#15 New Policy Directions in India: Electoral Changes, Logistics Development, and Solar Initiatives

Welcome to the fifteenth edition of Policy Mandala. We have structured this edition on a 1-2-1 structure, 1 detailed analysis, 2 recent policy news, and a book recommendation. Enjoy Reading.

Analysis Mandala: Deepening Policy Understanding

Below, we discuss one recent policy update from the past week(s), and analyze them for you: Let’s go!

Analysis #1: Amending Accountability: The Election Commission's Transparency Dilemma

Shutters Down on Election Transparency?

Satyameva Jayate—our national motto says: "Truth Alone Triumphs".

But what is truth? And what does triumph in truth mean?r

Well, it seems to have a transient meaning. At least that seems to be the case with the Election Commission of India (ECI), which has recently updated some rules walking in thin ice between transparency, and voter privacy.

Let’s break it down.

Last week, the Ministry of Law and Justice tweaked Rule 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 at the request of the Election Commission of India.

Previously, it said, “all papers relating to the election shall be open to public inspection.” to now saying “All other papers as specified in these rules relating to the election shall be open to public inspection.”

But what do these rules mean?

Well, this is not clear. Seems like the rules is kept open for ECI to declare on their own. But it is clear that we have changed from: All documents of Election being in public domain, now only documents explicitly mentioned in the rules can be made public. This is likely to leave a lot of documents locked away.

But why this change? and Why now?

This seems to be triggered from the recent Punjab and Haryana High Court order to the ECI to release certain election-related documents, including CCTV footage from the Haryana Assembly elections in Mehmood Pracha vs Election Commission Of India Case (2024).

What seemed like a straightforward ask was reverted by ECI as a potential compromise of voter secrecy, invoking potential misuse of the videos to fuel AI-based deep-fake videos. Then, they took a step further and tightened the rules even more, claiming it was just a “housekeeping” measure.

But, as expected ECI is back under the public scanner for this.

Given the ECI's history, it has a strong reputation to protect. After all, they’ve been the faces behind live election coverage, Electronic Voting Machines?(EVMs), and the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail?(VVPAT)?systems—all designed to ensure transparency and maintain public trust.?

But here’s the thing: even the most trusted institutions need scrutiny.

After all, in a democracy, transparency isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have. Every move, especially one that limits public access, deserves a closer look. Unsurprisingly, the amendment has stirred up a storm of criticism. Here’s why people aren’t letting it slide:

• Leaving Stakeholders: The ECI seems to have completely skipped a crucial stakeholder: political parties. This seems to hinder the trust further.
• Ignoring the Court: The amendment brushes aside court rulings like the recent Punjab and Haryana High Court’s directive.
• Potential Future Trouble: Critics argue that limiting public access could encourage malpractice. Remember the rigging caught on video during the 2019 Tripura elections? Those repolls happened because the evidence was accessible. Under the new rules, uncovering such cases might be a lot tougher.

As expected, Opposition parties have spoken out, and so has the media.

The ECI insists this isn’t an opaque wall but a translucent one ;)

The amendment doesn’t slam the door shut, i.e. doesn’t lock the documents, but lets you peek through the keyhole, i.e. restricts access to the common public but accessible to the judiciary, while major election documents still available for access.

Our take: For democracy to thrive, we need to strike the right balance between privacy and transparency. So, how do we get this balance right? Here’s a quick to-do list for the powers that be:

• Spell It Out: Clearly define which documents will remain accessible to avoid any guessing games. The quicker ECI brings this list out with the process to access them clearly articulated, the more it will regain public trust.
• Team Up: Changing election rules is a massive change. A more consultative approach bringing political parties, civil society, and experts into the decision-making huddle makes such changes more acceptable and sustainable.

Sure, protecting voter secrecy is important, but keeping the system transparent is equally vital. After all, democracy works best in the light—not in the shadows.

Let’s keep asking the tough questions, because when it comes to democracy, "Truth Alone Triumphs"—and the ballot box deserves nothing less.

News Mandala: What, Why, and How of Recent Policy

Below, we discuss two recent policy updates from the past week(s), and present them for you: From India’s Logistics Sector to Solar Plan. Let’s start.

News #1: A $350 Million Boost to Fix India’s Logistics Puzzle

How would you feel if you had to pay double the delivery charges every single time? You wouldn’t like that, would you? Neither would we. Looks like nations don’t like it either. But well, that’s what’s happening with India.

India spends a whopping 14-18% of its GDP just on getting goods from point A to point B, while the global average is only 8%. Clearly, something needs to change. Enter the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with a $350 million loan via the SMILE program. And no, SMILE isn’t just a feel-good project—it stands for Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystems—basically, "Let’s fix this mess."

So, what’s the game plan? The SMILE program aims to boost India’s manufacturing sector and make supply chains more reliable. Which means - smoother transport, faster customs, and smarter warehouses - overall lower costs. A complete makeover for India’s logistics network—efficient, green, and investor-friendly.

SMILE program comes in 2 parts: The first part (creatively named Subprogram 1) of the SMILE program got things rolling in 2023 with important reforms like the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and the National Logistics Policy by the Government of India. Now, Subprogram 2 - which the loan was signed for - is rolling up its sleeves to get these ideas into action at different government levels and agencies. The loan comes with a 12-year repayment period and an interest rate under 1%. Sweet deal, right?

Now, what’s in it for us? For starters, cheaper logistics means cheaper goods—think groceries, gadgets, and everything in between. Quicker customs means your package clears faster, smoother transport, and smarter warehouses ensure it’s packed and arrives at your doorstep without delays. Which means, products will actually be available when you need them - even in those hard-to-reach places.

Of course, there are challenges—outdated infrastructure, red tape, and getting private companies on board. But overcoming these hurdles is key to making India’s economy work better for everyone.

So, what do you think? Can the SMILE program help India transform its logistics and become a global manufacturing superstar? Only time will tell.

News #2: A Solar-Driven India: Harnessing the Power of the Sun

What do Adani, Ambani, and Tata have in common? Sure, they’re rich, but here’s the kicker: they’re also all pouring big money into solar energy.

However, when it comes to the solar cells that actually power our solar panels, things aren’t quite matching up.

Starting June 2026, all clean energy projects will need to use solar panels made from locally-produced solar cells. The goal? Boost local manufacturing, cut down on imports, and strengthen energy security.

Now, let’s break it down: solar cells are the small techy bits that actually turn sunlight into electricity, while solar panels are just groups of those cells stitched together. Think of it like the difference between puzzle pieces (solar cells) and the final picture (solar panels). At the moment, India has a solid manufacturing capacity of 80 GW for solar panels, but only 7.6 GW for solar cells. That’s like having a super cool puzzle board (solar panels) but not enough puzzle pieces (solar cells) to complete the picture. No good, right? If the plan works out, India could fully home-grow its solar panels—no more relying on imports, boost the renewable energy market, and help build a stronger, more reliable energy future.

But wait, there’s more! This isn’t just about economics—it’s also about geopolitics and sustainability. Producing solar cells locally will cut India’s reliance on imports for its solar equipment—currently a whopping 80%, and 60% of this is from China alone. And let’s face it, relying on another country for your solar power needs isn’t exactly the blueprint for energy independence.

Thankfully, India’s solar power capacity is already seeing a rapid rise, signaling a strong commitment to change. In the first nine months of 2024, the country added 16.4 GW of capacity—a massive 167% jump from the same period in 2023. Promising, right?

But the clock is ticking. With just 1.5 years to scale up, India’s going all-in with things like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and a whole bunch of solar park developments. The challenge is clear—build fast, scale up, and ensure India walks the talk on self-reliance.

So, what’s your take? Will India manage to flip the switch and lead the solar revolution, or will it be a case of too much ambition and too little time?

Book Mandala

In this section, we suggest a book to be read/listened to each week, for the inner policy enthusiast in you :)

Book: A Luxury called Health

Author: Kavery Nambisan

About the book: Kaveri Nambisan's A Luxury Called Health is a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between health and privilege in India. Drawing from personal experiences and societal observations, the author delves into the complexities of health, from the underfunded public healthcare system to the growing reliance on private healthcare. The book challenges the reader to reconsider how we view health, the inequalities surrounding it, and the role of privilege in accessing quality care.

Our take: Nambisan does a brilliant job of weaving together personal reflections and broader societal issues, showing how health often becomes a privilege, especially for those on the margins. It is a deeply personal account that explores the challenges of navigating a system where quality care is out of reach for many. If you’re looking for an insightful, thought-provoking read that sheds light on the inequalities in our healthcare system, this should be on your TBR.

Hope you liked today’s Policy Mandala!

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