Mains Practice Questions for the Day
Q. The BCCI case highlights the difference between public function and public authority. Discuss in the context of transparency and accountability in sports governance.
(GS PAPER II - Governance, Transparency and Accountability, RTI Act, Statutory Bodies)
Introduction:
The recent Central Information Commission (CIC) decision holding that the BCCI is not a public authority under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act, 2005 has reopened the debate on transparency in sports governance. The BCCI is a private society, but it performs functions of national importance such as selecting the Indian cricket team, regulating cricket and managing huge cricket revenues. This creates a tension between institutional autonomy and public accountability.
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Public Function vs Public Authority
A public function means an activity that affects the public at large or serves a public purpose. The BCCI performs public functions because cricket has national importance in India and its decisions affect players, fans, sponsors and the public.
However, a public authority is a specific legal category under the RTI Act. Under Section 2(h), a body must be established by the Constitution, by law, by government notification, or must be owned, controlled or substantially financed by the government.
The BCCI does not fulfil these conditions. It is registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975, but it was not created by that Act. Therefore, the CIC held that registration under a statute does not make it a statutory body.
Judicial Position
In Zee Telefilms v. Union of India, 2005, the Supreme Court held that the BCCI is not State under Article 12 because it is not financially, functionally or administratively dominated by the government.
However, in BCCI v. Cricket Association of Bihar, 2016, the Court recognised that the BCCI performs public functions and can be subject to judicial review under Article 226. Thus, courts can examine its decisions if they are arbitrary or against public interest, but this does not automatically bring it under RTI.
Transparency and Accountability Concerns
The exclusion of BCCI from RTI raises several concerns:
- It limits public access to information on team selection, contracts and governance decisions.
- It may weaken scrutiny over conflict of interest and financial dealings.
- The BCCI controls cricket administration and large revenues, giving it major public influence.
- Cricket has strong national and emotional value in India, so citizens expect higher accountability.
- It creates a governance gap where a private body performs public functions without full transparency duties.
Need for Balance
At the same time, excessive government control may harm sports autonomy. Sports bodies need professional independence, quick decision-making and commercial flexibility. Political interference may weaken merit and credibility in sports administration.
Way Forward
The BCCI should voluntarily disclose audited accounts, selection norms, conflict-of-interest declarations and major governance decisions. Parliament may consider a special transparency framework for private bodies performing major public functions. The recommendations of the Lodha Committee and the Law Commission’s 275th Report may be revisited. Independent oversight can be created without day-to-day government interference.
Conclusion:
The BCCI case shows that a body may perform public functions without becoming a public authority under the RTI Act. However, democratic governance requires transparency from powerful institutions affecting public interest. India needs a balanced framework that protects sports autonomy while ensuring fair, clean and accountable sports governance.
Q. India’s renewable energy transition will remain incomplete without large-scale energy storage. Discuss.
(GS Paper III – Energy, Infrastructure, Climate Change and Science & Technology)
Introduction:
India has made rapid progress in renewable energy, with renewable sources accounting for nearly 53% of installed power capacity. Solar power alone contributes more than 150 GW. However, solar and wind power are intermittent sources because solar generation stops after sunset and wind power changes with weather. Therefore, large-scale energy storage is essential to make renewable energy reliable, stable and useful for round-the-clock power supply.
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Why Energy Storage is Necessary
- Bridges demand-supply mismatch: Renewable power is often generated when demand is low, while demand may rise in the evening when solar generation falls.
- Improves grid stability: Sudden changes in solar and wind generation can disturb grid balance. Storage helps smooth these fluctuations.
- Reduces renewable energy wastage: Surplus power generated during high-output hours can be stored instead of being curtailed.
- Supports round-the-clock clean power: Storage can help industries and households access renewable power even when generation is low.
- Reduces fossil fuel dependence: Storage can reduce the need for coal or gas-based backup power.
Major Storage Technologies
- Pumped Hydro Storage: It uses surplus electricity to pump water to a higher reservoir and releases it later to generate electricity. It is useful for long-duration storage.
- Battery Energy Storage Systems: These store electricity chemically and release it when required. Lithium-ion and LFP batteries are important for short-duration storage.
- Other options include compressed-air storage, thermal storage, flywheel storage and gravity-based storage.
India’s Storage Gap
India’s current storage capacity is still limited. Installed BESS capacity is around 0.27 GW, while pumped hydro storage is around 7.2 GW. The Central Electricity Authority projects that India will need around 174 GW / 888 GWh of storage by 2035–36, including both BESS and pumped hydro.
Key Challenges
- Heavy import dependence on lithium-ion cells.
- High capital cost of storage projects.
- Environmental and land-related concerns in pumped hydro projects.
- Need for domestic battery manufacturing and recycling systems.
- Grid planning challenges due to variable renewable generation.
Way Forward
India must scale up both battery storage and pumped hydro storage. Domestic battery manufacturing, critical mineral security, alternative technologies such as sodium-ion and flow batteries, battery recycling and smart grid management should be promoted. Storage-linked renewable energy projects should also be encouraged.
Conclusion:
India’s renewable energy transition cannot depend only on adding solar and wind capacity. A reliable clean energy system needs strong storage infrastructure. Large-scale energy storage will help India achieve grid stability, energy security, climate goals and round-the-clock renewable power.Bottom of Form
