayati Raj | Panchayati Raj reforms deal with local self-governance institutions in rural areas. While important, this was not the focus of the Tarkunde Committee. Other committees like the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee and Ashok Mehta Committee were associated with Panchayati Raj. |
| 3 | For reforms in district administration | Reforms in district administration pertain to the structure and functioning of governance at the district level. This is distinct from the committee's focus on electoral processes. |
| 4 | None of the above | Since option 1 accurately describes the committee's purpose, this option is incorrect. |
Based on this analysis, the Tarkunde Committee was constituted precisely for the purpose of suggesting election reforms.
Conclusion on Tarkunde Committee's Purpose
In summary, the Tarkunde Committee played a crucial role in initiating discussions and proposing significant changes aimed at improving the electoral process in India. Its primary objective was to suggest measures for achieving election reforms and ensuring the integrity of democratic elections.
The Tarkunde Committee was constituted:
- To study the electoral system.
- To identify areas needing reform.
- To propose recommendations for free and fair elections.
All these points fall squarely under the umbrella of election reforms.
Revision Table: Tarkunde Committee Key Facts
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Committee Name | Tarkunde Committee (Committee on Electoral Reforms) |
| Year Constituted | 1974 |
| Headed By | Justice V.M. Tarkunde |
| Main Purpose | To recommend election reforms in India |
| Appointed By | Citizens for Democracy (associated with Jayaprakash Narayan's movement) |
Additional Information: Election Reforms in India
The Tarkunde Committee was one of the earliest non-governmental initiatives specifically focused on election reforms. Over the years, India has seen various committees and commissions formed to address electoral issues, both governmental and non-governmental. Some other notable efforts towards election reforms include:
- Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990)
- Vohra Committee (1993)
- Indrajit Gupta Committee on State Funding of Elections (1998)
- Law Commission Reports (e.g., 170th Report on Electoral Reforms)
- National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) recommendations (2002)
- Election Commission of India's own proposals for reform.
These efforts collectively aim to tackle challenges like criminalization of politics, use of money power, transparency in funding, and ensuring the independence and effectiveness of the Election Commission, all falling under the broad category of election reforms.
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