Controversy Erupts as Kerala appoints ‘Foreign Secretary’ | BJP calls it Unconstitutional | UPSC

Summary

The Kerala government's decision to appoint a 'Foreign Secretary' has sparked debate. Critics argue it's unconstitutional and an overreach of Union government authority. The move is seen as an attempt to coordinate with foreign countries, especially relevant to Kerala's large diaspora. The appointment coincides with the central government's appointment of a new Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Kerala government has made a significant decision to appoint their own 'Foreign Secretary', which has sparked considerable debate.
• 🏛 Historically, the power related to foreign affairs has been under the purview of the Union Government, with states having no direct authority in this matter.
• 👤 V. V. Raveendran has been appointed by the Kerala government as the 'Foreign Secretary', a move that is unprecedented in India.
• 🔄 The appointment is seen as an attempt by the state to encroach upon the powers of the Union list, specifically in foreign affairs.
• 🗓️ The order for the appointment was passed on July 15, 2024, and has raised questions about the constitutionality and the precedent it sets.
• 🤔 The decision has been criticized by political parties including BJP and Congress, with concerns about the implications for federalism and constitutional overreach.
• 🌐 The Kerala government's interest in foreign affairs is believed to be linked to the significant Malayali diaspora, with over 5 million Keralites living abroad.
• 💼 The role of the 'Foreign Secretary' in Kerala is expected to be more about coordination rather than direct involvement in foreign affairs, as the state government does not have the constitutional power to conduct foreign affairs independently.
• 📈 The remittances sent back to Kerala by its diaspora are substantial, with a reported increase from 85,000 crores in 2018 to 2.16 lakh crores in 2023, highlighting the importance of international relations for the state's economy.
• 📝 The controversy has brought attention to the role of state governments in international affairs and the potential for increased coordination with the central government on matters affecting the state's global interests.
• 📊 The appointment also reflects the growing trend of states taking a more active role in areas traditionally dominated by the central government, indicating a potential shift in the dynamics of federal governance in India.

Q & A

What recent decision by the Kerala government has sparked significant discussion?

The recent decision by the Kerala government to appoint its own Foreign Secretary, K Vasuki, has sparked significant discussion.

Why is the Kerala government's appointment of a Foreign Secretary controversial?

The appointment is controversial because foreign affairs are typically under the purview of the Union Government, and states do not have the authority to make such appointments.

What are the two types of executives mentioned in the script?

The two types of executives mentioned are the political executive, which includes ministers elected every five years, and the permanent executive, which consists of IAS officers appointed as secretaries.

Who is the current Minister of External Affairs of India?

The current Minister of External Affairs of India is S. Jaishankar.

What additional charge has been given to K Vasuki in Kerala?

K Vasuki, already the Secretary of Labor and Skill in Kerala, has been given additional charge of matters concerning external cooperation.

How has the BJP responded to Kerala's appointment of a Foreign Secretary?

The BJP has criticized the move, calling it an overreach and a violation of the Union List of the Constitution. They have questioned whether Kerala is trying to establish itself as a separate nation.

What reasons might Kerala have for being particularly interested in foreign affairs?

Kerala has a significant diaspora, with about 5 million Malayalis living abroad. This includes a large number of people in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which makes international cooperation important for the state.

What role did a former IFS officer play in a similar situation in 2021?

In 2021, the Kerala government appointed former IFS officer Venu Rajamony as Officer on Special Duty in New Delhi, with a rank similar to that of a Chief Secretary, to coordinate matters related to Kerala.

What is the main argument of experts against Kerala's appointment of a Foreign Secretary?

Experts argue that international relations are a matter for the central government, and states do not have the authority to make such appointments. Any coordination with foreign countries should go through the Ministry of External Affairs.

What did Congress leader Shashi Tharoor say about Kerala's move?

Shashi Tharoor called the move fairly unusual but noted that despite the appointment, K Vasuki would still need to coordinate through the central government for any matters related to foreign countries.