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Day 23

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 Geography www.iasscore.in

MINERAL RESOURCES
India is endowed with a rich variety of mineral resources due to its varied geological structure.
On the basis of chemical and physical properties, minerals may be grouped under two main categories of
metallics and non-metallics.
Metallic minerals are the sources of metals. Iron ore, copper, gold produce metal and are included in this
category. Metallic minerals are further divided into ferrous and non-ferrous metallic minerals. All those
minerals which have iron content are ferrous such as iron ore itself and those which do not have iron
content are non-ferrous such as copper, bauxite, etc.

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Non-metallic minerals are either organic in origin such as fossil fuels also known as mineral fuels which
are derived from the buried animal and plant life such as coal and petroleum. Other type of non-metallic

(1) North-Eastern Peninsular Belt:

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minerals are inorganic in origin such as mica, limestone and graphite, etc.
Mineral Belts of India

It is the richest mineral belt of India.

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Comprises of Chotanagpur plateau and Orissa plateau in Jharkhand, West Bengal and Orissa.
The Chhotanagpur plateau is known as the mineral heart land of India, also Ruhr of India.
It contains large quantities of coal, iron, manganese, mica, bauxite, Copper, Chromites, and Kyanite.
(2) Central Belt:
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It is the 2nd largest mineral belt of India.

Comprises of Chhattisgarh, M.P, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
It has large deposits of Manganese, bauxite, limestone, marble, coal, gems (Panna), mica, iron ore,
graphite, etc.
(3) Southern Belt:
It comprises mostly of Karnataka plateau and contiguous T.N. upland.
It lacks coal deposits except lignite at Neyveli (T.N.).
It is more or less similar to northeastern peninsular belt as far as deposits of ferrous minerals and
bauxite is concerned.
(4) South-Western Belt:
Southern Karnataka & Goa are included.
It has deposits of iron-ore and clay.
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(5) North-West Belt:

Extends along the Aravallis in Rajasthan and in adjoining parts of Gujarat.
Important minerals Copper, lead, zinc, Uranium, mica, bauxite, gypsum, manganese, salt.
(6) The Indian Ocean
Along with availability of petroleum and natural gas in the off shore areas the sea bed contains
manganese nodules, phosphorite nodules and barium sulphate concentration
The best quality nodules are found in water depths of more than 4000m.
Phosphate nodules are mainly found near Andaman Islands.
Distribution of minerals in India
IRON-ORE
India has the vast resources of iron ore, 20% of total world reserves not only quantitatively but

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qualitatively too as it contain iron upto 65% and sulphur never above 0.6%.
Ore-Types
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a) Haematite- Iron content up to 86%; of Dharwar & Chuddapah system of peninsular India; also
called Red Ores; contribute about 85% of total production.
b) Magnetite- Iron content of 60%; of Dharwar & Chuddapah system of peninsula; also called
Block Ores; contribute about 8% of total production.
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c) Limonite- Iron content of 30-50%; prominent constituent of laterite; contribute 7% of total

production.
Occurance
a) Orissa- Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundergarh, Cuttak, Karaput.
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b) Jharkhand- Singahbhum- Notu- Buru, Noamundi, Ansira Baru, Brajamda, Gua, Sasangda.
c) M.P- Bastar- Bailadila, Raoghat, Aridongri; Durg- Dhalli-Rajhara.
d) Goa (Black iron /Magnetite): North Goa: Pirna- Adolpale- Asnora; Central Goa: Tolsai-
Dongarvado; South- Goa: Borgadongar, Netarlim,.
e) Karnataka: Bellary (Sandur-Hospet area), Chikmanglur, Kemmangundi(in Bababudan Hills),
Kudremukh, Shimonga.
f) Andhra Pradesh: Jaggayapeta, Ramallakota, Veldurti, Nayudupetta, Baygarm.
g) T.N.: Coimbatore Madurai, Tirunelveli, Ramnathpuram districts.
h) Maharashtra- Chandrapur, Ratnagiri.
MANGANESE- ORE
In India a major part of its deposit occurs in the form of sedimentary stratified metamorphic deposits
of Gondite & Kodurite series in the Dharwar system of Peninsula which holds 90% of total reserves.
India is the 3rd largest producer.
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Ore-Types:
a) Psilomelane : It has-manganese content around 50%.
b) Bronite: Manganese content varies between 52-54%.
c) Manganite : Manganese contents less than 50%.
d) Hosmanite: Manganese content is less than 40%.
e) Polianite: Manganese content is less than 40%.
Occurrence
a) Orissa: Sundargarh, Kalahandi (Nishikhal), Koraput (Kutinga), Bolangir, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj.
b) Maharashtra: Nagpur (Kodergaon, Gumgaon, Ramdongiri), Bhandara, Ratnagiri.
c) Karnakata: Shimoga, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Bellary, N. Kanara.

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d) Andhra Pradesh: Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam

OR
e) M.P.: Balaghat, Chindwara, Jhabua, Jabalpur.
f) Gujarat: Panchmahal.
g) Jharkhand: Singhbhum.
CROMITE
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Used for producing Dasomium which is used for producing stainless steel.
Occurance
a) Orissa: Contributes 90% of the countrys total production, main centers are Sukinda (between
Daiteri & Mahagiri Range) in Cuttak, Nausahi in Keonjhar.
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b) Karnataka: 2nd largest producer.

c) Maharashtra
d) Jharkhand: Singhbhum
e) T.N.: 96% of cromite is exported to Japan and the rest to Australia.
PYRITE
Occurance
a) Jharkhand- Sahabad (Amjhor, Kasisiyakoh, Kurriari).
b) T.N. - Arcot (Polur), Nilgiri (Pandalur- Devala- Nadghani region).
c) Karnataka - N. Kanara (Kaiga), Chittradurga (Indldhal).
d) Himachal Pradesh - Ashmi river.
e) Rajasthan- Sikar.
f) Meghalaya- Khasi, Jaintia.
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NICKEL
It is a silvery metal which does not gather rust. It is therefore, much useful for plating purposes.
Hardness and high malleability, high tensible strength, great elasticity, and resistance to abrasion,
shock and corrosion are its special qualities. Nickel is therefore, largely used in ornament, aircraft,
automobiles, industrial machinery etc.
Occurrence in India
a) Cuttak & Mayurbhanj districts of Orissa have the major reserves of Nickel. The total reserves
is of 5.8% crore tonnes of which 4.08 crore tonnes are in Kausa block and 1.5% crore tonnes
in Saruabil - Sukaragi area. Sirkinda is another famous mine.
b) Some amount is also produced in Maharashtra, J&K, M.P.
c) India imports nickel to fulfill its domestic demand.
TUNGESTION

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Its importance is due to the toughness, strength, hardness, and resistance to abrasion which it engenders
in tool steels which retain their strength and efficiency at very high temperatures (3375C) and speed.
Tungsten carbide is a substance second only to diamond in hardness.
OR
Tungsten, also known as high speed steel, is highly desirable for valves in internal-combustion
engines. It is also used in cold chisels, hack saws, files, razor blades, springs, armour plate, and
armourpiercing shells.
The most important and known use of tungsten is as a filament in electric light bulbs. Tungsten has
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high electric resistance and a very high melting point which allows a high degree of efficiency in the
conversion of electricity into light.
Principal Ore: Wol-framite and schedite.
Occurance- Deganal near Rawat Hills in Rajasthan.
BAUXITE
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These deposit are mainly associated with laterite soil, formed in the Tertiary period.
Up to 1988 India was an importer of aluminium but in 1993 India has become an important exporter
of alumina, mainly to Italy, Germany, U.K., Japan.
India contributes 14% of the worlds output which is second largest in the world after Australia.
Occurrence
a) M.P.: Amarkantak Plateau- Sargujar, Raigarh, Bilaspur; Maikala Range Balaghat; Katni Range
- Jabalpur.
b) Jharkhand: Palamu, Lohardagga, Ranchi, Sahabad (Netarhat Plateau).
c) Gujarat: Jamnagar, Khaira, Kutch.
d) Maharashtra: Kolhapur, Kolaba, Satara, Ratnagiri,
e) Karnataka: Belgaum (Karle Hills, Jamboti, Bakur- Navge- Ridge)
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f) T.N.: Salem, Nilgiri, Madurai ( Palni Hills, Kodaikanal Hills), Coimbatone (Sandabkuli).
g) Goa: Quepem, Canacora.
COPPER
The development of electrical industries gave rise to unprecedented growth of copper industry,
because of its conductivity of electrical energy, ductibility, and malleability.
Copper plays a basic role in modem facilities for light; power and heat, in telephone, telegraph, and
radio, in automobiles, railroad equipment, aeroplanes, and ships in refrigerators and other household
appliances, and in weapons.
It is also used for roofing, plumbing, hardware, utensils, jewellery, and decorative items.
Copper occurs in three forms: (i) as native metal, in igneous rocks; (ii) as oxides and (iii) as sulphides.
Although, sulphides have very little copper content (1 to 3 per cent), yet, 90% of the worlds total
output is obtained as sulphides.

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Porphyries or pyrites rocks contain sulphides and oxides of copper. Copper minerals occur mostly in
veins, therefore, the ore as mined contains a high percentage of rock material known as gangue.

OR
Copper ores in India are found as sulphides (Chalcopyrite, Chalcocite , Bronite), Oxide (Cuprite) and
Carbanates (Malachite & Azurite).
They generally occur in veins and in peninsular India in highly metamorphosed rocks.
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Occurance
a) Jharkhand - Singhbhum ( 50% of total countrys reserves at Mosabani, Rakha, Dhobani, Rajdah,
Surdah, Pathargara, Tamapahar, Turamdih), Lota- pahar- Fault.
b) Rajasthan - Khetri- Singhana Area (Kolihan, Mandhan, Akwali, Berkhera), Kho- Dariba Area,
Delwara- Kerovle Area.
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c) M.P. - Balaghat (Malanjkhand, Madarkhand)

ZINC and LEAD
The chief use of zinc is for galvanizing or coating iron and-steel to make it resistant to rust.
Another important use of zinc is in the form of alloys, for die casting, in which the molten metal
is cast in steel dies to form small automobile and machinery parts and hardware items of various
shape.
The major zinc material is sphalerite a combination of zinc and sulphur. Zinc content of ores
generally ranges from 2 to over 12 percent.
It can be easily rolled or hammered into sheets, but unlike copper or iron, it lacks ductility, so it
cannot be drawn out into wire.
Its resistance to corrosion makes it exceptionally valuable for plumbing fixtures, storage batteries and
for cable, widely used in telegraph and telephone industries.
Galena, a combination of lead and sulphur is the principal ore of lead. Cerussite and anglesite are
the other important lead minerals.
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Occurance
a) Rajasthan - Zawar deposit of Udaipur(Mochia-Mogra,Balaria, Zawarmala,Baroi,Baba-Hill), Taragarh
Hill area (lead ore), Ajmer (Taragarh, Ganeshpura, sawar), Alwar (Jodhawas).
b) Andhra Pradesh - Zangamarajupalle (in Chuddapah district)
c) Bihar - Bhagalpur (Dudiar, Gauripur)
d) Jharkhand - Hazaribagh (Hatasu, Parasia), Santhal. Paragana (Panchpahar, Bhairkuhi, Sankera)
GOLD
Gold is used extensively for jewelley and many other articles, and smaller amounts are used in
dentistry the making of glass and porcelain, in dyes, in medicine; and in other industries.
Generally found in veins or reefs of quartz and sometime associated with iron & Copper sulphides.
Gold occurs in nature as native gold. It may be found as a constituent of solid rock (a lode deposit),
as flakes, grains, or nuggets of native gold in sands and gravels (a placer deposit) eroded from the

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original merit-rock.
Shaft tunnel mining is required in the first case, whereas placer mining is used in the second. Rich
OR
gold ores may contain 4 to 6 ounces of gold per tonne.
Occurance
a) Karnataka- Kolar Gold field/KGF (since 1871 when mining first started in Ooregum mines,
Marikuppam quartz vein bearing gold, Champion, Nandidroog, Mysore),Hutti, Topuldedi,
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Wondalli.
b) Andhra Pradesh- Ramagiri Gold field (Anantapuram district).
c) Jharkhand- alluvial gold in the beds of Garra-Nadi, S-Koyel, Sanjai, Sona-Nadi, Subarnarekha
rivers in Singhbhum district.
d) Kolar & Hutti goldfields all together produce 98% of total country production.
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SILVER
In Nature, silver mostly occurs as sulphides. It rarely occurs in pure form. It is often mixed with zinc
blende, galena (lead), and copper pyrites.
It is used for making coins, jewellery, and decorative items, in silver plating, electroplating, and in
several other industries.
Occurance
a) Produced as by product during the smelting of galana, also produced from lead ore of Kurnool,
Cuddapah and Guntur of Andhra, Singhbhum & Ranchi of Jharkhand and Vadodara of Gujarat.
Quartzites of Mysore gold field and cupriferous pyrites of Chitradurga are also yield some
amount of silver.
MICA
There are several kinds of mica, important being muscovite (white colour), phlogopite (yellow colour),
and biotite (black coloured).
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The two important ores found in India are Muscovite and Biotite.
It is non conductor therefore, makes an ideal electrical insulator. It is used in the electrical industry
and hardly has it had a substitute.
Occurance
a) Jharkhand- A belt existing over 150 km in length and 20-22 km in width from Gaya in west
through Hajaribag and Mungar districts to Bhargalpur districts in the east; Kodarma, Damchanch,
Maenodils, Parsabad, Tisri, Mohesari, Chakai are the main centres. Kodarma is the world largest
Mica market. Ruby - mica & Bangal- mica,which is of high quality is found in Jharkhand.
b) Andhra Pradesh- Gudur , Sangam & Nellore are the main producing regions of Green- mica, also
called Electrical- mica (lightest of all types).
c) Rajasthan- chief mining centres are Barla, Naukhand. Sohlenwara, Barani, Palmin in Tonk and
Jaipur districts. Bhilwara is also the important centre. In Rajasthan green or pink colour high
quality mica is found.

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LIMESTIONE

OR
Consumption of limestone in the country: Cement industry 67% (of higher silica content limestone);
Iron & steel industry - 16% and Chemical industry- 4%.
Types of Limestone and their Distribution
A. Cement-Grade Limestone
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a) Andhra Pradesh - (13 of total reserves)- Cuddapah, Guntur, Krishna, Khammam, Kurnool, Godavari
b) Karnataka-(1/3 of total reserves) Gulbarga, Bija-pur, Shimoga.
c) Gujarat- (13% of total reserves)- Junagarh, Amreli, Kutch, Banas- Kantha, Surat.
d) Rajasthan - (6% of total reserves) - Ajmer, Jaipur, Pali, Madhopur, Banswara, Jodhpur, Bundi
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B. Flux-Grade Limestone
a) M.P- (36% of the total reserves)- Belaspur, Jabalpur, Rewa, Satna, Raipur.
b) Meghalaya- (30% of the total reserves) Khasi & Jaintia Hillls.
ASBESTOS
Cryostile and Amphibole varieties of asbestos are found in India.
Asbestos has the fibrous structure and has a great economic importance as it has the capacity to be
separated quickly into fine filaments of high tensile strength and its great resistance to fire.
State-wise Production as % of total production - Rajasthan> Andhra > Karnataka.
Occurrence
a) Rajasthan- Ajmer, Bhilwara, Dungarpur, Pali, Sirohi, Udaipur.
b) Karnataka- Gopalpur, Mavinhalli, Hassan, Mandya, Shimoga, Chikmanglur.
c) Andhra Pradesh- Cudapah, Anantapur, Mehbubnagar.
d) Jharkhand- Singhbhum, West Bengal, Purulia.
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SILLIMANITE
Used in the manufacturing of bricks, refracting fitting for the electrical appliances.
Occurrence
a) Meghalaya- Sonapahar, Nagpur, Nangbain in the Nongtoin area.
b) M.P.- Sidhi & Reewa.
c) Maharashtra- Bhawara, Nagpur.
d) T.N.- Coimbatore, South Arcot.
e) Kerala- Palghat, Kottayam.
KYANITE
India has the largest reserves of Kyanite in the world.
Occurrence

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a) Jharkhand- A belt extending from Lapsa Buru to Kharasawan in Saraikala. with the important
mines at Lapsa-Buru, Ghagidih, Bachia- Bakro & Mauy aluka.
OR
b) Maharashtra- Pahergaon & Pipalgaon in Sakohi Tehsil and Gorkha- Buranga and Asvalpain in
Bhandara districts.
SALT
About 75% of total salt produced in India is manufactured from saline sea- water by the process of
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solar evaporation.
Production as % of total production-Gujarat> T.N.>Rajasthan.
Occurrence India
a) Sea-salt- Mithapur, Jamnagar, Dharsana, Okha, Bulsar in Gujarat; Bhandrup, Uran, Bhayandar in
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Maharashtra; Madras & Taticorin in T.N.

b) Salt- lake- Sambhar, Didwana, Pachbhadra, Lankaesara lakes in Rajasthan.
c) Rock-salt- mined at present in Mandi District at Drang & Guna in Himachal Pradesh.
RARE-EARTHS
In the South-west tip of India on the Kerala and T.N. cost,an extremely rich minerals like Ilmenite
and Monazite.
Ilmenite- from Quilon to Kanyakumari
Ilmenite and Rutire are by- products in the extraction of monazites.
Problems posed by mineral resources
Depletion of Mineral
Rapidly growing mining activity has rendered large agricultural tracts almost useless.
Miners have to work under most hazardous conditions.
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Many mineral producing areas lead to air and water pollution.

Huge displacement of tribal people.
Conservation of mineral resources
New researches should be undertaken to find out and develop replacement minerals for use in place of
scarce minerals which are in short supply and are going to be depleted soon.
Researches should be carried on to develop new technology which should avoid wastage and promote
maximum utilization of by- products
There should be curbing on wastage mining methods that deplete the environment too
Use of alternate sources of energy like solar energy, hydroelectric energy, etc.
Walking on a path that leads to sustainable development.
Use of renewable sources of energy.

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Avoid over-exploitation of the mineral resources.

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Use of biogas as a fuel for cooking instead of the non-renewable sources of energy.
Sustainable mining
Sustainable mining is defined as Mining that is financially viable; socially responsible; environmentally, technically
and scientifically sound; with a long term view of development; uses mineral resources optimally; and, ensures
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sustainable post-closure land uses. Also one based on creating long-term, genuine, mutually beneficial partnerships
between government, communities and miners, based on integrity, cooperation and transparency.
It includes:
Mining operations that have a broad-based social license to operate- creating lasting social and economic
wealth which will outlast the life of the mine.
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Environmentally, technically and scientifically sound implying proper management of natural resources.
Uses mineral resources optimally.
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POLITICAL PARTIES IN INDIA

A political party is generally described as an organized body of people who share common principles and
cherish certain common goals regarding the political system. A political party operates and seeks political
power through constitutional means to translate its policies into practice. It is a body of like-minded people
having similar views on matters of public concern.
Following can be identified as the main characteristics of political parties:
A political party is an organized group of people;
The organized group of people believe in common principles and common goals;

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Its objectives revolve around seeking political power through collective efforts;
It employs constitutional and peaceful methods in seeking control over the government through elections;

and
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While in power, it translates its declared objectives into governmental policies
The functions performed by the political parties, especially in the context of India, are as under:
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They nominate candidates during elections;
They campaign to obtain support for their candidates in the elections;
They place objectives and programmes before the voters through their manifestos;
Those securing the majority in elections form the government and enact and implement the policies;
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Those not in power form opposition and keep a constant check on the government;
They form opposition when they are in minority in the legislature and constantly put pressure on the
government for proper governance;
They educate people and help in formulating and shaping public opinion;
They articulate peoples' demands and convey them to the government; and
They provide a linkage between people and governmental institutions
Types of Political parties
Political parties in India are classified by the Election Commission for the allocation of symbols. The Commission
classifies parties into three main heads: National Parties, State Parties, and Registered (unrecognized) Parties.
A political party shall be treated as a recognised political party in a State, if and only if either the conditions
specified in Clause (A) are, or the condition specified in Clause (B) is, fulfilled by that party and not otherwise,
that is to say-
(A) that such party -
Has been engaged in political activity for a continuous period of five years; and
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Has, at the last general election in that State to the House of the People, or, as the case may be, to the
Legislative Assembly of the State, returned-
either (i) at least one member to the House of the People for every twenty-five members of that House
or any fraction of that number from that State;
or (ii) at least one member to the Legislative Assembly of that State for every thirty members of that
Assembly or any fraction of that number;
(B) That the total number of valid votes polled by all the contesting candidates set up by such party at the
last general election in the State to the House of the People, or as the case may be, to the Legislative
Assembly of the State, is not less than six per cent of the total number of valid votes polled by all the
contesting candidates at such general election in the State.
1. The conditions in Clause (A) or Clause (B) above shall not be deemed to have been fulfilled by a political
party, if a member of the House of the People or the Legislative Assembly of the State becomes a
member of that political party after his election to that House or, as the case may be, that Assembly.
2. 'State' includes the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union Territory of Pondicherry.

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3. If a political party is treated as a recognised political party in four or more States, it shall be known as
a `National Party' throughout the whole of India, but only so long as that political party continues to fulfill
OR
thereafter the conditions for recognition in four or more States on the results of any subsequent general
election either to the House of the People or to the Legislative Assembly of any State.
4. If a political party is treated as a recognised political party in less than four States, it should be known
as a `State Party' in the State or States in which it is so recognised, but only so long as that political party
continues to fulfill there after the conditions for recognition on the results of any subsequent general
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election to the House of the People or, as the case may be, to the Legislative Assembly of the State, in
the said State or States.
Issues in the working of political parties
The first challenge is lack of internal democracy within parties. All over the world there is a tendency
in political parties towards the concentration of power in one or few leaders at the top. Parties do not keep
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membership registers, do not hold organisational meetings, and do not conduct internal elections regularly.
Ordinary members of the party do not get sufficient information on what happens inside the party. They
do not have the means or the connections needed to influence the decisions. As a result the leaders
assume greater power to make decisions in the name of the party. Since one or few leaders exercise
paramount power in the party, those who disagree with the leadership find it difficult to continue in the
party. More than loyalty to party principles and policies, personal loyalty to the leader becomes more
important.
The second challenge of dynastic succession is related to the first one. Since most political parties do not
practice open and transparent procedures for their functioning, there are very few ways for an ordinary
worker to rise to the top in a party. Those who happen to be the leaders are in a position of unfair
advantage to favour people close to them or even their family members. In many parties, the top positions
are always controlled by members of one family. This is unfair to other members of that party. This is
also bad for democracy, since people who do not have adequate experience or popular support come to
occupy positions of power. This tendency is present in some measure all over the world, including in
some of the older democracies.
The third challenge is about the growing role of money and muscle power in parties, especially during
elections. Since parties are focussed only on winning elections, they tend to use short-cuts to win elections.
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They tend to nominate those candidates who have or can raise lots of money. Rich people and companies
who give funds to the parties tend to have influence on the policies and decisions of the party. In some
cases, parties support criminals who can win elections. Democrats all over the world are worried about
the increasing role of rich people and big companies in democratic politics.
Thus law is needed to curb the growth of valueless politics.

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OR
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ELECTORAL SYSTEM IN INDIA

Elections in India are conducted according to the procedure laid down by law. The following process is
observed.
Notification for Election
The process of election officially begins when on the recommendation of Election Commission, the President
in case of Lok Sabha and the Governor in case of State Assembly issue a notification for the election. Seven
days are given to candidates to file nomination.
The seventh day is the last date after the issue of notification excluding Sunday. Scrutiny of nomination papers
is done on the day normally after the last date of filing nominations.The candidate can withdraw his/her
nomination on the second day after the scrutiny of papers. Election is held not earlier than twentieth day after

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the withdrawal.
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Filing of Nomination Structure of Government
A person who intends to contest an election is required to file the nomination paper in a prescribed form
indicating his name, age, postal address and serial number in the electoral rolls. The candidate is required to
be duly proposed and seconded by at least two voters registered in the concerned constituency. Every candidate
has to take an oath or make affirmation. These papers are then submitted to the Returning Officer designated
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by the Election Commission.

Security Deposit
A general candidate has to pay a security deposit of Rupees Twenty Five Thousand (Rs. 25,000) for Lok
Sabha Election. Candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) are eligible for
concession of Rupees Twelve Thousand Five Hundred Only (Rs. 12,500). As for Assembly Elections, general
candidates have to pay Rupees Ten Thousand Only (Rs. 10,000), and those belonging to SC/ST have to pay
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Rupees Five Thousand Only (Rs. 5,000).

Scrutiny and Withdrawal
All nomination papers received by the Returning Officer are scrutinised on the day fixed by the Election
Commission. This is done to ensure that all papers are filled according to the procedure laid down and
accompanied by required security deposit. The Returning
Officer is empowered to reject a nomination paper on any one of the following ground:
(i) If the candidate is less than 25 years of age.
(ii) If he/she has not made security deposit.
(iii) If he/she is holding any office of profit.
(iv) If he/she is not listed as a voter anywhere in the country
The second day after the scrutiny of nomination papers is the last date for the withdrawal of the candidates.
In case that day happens to be a holiday or Sunday, the day immediately after that is fixed as the last day
for the withdrawal.
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Election Campaign
Campaigning is the process by which a candidate tries to persuade the voters to vote for him rather than
others. During this period, the candidates try to travel through their constituency to influence as many voters
as possible to vote in their favour. In the recent times, the Election Commission has granted all the recognised
National and Regional Parties, free access to the State-owned electronic media, the All India Radio (AIR) and
the Doordarshan to do their campaigning. The total free time is fixed by the Election Commission which is
allotted to all the political parties. Campaigning stops 48 hours before the day of polling. A number of
campaign techniques are involved in the election process. Some of these are:
i. Holding of public meetings
ii. Distribution of handbills, high lighting the main issues of their election manifesto (election manifesto is
a document issued by political party.
iii. Door to door appeal by influential people in the party.
iv. Broadcasting and telecasting of speeches by various political leaders.

E
Model Code of Conduct

OR
During the campaign period the political parties and the contesting candidates are expected to abide by a
model code of conduct evolved by the Election Commission of India on the basis of the consensus among
political parties. It comes into force the moment schedule of election is announced by the Election Commission.
The code of conduct is as follows :
(i) Political Parties and contesting candidates should not use religious places for election campaign.
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(ii) Such speeches should not be delivered in a way to create hatred among different communities belonging
to different religions, castes and languages, etc.
(iii) Official machinery should not be used for election work.
(iv) No new grants can be sanctioned, no new schemes or projects can be started once the election dates are
announced.
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(v) One cannot misuse mass media for partisan coverage.

Scrutinisation of Expenses
Though the Election Commission provides free access for a limited time to all the recognized National and
State parties for their campaign, this does not mean that political parties do not spend anything on their
elections campaign. The political parties and the candidates contesting election spend large sum of amount
on their election campaign. However, the Election Commission has the power to scrutinise the election
expenses to be incurred by the candidates. There is a ceiling on expenses to be incurred in Parliamentary as
well as State Assembly elections. Every candidate is required to file an account of his election expenses within
45 days of declaration of results. In case of default or if the candidate has incurred (expenses) more than the
prescribed limit, the Election Commission can take appropriate action and the candidate elected may be
disqualified and his election may be countermanded.
Polling, Counting and Declaration of Result
In order to conduct polling, large number of polling booths are set up in each constituency. Each booth is
placed under the charge of a Presiding Officer with the Polling Officers to help the process.
A voter casts his/her vote secretly in an enclosure, so that no other person comes to know of the choice he/
she has made. It is known as secret ballot.
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After the polling is over, ballot boxes are sealed in the presence of agents of the candidates. Agents ensure
that no voter is denied right to vote, provided the voter turns up comes within the prescribed time limit.
Administrative officers involved in design of electoral rolls:
Chief Electoral Officer:
For each State a chief electoral officer is appointed who shall be such officer of Government as the Election
Commission may, in consultation with that Government, designate or nominate in this behalf. The Chief
Electoral Officer of a State/ Union Territory is authorised to supervise the election work in the State/Union
Territory subject to the overall super intendence, direction and control of the Election Commission. The chief
electoral officer of each State shall also supervise the conduct of all elections in the State.
District Electoral Officer:
For each district in a State the Election Commission shall, in consultation with the Government of the State,
designate or nominate a district election officer who shall be an officer of Government: The Election Commission
may designate or nominate more than one such officer for a district if the Election Commission is satisfied
that the functions of the office cannot be performed satisfactorily by one officer. , the District Election Officer

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shall coordinate and supervise all work in the district or in the area within his jurisdiction in connection with
the conduct of all elections to Parliament and the Legislature of the State.
OR
Electoral registration officers:
The electoral roll for each parliamentary constituency in the State of Jammu and Kashmir or in a Union
territory not having a Legislative Assembly, each assembly constituency and each Council constituency shall
be prepared and revised by an electoral registration officer who shall be such officer of Government or of a
local authority as the Election Commission may, in consultation with the Government of the State in which
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the constituency is situated, designate or nominate in this behalf. An electoral registration officer may, subject
to any prescribed restrictions, employ such persons as he thinks fit for the preparation and revision of the
electoral roll for the constituency.
Assistant electoral registration officers:
The Election Commission may appoint one or more persons as assistant electoral registration officers to assist
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any electoral registration officer in the performance of his functions. Every assistant electoral registration
officer shall, subject to the control of the electoral registration officer, be competent to perform all or any of
the functions of the electoral registration officer.
Officers on Election Duty:
To ensure that elections are held in free and fair manner, the Election Commission appoints thousands of
polling personnel to assist in the election work. These personnel are drawn among magistrates, police officers,
civil servants, clerks, typists, school teachers, drivers, peons etc. Out of these there are three main officials who
play very important role in the conduct of free and fair election. They are Returning Officer, Presiding Officer
and Polling Officers.
Returning Officer
In every constituency, one Officer is designated as Returning Officer by the Commission in consultation with
the concerned State government. However, an Officer can be nominated as Returning Officer for more than
one constituency. All the nomination papers are submitted to the Returning Officer. Papers are scrutinised by
him/her and if they are in order, accepted by him/her. Election symbols are allotted by him/her in accordance
with the directions issued by the Election Commission. He/she also accepts withdrawal of the candidates and
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announces the final list. He/she supervises all the polling booths, votes are counted under his/her supervision
and finally result is announced by him/her. In fact, the Returning Officer is the overall incharge of the efficient
and fair conduct of elections in the concerned constituency.
Presiding Officers
Every constituency has a large number of polling booths. Each polling booth on an average caters to about
a thousands votes. Every such booth is under the charge of an officer who is called the Presiding Officer. He/
she supervises the entire process polling in the polling booth and ensures that every voter gets an opportunity
to cast vote freely. After the polling is over he/she seals all the ballot boxes and deliver them to the Returning
Officer.
Polling Officers
Every Presiding Officer is assisted by three to four polling officers. They check the names of the voters in the
electoral roll, put indelible ink on the finger of the voter, issue ballot papers and ensure that votes are secretly
cast by each voter.

E
Allotment of Symbol to political parties
Political Parties have symbols which are allotted by the Election Commission. For example, Hand is the

OR
symbol of the Indian National Congress, Lotus is the symbol of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Elephant
is the symbol of Bahujan Samaj Party. These symbols are significant for the following reasons:
They are a help for the illiterate voters who cannot read the names of the candidates.
They help in differentiating between two candidates having the same name.
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"KENDRIYA AND NAVODAYA VIDYALAYA"

Kendriya Vidyalaya is a system of central government schools under the Ministry of Human Resource
Development.
The objectives are:
i. To cater to the educational needs of children of transferable Central Government including Defence and
Para-military personnel by providing a common programme of education;
ii. To pursue excellence and set the pace in the field of school education;

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iii. To initiate and promote experimentation and innovations in education in collaboration with other bodies
like the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the National Council of Educational Research and
Training (NCERT) etc. and

OR
iv. To develop the spirit of national integration and create a sense of 'Indianness' among children.
They follow the CBSE curriculum. As on date, there are 1115 functional schools with 1175595 students.
On the other hand, Navodya Vidyalayas were established with the primary objective to provide good quality
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modern education to the talented children predominantly from the rural areas, comparable to the best in a
residential school system, without regard to their family's socio-economic condition.
Navodaya Vidyalayas are run by the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), an autonomous organisation under
the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of School Education and Literacy, Govt. of
India. The Chairman of the Samiti is the Hon'ble Minister of Human Resource Development.
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FSSAI
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been established under Food Safety and
Standards, 2006 which consolidates various acts & orders that have hitherto handled food related issues in
various Ministries and Departments. FSSAI has been created for laying down science based standards for
articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability
of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.
FSSAI has been mandated by the FSS Act, 2006 for performing the following functions:
Framing of Regulations to lay down the Standards and guidelines in relation to articles of food and
specifying appropriate system of enforcing various standards thus notified.

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Laying down mechanisms and guidelines for accreditation of certification bodies engaged in certification
of food safety management system for food businesses.
OR
Laying down procedure and guidelines for accreditation of laboratories and notification of the accredited
laboratories.
To provide scientific advice and technical support to Central Government and State Governments in the
matters of framing the policy and rules in areas which have a direct or indirect bearing of food safety
and nutrition.
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Collect and collate data regarding food consumption, incidence and prevalence of biological risk,
contaminants in food, residues of various, contaminants in foods products, identification of emerging
risks and introduction of rapid alert system.
Creating an information network across the country so that the public, consumers, Panchayats etc receive
rapid, reliable and objective information about food safety and issues of concern.
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Provide training programmes for persons who are involved or intend to get involved in food businesses.
Contribute to the development of international technical standards for food, sanitary and phyto-sanitary
standards.
Promote general awareness about food safety and food standards.
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CENTRAL WATER COMMISSION

The Central Water Commission is the apex technical organisation in the country for development of
water resources and is attached organization of the Ministry of Water Resources.
The Commission is responsible for initiating, coordinating and furthering, in consultation with the State
Governments, the schemes for control, conservation, development and utilization of water resources
throughout the country for the purpose of irrigation, flood management, power generation, navigation etc.

Implementation of the National Water Policy is another important concern of the Commission.

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Over the years, the Commission has developed the technological knowhow in planning, investigation,
appraisal, design and construction of projects, monitoring and management of projects, hydrological
observations and flood forecasting.

management. OR
Central Water Commission has presence in almost all the aspects of water resources development and

The main functions of Central Water Commission being discharged through its India?wide field basin
oriented setup are -
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a) Hydrological observations and studies,

b) Maintaining water resources information system for each river basin,

c) Providing assistance in regulation and development of inter?state rivers,

d) Issuing flood/inflow forecasts,
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e) Carrying out techno?economic appraisal of projects,

f) Taking up survey and investigation of projects on request,

g) Providing design consultancy, and

h) Advising and assisting the Government of India on related matters.

The committee in its report 21st Century Institutional Architecture for India's Water Reforms: Restructuring
the CWC and CGWB has recommended for the formation of a new National Water Commission (NWC) to
be established as the nation's apex facilitation organisation dealing with water policy, data and governance.
Key recommendations are -

1. National Water Commission has been proposed which will subsume the Central Water Commission
(CWC) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).

2. A paradigm shift is required in both surface and groundwater management policies to face new national
challenges. It says that existing institutions are inadequate to address our water needs.
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3. CWC and CGWB were created in a different era and needed restructuring to work on a new mandate
in a manner that overcomes the schism between groundwater and surface water. The one issue that really
highlights the need to unify CWC and CGWB is the drying up of India's peninsular rivers, the single most
important cause of which is over-extraction of groundwater.
4. By focusing on water stored in dams we could add 35 million hectares to irrigate area over next 10 years
at a very low cost. For this we need to shift focus from construction to management and maintenance.
5. NWC be headed by a chief national water commissioner and should have full time commissioners
representing hydrology, hydrogeology, hydrometeorology, river ecology, ecological economics, agronomy
(with focus on soil and water) and participatory resource planning and management.
6. To adopt the participatory approach to water management that has been successfully tried all over the
world, as also in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.
7. View groundwater and surface water in an integrated, holistic manner.
8. If river rejuvenation is the key national mandate of the Ministry of Water Resources, then this cannot
happen without hydrologists and hydrogeologists working together, along with social scientists, agronomists

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and other stakeholders.
9. Focus on river basins which must form the fundamental units for management of water. We have
OR
carefully studied the regional presence (or absence) of the CWC and CGWB and proposed a way forward
whereby the NWC is present in all major river basins of India.
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Notes