While all government departments and public service undertakings must follow a citizen charter and commit to a time-bound action plan for the public, failing which, immediate disciplinary action should be initiated against erring officials, including the imposition of suitable penalties. In the same way, a citizen of India should also follow a certain code of conduct. The government should develop and implement a code of conduct to prevent embarrassment from anti-national statements or the misconduct of any citizen.

National Political conduct should serve as a role model for the public. Over the past few years, the unbecoming conduct of certain honourable public figures has frequently astonished the country’s citizens. At times, the situation has even appeared quite farcical. The nation attained independence, and its Constitution—which envisioned a Uniform Civil Code—was enacted; yet this code was first applied to government employees, in a manner that rendered them virtually powerless to act of their own volition. Today, as the nation marks its 75th year, discussions regarding the Uniform Civil Code have finally begun; however, even within this discourse, political and religious agendas appear to loom large behind the scenes. The astonishing reality is that no one seems genuinely interested in addressing the problem’s root cause. While the government certainly beats the drum for the Uniform Civil Code, it simultaneously engages in discriminatory practices based on caste—enacting caste-based laws, implementing caste-based reservations, and conducting caste-based censuses. If one turns one’s attention to the country’s political framework, it becomes evident that the entire system is riddled with inequality; furthermore, all political parties—whether knowingly or unknowingly, or perhaps out of political expediency—have continued to perpetuate and protect this very system.

If politicians themselves fail to adhere to exemplary standards of conduct, how can they possibly expect the public to do so? A primary reason for this situation is the fact that, to this day, the country has yet to formulate a definitive, exemplary code of political conduct. Consequently, we witness instances in which honourable members are accused of financial impropriety—such as accepting bribes—or found guilty of asking questions in Parliament for monetary gain. Some are seen dozing off during parliamentary sessions, while others engage in frivolous gestures, such as winking. One gentleman even went so far as to embrace the Prime Minister in a theatrical display. When it comes to registering dissent, all norms of decorum and civility are unceremoniously cast aside. The use of coarse and abusive language appears to have become their birthright. If one wishes to voice policy-based opposition, the proper course of action is to first present one’s arguments to the public and garner their support; instead, acting as representatives of the people, they engage in uncouth behaviour that ultimately serves only to bring shame and embarrassment upon the very electorate they represent. Even if their own palatial structures are built of glass and rest upon foundations of sand, they simply cannot resist the urge to cast stones at the structures of others. If the Uniform Civil Code is truly to be implemented in the country, then—as the nation’s distinguished citizens—the Honourable Members must first reform their own conduct. This can only be achieved if a uniform Political Code of Conduct is formulated and strictly enforced nationwide. To this end, the government must proceed with strong political will. Presented here are several suggestions which, if given legal statutory backing, could pave the way for the realisation of the principle of equality in its truest  sense:
1. Treating all Honourable Members as public servants, they should be brought under a Code of Conduct similar to that applicable to government employees.
2. Only permanent residents of a specific constituency should be eligible to contest elections from that constituency.
3. A minimum educational qualification should be prescribed for every Honourable Member; furthermore, a minimum qualification—specifically, having passed high school—should be made mandatory for the exercise of voting rights, thereby ensuring quality within the government.
4. If a criminal investigation is pending against a candidate, or if a police report has been registered against them, it should be mandatory to obtain joint clearance from a designated committee comprising representatives from the Supreme Court, the Election Commission, and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Under no circumstances should an individual be permitted to contest an election while incarcerated.
5. Caste-based reservation in electoral constituencies should be abolished. When a specific community lacks representation, a representative from that community may be nominated.
6. The election or nomination of more than one member from the same family to the same legislative House should be prohibited. Additionally, membership in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) should be limited to a maximum of three parliamentary terms. A minimum postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline should be made a mandatory prerequisite for membership in the Rajya Sabha.
7. Regional political parties should be permitted to contest elections only at the state level. For parliamentary elections, only authorised candidates representing national political parties should be authorised to contest.
8. The precincts of Legislative Assemblies, Parliament, Secretariats, and District Collectorates should be declared prohibited zones for any form of demonstration, slogan-shouting, strikes, or hunger strikes. Specific designated venues should be established at the district, state, and central levels for the organisation of such events and rallies. Any such gatherings or events on public thoroughfares or within market areas should be strictly prohibited. Furthermore, designated “Memorandum Officers” should be appointed at every administrative level to receive public petitions and representations. Furthermore, the competent authority shall be mandated to publicly declare their report or decision regarding every memorandum within 30 days.
9 Any attempt to tarnish the nation’s image, making statements against the country or its armed forces, using hate speech against any religion, or engaging in aggressive vandalism at legitimate religious sites shall be declared as anti-national crimes, and the voting rights of the guilty party shall be suspended for a period of ten years.
10 Any form of obstruction caused by a member while another member is speaking within their allotted time in either House shall be deemed objectionable conduct; if found guilty by the Presiding Officer, the offending member shall be immediately expelled from the House. Should a member wish to register an objection, they may do so only after the statement has concluded and, with the permission of the Presiding Officer, present their own viewpoint.
11 It shall be mandatory for every Honourable Member to submit a detailed declaration of their movable and immovable assets annually, alongside their Income Tax Returns.
12 For all Honourable Members who receive a salary, honorarium, or allowances, their legislative work shall be deemed a full-time occupation; consequently, they shall be prohibited from engaging in any additional business or profession, similar to government servants.
13 Necessary and stringent measures shall be undertaken to eradicate the rampant corruption in politics. In furtherance of this objective, political leaders and political parties shall be prohibited from opening bank accounts abroad or receiving funds of any nature from foreign sources.

 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CITIZENS

 Simultaneously, an ideal code of conduct must be followed by citizens, and its breach must be punishable. Here are some basic elements:

1 All citizens, regardless of their different personal traditions, must honour the national flag, national anthem, national language and national ideological culture. Everyone must ensure the supremacy of these elements, and in no circumstances should they be subordinated to any foreign identity.

2 There should be limitations on every citizen or official when speaking in other countries or before the press, to ensure that no words against national interests or security are spoken, written, or expressed in any way. No agreement should be made with any foreign identity without an NOC or permission from the foreign ministry.

3 Any violent agitation, damage to public property, or stone pelting is never beneficial to the interest of the nation. People involved in such activities should not only be socially boycotted and condemned, but also be convicted of a serious breach of the law.

4 Making caste-based discrimination is a social and national abuse. All citizens must adhere to the law of equality.

5 Despite different ideologies and living traditions, unity is our ornament. We all should refrain from criticising and opposing each other’s ideology and avoid every controversy. Dishonouring of other ideologies must be punishable in law.

6 We believe that nothing is mine and everything belongs to some mighty god. In the same way, we must believe that a nation has the first right on every asset. The nation is first, then any citizen; hence, we should be ever ready to leave our personal interest when the question of national interest comes before.

7 No one, individually or through any organisation, should accept any financial aid without prior disclosure of the reasons and permission of the competent authority.

8 No foreign narrative should be promoted by any citizen in any capacity unless it is permitted by the competent authority. The right to speak and the right to express must not breach the limits of national image. Content related to foreign policy or international matters must be published while maintaining the nation’s reserved interests.

SECULAR STABILITY

 Secularism is the soul of our constitution. No matter that we were divided into two nations on account of our different isms, but Sanatan always honoured all other parties. We believe that ultimate power is almighty Gour, who is always present equally in all souls. His ultimate lesson is one for all. The Hindustan, which could have been only land for Hindus, welcomed those Muslims who loved to live in Hindustan. Now, whatever efforts can be made and whoever tries to divide these two groups within India is next to impossible. While there are significant differences between the two cultures, followers of both parties are accustomed to quarrelling over various dharmic issues. No doubt that there was no existence of Islam in Hindustan in ancient times, and the entry of Islam could be possible only after Hindu acceptance, either voluntary, business interest or by forceful attacks, but with the history it has developed over a long time, and now there is no alternative except to accept the situation. The main problem arises when disputes disrupt communal harmony, resulting in significant losses in national and human values. No government in the last 75 years has found a solution to the truth if the solution is derived with a proper mind, rather than becoming a means of politics at a very high cost to the nation.

It is high time to architect a governance module to meet this challenge and uphold our constitutional ideology of secularism. It is only possible if all concerned groups follow the rules/guidelines framed by the government; failing which, harsh punishment provisions should be imposed. In recent times, these differences are especially noticed in the form of Population Zihaad, Land Zihaad, Love Zihad, and even Food adulteration Zihad. Different groups are developing strategies, including a private army, to eliminate the other group and retain control of the nation. All these conspiracies are weakening the country and giving foreign enemies a foothold. Should we not stop all this nonsense and create an atmosphere of VASUDHEV KUTUMBKAM? This is not only imagination but can also be the truth. The solution is derived with proper brainstorming and a sense of acceptance. Here are some proposals for the module to be implemented.

1 The self-respect of any nation is inextricably linked to its national policy and identity. It is imperative that, while formulating the nation’s definitive policies, its elevated image and stature be firmly established.

2 Foremost among these measures is ensuring the utmost respect for our national symbol—the National Flag. To this end, it is essential that all other types of flags currently in circulation within the country—with the sole exceptions of religious flags and the flags of the defence forces—be strictly prohibited. Furthermore, it must be made a legal mandate that whenever religious or defence flags are displayed, the National Flag must also be hoisted alongside them, positioned higher and larger. The display or promotion of any foreign flag, in any form or manner, without prior government permission, should be classified as an act of treason.
3. Ours is a secular nation where all religions are accorded respect. Even if we so desired, we could not legally ban any specific religion or sect within the country; however, regrettably, successive governments have either displayed bias in this regard or have shied away from formulating a concrete policy, choosing instead to exploit the issue for political gain. Consequently, the nation has remained perpetually entangled in—and consumed by—religious controversies. Certain politicians and religious hardliners have consistently incited the general public, thereby fueling mutual animosity. Under these circumstances, a robust policy—formulated in strict adherence to the Constitution—must be devised to implement measures that provide a comprehensive and definitive resolution to this issue. To this end, the following legal amendments may be considered:

• A High-Level Commission should be constituted to undertake a comprehensive classification of all religious sites; specifically designated religious sites should then be officially notified and accorded protected status. Furthermore, based on the evidence provided by the Commission, all disputes concerning these sites must be finally resolved and the sites handed over to their respective trusts within 6 months. No dispute regarding this matter shall be entertained in any court of law.
• By declaring a specific perimeter around all protected religious sites as a protected zone, any undesirable activity within this area shall be strictly prohibited.
• All religious sites shall be handed over to their respective trusts for management purposes.
• If any criminal or anti-national activity is discovered within religious sites, the trustees and employees shall be held accountable, and punitive action against them must be ensured.
• All types of public gatherings and events on roads shall be prohibited. Such events may be permitted only in exceptional circumstances and with the government’s prior permission.
• The hoisting of any flag—other than the National Flag—at any location other than a religious site shall be prohibited.
  It shall be mandatory to prefix the word “Indian” to the names of all religions.
• All caste-based organisations, caste-based laws, caste-based demonstrations, and rallies shall be prohibited.
• Any passages within religious scriptures that promote violence or hatred towards other religions shall be removed. Similarly, any statements, propaganda, or activities of this nature shall be declared criminal offences.
• Begging within the protected precincts of religious sites shall be strictly prohibited.

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