Missing in Manipur: President’s Rule on Governance

(Source: The Indian Express, Editorial Page)

Also Read: The Indian Express Editorial Analysis: 26 July 2025
Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis: 26 July 2025

Topic: GS2 (Polity & Governance), GS1 (Society, Post-independence consolidation), GS4 (Ethics in Governance)

Context

The editorial “Missing in Manipur” delves into the ongoing political and governance crisis in Manipur, marked by the imposition and continuation of President’s Rule. It explores how the lack of an elected government affects the state’s stability, the importance of democratic restoration, and the ethical challenges in governance. The situation’s relevance to the UPSC syllabus is significant, offering lessons on federalism, constitutional mechanisms, and the management of ethnic conflicts in India.

Background & Significance of President’s Rule in Manipur

• Manipur has faced extended periods without an elected government due to violence and administrative breakdown.

• The protracted use of President’s Rule (Art. 356) highlights deeper issues regarding Centre-State relations and democratic processes.

• Ethnic strife and lack of effective political mediation have worsened the humanitarian situation in the state.

Constitutional Dimensions and Democratic Norms

Article 356 (President’s Rule):

• Meant as a temporary provision, its repeated invocation raises questions about the spirit of federalism.
• Affects the legitimacy of governance and trust in democratic institutions.

Impact on Federalism:

• Strains Centre-State relations, especially in sensitive and diverse regions like the Northeast.

Governance Deficit and Administrative Challenges

• Accountability: Absence of an elected government dilutes accountability mechanisms and hampers responsive administration.

• Service Delivery: Prolonged central rule can result in policy paralysis, inadequate relief, and mishandling of social issues.

• Public Trust: Erosion of public confidence in the state machinery and democratic process.

Societal and Ethical Implications

• Ethnic Conflicts: Unresolved ethnic tensions between communities are aggravated in the absence of legitimate political leadership.

• Humanitarian Issues: Displacement, violence, and lack of reconciliation persist without decisive policy intervention.

• Ethical Governance: The ethical burden on administrators increases in the wake of breakdowns, requiring integrity, impartiality, and dialogue.

Way Forward

• Urgent restoration of an elected, representative government through fresh elections to revive democratic processes.

• Encouragement of multi-stakeholder dialogue (Centre, State, ethnic groups, civil society) to address root causes.

• Ensuring constitutional frameworks are respected, preventing misuse or habitual extension of Article 356.

• Prioritizing human rights, justice, and inclusive development for lasting peace.

Table: Impact of Prolonged President’s Rule in Manipur

Aspect	Issue/Challenge	UPSC Relevance
Constitutional	Overuse of Article 356 undermines federalism	GS2: Polity, Centre-State relations
Governance	Lack of accountability, poor service delivery	GS2: Governance, Ethics in Administration
Societal	Aggravation of ethnic conflict, public distrust	GS1: Society; GS4: Ethics
Humanitarian	Displacement, insecurity, rights violations	GS2: Welfare schemes/rights, GS3: Internal Security
Democratic Processes	Weakening of democratic ethos, electoral delays	GS2: Salient features of Indian Constitution, Electoral reforms

Practice Question: (GS-2 | 15 Marks | 250 Words) Critically analyze the impact of prolonged President’s Rule on governance and democratic processes in conflict-prone states like Manipur. Discuss the constitutional safeguards and suggest measures to restore democratic normalcy while ensuring effective administration.