In what ways have constitutional amendments during PM Modi’s terms changed the balance of power and rights in India?

Constitutional amendments during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s terms have brought significant changes to India’s legal and political framework. These amendments have influenced the balance of power between the Union and the States, as well as the rights and status of citizens. Below are some key ways in which these changes have impacted the relationship between the government and citizens, and the distribution of power:

• Abrogation of Article 370 (2019):
  • Special status of Jammu & Kashmir was revoked, making it a Union Territory directly governed by the Centre.
  • This strengthened the central government’s control over the region and reduced the autonomy previously enjoyed by the state.
• 103rd Constitutional Amendment (2019):
  • Introduced 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in education and government jobs.
  • Expanded the scope of affirmative action beyond caste, impacting the rights of citizens based on economic status.
• Goods and Services Tax (GST) - 101st Amendment (2016):
  • Established a unified indirect tax system across India, thus shifting significant taxation powers from states to the Centre and the GST Council.
  • Altered the federal structure by creating a shared platform for decision-making between Centre and States.
• Constitution (104th Amendment) Act, 2019:
  • Abolished reserved seats for Anglo-Indians in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
  • Changed the representation rights of a specific minority community.
• Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019:
  • Though not a constitutional amendment, it amended the Citizenship Act to provide citizenship to persecuted minorities from neighboring countries, excluding Muslims.
  • Impacted the rights of specific religious groups and raised debates about equality and secularism.

These amendments have collectively shifted some powers from states to the Centre, redefined affirmative action, and altered the scope of citizens' rights and representation, thereby changing the balance between government authority and individual or community rights.