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Editorials · 22 May 2026 · Indian Polity & Governance

Syllabus-mapped editorials, PIB updates, reports, judgments, and policy news for prelims and mains revision.

22 May 2026

GS-2Editorials22 May 2026thehindu.com

Bat for the better: On the BCCI and the RTI Act - The Hindu

The article discusses the ongoing debate regarding the applicability of the Right to Information (RTI) Act to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). While the BCCI maintains it is a private commercial body, various entities like the Supreme Court and the Law Commission have highlighted its public duties, monopoly status, and significant state benefits (e.g., tax exemptions, use of public infrastructure, police deployment). The Central Information Commission (CIC) recently ruled to exclude the BCCI from the RTI Act, reversing a previous order. The article argues that courts should treat tax exemptions as state grants and suggests amending Section 2(h) of the RTI Act to include bodies discharging public duties, especially those with monopoly power, while also considering their commercial interests.

Indian Polity & Governance
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GS-2Editorials22 May 2026thehindu.com

Should the NEET-UG be decentralised?

The article discusses the controversies surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG), including paper leaks, corruption, and administrative lapses by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It explores the debate on whether the exam should be decentralized, with arguments for and against a national single-window exam. Proponents of decentralization highlight the disadvantages faced by rural, poor, and government school students due to unequal access to coaching and resources, and suggest allowing states to conduct their own exams. They also point to issues with private medical college fee regulation and the high-stakes nature of the exam. The article mentions the K. Radhakrishnan Committee's recommendations, such as a two-stage examination system and limiting attempts, which were largely not implemented. It emphasizes the need for reforms to ensure fairness, equity, and reduce student distress.

Indian Polity & GovernanceSocial Justice & Development
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GS-2Editorials22 May 2026thehindu.com

On measuring freedom of the press in India

The article critically examines the World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders, which ranks India at 157. It questions the methodology and criteria of such global rankings, highlighting that they often fail to account for societal diversity, cultural contexts, and the quality of journalism itself. The author points out that while some countries with less democratic traditions rank higher, the index does not consider issues like racism in the 'freest' press. The article also notes the decline in press freedom in India, citing the rare occurrence of press conferences by the Prime Minister and the increasing control exerted by both state and market forces on the media, leading to a one-way communication street in political discourse. It concludes that while rankings are blunt instruments, they do indicate broad patterns of stress on the Indian media.

Indian Polity & Governance
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GS-2Editorials22 May 2026thehindu.com

Ladakh seeks belonging through representation

The article critically analyzes the Union Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) stance against granting Ladakh a legislature or Sixth Schedule status, instead offering administrative decentralization through additional districts. It argues that the MHA's reasons (sparse population, strategic sensitivity, financial dependence) echo colonial logic and contradict India's federal principles and historical precedents set by Northeast states. The author emphasizes that districts are administrative tools, not instruments of political representation, and highlights the government's broken promises regarding constitutional safeguards post-Article 370 abrogation. The article concludes by asserting Ladakh's right to self-governance for dignity, effective decision-making on local issues, and stronger integration into the Indian Union.

Indian Polity & Governance
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