0% found this document useful (0 votes)

212 views

GS2 Final PDF

This document is from InsightsIAS and provides a secure synopsis for the Indian Constitution and Governance section of the UPSC Mains exam for April 2020. It contains short summaries of key topics related to the Indian Constitution, including the evolution and features of the Constitution, federalism, separation of powers, Parliament and state legislatures, the executive, judiciary, and constitutional bodies. For each topic, it lists 3-4 discussion points with short summaries. The document aims to both address exam questions and provide additional context for students. It emphasizes understanding the Indian Constitution holistically rather than approaching topics in isolation.

Uploaded by

Mariem Rizvi

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

0% found this document useful (0 votes)

212 views

GS2 Final PDF

Uploaded by

Mariem Rizvi

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

You are on page 1/ 200

INSIGHTSIAS

IA SIMPLIFYING IAS EXAM PREPARATION

INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

MAINS 2020

GS- 1I

APRIL 2020

www.insightsactivelearn.com | www.insightsonindia.com
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are
NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content
that both meets demand of the question and at the same time gives you extra points
in the form of background information.

Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 2
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

Table of Contents
Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant
provisions and basic structure. ........................................................................................................ 11
“With the Corona outbreak, democracy and federalism are on trial in India”, Elucidate.(250
words) ......................................................................................................................................... 11
Proliferation of Ministries and Departments in the government not only leads to weak
coordination and integration but also fragmentation of functions. Comment in the context of
India.(250 words) ........................................................................................................................ 12
Part IV of the Indian Constitution has great value as it provides for social and economic
democracy. In light of the above statement, discuss the importance and limitations of this part
of the constitution.(250 words) .................................................................................................. 14
Bring out the significance of decriminalizing offences under the companies (amendment) bill
2020 to develop the ease of doing business in the country. (250 words) .................................... 16
Right to privacy though has been held as a fundamental right by the apex court of the country; it
still isn’t an absolute right. Debate. (250 words) ........................................................................ 19
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the
federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. ...... 21
Examine the reasons that have led to skewed figures for women in the country’s workforce.
Discuss the measures being taken by the Government to address it.(250 words) ...................... 21
What is the rationale behind decentralisation? Comment on the framework that exists for
bringing decentralisation in India and the role of financial commissions in strengthening this
process.(250 words) .................................................................................................................... 24
In the backdrop of the Karnataka state sealing its border for movement from Kerala to avoid the
spread of COVID-19 and the subsequent challenge by Kerala in the Judiciary, several legal
questions and concerns have come to fore. Analyse.(250 words) .............................................. 27
Strong Centre is a stout constitutional mechanism against conflict-ridden forces in India.
Comment.(250 words) ................................................................................................................ 29
Local bodies need to be seen as institutions of self-governance not as ‘delivery mechanisms’ to
ensure prospects of decentralisation are met. Discuss.(250 words) ........................................... 31
“The issue of state autonomy has been a major issue in the dynamics of Indian federalism”,
deliberate with examples. (250 words) ....................................................................................... 34
Discuss the role and importance of effective grassroots-level government institutions and a pro-
active political leadership in managing situations like that of COVID-19. (250 words) ............... 37
“In India, local governance is constitutionally recognized, but not empowered”, examine the
statement in the backdrop of the effect of ongoing Covid-19 crisis.(250 words) ........................ 39
Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. ....... 41
Discuss the Constitutional Status of Separation of Power in India.(250 words) .......................... 41
Discuss whether separation of power in India, as provided by the constitution, is rigorous and
whether it is more of a separation of functions rather than separation of power?(250 words) . 43

Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges
and issues arising out of these. ........................................................................................................ 45
The amendment to do away with the domicile requirement for elections to the Rajya Sabha has
militated against the very purpose that guided the Constituent Assembly to create the Council
of States and reduced it to a mere revising chamber. Critically analyse.(250 words) ................. 45
Vast powers have been vested in the office of the Speaker to strengthen the democratic
institutions of the parliamentary system, and not to stifle dissent or protest in the House.
Comment in the context of India.(250 words) ............................................................................ 47
Discuss the possible effects of the suspension of operation of the Members of Parliament Local
Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) o the principle of separation of powers. (250 words) ..... 49
The current crisis provides several opportunities for reform the Parliamentary system and tools
in the country, do you agree? Examine.(250 words) ................................................................... 51
Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and
Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in
the Polity. ........................................................................................................................................ 52
How do Pressure Groups Influence Politics in India? Discuss their roles.(250 words) ................ 52
Article 21 of the Constitution provides, “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal
liberty except according to the procedure established by law”. Analyse the value principle
involved and its relevance in today’s context.(250 words) ......................................................... 54
The idea of e-Court system can provide the judiciary with an opportunity to address the
problem of delayed justice. Discuss. (250 words) ....................................................................... 57
Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. ................................................................... 60
Compare and contrast the provisions under Representation of People’s Act, 1951 with that of
the provisions related to elections in the Constitution of India. (250 words) ............................. 60
On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the Representation of
Peoples Act, 1951?explain and also present the remedies available to such persons against his
disqualification.(250 words) ....................................................................................................... 62
The next big election in India will be the precursor to just how a pandemic affects electoral
democracy. Comment.(250 words) ............................................................................................. 63
Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various
Constitutional Bodies. ..................................................................................................................... 66
CAG is instrumental in securing accountability of the executive to the Parliament in the sphere
of financial administration. Elaborate. Enumerate the provisions made in the Constitution to
ensure the independence of the CAG. (250 words) ..................................................................... 66
Give an account of the factors responsible for the limited success of Lok Adalats. What
measures are required to ensure that Lok Adalats function as an effective dispute redressal
mechanism?(250 words) ............................................................................................................. 68
The position of a Speaker is not apolitical in Indian constitution and is embedded in party
politics. Critically analyse the statement in the backdrop of issues witnessed with this post in
the recent times.(250 words) ...................................................................................................... 70
Write a short note on Quasi-judicial bodies of India .(250 words) .............................................. 73

Highlight the powers and functions of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Also, discuss the
issues regarding the independence and impartiality of the ECI. (250 words) .............................. 75
Are tribunals a panacea for judicial efficiency? Does tribunalisation of justice undermine the
principles set in our constitution? Examine. (250 words)............................................................ 79
Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies. ................................................................... 81
“A planning institution must be a systems crusader and a force of persuasion, not just a
authority centre”, analyse the statement with reference to the role being played by NITI Aayog
in the current times.(250 words) ................................................................................................ 81
Present the role played by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) amidst the ever-
increasing role of soft power across the world.(250 words) ....................................................... 83
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of
their design and implementation. .................................................................................................... 85
Write a short note on Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). (250 words) .................. 85
List down the key features of National Security Act? What are the Criticisms and concerns over
its misuse, comment on the need for its review.(250 words)..................................................... 87
Discuss how the design of MGNREGA program makes it more successful than other rural
development programmes.(250 words) ...................................................................................... 89
Examine whether the Essential Commodities Act (ECA)is relevant in today’s India?(250 words) 92
What are the objectives of National Renewal fund? Do you think it’s time move ahead of NRF to
bring back the economic stability of the country? Analyse (250 words) ..................................... 93
Is it possible to use the ongoing Coronavirus crisis to affect permanent reforms in public
procurement system ? give your opinion with suitable justification.(250 words) ....................... 96
Discuss in what way the COVID-19 pandemic presents a chance to make systemic changes for
sustainable development in the country.(250 words) ................................................................. 98
Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and
associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders. ............................................. 100
Non-Governmental Organisations often play the role of a Social Safety-Valve, however there
aren’t free of challenges. Elucidate.(250 words) ....................................................................... 100
Discuss the role of Self-help groups as a necessity in rural development of the country.(250
words) ....................................................................................................................................... 102
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the
performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the
protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. .............................................................. 105
Identify the key objectives of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act,
2012. Also highlight the challenges in its implementation. (250 words) ................................... 105
Should watching or possession of child pornography be made a criminal offence? Critically
analyse amidst sharp rise in demand for online child pornography during lockdown. (250 words)
.................................................................................................................................................. 107
Analyse the need of creation of ‘Waqf’, in the context of India being a “Secular” State.(250
words) ....................................................................................................................................... 110

In your opinion, what solutions are desirable to help crush the caste-based exploitation in India?
Has economic progress helped realize Dalit empowerment? Critically examine.(250 words)... 112
The country has seen emergence of a generation of ‘new’ educated middle class among SCs and
STs. What affirmative policies in education and employment have led to this change?
Discuss.(250 words) .................................................................................................................. 115
Examine and review the safeguards provided by National Commission for Protection of Child
Rights (NCPCR).(250 words) ...................................................................................................... 118
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,
Education, Human Resources. ....................................................................................................... 123
“A decentralized public health system that socializes the cost of healthcare is the need of the
hour”, Elucidate.(250 words) .................................................................................................... 123
Community health workers are a key communication mechanism between the healthcare
system and the population, however they face several challenges, Analyse the statement in the
backdrop of recent attacks ASHA worker conducting COVID-19 survey.(250 words) ................ 126
“In the current times Medical Science gives us quick relief but not the guarantee of good
health”. In this context elucidate upon the significance of “AYUSH” in India. (250 words)....... 128
“Digital India vision of the government is emerging as a vital instrument for solving the present
crisis facing the education system due to Covid-19”.Elucidate.(250 words) ............................. 131
What do you understand by a social vaccine? How far did it succeed in the case of HIV pandemic
in the past? Can we now replicate it for the case of Corona pandemic? Analyse.(250 words) .. 133
Assess the concerns against the Aarogya Setu app and the arguments in favour of it and also
suggest measures to address the concerns.(250 words) ........................................................... 136
With the pandemic forcing everyone to consider e-learning tools and resources, now is a good
time to assess its strengths and opportunities, and adapt to the new normal. Comment.(250
words) ....................................................................................................................................... 138
The migrant workers’ plight during the lockdown has exposed the inadequacies of the legal
safeguards available to them. Analyse.(250 words) .................................................................. 140
Discuss the conditions of Tribal Women in India, also bring out the efforts of the government to
improve their conditions.(250 words) ....................................................................................... 142
What are Zoonotic diseases? Examine the challenges posed by it in India? How should India gear
itself to deal with this challenge. (250 words)........................................................................... 145
Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications,
models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and
institutional and other measures. .................................................................................................. 147
Discuss the concept of “people-centered development” and its contributions to global health
equity. Illustrate with examples.(250 words)............................................................................ 147
Though digital tools can help achieve transparency, efficiency and accountability in governance,
meeting these objectives requires much more than just building a large digital infrastructure
and mere connectivity. Discuss.(250 words) ............................................................................. 150

knowledge-era technologies, in contrast to industrial-era technologies, promote

democratization and facilitate decentralisation, do you agree? Present your analysis with
suitable examples.(250 words) ................................................................................................. 153
India’s digital divide makes the government far-flung from those who need it most, discuss the
need for aggressive bridging of the digital divide to ensure access to e-governance for all.(250
words) ....................................................................................................................................... 154
Deliberate the relevance of Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme in present
times. (250 words) .................................................................................................................... 157
Discuss the shortcomings of citizen’s charter in India and suggest reforms to make it more
effective.(250 words) ................................................................................................................ 160
Discuss the contributions of Sevottam model in improving the quality of public service delivery
in the country. (250 words) ....................................................................................................... 162
Role of civil services in a democracy. ............................................................................................. 164
The phenomenon of ‘politicisation of the civil service’ is rising in India. Comment.(250 words)
.................................................................................................................................................. 164
A healthy working relationship between Secretary and the Minister is a must thing to be and it
must be organic. Comment.(250 words) ................................................................................... 167
India and its neighborhood- relations. ........................................................................................... 169
Despite the baggage of fraught and convulsive neighbourhoods, the transformation of the India-
Israel bilateral relationship into a strategic partnership over the course of past tumultuous 25
years is commendable. Elaborate. (250 words) ........................................................................ 169
“India- EU relations are like a loveless arranged marriage “. Critically discuss. (250 words) ..... 172
In terms of geographic and demographic dimensions, skilled manpower, civilizational depth,
China is the only country in the neighborhood which qualifies for comparison with India.
Comment.(250 words) .............................................................................................................. 175
Discuss the importance of the Maritime Neighborhood for India. Also explain what should be
the course of action for Indian foreign policy towards maritime Neighborhood.(250 words) .. 178
Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. ........................ 182
In the backdrop of the criticism of the World Health Organization’s response to the COVID-19
pandemic, discuss the role of WHO in global health efforts and the inherent challenges faced by
it while suggesting measures to empower it.(250 words) ......................................................... 182
The IMF has stated grave estimates of the global economy in the coming future owing to the
COVID-19 pandemic, what measures should India take to avert the worst coming? Elaborate.
(250 words) ............................................................................................................................... 184
The admitting of the observer status for India in the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) is an
opportune move that offers ample opportunities for a mutually beneficial relationship between
the IOC member countries and India. Elaborate.(250 words) ................................................... 187
Do you think BRICS grouping can fill the void in global governance in the time of crisis the world
is facing currently? Examine.(250 words).................................................................................. 189
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s
interests. ....................................................................................................................................... 191
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 7
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

India has addressed the China factor well and must now continue its efforts to curb the global
health crisis. Elucidate.(250 words) .......................................................................................... 191
Discuss the possible role that multilevel governance and multilateralism would play in post
COVID-19 world.(250 words) .................................................................................................... 193
Examine India’s stand with respect to the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).(250 words) ................................................................ 194
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian
Diaspora. ....................................................................................................................................... 197
Critically examine the recent trends of US retreating from Global leadership role .(250 words)
.................................................................................................................................................. 197

Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments,

significant provisions and basic structure.
“With the Corona outbreak, democracy and federalism are on trial in India”,
Elucidate.(250 words)
Reference: Hindustan Times
Why this question:
The editorial talks about the essence of preserving the tenets of
Democracy and federalism amidst the testing times posed by the pandemic.
Key demand of the question:
Explain in what way democracy and federalism are on trial in India with the coming of the Pandemic.
Directive:
Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context.
You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated
facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly bring out facts relevant to the context of the question to begin the answer.
Body:
Explain first why the tenets of Democracy and federalism are on test with the coming of the
Pandemic.
One can illustrate the case of China and the way it handled the crisis being an autocratic country in
contrast with India which is democratic.
Discuss the importance of federalist characters that the country must stick to to ensure better
outcome in terms of solutions to the concerns posed by the outbreak.
Conclusion:
Conclude with suggestions as to what needs to be done to preserve Democracy and ensure the
federal character of the country is put to right use and is not harmed.

Introduction:

The outbreak of Coronavirus in China made the political observers keen to understand whether an
authoritarian system was better equipped to deal with a crisis of this magnitude or the system’s
deficiencies would impede recovery. China’s efforts to project its success in dealing with the
pandemic is as much an effort to shore up the legitimacy of its domestic political system as to regain
international credibility. With Covid-19, democracy and federalism are on test in India.

Body:

A democratic system means that the flow of information is free and open and that there is a
constant feedback loop, where criticism from the Opposition and media and public interventions
from domain experts can be included in making and refining policy. In Federalism of the
constitutional scheme in India envisages a healthy working relationship between the Centre and the
states. Certain subjects fall exclusively in the domain of the Centre under the Union List. Then there
are subjects such as health that are enumerated in the State list. One expects that on matters of
national importance, such as the coronavirus situation, politics would not come in the way of a
suitable and coordinated response between the parties concerned — the health ministry and the
state governments.

Challenges of Democracy and Federalism during COVID-19:

 In recent months, the relationship between the Centre and the states has seen a breakdown
over several issues.
 COVID-19 is potentially a national health disaster, and the states would expect help and
assistance from the Centre in tackling this threat.
 A democratic system also, by its very nature, is slower and more deliberative.
 It is difficult to enforce decisions including the national lockdown.
 Any curtailment of rights can only be through due process and temporary; and finding quick
solutions to structural problems (a weak health system in this case) is not easy.
 The broad policies to deal with Covid-19 can be framed at the Centre; the power of
implementation lies largely with state governments, which also have room to innovate.
 The rift between different units has been apparent during the exodus of migrant workers from
Delhi — with differences between the Centre and the Delhi government, and the Delhi, Uttar
Pradesh and Bihar governments
 Testing facilities are unevenly distributed across states

Measures needed:

 The hierarchical system of health secretary, the Director General Health services, chief medical
officers in the districts, block-level medical officers and health personnel at the taluka and sub-
centre levels is quite remarkable.
 This must be enabled for strengthening health ecosystem.
 The Centre should declare that it would extend all support, including financial, to all states and
not make the coronavirus outbreak a partisan issue by excluding specific states or communities.

Way forward:

 The crisis will also require both the Centre and the states to work together.
 The political parties across the divide must seek to work together during such crisis.
 India has to beat back the pandemic, not just to save lives and preserve its economy, but also to
safeguard its fundamental political features.
 Cooperative and competitive federalism are complementary ideas that should drive India’s story
in fighting the COVID crisis.

Proliferation of Ministries and Departments in the government not only leads to weak
coordination and integration but also fragmentation of functions. Comment in the
context of India.(250 words)
Reference: Indian Polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question is based on the premise of the possible ill-effects of the Proliferation of Ministries and
Departments in the government.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the ill-impact of the Proliferation of Ministries and Departments in the government.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an
overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Discuss the context of the question.
Body:

Start with reason of proliferation of ministries and departments in India. Quote examples to justify it.
Briefly explain that there has been proliferation of the Ministries and Departments in Government to
achieve welfare objectives of the Constitution. It has the advantage of specialization, focus and
resource channelization but it also has the disadvantages of lack of coordination and inability to
adopt an integrated approach to national priorities and problems. Discuss the advantage and
disadvantage of proliferation. Explain the proliferation with example and address both the aspects of
argument
Conclusion:
Conclude answer by suggesting solution.
Introduction:

The Constitution has provided an elaborate framework for the governance system in India. Indian
Government works by forming different apex offices, ministries and departments. The Cabinet
Secretariat is responsible for the administration of the Government of India (Transaction of
Business) Rules, 1961 and the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules 1961, facilitating
smooth transaction of business in Ministries/ Departments of the Government.

Body:

The existing structure of the Government of India has evolved over a long period. It has certain
inherent strengths which have helped it stand the test of time. However, there are weaknesses also
which render the system slow, cumbersome and unresponsive.

Challenges posed:

 Undue emphasis on routine functions: The Ministries of Government of India are often unable
to focus on their policy analysis and policy making functions due to the large volume of routine
work that they are saddled with. This leads to national priorities not receiving due attention.
Often, functions which are best carried out by the State or Local Governments or could easily be
outsourced continue to be retained with the Union Government.
 Weak integration and coordination: The creation of a large number of Ministries and
Departments sometimes due to the compulsion of coalition politics has led to illogical division of
work and lack of an integrated approach even on closely related subjects. It has been observed
that the Ministries/Departments often carve out exclusive turfs and tend to work in isolated
silos. This, at times, detracts from examination of issues from a wide national perspective and in
an integrated manner.
 An extended hierarchy with too many levels: Government of India has an extended vertical
structure which leads to examination of issues at many levels frequently causing delays in
decision making on the one hand and lack of accountability on the other. Another noteworthy
feature of the structure is that several levels are redundant as they do not contribute to the
decision making process.
 Risk avoidance: A fall-out of a multi-layered structure has been the tendency towards reverse
delegation and avoidance of risk in decision making. Another aspect of the existing structure is
an increasing emphasis on consultations through movement of files as a substitute for taking
decisions. This leads to multiplication of work, delays and inefficiency.
 Absence of team work: The present rigid hierarchal structure effectively rules out team work so
necessary in the present context where an inter-disciplinary approach often is the need of the
hour to respond effectively to emerging challenges.
 Fragmentation of functions: At the operational level also, there has been a general trend to
divide and subdivide functions making delivery of services inefficient and time-consuming.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 13
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

Several decades ago, this was captured in a telling manner in a Shankar Cartoon, of an official
being appointed as “Deputy Assistant Director General, Envelopes (Glue)”.
 Issue of autonomy: Except in the case of a few committees and boards, there has been
considerable weakening of the autonomy conceived at the time of their formation.

Measures to improve the organizational structure:

 Optimum size of government workforce: An optimum size of government workforce is essential

for its effective functioning. While an oversized government may prove to be a burden on the
exchequer apart from breeding inefficiency, an understaffed government may fail to deliver.
 Formation of integrated departments: Creating new departments to deal with individual
subjects has the advantage of focusing greater attention and resources on that field but it also
carries with it the disadvantages of lack of coordination and inability to adopt an integrated
approach to national priorities and problems.
 For example, ‘Transport’ is an extremely important subject which requires an integrated
approach. Different aspects of this subject are dealt with in different
Ministries. The Ministry of Civil Aviation deals, inter-
alia, with aircraft and air navigation and other aids
relating to air navigation and carriage of passengers and goods by air; while the Ministry
of Railways is responsible for all aspects of rail transport; Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport
and Highways deals with maritime shipping and navigation, highways and motor vehicles and
the Ministry of Urban Development deals with planning and coordination of urban transport
systems. Thus, ‘Transport’ as a subject has been fragmented into multiple disciplines and
assigned to independent ministries making the necessary integrated national approach to this
important sector difficult.
 Creation of Effective Executive Agencies: Separation of policy formulation and implementation
call for changes in how the policy implementing agencies are structured. It is necessary that
implementation bodies need to be restructured by giving them greater operational autonomy
and flexibility while, at the same time, making them responsible and accountable for what they
do. It is advisable that, for the purpose, autonomous organizations like executive agencies be set
upto carry out operational responsibilities. The executive agency is not a policy-making body.
 Simplification of Governmental Processes: Government organizations are bureaucratic. The
term ‘bureaucratic’ often carries a negative image and denotes red tapism, insensitivity and the
rule bound nature of an organization.
 Ensure proper coordination among different levels: There is need for ensuring extensive
horizontal coordination where policies are spread over a number of departments and where
policy delivery mechanisms are distributed in different parts of the government. Coordination
between Government Departments can be achieved through various formal and informal
mechanisms.

Part IV of the Indian Constitution has great value as it provides for social and economic
democracy. In light of the above statement, discuss the importance and limitations of
this part of the constitution.(250 words)
Reference: Indian Polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question is based on the basics of the Indian constitution, specifically Part IV; DPSPs.
Key demand of the question:

Explain the importance of DPSP enshrined in the Indian constitution. Also highlight the limitations
associated with them.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly describe DPSPs enshrined in the constitution.
Body:
The question is from the static portions and there isn’t much to deliberate. Write the importance of
DPSP in India – Fundamental rights provide for political rights. DPSP supplement them by providing
for social and economic rights. · DPSP constitute comprehensive socio-economic programme for a
modern democratic state · Aim at realizing high ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity ·
Embody the concept of welfare state, and not that of the police state · It helps courts in examining
and determining constitutional validity of law in the light of socioeconomic propriety etc. Highlight its
limitations – No Legal Force: The DPSP are non-justiciable in nature i.e. they are not legally
enforceable by the courts for their violation · Constitutional Conflict: DPSP lead to constitutional
conflict (a) between Centre and states, (b) Centre and President, (c) Chief minister and governor ·
Conflict with Fundamental rights: They can be amended to implement the fundamental rights. · A law
cannot be struck down by courts for violating DPSP.
Conclusion:
Conclude that despite above limitations, DPSP are fundamental to the governance of the country.
Introduction:

The directive principles are guidelines by the constitution to the state as defined in article 12
(central, state, local government and bodies). Basic idea is that the “state” should keep these
principles while framing laws, policies, ordinances etc. These are non-justifiable rights which were
incorporated as directive principles to the state without any guarantee to be enforced via court.

Body:

Importance of DPSPs:

 The Directives emphasize, in amplification of the Preamble, that the goal of the Indian polity is
not laissez faire, but a welfare State. where the State has a positive duty to ensure to its citizens
social and economic justice and dignity of the individual.
 It would serve as an ‘Instrument or Instructions’ upon all future governments irrespective of
their party creeds. The socialistic approach has been further emphasized by the 42nd and 44th
Amendment Acts, as pointed out earlier
 Though these Directives are not enforceable by the Courts and If the Government of the day fails
to carry out these objects no court can make the Government ensure them, yet these principles
have been declared to be fundamental in the governance of the country and a Government
which rests on popular vote can hardly ignore them, while shaping Its polity.
 Though the Courts cannot declare a law to be invalid on the ground that it contravenes a
Directive Principle, nevertheless the constitutional validity of many laws has been maintained
with reference to the Directives. For instance, it has been held that when a law is challenged as
constituting an invasion of the fundamental right specified in Art. 14 or 19, the Court would
uphold the validity of such law If it had been made to implement a Directive.

 Not only in the matter of determining the constitutional validity of a legislation, but also in its
interpretation of statutes, the Court should bear in mind the Directive Principles are not in
conflict with but complementary to the Fundamental Rights, and enable the State to impose
certain duties upon the citizens, insofar as the Directives are implemented, e.g., in making a law
to ensure minimum wages to workers, in accordance with the Directive in Art 43
 Though the Directive Principles, as such, are not enforceable by the courts, of late the Supreme
Court is issuing directives in proper cases, enjoining the Government to perform their positive
duties to achieve the goals envisaged by the Directives.
 On the other hand, the Constitution itself has been amended, successively (e.g., First, Fourth,
Seventeenth, Twenty-fifth, Forty-second and Forty-fourth Amendments), to modify those
‘fundamental rights’ by reason of whose existence the State was experiencing difficulty in
effecting agrarian, economic and social reforms which are envisaged by the Directive Principles.

Limitations of DPSPs:

 the provisions contained in this Part shall not be enforceable by any court, but the principles
therein laid down are nevertheless fundamental in the governance of the country
 the Court may not strike down legislation for non-compliance with the DPSPs.
 the Court may not incorporate the DPSPs to a point that requires it stepping outside its
designated role under classical separation of powers theory – making policy choices and
budgetary allocations.
 all these years after the drafting of the Constitution, the exact role of the directive principles
appears to still challenge courts and legal scholars.
 the problem of the DPSPs is of a piece with a host of problems that thrive upon the Indian
republic’s historical tendency towards compromise.

Conclusion:

The directive principles play an ideal before the legislator of India which shows that light while they
frame the policies & laws. They are basically a code of conduct for the legislature and administrators
of the country. They show the path to the leaders of the country which takes the country to achieve
the ideal of the constitution embodied in the Preamble “Justice, Social, Economic, Political; liberty,
equality and fraternity”.

Bring out the significance of decriminalizing offences under the companies

(amendment) bill 2020 to develop the ease of doing business in the country. (250
words)
Reference: Indian Express

Introduction:

The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was approved by the Cabinet and introduced in the Lok
Sabha on March 17, 2020. The Bill seeks to amend the Companies Act, 2013 and decriminalize
various offences under it. The proposed amendments aim to reduce the burden on the National
Company Law Tribunal. The Bill was however vehemently opposed and was demanded to be
referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance.

Body:

The Company Law Committee (CLC) was constituted to further decriminalize the Act, as a
concomitant measure to support the ministry’s objectives. The recommendations of the report of
the CLC, as is now in the Bill, moots the fact that decriminalization of minor non-compliance instils
confidence in both domestic and global players and boosts foreign investments.

The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2020:

 The Bill removes the penalty and imprisonment in certain offences along with the reduction in
the amount of fine payable.
 Decriminalization: The Bill proposed 72 amendments to the Companies Act, 2013 to
decriminalize various offences which can promote Ease of doing ethical business and Ease of
doing honest business.
 Recategorization: The changes categorize at least 23 offences out of the 66 compoundable
offences mentioned under the Act in case of defaults (which can be determined objectively and
which lack an element of fraud or do not involve larger public interest). Such cases will be dealt
with an in-house adjudication framework.
 Producer Companies: Under the 2013 Act, certain provisions from the Companies Act, 1956
continue to apply to producer companies. These include provisions on their membership, the
conduct of meetings, and maintenance of accounts. The Bill removes these provisions and adds
a new chapter in the Act with similar provisions on producer companies.
 Direct Listing in Foreign Jurisdictions: The Bill empowers the Central government to allow
certain classes of Indian public companies to directly list classes of securities (as may be
prescribed) in foreign jurisdictions.
 Remuneration to non-executive Directors: The 2013 Act made special provisions for payment of
remuneration to executive directors of a company (including managing director and other full-
time directors) if the company has inadequate or no profits in a year. The Bill extends this
provision to non-executive directors, including independent directors.
 Financial Results Filing & Corporate Governance: Specified class of unlisted companies will now
have to prepare and file their financial results periodically and also complete the audit or review
of such results.
 Benches of NCLAT: The Bill seeks to establish benches of the National Company Law Appellate
Tribunal in order to ease their burden and decrease the pendency of cases.
 Penalties: It extends lesser penalties for small companies (i.e., with lower paid-up share capital
and turnover thresholds), one-person companies (i.e., companies with only one member), and
producer companies, in case of all offences which attract monetary penalties.
 Exclusion from listed companies: The Bill empowers the Central government, in consultation
with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), to exclude companies issuing specified
classes of securities from the definition of a “listed company”.
 Exemptions from filing resolutions: The 2013 Act required companies to file certain resolutions
with the Registrar of Companies (RoC). However, banking companies were exempted from filing
such resolutions. This exemption has been extended to registered non-banking financial
companies and housing finance companies by the proposed Bill.
 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013,
companies with net worth, turnover or profits above a specified amount are required to
constitute CSR Committees and spend 2% of their average net profits in the last three financial
years, towards its CSR policy.

Significance of decriminalizing offences:

 Eases investor confidence:

 It will also boost the confidence of the investors along with giving an impetus to the
business as the fear of imprisonment will be reduced.

 The decriminalization is only for minor, procedural and technical falls which do not involve
fraud, injury to the public interest, or non- compoundable offences.

 This is likely to help start-ups to tap overseas markets for raising capital.

 Window for Penalties:

 Also, the Bill provides for a window within which the penalties shall not be levied for delay
in filing of annual returns.

 Better corporate governance:

 This aims to improve corporate governance as it will bring more transparency into affairs
of closely held companies which are used by major shareholders of large public interest
companies to divert funds through transactions that are not on an arm’s length basis.

 This will enhance the productivity of such non-executive directors because of their
increased remuneration.

 The Bill exempts companies with a CSR liability of up to Rs 50 lakh a year from setting up
CSR Committees.

 Further, the Bill allows eligible companies (which spend any amount in excess of their CSR
obligation in a financial year) to set off the excess amount towards their CSR obligations in
the subsequent financial years.

 Lesser penalties for certain offences:

 Section 446B is amended to provide that non-compliance by One Person Companies,

Small Companies, Start-up Companies or Producer Companies, or by any of its persons or
officer in default, are only liable to one-half the penalty specified in the respective
provisions, subject to a maximum of Rs. 2 lakh in case of a company and Rs. 1 lakh in case
of person or default officer.

 Benefit to Independent Directors (ID):

 IDs have been recently in the spotlight for corporate lapses and violations.

 The amendments are vital for IDs to dissociate them from personal liabilities of the
operational lapses and violations, especially when the offence has been committed
without any evidence attributing knowledge, consent, connivance, or lack of diligence of
the IDs.

 The Ministry’s notification directs that civil or criminal proceedings not be unnecessarily
initiated against the IDs, unless there is sufficient evidence, and if already initiated, must
be reviewed.

The aforementioned recommendations endeavour to simplify and accelerate the processes of

rectifying defaults by paying penalties, instead of fighting a criminal trial. It also benefits the State by
reducing the burden on courts, allowing them to focus on serious offences.

Conclusion:

These amendments are admirable steps towards the three-pronged goal of reducing the burden on
company courts, ensuring investor interests, and facilitating the ease of doing business while
collaterally safeguarding and incentivizing senior management to remain invested. This could well be
the step towards showing intent to incentivize domestic and global investments, especially post
COVID-19.

Right to privacy though has been held as a fundamental right by the apex court of the
country; it still isn’t an absolute right. Debate. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The article examines the concerns regarding the government’s policies and measures employed
during the pandemic.
Key demand of the question:
Explain in what way Right to privacy though has been held as a fundamental right by the apex court
of the country still isn’t an absolute right in our country.
Directive:
Debate – Weigh up to what extent something is true. Persuade the reader of your argument by citing
relevant research but also remember to point out any flaws and counter- arguments as well.
Conclude by stating clearly how far you agree with the original proposition.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Explain the concept of Fundamental rights in short.
Body:
To start with, talk about the Supreme Court’s judgment in S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017);
which is a landmark judgment upholding the fundamental right to privacy. The observations made in
the Judgment can help in the prevailing circumstances- The right to privacy is not absolute. There
exist circumstances in which the right can be legitimately curtailed. However, any such restriction
must be tested against the requirements of legality, necessity and the doctrine of proportionality.
Give examples and present your arguments.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a fair and balanced opinion.
Introduction:

The Supreme Court in its landmark judgment in S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017) upheld the
fundamental right to privacy. In the midst of public health crisis, the measures taken by Union &
State governments in India like lockdown, physical distancing norms, restriction of movement etc.
has been supported by public. However, the Invasive use of technology that seeks to utilise people’s
personal health data through the Aarogya Setu app and use of drones has led to concerns of
violations of privacy of individuals.

Body:

With the pandemic being an existential threat to humanity and the paramount need to save lives, it
can be tempting in such circumstances to argue that the executive’s powers are limitless. It is argued
that such an argument is not only wrong but also dangerous because such limitless powers to the

government are prone to overreach. There are also the concerns that the temporary measures
imposed may develop to become a ‘new normal’ even after the crisis has passed. Such conditions
may severely impact the civil rights of the citizens.

Some of the technological solutions used by Government in tackling the pandemic:

 The state has created a list of persons suspected to be infected with COVID-19.

 There have been extensive measures to ensure geo-fencing and use of drone imagery to monitor
compliance by quarantined individuals.

 Use of contact-tracing smartphone applications, such as AarogyaSetu.

Concerns posed against the right to privacy of individual:

 Data publicizing:

 In creating a list of infected persons, the state seeks to utilise people’s personal health data.
Though the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 allows the state to do so, the state does not have
the power to publicize such sensitive information.

 This amounts to breach of the right to privacy of an individual.

 Such publicizing also leads to other unintended consequences. Medical experts are of the
view that the stigma attached to the disease has led to an increase in morbidity and
mortality rates, since many with COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms have refused to go to
hospitals.

 Rule of law:

 The use of geo-fencing and drone technologies is unsanctioned under any existing law.

 While cell-phone based surveillance might be plausible under the Telegraph Act of 1885,
there have been no orders authorising such surveillance as per the procedure established
by law.

 Drone utilization to track people:

 Contrary to regulations made under the Aircraft Act of 1934, the drones deployed also do
not appear to possess any visible registration or licensing.

 Indeed, many of the models are simply not permitted for use in India.

 Concerns regarding Aarogya Setu app:

 Contrary to best practices, details of the application’s technical architecture and its source
code have not been made public.

 The programme is not backed by legislation. In the absence of a data protection law and the
lack of a statutory framework backing the use of the app, there is a lack of restriction on the
agencies using the data generated by the app users.

 Aarogya Setu may amount to a technological invasion into personal privacy, in a bid to
achieve a larger social purpose.

 There have been reports of employees of both private and public institutions being
compelled to download the application.

Measures needed:

 The right to privacy is not absolute. There exist circumstances in which the right can be
legitimately curtailed. However, any such restriction must be tested against the requirements of
legality, necessity and the doctrine of proportionality.

 Appropriate legislation to back any restriction being imposed by the government.

 Restrictions must be in pursuance of a legitimate aim.

 There should be a rational relationship between the purpose and the restriction imposed.

 Restrictions must be the “least restrictive” measure available to achieve an objective.

 There is also a big need to create awareness among the users to stop propagating fake news and
verify the news because in the long run an educated consumer of news is the best antidote to
fake news.

Conclusion:

As a country, we must focus on investing on research to develop the technology to save our virtual
space and not open our data for any misuse.

Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges
pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local
levels and challenges therein.
Examine the reasons that have led to skewed figures for women in the country’s
workforce. Discuss the measures being taken by the Government to address it.(250
words)
Reference: Insights On India
Why this question:
The Television show captures a detailed debate and discussion on the sad picture of skewed women
workforce and the effect of it on the society and economy of the country.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the reasons that have led to skewed figures for women in the country’s workforce. Discuss
the measures being taken by the Government to address it.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with some key facts like – Women workforce in the country fell to 18 percent in 2019 from 37
percent in 2006, non- government organization Azad Foundation reported on International Women’s

Day (Celebrated on 8th of March every year). The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report
2020 ranks India at 112th position out of 153 countries on economic participation and opportunity.
Body:
To start with, Discuss what are the reasons behind the skewed figures for women in the workforce? –
The declining women’s labor force participation, gender pay gap, high rates of informal work with
lack of social security are seen as impediments to the goal of gender equality and empowerment of
women in India. Stereotypes, lower wage rate, decline in the number of women in the workforce is
accounted for mainly by rural women, which can be attributed to the dwindling agricultural sector
etc. List down the measures being taken by the govt. to address these challenges.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.

Introduction

Women workforce in the country fell to 18 per cent in 2019 from 37 per cent in 2006, non-
government organization Azad Foundation said on the International Women’s Day. The World
Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report this year ranks India at 149th position out of 153
countries on economic participation and opportunity. According to the Foundation, the Global
Gender Gap Report estimates that raising women’s participation in the labour force can increase
India’s GDP significantly.

The declining women’s labour force participation, gender pay gap, high rates of informal work with
lack of social security are seen as impediments to the goal of gender equality and empowerment of
women in India

Body

Skewed proportion of women in the country’s workforce

 Lack of Economic Empowerment:

 Women’s Labor force participation globally is 51% while it is 80% for men as per World
Development Report 2012. In India it is 23% as per the latest PLFS Survey.
 Women are underrepresented in senior managerial position and overrepresented in low
paying jobs. Oxford Survey shows that globally only 19% firms have a female senior
manager.

 Wage Gap: Globally women still earn 20% less than men. In a recent ILO report, India was
among the bottom five countries, with a gender pay gap of 34 per cent.

 Access to productive capital: It is harder for women to access funds and capital for farming,
starting a business or for other developmental works.

 Secondary Education for women is lower than man in majority of countries while this stands at
less than 80% in India.

 Social norms and stereotypes: Classifying men as “bread winners” and women pursuing jobs as
“career women” was reported by Oxford University Survey. It also highlighted that most of the
unpaid work is seen as a women’s job.

 Deeply ingrained bias: Ironically it exists among both men and women – against genuine
equality. According PISA test data, the notion that “boys fare better at maths” is unfounded. Yet
this belief still exists.

 Corporates: Women still earn on average 79 percent of what men earn, hold only 5 percent of
Fortune 500 CEO positions, and represent on average 17 percent of global Board positions.

 Women tend to lack access to informal networks that provide opportunities to work in high-
profile projects, which include attending conferences abroad or on-the-job opportunities.

 When it comes to peer recognition, women are at loss as they muster less support.

 As per Mckinsey report women were overlooked for promotion even in companies like Google
for their reproductive choices.

 Women continue to face the same kind of discrimination at work as they face in society.

 According to a recent Accenture research report, the gender pay gap in India is as high as 67
percent in corporates.

Measures taken by the Government

 Behavioral Nudge: India is encouraging women and girls to enter traditionally male-dominated
sectors such as the armed forces and information technology.

 Eg: Supreme Court in India declared that women could now hold commanding positions
in Army.

 Gender Justice at Work

 Bridging the wage gap for equal work, India has statutorily mandated this.

 Making work places safer through strong laws. India has enacted Sexual Harassment at
workplaces act. Penalty provisions are made for non-compliance and companies must
disclose details in their annual filings regarding the same.

 Every company with 10 or more employees must follow the mandate and constitute an
Internal Complaints Committee.

 Social security and financial literacy: Formalization of jobs should be pushed to avail benefits to
many women. Until then, social security benefits should be provided to women in unorganized
sector. Eg: Self Help Group-Bank Linkage Programme in India

 Embedding financial literacy in programmes where women have significant representation could
be a good starting point.

 Niti Aayog has started Women Entrepreneurship Portal, for hand holding programs for women
and proving business models for their work. This will encourage more women to take up
Entrepreneurial projects and increase their economic footprint.

 Gender sensitization: Breaking the social barriers by gender sensitization and education at
families, schools and workplaces. Eg: In the NCERT Books, gender roles, bias and prejudice
inducing writings were removed.

 Strong laws and policies wrt wages and maternity benefits are being provided to promote
women’s representation in economy. Recently India increased the maternity leave to 26 weeks
from 12 weeks. Creche facilities have been made mandatory to encourage women to take up job
after pregnancy and delivery.

 Political Representation: India has provided 33% reservation for women in the Panchayats and
Local Bodies. Capacity Building and training can increase their capabilities further.

Conclusion

India has committed to gender equality under SDG Goal 5 i.e. eliminate all forms of discrimination
and violence against women in the public and private spheres and to undertake reforms to give
women equal rights to economic resources and access to ownership of property. Gender equality is
also a precondition for development and reducing of poverty. Gender shouldn’t be an unreasonable
determining factor curbing the potential of women. India must realize this goal starting from
ensuring good education to women to providing safe work environment with equal remuneration.

What is the rationale behind decentralisation? Comment on the framework that exists
for bringing decentralisation in India and the role of financial commissions in
strengthening this process.(250 words)
Reference: Indian polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question is based on the premise of decentralisation in India, its rationale and the role played by
finance commission.
Key demand of the question:
Explain in detail the rationale behind decentralization, comment on the framework that exists in
India and the role played by Finance commission in strengthening the same.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an
overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly define what decentralisation implies.
Body:
To start with, explain the rationale behind decentralisation – Effective people participation in the
decision making, Greater accountability, and effective service delivery are essential for proper
functioning of democracy. Decentralisation brings these from grass root levels and strengthens the
democracy. Discuss in detail the framework that existed before decentralisation. Explain that
Economic independence is vital for the proper functioning of a country; role of finance commissions is
paramount here, suggest the importance.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting significance.

Introduction

Decentralization can be defined as transfer or dispersal of decision-making powers, accompanied by

delegation of required authority to individuals or units at all levels of organization even if they are
located far away from the Power Centre. In the context of the present discussion, decentralization
signifies the devolution of powers and authority of governance of the Union Government and State
Governments to the sub-state level organizations i.e. Panchayats in India.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 24
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

Body

Rationale behind Decentralization

 Decentralization is necessary to strengthen participatory democracy, facilitate responsive

governance, ensure greater accountability and enable public service delivery according to
diversified preferences of the people.
 It is also seen as a means to strengthen the democratic fabric through participatory
governance and responsive public service delivery. Village Panchayats can prioritize and execute
the development plan curated as per the needs of the people.
 People led Development: Moving away from one size fits all approach and a top-down
developmental model will go a long way in addressing region specific issue.
 India can truly become Ram-Rajya by following the Gram-Swaraj model as envisioned by Gandhi
where every village is self-sufficient to feed and clothe its people.

Constitutional Mandate

 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (11th and 12th Schedule), by constitutionally
establishing Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India, mandated the establishment of
panchayats and municipalities as elected local governments.
 They devolved a range of powers and responsibilities to the local governments and made them
accountable to the people for their implementation.
 The Constitution assigns decentralization including funding entirely to the discretion of State
governments. The constitutional framework does not prescribe any pattern, standard or model
of decentralization which is left to the discretion of State governments.
 The States are required to appoint a Finance Commissions every five years and their reports are
required to be placed in the legislatures with the action taken reports.

Role of Finance Commission

 The finance commission is constituted to define financial relations between the centre and
states. It is established by the president of India under the provision of Article 280 of the Indian
constitution for five years. It decides the share of states in the total tax collection of the central
government.

 Three major functions of Finance commission include:

 The distribution of the net proceeds of the taxes to be shared between the union and
states and allocation of such proceeds among the states.

 The principles which should govern the payments of grants- in aid by the centre to the
states.

 Any other matter concerning financial relations between the centre and the states.

 The commission also lays down rules by which the centre should provide grants-in-aid to
states out of the Consolidated Fund of India.

 It is also required to suggest measures to augment the resources of states and ways to
supplement the resources of Panchayats and Municipalities.

 Article 280 was seeded with an additional term of reference (TOR) to the Union Finance
Commission to take cognizance of the resource requirements of local bodies.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 25
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

 Balancing Wheel of fiscal federalism: Finance commission maintains fiscal federalism with the
help of proper allocation of resources among the different states on the basis of population of
the state, fiscal condition of the state, forest cover of the states, income distance and area of the
states. So, by this proper bifurcation the finance commission avoids the confrontation between
the states and centre.

 There is a strong precedent that governments generally go by the suggestions as far as sharing of
revenues is concerned.

 State finance commission: Article 243I and Y mandated the appointment of the State Finance
Commission by the Governor every five years to balance their functions with funds.

 However certain gaps exist in the State Finance commission’s role as below: –

 States have not been setting up their State Finance Commissions every five years as
mandated by 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act. Therefore, there is a necessity of
SFCs to rationalize and systematize State/sub-state fiscal relations in India.

 Moreover, the nature of advice being non-binding, often these suggestions are not
implemented by states.

 Insufficient Funding: The money given to the local governments is inadequate to meet
their basic requirements.

 Expenditure codes: Expenditure norms vary from state to state; therefore, there is a
need of uniform standard expenditure codes across the country.

 State Finance Commissions: They are not submitting the reports in time, lacking the
proficiency.

 They have huge task of considering large number of local governments.

 They face a crucial problem of reliable data.

 FCs and local governments are seen to be of inferior constitutional status than
the Union FC.

Steps needed for effective decentralization

It is widely recognized that effective decentralization is dependent on existence of the following

necessary conditions:

 Strong political commitment from higher level authorities within the Government.

 Activity mapping which was supposed to be done by states as per resolution of the State
Panchayat Ministers’ round table has been done by quite a few states, but
implementation has often remained incomplete.

 Transfer of functionaries, functions, and funds must happen effectively.

 Autonomy of the local bodies in decision making and implementation of local schemes:

 In the absence of Panchayats’ own financial resources they can hardly undertake
programmes on their own in line with local requirements.

 It is here that decentralization of political decision making needs to be complimented by

measures to ensure fiscal autonomy for PRIs so that such institutions can muster
necessary financial resources on their own to be truly self-reliant in local decision-
making and its implementation.

 Availability of the internally generated resources at the local level:

 In the federal system of governance that is existent in India, almost all the sources of tax
or non-tax revenue come under the jurisdictions of the State and Union Governments.

 In view of this the constitution mandated for setting up of the State Finance
Commissions that would help determine the devolution of state’s revenue to the local
governments.

 In this connection a few experiments towards effective decentralization in India can be

recalled. Eg : In the mid-1980s the West Bengal Government initiated decentralized
planning process. The districts were asked to prepare district plans which were later
integrated for preparing the state plan. The objective of this effort of the State Planning
Board was to involve Panchayats in the planning process.

 People’s plan initiative of Kerala during 1990s generated lot of enthusiasm. It was
possible to garner support of all political parties, educated citizens and government
officials. Personalities like EMS Namboodiripad, AK Antony were involved in it.

 West Bengal undertook another experiment of village level planning, in mid 1990s under
the programme, Community Convergent Action, later followed by the Strengthening
Rural Decentralization programmes. This met with moderate success and has become of
the model of village level planning in the state involving villagers in the Gram Sansad
meeting.

 Central Government has started the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan. The campaign is
undertaken under the name of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Gaon, Sabka Vikas”.

 It aims to draw up Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) in the country and
place them on a website where anyone can see the status of the various government’s
flagship schemes.

 Gram Panchayats have been mandated for the preparation of GPDP for economic
development and social justice utilizing the resources available to them.

Conclusion

Decentralization leads to ease of governance and accountability to the people in implementation of

schemes. This must be done in true faith and spirit, with adequate devolution of power and
resources to the lowest level. Social Audit can strengthen the development programs at the ground
level and ca help restructure the execution plans.

In the backdrop of the Karnataka state sealing its border for movement from Kerala to
avoid the spread of COVID-19 and the subsequent challenge by Kerala in the Judiciary,
several legal questions and concerns have come to fore. Analyse.(250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 27
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

The article brings out the state of Kerala’s grievance over the fact of Karnataka sealing its border
with Kerala.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the fact of Karnataka’s restriction on Kerala’s movement across the border. Discuss the legal
issues and concerns associated to such an action.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the
topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the context of the question.
Body:
Explain the background of the decision- Karnataka’s restriction on cross border movement;
Kasaragod district of Kerala has reported a very high number of COVID-19 cases and has Kerala’s
largest number of positive cases. The Karnataka government has a reasonable apprehension that
allowing movement between Kasaragod and its bordering districts might result in the disease
spreading to its territory. This led to Karnataka imposing a complete restriction of movement
between Kerala and Karnataka even in case of emergency medical needs.
Explain the concerns associated ; present the key legal questions involved – public health emergency,
Interestingly, inter-state migration and quarantine are under the Union List, while the prevention of
infectious diseases moving from one State to another is under the Concurrent List etc.
Suggest what should have ideally been done, what were the alternatives before the govt. of
Karnataka.
Conclusion:
Conclude with observations made by the apex court in this regard and that taking a humane
approach is the need of the hour.
Introduction:

Kerala’s grievance over Karnataka sealing its border to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has brought
under focus the extent and the possible limits, of restrictions that may be imposed by the
government to deal with a public health emergency.

Body:

The issue:

 Kasargod district in Kerala has emerged as a COVID-19 hotspot.

 The people in Kasargod travel to the nearby Mangaluru in Karnataka to avail medical facilities.

 However, with COVID-19 on rise, all states have sealed their borders and so has Karnataka.

 Kerala Government challenged the border closure by Karnataka in Kerala High Court on
humanitarian and health grounds of Kasargod people.

 Kerala High Court directed the Centre to ensure free vehicular movement for those requiring
urgent medical treatment on the national highway that connects Kasaragod in Kerala to
Mangaluru in Karnataka.

 Post it, the Supreme Court too has directed the Centre to confer with the States and formulate
the norms for creating a passage at Talapadi, the border.

Issues bought to the fore:

 A key question that has arisen is whether legal measures taken by the State to prevent the
further spread of an epidemic can extend to a point where there is no exception even for
medical needs.

 The Kerala High Court took the view that denying emergency medical aid amounts to a violation
of the right to life and liberty, and addressed jurisdictional objections from Karnataka by
observing that its direction was to the Centre, as what was under closure was a national
highway.

 Karnataka’s objection is based on the fact that Kasaragod has Kerala’s largest number of positive
cases. It has a reasonable apprehension that allowing vehicles might result in the disease
spreading to its territory.

 It is clear that those who may travel across the border for urgent medical needs are patients
other than those who are pandemic victims.

Moot point in the issue:

 The Kerala Governor promulgated the ‘Kerala Epidemic Diseases Ordinance, 2020’ to arm itself
with extraordinary powers to deal with the pandemic.

 One of its clauses says the State can seal its borders for such period as necessary, while another
empowers it to restrict the duration of essential or emergency services, including health, food
supply and fuel.

 Karnataka may have reason to believe that it is equally entitled to seal its borders and restrict
essential services.

 It is a moot question whether Kerala’s new law would weaken its case that its neighbour cannot
shut down its border and deny medical access to its residents.

Way forward:

 Inter-State migration and quarantine are under the Union List, while the prevention of infectious
diseases moving from one State to another is under the Concurrent List.
 This can only mean that while States have the power to impose border restrictions, the
responsibility to prevent a breakdown of inter-State relations over such disputes is on the
Centre.

Strong Centre is a stout constitutional mechanism against conflict-ridden forces in India.

Comment.(250 words)
Reference: Indian polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper II, based on the theme of Indian federalism.
Key demand of the question:
Explain in what way strong centre is a robust constitutional mechanism against divisive forces in
India.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an
overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:

Briefly comment on the aspects of Indian scheme of federalism.

Body:
To start with, explain that the framers intended to provide a sturdy centre keeping the sovereignty
and unity and integrity in mind considering wide diversity and pluralism in India. Explain the
situations were strong centre has played its role ; past demand for Pakistan-backed Khalistan and
clamour for Dravida Nadu created instability in the proposed regions and posed a threat to the unity
of the country. Issue of Kashmir in the far north, demand for a separate country for Assamese people
etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance and uniqueness of Indian federalism.
Introduction:

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and
constituent political units. The Constitution of India establishes a federal structure to the Indian
government, declaring it to be a “Union of States”. Indian model of federalism is called quasi-federal
system as it contains major features of both a federation and union.

Body:

Reasons for a strong centre:

 Regionalism

 It is considered one of the significant challenges to federalism in India.

 Federalism best thrives as a democratic system when it mitigates the centralization of

power sharing between the centre and the states.

 The pluralist character of India gives rise to many factors including regionalism. People from
far northeast sometimes feel themselves at a formidable distance from New Delhi and
people in southern part of the country with bigger states feel neglected having been within
larger states.

 The agitations for Gorkhaland, Bodoland, and Karbi Anglong have been revived. This is apart
from the new demands for a separate Vidarbha State in Maharashtra, and Harit Pradesh
and Poorvanchal in Uttar Pradesh. The more the number of states the more the centre will
be held hostage to state parties on matters of national importance.

 For instance, West Bengal threatened India’s Teesta river waters treaty with Bangladesh
because of its possible potential costs for West Bengal. Even growing regional powers may
affect effective foreign policy as the federal government may bow to the will of an
individual state. India had to vote in favour of UNHRC resolution for Sri Lanka in 2012 for a
backlash from Tamil Nadu.

 Issue of Religion:

 India is a fine example of religious heterogeneity that sometimes gives rise to turmoil to
weaken the federation.

 But the religious process need not be always divisive.

 So long as there is a reasonable tolerance on the part of the people and a genuine secular
policy on the part of the government, religion may not cause imbalances in a federation.

 Language Conflicts:

 Diversity in languages in India sometimes causes a blow the federal spirit of the
Constitution.

 There are 22 languages constitutionally approved in India. Besides, hundreds of dialects are
spoken across the country.

 Trouble arises when the strongest unit of the federation attempts to force a particular
language on others.

 The tussle for official language in India is still a burning issue.

 The southern states’ opposition to Hindi as the official language of India has led to deep-
seated language crisis in India.

 External dangers:

 External forces also create hindrances for a federation.

 The tension in the North Eastern States in India is due to the interference of neighbouring
countries.

 China’s claim on some portion of the territory of Arunachal Pradesh on LAC threats the
territorial integrity of India.

 The Tamil issue in Sri Lanka creates disruptive forces in India. The alleged Pak hand in
Khalistan movement in the past also has a say in weakening the Indian federation.

Conclusion:

The Indian Constitution is neither purely federal nor purely unitary, but it’s a combination of both.
Indian Constitution is mainly federal with unique safeguards for enforcing national unity and growth.
Also, federalism is not dead in India, as evidenced by the fact that new regions are demanding
statehood and union has yielded, thus states like Manipur, Tripura, Goa, etc. have been created.

Local bodies need to be seen as institutions of self-governance not as ‘delivery

mechanisms’ to ensure prospects of decentralisation are met. Discuss.(250 words)
Reference: Indian polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper II.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in what way local bodies are to be seen as institutions of self-governance and not as delivery
mechanisms.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the scenario of local self-governments in the country, narrate the historical
background and its coming into existence.
Body:
To start with, explain the importance of local self govt. –
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 31
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

Rapid human development and strong local democracy go hand in hand. Articulate the connection
between economic dependency of vulnerable groups on the local elite, on the one hand, and
effectiveness of local governance institutions in delivering basic services to the poor, on the other.
Recognize the existence of structural impediments to the effective functioning of local government
institutions. In order to transform present realities, it is imperative to strengthen decentralization
from below, so that voices of the poor could carry weight in village assemblies and ward council
meetings etc.
Explain why it is necessary that they shouldn’t be merely seen as delivery mechanisms.
Conclusion:
Conclude that Local bodies need to be seen as institutions of self-governance not as ‘delivery
mechanisms’, for this to happen, decentralization from above must converge with decentralization
from below. This can be achieved by forging links between local bodies and informal associations and
user groups.
Introduction

The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Act 1992 is a significant landmark in the evolution of
grassroot democratic institutions in the country. It transfers the representative democracy into
participatory democracy. It is a revolutionary concept to build democracy at the grassroot level in
the country.

Body

Importance of Self-governance institutions

 A democratic form of government must be sustained by a system of vigorous local self-

government institutions.
 Local government institutions provide an opportunity to the people to participate freely and
actively in the governance and policy making which they formulate for their respective areas.
 These are necessary to encourage and foster initiative, independence, and enterprise on the
part of the people.
 While inaugurating the first local self government minister’s conference in 1948, our late Prime
Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru said “local government is and must be the basis of any true system
of democracy. Democracy at the top may not be a success unless built on its foundation from
below”.
 Laski said “local government offers the best opportunity to the people to bring local knowledge,
interest and enthusiasm to bear on the solution of their problems.
 It not only relieves congestion at the centre but it also checks the increasing power of
democracy. It stands positively for the distribution and diffusion of power leading to
administrative de- concentration and decentralization. Being closer to the original base, it finds
solution for local problems more efficiently (No ‘one size fits all’ approach).

Local Bodies acting as mere ‘Delivery Mechanisms’

 Overwhelming dependency on government funding: Panchayat’s own resource base to raise

finances is low and the financial resources are tied to certain schemes and initiatives. When
Panchayats do not raise resources and instead depend on external funding, people are less likely
to enforce social audit and efficacy of the schemes.

 Eg: In case of Urban local bodies, majority of municipalities have not increased property tax
since many years and have not leveraged the municipal bonds for betterment of city
infrastructure.

 Creation of Parallel Bodies: Parallel Bodies have usurped the legitimate space of local bodies.
For instance, Smart City scheme is being implemented in major cities through Special Purpose
Vehicles, squeezing the limited space of urban local governance in municipalities.

 Lack of adequate Devolution: Many states have not devolved the 3F’s of function, funds and
functionaries, to enable local bodies to discharge their constitutionally stipulated functions.

 Excessive control by bureaucracy

 In many Gram Panchayats, Sarpanches have to spend an extra ordinary amount of time
visiting block Officers for funds and/or technical approval. These interactions with the Block
staff office distort the role of Sarpanches as elected representatives.
 Multiple institutions like parastatals, development authorities, public works departments,
and ULBs themselves report to different departments of the state government and have
been entrusted with overlapping responsibilities.

 Poor Infrastructure: It is found that nearly 25% of Gram Panchayats do not have basic office
buildings. Capacity building of elected representatives is another hindrance in the grass roots
democracy. In case of urban local bodies, Mayor position is merely cermonial.

Measures Need to strengthen local self-governance

 Urban Local bodies:

 Metropolitan governance systems are needed in million-plus cities. There is a strong case
for having a two-tier governance structure where all local functions are transferred to the
ward committees and citywide services, such as transportation, water supply, sewerage,
etc., are vested with the city council or regional authorities.

 Each city needs to be recognized as a distinct unit of the economy. In larger cities, City
Economic Councils can serve as a clearinghouse.

 Central Government has started the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan. The campaign is
undertaken under the name of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Gaon, Sabka Vikas”.

 It aims to draw up Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) in the country and place
them on a website where anyone can see the status of the various government’s flagship
schemes.
 Gram Panchayats have been mandated for the preparation of GPDP for economic
development and social justice utilizing the resources available to them.

 Government of India formulated E-Panchayat Mission Mode Project for e-enablement of all
the Panchayats, to make their functioning more efficient and transparent.

 Social Audit: The power of social audit was proven by Jan Sunwai in Rajasthan. Transparent,
third party Social Audit can enable people to hold the representatives accountable.

 Citizen Participation

 Ward committees and area sabhas should be activated with a technology- enabled ‘Open
Cities Framework’ and the use of digital tools for feedback and reporting.

 In case of Gram Sabhas, their functions and roled must be clearly defined as in the PESA Act,
to enable to function effectively.

Conclusion

Local self government institutions are expected not only to provide for the basic civic amenities for
the safety and convenience of the citizens but also mobilize local support and public cooperation for
the implementation of various programmes of welfare. Another benefit of the local government is
that the transmission of power from bureaucrats to the democratically formed local government has
positively checked the influence of bureaucracy. Thus it can be said that the local government
ensures close relationship between the people and the higher level of governments through this
device of communication.

“The issue of state autonomy has been a major issue in the dynamics of Indian
federalism”, deliberate with examples. (250 words)
Why this question:
The question is concerning the demand for autonomy in the system of Indian federalism.
Key demand of the question:
Explain The demand for more autonomy is one of the most controversial issues of the Indian
federalism, although federalism is an important feature of the constitutional structure of the Indian
democracy. Use suitable examples to explain.
Directive:
Deliberate – Weigh up to what extent something is true. Persuade the reader of your argument by
citing relevant research but also remember to point out any flaws and counter- arguments as well.
Conclude by stating clearly how far you agree with the original proposition.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the Indian system of federalism.
Body:
To start with, explain that Federalism is an important feature of the constitutional structure of the
Indian democracy. Present the historical background of agitation for State autonomy.
Explain the coming of various commissions to resolve the issues; Sarkaria Commission, Rajmannar
Commission, 1969, Anandpur Sahib Resolution, 1973, National Commission to Review the Working
of the Constitution (NCRWC), Punchi Commission in 2007 etc.
Explain why states demand for autonomy, present some recent case studies.
Discuss the various articles that address the concerns.
Conclusion:
Conclude that the Constitution aims at co-operative federalism, which seems to be a panacea for the
grievances of the State. The Centre’s powers should not be diminished further. But it is essential to
make more effective all the constitutional, extra-constitutional and statutory institutions devised so
far for solving the Centre-State problems.
Introduction

Our Constitution mentions that “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States”. While the
Constitution doesn’t mention the term “federal”, it does provide for a governance structure
primarily federal in nature. India is a federal state where the Centre and the State are the
Cooperating units of the polity. Yet India is an asymmetrical federalism, with the balance of power
tilting in the favour of the Centre. Changing dynamics of the party system is increasingly determining
the kind of federalism in India.

Body
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 34
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

Background

Till 1967, the centre–state relations by and large were smooth due to one-party rule at the Centre
and in most of the states. In 1967 elections, the Congress party was defeated in nine states and its
position at the Centre became weak. The non-Congress Governments in the states opposed the
increasing centralization and intervention of the Central government. They raised the issue of state
autonomy and demanded more powers and financial resources to the states. This caused tensions
and conflicts in Centre–state relations. Some of them are as follows : –

The issues which created tensions and conflicts between the Centre and states are:

 Mode of appointment and dismissal of governor;

 Discriminatory and partisan role of governors. Eg: In 2018, post a hung result in Karnataka State
assembly, Governor allegedly called BJP party for government formation even without a
majority.
 Deployment of Central forces in the states to maintain law and order;
 Discrimination in financial allocations to the states;
 Role of Planning Commission in approving state projects;
 Management of All-India Services (IAS, IPS, and IFS);
 Use of electronic media for political purposes;
 Appointment of enquiry commissions against the chief ministers;
 Sharing of finances (between Centre and states); and
 Encroachment by the Centre on the State List.

In 1973, Anandpur Sahib Resolution, demanded that the Centre’s jurisdiction should be restricted
only to defence, foreign affairs, communications, and currency and the entire residuary powers
should be vested in the states.

Other unitary features of Indian Federalism

 Article 355 enjoins the Union to “… ensure that the government of every State is carried on in
accordance with the provisions of this Constitution”.
 Example: When State governments raised concerns about the NPR, the Union insisted that
States are under a constitutional duty to implement laws passed by Parliament.
 Article 356 not a dead letter: Centre has the power to impose President’s rule under Article 356
if it’s laws are not complied by states. This provision was misused umpteen times, until the
Supreme Court Judgement in SR Bommai Case.
 Centrally sponsored Schemes: CSS is the biggest component of Central Assistance to state plans
(CA), where states don’t have much flexibility.
 Enforcement of International Treaties and Agreements. This provision enables the central
government to fulfil its international obligations (Art. 253).
 Article 200: Reservation of state Bills by Governor for President’s assent.
 Article 256 mentions that the executive power of every state shall be so exercised as to ensure
compliance with laws made by Parliament and any existing laws, which apply in that state, and
the executive power of the Union shall extend to the giving of such directions to a state as may
appear to the Government of India to be necessary for that purpose.

Recommendations to strengthen Indian Federalism

 Rajamannar Committee in it’s 1971 report recommended that an Inter-State Council should be
set up immediately and Finance Commission should be made a permanent body. This was
resonated by Sarkaria and Punchhi Commission as well.
 Sarkaria Commission: The Commission did not favour structural changes and regarded the
existing constitutional arrangements and principles relating to the institutions basically sound.
 It outrightly rejected the demand for curtailing the powers of the Centre and stated that
a strong Centre is essential to safeguard the national unity and integrity which is being
threatened by the fissiparious tendencies in the body politic.
 Article 356 (President’s Rule) should be used very sparingly, in extreme cases as a last
resort when all the available alternatives fail.
 When the president withholds his assent to the state bills, the reasons should be
communicated to the state government.
 The Centre should consult the states before making a law on a subject of the Concurrent
List.
 The procedure of consulting the chief minister in the appointment of the state governor
should be prescribed in the Constitution itself.
 Punchhi Commission: Some Major Recommendations are:-
 To facilitate effective implementation of the laws on List III subjects, it is necessary that
some broad agreement is reached between the Union and states before introducing
legislation in Parliament on matters in the Concurrent List.
 The Union should occupy only that many of subjects in concurrent or overlapping
jurisdiction which are absolutely necessary to achieve uniformity of policy in
demonstrable national interest.
 The period of six months prescribed in Article 201 for State Legislature to act when the
bill is returned by the President can be made applicable for the President also to decide
on assenting or withholding assent to a state bill reserved for consideration of the
President.
 Financial obligations and its implications on state finances arising out of treaties and
agreements should be a permanent term of reference to the Finance Commissions
constituted from time to time.
 Governors should be given a fixed tenure of five years and their removal should not be
at the sweet will of the Government at the Centre.
 The procedure laid down for impeachment of President, mutatis mutandis can be made
applicable for impeachment of Governors as well.

Conclusion

Political will is required to implement the recommendations of the major committees that will lead
to further strengthening the Federalism in India. While in certain areas, it might warrant greater
powers to the Union(defence, currency etc), on the development front (education, health etc.) the
Centre should respect the autonomy of the other two levels of government and consciously avoid
the tendency to centralize powers and functions. Its role should be limited in laying down policies,
devolving funds and facilitating co-ordination leaving implementation entirely to States and Local
Bodies.

Discuss the role and importance of effective grassroots-level government institutions

and a pro-active political leadership in managing situations like that of COVID-19. (250
words)
Reference: Hindustan Times

Introduction:

The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments began the process of creating the requisite layer of
PRIs and urban local bodies at every State. Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a
remarkable success and a staggering failure, depending on the goalposts against which they are
evaluated. The Keralites’ collective resilience and solidarity across religious and political divides set
the state apart, be it the floods of 2018 and 2019 or the current coronavirus pandemic.

Body:

It was in Kerala where the first Covid-19 case in India was detected on January 30, and exactly two
months later, the state had 235 cases, the maximum number reported in the country. Fast forward
to April 16, the state recorded 394 confirmed cases, 245 recoveries and two deaths.

Role and Importance:

 A democratic form of government must be sustained by a system of vigorous local self-
government institutions.
 Local government institutions provide an opportunity to the people to participate freely and
actively in the governance and policy making which they formulate for their respective areas.
 These are necessary to encourage and foster initiative, independence, and enterprise on the
part of the people.
 While inaugurating the first local self-government minister’s conference in 1948, our late Prime
Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru said “local government is and must be the basis of any true system
of democracy. Democracy at the top may not be a success unless built on its foundation from
below”.
 Laski said “local government offers the best opportunity to the people to bring local knowledge,
interest and enthusiasm to bear on the solution of their problems.
 It not only relieves congestion at the centre but it also checks the increasing power of
democracy. It stands positively for the distribution and diffusion of power leading to
administrative de- concentration and decentralization. Being closer to the original base, it finds
solution for local problems more efficiently (No ‘one size fits all’ approach).

Kerala’s fight against COVID-19 at local self-government level:

 If bureaucracy that may prevent access of volunteers for the assistance to the public sector in
different countries, Kerala Government has always proved that it is possible and indeed their
services are as precious as that of expert health assistants.
 During the past two flood disasters (occurred in 2018 and 2019 monsoons in Kerala), it was the
help of tech-savvies of different district headquarters, that helped the whole processing of
identification, rescue and the relocation of the flooded people.
 In the same manner, the Government of Kerala formed immediately a Social Volunteer Force
(Sanndhasena) which saw a registration of 292851 people aged between 18 to 65 (mostly
between 20 to 50).

 The whole group is enforced in 5 different activities and coordinated by the Local Self-
Governments and by the District Head Quarters.
 These volunteers are the driving force of “Community Kitchens” who distribute daily meals to
the aged persons and those of real in need during the locked down period.
 Local government officials and ASHA health workers are doing the groundwork of finding people
who are infected and making sure their contacts are also in isolation.
 In order to manage its slew of measures, and to strengthen their functioning at the grassroots
level, the government has roped in the manpower associated with various state programmes
like Kudumbasree, a women-empowerment initiative; ASHA, a community-health organisation;
and the Integrated Child Development Services, a government scheme for children.

Measures Need to strengthen local self-governance:

 Urban Local bodies:

 Each city needs to be recognized as a distinct unit of the economy. In larger cities, City
Economic Councils can serve as a clearinghouse.

 Central Government has started the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan. The campaign is
undertaken under the name of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Gaon, Sabka Vikas”.

 It aims to draw up Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) in the country and place
them on a website where anyone can see the status of the various government’s flagship
schemes.

 Gram Panchayats have been mandated for the preparation of GPDP for economic
development and social justice utilizing the resources available to them.

 Government of India formulated E-Panchayat Mission Mode Project for e-enablement of

all the Panchayats, to make their functioning more efficient and transparent.

 Social Audit: The power of social audit was proven by Jan Sunwai in Rajasthan. Transparent,
third party Social Audit can enable people to hold the representatives accountable.

 Citizen Participation

 Ward committees and area sabhas should be activated with a technology- enabled ‘Open
Cities Framework’ and the use of digital tools for feedback and reporting.

 In case of Gram Sabhas, their functions and roled must be clearly defined as in the PESA
Act, to enable to function effectively.

Conclusion:

positively checked the influence of bureaucracy. Thus it can be said that the local government
ensures close relationship between the people and the higher level of governments through this
device of communication.

“In India, local governance is constitutionally recognized, but not empowered”,

examine the statement in the backdrop of the effect of ongoing Covid-19 crisis.(250
words)
Reference: Live Mint
Why this question:
The author in the article discusses the significance of local governance amidst such challenging times
and in what way it is yet to be empowered.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the current conditions with respect to local governance in the country and examine closely
how they are constitutionally recognized but are yet to be empowered.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it,
investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so
we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
In short present the local governance scenario of the country.
Body:
To start with, explain the coming of the concept of local governance, its origin, constitutionality etc.
Discuss what are the challenges and concerns before the Indian local governance system. One can
use the current case of COVID crisis to explain the lacunae in the local governance system. Suggest
what needs to be done to address the challenges and ensure the system is more empowered.
Conclusion:
Conclude that it’s time for the States to devolve more functions and finances to local governments
and build capacity before the next crisis hits the country.

Introduction:

The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Act 1992 is a significant landmark in the evolution of
grassroots democratic institutions in the country. It transfers the representative democracy into
participatory democracy. It is a revolutionary concept to build democracy at the grassroots level in
the country.

Body

The lockdown has made it amply clear that India is too large, too complex and too diverse to be run
by centralized decree. One of the core problems faced by the Indian republic—its highly centripetal
structure—has come bubbling up to the surface during the covid crisis.

Local governance is constitutionally recognized, but not empowered:

 Local governance has four constitutional aspects—form, functionaries, function and finances.
India has done a great job with the former two, but not the latter.

 Overwhelming dependency on government funding: Local governments can either raise their
own revenue through local taxes or receive intergovernmental transfers; the constitutional
amendment recognized both but did not mandate either. When Panchayats do not raise
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 39
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

resources and instead depend on external funding, people are less likely to enforce social audit
and efficacy of the schemes.

 Eg: In case of Urban local bodies, majority of municipalities have not increased property
tax since many years and have not leveraged the municipal bonds for betterment of city
infrastructure.

 Lack of adequate Devolution: Many states have not devolved the 3F’s of function, funds and
functionaries, to enable local bodies to discharge their constitutionally stipulated functions. The
failure is that the 73rd and 74th amendments did not mandate the transfer of governance
functions—like the provision of education, health, sanitation and water.

 Excessive control by bureaucracy

 In many Gram Panchayats, Sarpanchs have to spend an extra ordinary amount of time
visiting block Officers for funds and/or technical approval. These interactions with the
Block staff office distort the role of Sarpanchs as elected representatives.

 Multiple institutions like parastatals, development authorities, public works

departments, and ULBs themselves report to different departments of the state
government and have been entrusted with overlapping responsibilities.

Measures Need to strengthen local self-governance

 Urban Local bodies:

 Metropolitan governance systems are needed in million-plus cities. There is a strong

case for having a two-tier governance structure where all local functions are transferred
to the ward committees and citywide services, such as transportation, water supply,
sewerage, etc., are vested with the city council or regional authorities.

 Each city needs to be recognized as a distinct unit of the economy. In larger cities, City
Economic Councils can serve as a clearinghouse.

 Central Government has started the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan. The campaign is
undertaken under the name of "Sabka Sath, Sabka Gaon, Sabka Vikas".

 It aims to draw up Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) in the country and
place them on a website where anyone can see the status of the various government’s
flagship schemes.

 Gram Panchayats have been mandated for the preparation of GPDP for economic
development and social justice utilizing the resources available to them.

 Government of India formulated E-Panchayat Mission Mode Project for e-enablement of

all the Panchayats, to make their functioning more efficient and transparent.

 Social Audit: The power of social audit was proven by Jan Sunwai in Rajasthan. Transparent,
third party Social Audit can enable people to hold the representatives accountable.

 Citizen Participation

 Ward committees and area sabhas should be activated with a technology- enabled
‘Open Cities Framework’ and the use of digital tools for feedback and reporting.

 In case of Gram Sabhas, their functions and roles must be clearly defined as in the PESA
Act, to enable to function effectively.

Conclusion

Local self-government institutions are expected not only to provide for the basic civic amenities for
the safety and convenience of the citizens but also mobilize local support and public cooperation for
the implementation of various programmes of welfare. Another benefit of the local government is
that the transmission of power from bureaucrats to the democratically formed local government has
positively checked the influence of bureaucracy. Thus it can be said that the local government
ensures close relationship between the people and the higher level of governments through this
device of communication.

Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and

institutions.
Discuss the Constitutional Status of Separation of Power in India.(250 words)
Reference: Indian polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question is straightforward and from the static portions of GS paper II.
Key demand of the question:
One must explain the Constitutional Status of Separation of Power in India.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly define what you understand by Separation of power.
Body:
The doctrine of separation of powers is a part of the basic structure of the Constitution, although not
specifically mentioned. The legislature cannot pass a law violating this principle. The functions of the
three organs are specifically mentioned in the Constitution.
Then discuss articles of the Constitution which suggest separation of powers; Article 50, Article 123,
Articles 121 and 211, Article 361 etc.
Discuss how it is different from the western notion of separation of power.

Highlight the significance using examples.

Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting the importance of these concepts in the Indian constitution.
Introduction:

India is a land of diversity. To ensure that unity and integrity of the country are not compromised
through despotism our forefathers had designed the governance system in which constitution is
Supreme. The Supremacy of Constitution is maintained through Checks and balances.

Body:

Separation of powers: As the concept of Separation of Powers explained by Wade and Philips, it
means three different things.

 Each organ should have different persons in capacity, i.e., a person with a function in one organ
should not be a part of another organ.
 One organ should not interfere in the functioning of the other organs.
 One organ should not exercise a function of another organ (they should stick to their mandate
only).

Constitutional Status of Separation of Power in India:

The doctrine of separation of powers is a part of the basic structure of the Constitution, although not
specifically mentioned. The legislature cannot pass a law violating this principle. The functions of the
three organs are specifically mentioned in the Constitution.

 Article 50:This article puts an obligation over the State to separate the judiciary from the
executive. But, since this falls under the Directive Principles of State Policy, it is not enforceable.
 Article 123:The President, being the executive head of the country, is empowered to exercise
legislative powers in certain conditions.
 Articles 121 and 211:These provide that the legislatures cannot discuss the conduct of a judge of
the Supreme Court or High Court. They can do so only in case of impeachment.
 Article 361:The President and Governors enjoy immunity from court proceedings.

There is a system of checks and balances wherein the various organs impose checks on one another
by certain provisions.

 The judiciary has the power of judicial review over the actions of the executive and the
legislature.
 The judiciary has the power to strike down any law passed by the legislature if it is
unconstitutional or arbitrary as per Article 13 (if it violates Fundamental Rights).
 It can also declare unconstitutional executive actions as void.
 The legislature also reviews the functioning of the executive.
 Although the judiciary is independent, the judges are appointed by the executive.
 The legislature can also alter the basis of the judgment while adhering to the constitutional
limitation.

Checks and balances ensure that no one organ becomes all-too powerful. The Constitution
guarantees that the discretionary power bestowed on any one organ is within the democratic
principle.

Few Judiciary decisions which upheld the Separation of Powers Doctrine

 Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973):In this case, the SC held that the amending power of the
Parliament is subject to the basic features of the Constitution. So, any amendment violating the
basic features will be declared unconstitutional.
 Indira Gandhi Vs Raj Narain Case (1975): In this case, the SC held that the adjudication of a
dispute is a judicial function and parliament cannot exercise this function.
 Swaran Singh Case (1998): In this case, the SC held the UP Governor’s pardon of a convict
unconstitutional.

Conclusion:

The Constitutional Supremacy through checks and balances ensures that neither of organs of
governance namely The legislature, Judiciary or Executive doesn’t become authoritative. The fourth
pillar, free and vibrant media further acts as a check and balance measure for the three organs of
governance.

Discuss whether separation of power in India, as provided by the constitution, is

rigorous and whether it is more of a separation of functions rather than separation of
power?(250 words)
Reference: Indian polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question aims to analyse the concept of separation of power from the sense of its applicability.
Key demand of the question:
One must deliberate whether separation of power in India, as provided by the constitution, is
rigorous and whether it is more of a separation of functions rather than separation of power.
Directive:
Discuss – Here in your discussion, you need to explain what it meant by rigorous separation of power
and separation of function rather than power. Keeping the constitution and political system of India
in mind we need to provide answers to the nature of SoP in India in theory and in practice.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly define separation of power in the Indian context.
Body:
To start with, explain that by rigorous separation of power, we mean that whether each wing of
government i.e. executive, legislature, and judiciary function in silos or whether there are linkages
between their functioning. By separation of function rather than of power, we mean the linkage
between the executive and legislative where the minister derive their legitimacy from legislature. The
question expects us to discuss these issues.
Discuss the nature of SoP in India. In the first part, discuss the checks and balances in practice and in
theory which ensure that the three wings do not work in silos. Thus the nature of SoP in India is not
rigorous.
In the second part, discuss the judgment of SC in Ram Jawaya Case and mention that the executive
derives its legitimacy from Parliament and are a part of Parliament. This it is more like separation of
function.
Conclusion:
Summarize your answer based on arguments provided above.
Introduction:

The concept of Separation of powers is one such measure. The premise behind the Separation of
Power is that when a single person or group has a large amount of power, they can become
dangerous to citizens. The separation of Power is a method of removing the amount of power in any

groups hands, making it more difficult to abuse. It is generally accepted that there are three main
categories of governmental functions: (i) the legislative, (ii) the Executive, and (iii) the Judicial.

Body:

The doctrine of separation of power in its true sense is very rigid and this is one of the reasons of
why it is not strictly accepted by the large number of countries in the world. The main object, as
per Montesquieu’s “Doctrine of separation of power” is that there should be government of law
rather than having willed and whims of the official. Also another most important feature of this
doctrine is that there should be independence of judiciary i.e. it should be free from the other
organs of the state and if it is so then justice would be delivered properly.

Separation of Powers and The Indian Constitution:

 Indian Constitution does not make any absolute or rigid separation of powers of three organs
owing to its pro “responsibility approach rather than having stability at the centre stage.
 This has, however been further supplemented and reiterated by the Indian Supreme Court
in Ram Jawaya Kapur v. State of Punjab, the Court though Mukherjee J. held that.
 The Indian Constitution has indeed not recognized the doctrine of separation of powers in its
absolute rigidity, but the functions of different parts or branches of the government have been
sufficiently differentiated and consequently it can very well be said that our Constitution does
not contemplate assumption, by one organ or part of the state, of functions that essentially
belong to another.
 A more refined and clarified view taken in Ram Jawaya’s case can be found in Katar Singh v.
State of Punjab, where Ramaswamy J. stated.
 It is the basic postulate under the Indian Constitution that the legal sovereign power has been
distributed between the legislature to make the law, the executive to implement the law and the
judiciary to interpret the law within the limits set down by the Constitution

Comparison of Separation of Powers in USA:

 The doctrine of separation of powers forms the foundation on which the whole structure of the
constitution is based. It has been accepted and strictly adopted in U.S.A.
 The doctrine of separation finds its home in U.S. It forms the basis of the American constitutional
structure.
 Article I vests the legislative power in the congress; Article II vests executive power in the
President and Article III vests judicial power in the Supreme Court.
 The framers of the American constitution believed that the principle of separation of powers
would help to prevent the rise of tyrannical government by making it impossible for a single
group of persons to exercise too much power.
 Accordingly, they intended that the balance of power should be attained by checks and balances
between separate organs of the government.
 This alternative system existing with the separation of prevents any organ to become supreme.
Conclusion:

In a democratic country goals are enshrined in the Constitution and the state machinery is then
setup accordingly. And here it can be seen that constitutional provisions are made as such to
support a parliamentary form of Government where the principle cannot be followed rigidly. The
Supreme Court rulings also justify that the alternative system of checks and balances is the
requirement, not the strict doctrine. A constitutionalism, the philosophical concept of the
constitution also insists on limitations being placed upon governmental power to secure basic
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 44
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

freedoms of the individual. Hence, the conclusion drawn out of the study is that there is no strict
separation of powers but the different branches of the government have been sufficiently
differentiated.

Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business,

powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
The amendment to do away with the domicile requirement for elections to the Rajya
Sabha has militated against the very purpose that guided the Constituent Assembly to
create the Council of States and reduced it to a mere revising chamber. Critically
analyse.(250 words)
Reference: Indian polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question is based on the recent amendments that were made with respect to doing away with
the domicile requirement for elections to the Rajya Sabha.
Key demand of the question:
Critically analyse the amendment made and provide for the downside of it.
Directive:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or
nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the
topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly talk about the importance of Rajya Sabha in the constitutional set up of India.
Body:
List the arguments in favour of removing the domicile requirements for elections to the Rajya Sabha.
Then briefly discuss the purpose of Rajya Sabha in Indian polity. Examine how the doing away with
the domicile criteria has diluted the utility of Rajya Sabha as envisaged by constituent assembly.
Suggest reforms if needed.
Conclusion:
Conclude with suitable solutions to address the issues arising out of the amendment.

Introduction:
The Rajya Sabha also known as Council of States is the upper house in the Parliament of India. The
Rajya Sabha unlike the Lok Sabha is not subject to dissolution. It has 250 members which also
includes 12 members nominated by the President for their contributions to art, literature, science
and social services. The members of Rajya Sabha sit for six years with one-third of the seats being
vacated every two years. The Rajya Sabha members are elected by the elected members of State
Assemblies in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single
transferable vote.

Body:

In 2003, the Parliament passed the amendment to Section 3[1] of the Representation of People’s
Act. The qualification for membership to Council of States stated that, for qualification to Council of
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 45
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

States, the requirement was that one should be an elector for a Parliamentary constituency ‘in India’
as opposed to ‘in that State or territory’ which was the previous position. Thus, the earlier domicile
requirement was removed by effect of this amendment.

This amendment came to be challenged in the case of Kuldip Nayar v Union of India. The
honourable SC pointed out that “Residence or domicile are not the essential ingredients of the
structure and the composition of the Upper House, and residence is neither a constant factor nor a
constitutional requirement but a matter of qualification prescribed by Parliament in exercise of its
power under Article 84”.

The amendment is legitimate due to the following reasons:

 Wider Talent Pool for Political Parties: The doing away of domicile requirement opens up
opportunities for several candidates who may be more worthy and suited for parliamentary
roles as compared to ones within the state

 Better Integration: The representation of one state by a non-domicile can facilitate emotional
integration of the country and kindle the bond of oneness traversing across regional lines

 States’ Interests: Even candidates who are not residents of a state may be aware of interests and
aspirations of the state and worthy enough to protect the same in the Council of States.

 Small states which have very less representation in Rajya Sabha may send more representatives
if no Domicile requirement exist.

 The Domicile concept breeds partisan politics, which is not favourable in a diverse Indian
political setup.

 In the Constituent Assembly debates four distinct reasons can be identified in support of Rajya
Sabha.

 review role and the chamber to initiate proposals for public policy

 to elicit accountability from government.

 to accommodate diversity reflecting federalism and

 Grand inquest of the nation with diversity at its core.

However, there are challenges posed too:

 Arbitrary Use: The doing away of the domicile requirement would reduce the utility of having
state-wise representation. It leaves the door open for arbitrary misuse for political motives
 Dilutes the Federal Mandate of Rajya Sabha: Domiciles would have best upheld the federal
mandate of the Rajya Sabha through an equitable representation of states
 Lack of Accountability: The individual states interests at the national level would have been best
represented by domiciles of that state. However, the lack of the same leads to a vacuum of
accountability on the assembly that elects representatives
 Not Aware of Ground Realities: A person who is not domicile in a state may not be
knowledgeable on the priorities of the state to defend them in the Council of States.
 Further the abuse of money power to get a Rajya Sabha seat could become prevalent.

Conclusion:

Although Rajya Sabha has been termed as ‘Council of States’, the argument that it is the forum for
representation of State interests is not entirely correct since the subject matter except under two
cases, are the subjects mentioned in Union List. Moreover, the statutory right of the legislators of a
State to choose a representative of their choice defeats all arguments of subverting federalism by
allowing non-residents. Instead, it makes the choices wider. As is sometimes the case in our country,
where there are no viable choices, having a wide scope.

Vast powers have been vested in the office of the Speaker to strengthen the democratic
institutions of the parliamentary system, and not to stifle dissent or protest in the
House. Comment in the context of India.(250 words)
Reference: Indian polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question is based on the role of speaker in the Indian parliamentary system and its importance.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the role of speaker in general and the concerns and challenges associated with it.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an
overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
The Speaker of Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly is elected from amongst its members. He is
guardian of powers and privileges of the members, the House as a whole and its committees.
Body:
Briefly give an overview of the office of speaker. Powers and privileges of speaker that strengthens
parliamentary system. Some contentions with respect to the office along with examples. Present case
studies from the past depicting the conflicting roles played by the speaker. List down suggestions and
way ahead.
Conclusion:
Conclude that a Speaker needs to keep in mind the democratic ethos while presiding over esteemed
office and her actions must appear to be objective and neutral as “Justice should not only be done, it
must also be seen to be done”.

Introduction:

The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha (House of the People), the lower house of the
Parliament of India. The speaker is elected generally in the very first meeting of the Lok Sabha
following general elections. Serving for a term of five years, the speaker chosen from sitting
members of the Lok Sabha (House of the People), and is by convention a member of the ruling party
or alliance.

Body:

Importance of office of Speaker:

 Her actions come under close scrutiny in the House and are also widely reported in the mass
media.
 With the televising of proceedings of Parliament, the small screen brings to millions of
households in the country the day-to-day developments in the House making the Speaker’s task
all the more important.
 Even though the Speaker speaks rarely in the House, when she does, she speaks for the House
as a whole.
 The Speaker is looked upon as the true guardian of the traditions of parliamentary democracy.
 Her unique position is illustrated by the fact that she is placed very high in the Warrant of
Precedence in our country, standing next only to the President, the Vice-President and the
Prime Minister.
 In India, through the Constitution of the land, through the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of
Business in Lok Sabha and through the practices and conventions, adequate powers are vested
in the office of the Speaker to help her in the smooth conduct of the parliamentary proceedings
and for protecting the independence and impartiality of the office.
 The Constitution of India provides that the Speaker’s salary and allowances are not to be voted
by Parliament and are to be charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
 Therefore, it is expected that the holder of this office of high dignity has to be one who can
represent the House in all its manifestations.

However, there have been many instances when the Speaker’s office has been in the dock:

 Appointment and tenure: The structural issues regarding the manner in which the Speaker is
appointed and his tenure in office. Usually the speaker is from the ruling party and this makes it
a more of a political liability on speaker to favour his party.
 Lack of Tenure security: With no security in the continuity of office, the Speaker is dependent on
his or her political party for re-election. This makes the Speaker susceptible to pulls and
pressures from her/his political party in the conduct of the proceedings of the Lok Sabha.
 Anti-defection law: In recent times, there are number of instances where the role of speaker has
been criticised for decision on membership of MLAs under the anti-defection law and their ruling
have been challenged in courts. The Tenth Schedule says the Speaker’s/Chairperson’s decision
on questions of disqualification on ground of defection shall be final and can’t be questioned in
courts. It was anticipated that giving Speakers the power to expel legislators would prevent
unnecessary delays by courts and make anti-defection law more effective.
 Discretionary power: There are various instances where the Rules vest the Speakers with
unbridled powers such as in case of declaration of bill as money bill (Lok Sabha Speaker). This
discretionary power comes under criticism when Aadhar bill was introduced in Lok Sabha as
Money Bill.
 Referral to DSRCs: The Speaker is also empowered to refer the Bill to a Standing Committee. As
per prevailing practice house members or speaker usually refers all important bills to the
concerned Departmentally Related Standing Committees for examination and report. But in
recent time speaker uses its discretionary power to pass many important bills on day after
introduction of bill without proper discussion and references.
 Increased disruptions: Frequent disruptions reduced the time required for important discussions
and compel speaker to allocate less time for discussion. This often questions the impartiality of
speaker as he allegedly provides more time to ruling party. Also, it is alleged that speaker took
harsh punishment against the disrupting member of opposition compared to government

 Elections: The position of the Indian Speaker is paradoxical. They contest the election for the
post on a party ticket. Yet they are expected to conduct themselves in a non-partisan manner,
while being beholden to the party for a ticket for the next election.
 Political Aspirations: The position is often used to woo the political parties by favouring them to
harbour political ambitions. The need for re-election also skews incentives for the Speaker. The
fear of losing the position in case of not favouring their political parties also pushes them to
compromise neutrality.

Measures needed:

 The page Committee, headed by V.S. Page, suggested that if the Speaker had conducted himself
or herself in an impartial and efficient manner during the tenure of his or her office, he or she
should be allowed to continue in the next Parliament.
 Anyone seeking the office of the Speaker might be asked to run for election on an independent
ticket.
 Any Speaker should be barred from future political office, except for the post of President, while
being given a pension for life.
 Following the UK model of Speaker where the Speaker elect compulsorily resigns from the party
membership. This will ensure neutrality of the office.
 The Speaker should be allowed to recommend a range of disciplinary actions like cuts in salary,
reduction in speaking time for the member based on the recommendation of the parliamentary
committee.
 The Speaker can arrange informal sessions with the members who frequently disrupt the house.
He can try to resolve their grievances if any with respect to the conduct of the house.
 A code of ethics for MPs must be formed to clearly define cases for suspension and dismissals.
 Power must be given to speaker to form a parliamentary committee to recommend removal of
MPs regularly disrupting the house. The decision of the committee must be subject to judicial
review.
 Ethics committee of Lok Sabha need to be given more mandate like other mature democracies

Conclusion:

The office of the Speaker in India is a living and dynamic institution which deals with the actual
needs and problems of Parliament in the performance of its functions. It is in her that the
responsibility of conducting the business of the House in a manner befitting the place of the
institution in a representative democracy is invested. The founding fathers of our Constitution had
recognised the importance of this office in our democratic set-up and it was this recognition that
guided them in establishing this office as one of the prominent and dignified ones in the scheme of
governance of the country smoothly.

Discuss the possible effects of the suspension of operation of the Members of

Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) o the principle of separation of
powers. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Express

Introduction:

The Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) was launched in December,
1993, to provide a mechanism for the Members of Parliament to recommend works of
developmental nature for creation of durable community assets and for provision of basic facilities
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 49
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

including community infrastructure, based on locally felt needs. The MPLADS is a Central Sector
Scheme which is fully funded by Government of India. The annual MPLADS fund entitlement per MP
constituency is Rs. 5 crore.

The government decided to suspend operation of the Members of Parliament Local Area
Development Scheme (MPLADS) for the next two financial years, and divert Rs 7,900 crore to the
fight against COVID-19.

Body:

Objectives:

 To enable MPs to recommend works of developmental nature with emphasis on the creation of
durable community assets based on the locally felt needs to be taken up in their Constituencies.
 Lok Sabha Members can recommend works within their constituencies and elected Members of
Rajya Sabha can recommend works within the State they are elected from.
 Nominated Members of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha can recommend works anywhere
in the country.
 To create durable assets of national priorities viz. drinking water, primary education, public
health, sanitation and roads, etc.

Benefits of suspension of MPLAD:

 The cancellation of MPLADS for two years, on the other hand, is a welcome move. In financial
terms, there are savings of nearly ₹4,000 crore per year.
 In the short run, during the times of COVID-19 pandemic, MPLADS funds could have been used
for procurement of such supplies that will help in fighting against the disease.
 While this is not insignificant, the larger benefit is that this will help Members of Parliament
focus on their roles as national legislators.
 As the financial audit of MPLADS is done by the CAG and further examined by the Public
Accounts Committee consisting of Members of Parliament, it adds another layer of conflict.
 The NCRWC recommended immediate discontinuation of the MPLAD scheme on the grounds
that it was inconsistent with the spirit of federalism and distribution of powers between the
centre and the state.
 The 2nd ARC report on Ethics in Governance took a firm stand against the scheme arguing that it
seriously erodes the notion of separation of powers, as the legislator directly becomes the
executive.

Possible effects of the suspension of MPLADS:

 Will adversely impact grass-root level work: MPLAD is meant to execute development work in
the constituency, suspending it is a huge disservice to the constituents and will undermine the
role and functions of MP.
 Impact efforts at state and local level: As there is enough evidence that covid-19 is best fought at
the state and local level, the step will take away expenditure to meet unique requirements of an
area.
 Against federalism: As the decision is taken unilaterally by the central government without
considering the development needs of the States facing covid-19 outbreak.
 Contrary to popular perception, MPLAD funds cannot be spent at the discretion of an MP in any
manner he/she wants. There is a set of guidelines mandating the utilization of the monies. These

diktats are updated regularly and are available on the website of the Ministry of Statistics and
Programme Implementation.

Conclusion:

MPLADS is a very nimble and effective scalpel of targeted micro-level intervention. In the months
and days ahead, when distress — medical and economic — will haunt the countryside, these
discretionary interventions will help save lives. Despite above concerns, the decision will showcase a
right signal and gesture of accountability as the government is readying to announce a second round
of financial stimulus to deal with the covid-19 pandemic.

The current crisis provides several opportunities for reform the Parliamentary system
and tools in the country, do you agree? Examine.(250 words)
Reference: The Hindu

Introduction:

The Government recently has issued two ordinances: One, an amendment to the Members of
Parliament Act, 1954, which will reduce the allowances and pension by 30 per cent with effect from
April 1, 2020. The reduction will be applicable for a year. Two, the MP Local Area Development
Scheme (MPLADS) fund has been suspended for two years (2020-22), and the money will be given to
the Consolidated Fund of India. These measures are purportedly to save costs as the nation tackles
the COVID-19 pandemic.

Body:

Some of the lacunae in Parliament today:

 During the crisis, as per the Constitutional roles of MPs their foremost task should be
deliberating on the actions and policies to be taken to manage the epidemic.
 It should involve evaluation of the costs and consequences of various alternatives.
 MPs should make efforts to figure out ways to have committee meetings and even the meetings
of the full House through technological means such as video-conferencing.
 The Indian Parliament before getting adjourned in view of the pandemic, even as the crisis was
unfolding, was debating the establishment of a Sanskrit University and an Ayurveda institute,
and that of regulatory boards for aircraft, Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy.
 The Finance Bill was passed without any discussion on the last day.
 There was no discussion on the possible implications of the coronavirus epidemic and policy
measures to tackle it and also the Parliament failed to recognise the pressures on the Budget
when it was passed.
 Since then, there has been no committee meetings.
 In brief, it seems that Parliament has failed to rise up to the occasion to play its role as the
oversight body mandated to check the work of government on behalf of citizens.

Benefits of suspension of MPLAD:

 The cancellation of MPLADS for two years, on the other hand, is a welcome move. In financial
terms, there are savings of nearly ₹4,000 crore per year.
 While this is not insignificant, the larger benefit is that this will help Members of Parliament
focus on their roles as national legislators.
 MPLADS creates several issues of accountability and jurisdiction.

 It violates the principle of separation of powers, both horizontally across different organs of
state, and vertically across different levels of governance.

Opportunities that can be explored during the current time:

 the Parliament should explore how technology can be used to improve its efficiency.
 Much of the daily paper work such as filing questions and other interventions have been
digitised while protocols and infrastructure may be needed if meetings have to be held through
secure video-conferencing.
 Other issues such as pay and allowances for Members of Parliament need to be discussed.
 The Members of Parliament should be provided with office space and research staff. They
should be compensated in line with their duties as national legislators.
 For example, the pay (₹1 lakh per month) and allowances (₹1.3 lakh per month) pale in
comparison to that of U.S. Senators (pay $174,000 per annum plus allowances over $3 million
per annum).
 At the same time, hidden perks such as housing in central Delhi must be made transparent —
few democracies provide housing for legislators or civil servants; they are paid well and expected
to find housing on their own.
 During the crisis, Members of Parliament should be deliberating on the actions and policies to be
taken to manage the epidemic, and the costs and consequences of various alternatives.
 They should also be trying to figure out ways to have committee meetings and even the
meetings of the full House through alternate mechanisms such as video-conferencing.
 Public debates need to be encouraged on issues that impact the working of our legislatures.
 They also need to hold them accountable for their work as national legislators

Conclusion:

Given the massive budget of the Central government, i.e. an average monthly budget of ₹2.5-lakh
crore, the above cuts seem cosmetic in nature. To put it in perspective, the United Kingdom has
increased the allowance for Members of Parliament by £10,000 to help them manage extra costs of
working from home. The need of the hour is that MPs should oblige with their mandated
Constitutional roles. Therefore, in the future, public debates on issues that impact the working of
our legislature should be taken up and at the same time we need to hold the executive accountable.

Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary

Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and
formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
How do Pressure Groups Influence Politics in India? Discuss their roles.(250 words)
Reference: Indian Polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper II.
Key demand of the question:
Explain what pressure groups are, their role with special focus on their influence on Indian politics.
Directive:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
In short define what pressure groups are.
Body:
On the whole, pressure groups have a very important role in a modern political system where the
state is irrevocably wedded to the ideals of representative democracy and social welfare. One thing
needs to be pointed out here. Pressure group is a group of people who are organized actively for
promoting or defending their common interest. The term ‘pressure group’ is used as the group
attempts to bring a change in the public policy by exerting pressure on the government. Discuss some
examples from recent times.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction:

Pressure groups are forms of organisations, which exert pressure on the political or administrative
system of a country to extract benefits out of it and to advance their own interests. The term
‘pressure group’ refers to any interest group whose members because of their shared common
attributes make claims on the other groups and on the political process. Caste based pressure
groups arise from a particular caste and influence government policies in favour of their social and
political demands.

Body:

Pressure groups may use a variety of methods to pursue their requirements. These include:

 lobbying state members and the Parliament via petitions, letters and deputations;
 consulting with ministers or senior public servants;
 hiring professional lobbyists;
 taking legal action through injunctions or appeals to higher courts;
 campaigning for, or opposing, certain candidates at elections;
 demonstrating outside Parliament and government offices or marching in the streets;
 using the industrial muscle of strikes for political purposes.

Pressure Groups enhance the political system:

 Pressure groups vary in size and organisational structure, which may not necessarily represent
the amount of influence exerted upon a government’s policies. Pressure groups are primarily a
consequence of inadequacies of the political parties.
 It is obvious that trade unions, business organisations and professional associations can exert
considerable pressure upon governments
 Pressure groups are a vital link between the government and the governed. They keep
governments more responsive to the wishes of the community, especially in between elections.
 Pressure groups are able to express the views of minority groups in the community who might
not otherwise receive a hearing. For example, the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA)
movement has generated consciousness amongst the people in questioning the
actions of government regarding dam construction and its repercussions.
 Pressure groups are able to use their expertise to provide the government with important
information. It is also applicable to issues such as Indigenous reconciliation.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 53
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

 Pressure groups offer an alternative source of advice to the government, separate from that
coming from the Public Service.
 Pressure groups generally promote opportunities for political participation for citizens, without
the need to join a political party. Moreover, they allow for the democratic rights of freedom of
speech, assembly and association to be upheld.
 For instance, in the State of Rajasthan, a people’s organisation known as Mazdoor Kisan Shakti
Sanghthan (MKSS), could succeed in making the people question and demand information on
money spent on roads; loans to poor and so on. This made the basis for the right to information
movement.

Pressure Groups distort the political system:

 Pressure groups may represent a powerful minority force in society and exert political influence
to the detriment of the majority of society. This is an argument often leveled at trade unions and
business groups.
 Some pressure groups exert influence because of their financial position, membership or
organisation. This influence may be out of proportion to their position in society.
 The use of direct action by pressure groups (eg. strikes by unions, demonstrations, blockades,
pickets) can cause hardship to the community in general.
 Some pressure groups are not democratic in themselves. Some have powerful, but
unrepresentative leaders who may not be representative of anyone but themselves. Some
leaders do not reflect the opinions of their organisation’s members.

Conclusion:

In a democratic nation like India, Pressure groups provide an informal means to meet and serve
needs of different classes and sections of society. However, pursuit of illogical and unnecessary
demands should not override affirmative action to ensure a vibrant and inclusive polity.

Article 21 of the Constitution provides, “No person shall be deprived of his life or
personal liberty except according to the procedure established by law”. Analyse the
value principle involved and its relevance in today’s context.(250 words)
Reference: Indian Polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question is based on the significance of Article 21, the principle involved in it and its relevance.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the relevance of Article 21, its significance with respect to right to life and the principle
underlying.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the
topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Explain Article 21 in short first.
Body:
Under the canopy of Article 21, so many rights have found shelter, growth, and nourishment. Thus,
the bare necessities, minimum and basic requirements those are essential, and unavoidable for a
person is the core concept of the right to life. The expression of personal liberty in Article 21 was
given an expansive interpretation. The court emphasized that the expression of personal liberty is of
wide amplitude covering a variety of rights which go to constitute the personal liberty of man.

Discuss the contemporary situations which limit life and personal liberty. Analyse the value principle
of Article 21 and its relevance in today’s context
Conclusion:
In the course of time, Article 21 has come to be regarded as the heart of the Fundamental Rights. It
has enough positive content in it, and it is not merely negative in its reach.
Introduction:

Article 21 states that “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to
the procedure established by law.” This Article mentions two basic terms ‘life’ and ‘personal liberty’.
The term ‘life’ used here is something more than mere animal existence. The inhibition against its
deprivation extends to all those limbs by which life is enjoyed. ‘Personal liberty’ means the liberty of
an individual to behave as one pleases except for those restraints imposed by laws and codes of
conduct of the society in which one lives to safeguard the physical, moral, political, and economic
welfare of others.

Body:

Value principles involved in article 21:

 Though the phraseology of Article 21 starts with negative word but the word No has been used
in relation to the word deprived.
 The object of the fundamental right under Article 21 is to prevent encroachment upon personal
liberty and deprivation of life except according to procedure established by law.
 It clearly means that this fundamental right has been provided against state only.
 If an act of private individual amounts to encroachment upon the personal liberty or deprivation
of life of other person. Such violation would not fall under the parameters set for the Article 21.
 In such a case the remedy for aggrieved person would be either under Article 226 of the
constitution or under general law.
 But, where an act of private individual supported by the state infringes the personal liberty or
life of another person, the act will certainly come under the ambit of Article 21.
 Article 21 of the Constitution deals with prevention of encroachment upon personal liberty or
deprivation of life of a person.
 The fundamental right under Article 21 is one of the most important rights provided under the
Constitution which has been described as heart of fundamental rights by the Apex Court.

Relevance of Article 21 in today’s context: Judicial intervention has ensured that the scope of
Article 21 is not narrow and restricted. It has been widened by several landmark judgements.

 Right to Live with Human Dignity:

 The Supreme Court in the case of Maneka Gandhi vs. Union of India held that right to life
embodied in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, is not merely a physical right but it
also includes within its ambit, the right to live with human dignity.

 In the case of Francis Coralie vs. Union Territory of Delhi it was held that right to live
includes the right to live with human dignity with bare necessities of life such as:
Adequate nutrition, Clothing, and Shelter over the head etc

 Right against sexual harassment at workplace:

 In the case of Vishakha vs. the State of Rajasthan, the court declared that sexual
harassment of a working woman workplace amounts to a violation of rights under
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 55
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Indian Constitution. The guidelines have been laid down in
order to protect the rights of a woman at workplace

 Right to clean environment

 The Right to life under Article 21 means a life of dignity to live in a proper and healthy
environment.

 The maintenance of various things like: Health, Proper sanitation system, and
Preservation of environment comes under the purview of the Article 21.

 In the case of Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum vs Union of India the Supreme Court held
that though industries are vital for the country’s development, having regards to the
pollution caused by them, the principle of ‘sustainable development’ has to be adopted
as the balancing concept.

 Right to know or right to be informed

 It has been recognized by the Courts, in the case of Reliance Petrochemicals Ltd. vs.
Proprietors of Indian Express Newspapers that right to know falls under the scope of
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution as an essential ingredient of participatory
democracy.

 Right of prisoners

 The protection under Article 21 is also available to those who have been convicted of
any offense. Even though he is deprived of his other rights, but he is entitled to the
rights guaranteed under Article 21.

 Right against illegal detention

 In the case of K. Basu vs. State of West Bengal, the Supreme Court laid down the
guidelines to be followed by the Central and the State investigating authorities in all
cases of arrest and detention

 Right to Legal Aid and Right to speedy trial

 It has been held, in the case of Hussainara Khatoon vs. State of Bihar, that right to free
legal aid at the cost of the State to an accused who cannot afford legal services for
reasons of poverty, indigence or incommunicado situation is a part of fair, just and
reasonable procedure under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

 Disclosure of dreadful diseases

 The Court herein opined that the lady proposing to marry a person with dreadful disease
is entitled to all human rights, which are available to any human being and the right to
be told that person is suffering from a deadly disease which is sexually communicable, is
her right to life guaranteed under Article 21.

 Right to Privacy

 In the recent case of Justice K.S. Puttuswamy vs. Union of India and Other, the Supreme
Court held privacy to be a fundamental right under the Constitution of India.

 Right to die with dignity

 Supreme Court expanded the right to life to incorporate the right to die with dignity. It
legalised passive euthanasia and approved ‘living will’ to provide terminally ill patients
or those in persistent and incurable vegetative state (PVS) a dignified exit by refusing
medical treatment or life support.

Conclusion:
The Apex Court led a great importance on reasonableness and rationality of the provision and it is
pointed out that in the name of undue stress on Fundamental Rights and Individual Liberty, the
ideals of social and economic justice cannot be given a go-by. Thus it is clear that the provision
Article 21 was constructed narrowly at the initial stage but the law in respect of life and personal
liberty of a person was developed gradually and a liberal interpretation was given to these words.
New dimensions have been added to the scope of Article21 from time to time. The interpretation
which has been given to the words life and personal liberty in various decisions of the Apex Court, it
can be said that the protection of life and personal liberty has got multi-dimensional meaning and
any arbitrary, whimsical and fanciful act of the State which deprived the life or personal liberty of a
person would be against the provision of Article 21 of the Constitution.

The idea of e-Court system can provide the judiciary with an opportunity to address the
problem of delayed justice. Discuss. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The article discusses the need for an e-court system and the steps to be taken to ensure the setting
up of an effective framework for e-courts. Thus the question.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the prospects of e-courts to the Indian judiciary and explain in what way it can be a game
changer altogether in addressing the challenges of delayed justice.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the background – In the light of the national lockdown, the Indian courts too are under
a lockdown thus severely restricting the citizen’s access to justice for this period.
Body:
To start with, present the issue of delayed justice in the country in detail. Plagued by the complete
inability of the conventional court system to deliver timely justice. The average time for case disposal
in India is comparatively much larger than in other countries. Then move onto explain the role of
technology that can possibly change the dynamics of justice delivery. Bring out the associated
challenges.
Conclusion:
Conclude that the e-court system apart from increasing the access to justice can also simultaneously
reduce the burden on conventional courts. Given the current situation of low judge: population ratio
in India, the more efficient e-court system will enable the judiciary to more effectively use its scarce
resources.
Introduction:

e-Courts project was conceptualized on the basis of the “National Policy and Action Plan for
Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Indian Judiciary –
2005” submitted by eCommittee, Supreme Court of India with a vision to transform the Indian
Judiciary by ICT enablement of Courts.

The Supreme Court recently passed directions for all courts across the country to extensively use
video-conferencing for judicial proceedings saying congregation of lawyers and litigants must be
suspended to maintain social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic. The top court, which has
restricted its functioning and is conducting hearing through video conferencing since March 25,
exercised its plenary power to direct all high courts to frame a mechanism for use of technology
during the pandemic. A bench headed by the Chief Justice stressed that “technology is here to stay”

Body:

e-Courts objectives:

 To provide efficient & time-bound citizen centric services delivery as detailed in eCourt Project
Litigant’s Charter.
 To develop, install & implement decision support systems in courts.
 To automate the processes to provide transparency in accessibility of information to its
stakeholders.
 To enhance judicial productivity, both qualitatively & quantitatively, to make the justice delivery
system affordable, accessible, cost effective, predictable, reliable and transparent.

Advantages of e-courts:

 The key advantages of establishment of Electronic Courts in India is bringing in a justice serving
mechanism that is transparent, efficient, affordable, time saving, protects the interests of
witnesses, reduces the backlog of pending cases and most importantly reduces the number of
unscrupulous activities.
 Entire information related to a particular case would be available online. It would be available to
the attorneys, parties and the general public through the help of internet.
 Registered attorneys can file their case document directly from their home or office. They do not
have to worry about postage, traffic congestion or messenger services. They can create a docket
sheet and update it immediately, when the documents are filed.
 With the help of internet, the documents of a case can be accessed easily from anywhere at
anytime.
 E-courts would help in the computerization of work flow management in courts. Thus, it would
help to create a better court and case management. Video conferencing facilities would be
installed in every court complex. Evidence of eyewitness, who are unable to attend the court can
be recorded through this method.
 The information would not be misplaced as all the information regarding the case would be
carefully recorded and stored. Data keeping would include maintaining the records of e-file
minute entries, bail orders, warrants etc.
 In many cases, the witnesses are not able to come to the court and make their statement as the
other party is too strong and scares them of the consequences. e-Courts can help in dealing with
such cases.

Limitations of e-courts:

 E-courts in India is an endless and complicating process. The process of e-filing a document is a
difficult process. All the evidence cannot be produced in a digital format.
 Lack of techno legal expertise is the main reason for the poor status of e-courts in India. With
the absence of techno legal expertise, electronic courts cannot be established in India. The
country requires more techno legal e-court centers so that the project of e-court can achieve
success.
 The project of e-court involves a lot of expenditure. It involves the use of a lot of computers and
infrastructures. In the long run, e-courts may face the issue of lack of funds.
 Hackers are getting stronger with every passing day. The possibility of e-Courts getting hacked in
such a case can not be denied.

Measures needed:

 It is critical to draw up a well-defined and pre-decided framework as it can help in laying a

concrete roadmap and direction to the e-courts scheme of India.
 To achieve this, the government must establish an effective task force consisting of judges,
technologists, court administrators, skill developers and system analysts to draw up a blueprint
for institutionalizing online access to justice.
 Such a task force must be charged with the responsibility of establishing hardware, software and
IT systems for courts; examining application of artificial intelligence benefiting from the data
base generated through e-courts projects; establishing appropriate e-filing systems and
procedures.
 Creating skill training and recognition for paralegals to understand and to help advocates and
others to access the system to file their cases and add to their pleadings and documents as the
case moves along.
 Once the blueprint is ready, the High Courts across the country may refer the same to the Rule
Committee of the High Court to frame appropriate rules to operationalise the e-court system.
 One aspect that needs to be focused on is the deployment of a robust security system that
provides secure access to case information for appropriate parties. The security of e-courts
infrastructure and system is of paramount importance.
 Also, user friendly e-courts mechanism, which is simple and easily accessible by the common
public will encourage litigants to use such facilities in India.
 The government must also make dedicated efforts in the training of personnel to maintain all
the e-data.
 Also, conducting training sessions to familiarize the Judges with the e-courts framework and
procedure can give a huge impetus to the successful running of e-courts.

Way forward for Indian litigation and arbitration:

 In India, a significant amount of time is spent in resolving disputes which has been the real bane
of the Indian judiciary system. The e-courts project, if implemented, would go a long way in
saving costs and time for the litigants.
 The present government is taking active steps to establish e-courts all over India. All these
government efforts will result in providing quick and cost effective solutions to the litigants.
 The judiciary system in India with the help of e-courts can overcome the challenges and make
the service delivery mechanism transparent and cost efficient.
 Further, the e-court project also requires the executive and the judiciary to reaffirm their resolve
to support a speedy, efficient and quality justice delivery in the country. It is also important to
discuss steps required to surmount the various challenges facing the justice system.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 59
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

Compare and contrast the provisions under Representation of People’s Act, 1951 with
that of the provisions related to elections in the Constitution of India. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
Question is straightforward and is about comparing the constitutional provisions related to elections
and Representation of People’s Act, 1951.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must provide for a detailed comparison of Representation of People’s Act, 1951 and the
available constitutional provisions.
Directive:
Compare and contrast – provide for a detailed comparison of the two types, their features that are
similar as well as different. One must provide for detailed assessment of the two.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Write a few introductory lines about elections in India.
Body:
Answers must discuss the – Part XV of Indian Constitution which is Elections. Along with it explain
constitutional provisions.
The Representation of People Act 1950, which provides for allocation of seats and delimitation of
constituencies of the Parliament and state legislature, officers related to conduct of elections,
preparation of electoral rolls and manner of filling seats in the Council of States allotted to Union
Territories.
The Representation of People Act, 1951, which provides for the conduct of elections of the Houses of
Parliament and to the House or Houses of the Legislature of each State, the qualifications and
disqualifications for membership of those Houses, the corrupt practices and other offences at or in
connection with such elections and the decision of doubts and disputes arising out of or in connection
with such elections.
Delimitation Commission Act of 1952, which provides for the readjustment of seats, delimitation and
reservation of territorial constituencies and other related matters.
The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Election Act 1952, which provides for the conduct of
Presidential and Vice- Presidential election and mechanism for the settlement of any dispute arising
out of such elections.
Conclusion:
Conclude by highlighting the importance of the two in general to the electoral system in the country.
Introduction:

India being the largest democracy of the world, elections in India have been the largest electoral
exercise in the world since the 1stgeneral elections of 1952.The cultural, linguistic, religious and
ethnic diversity of the country make this event more complex. Every individual who is a citizen of
India and has attained the voting age shall be entitled to be registered as a voter.

Body:

Part XV of the Constitution of India consists of Articles on Elections.

 Article 324 of the Constitution provides that the power of superintendence, direction and
control of elections to parliament, state legislatures, the office of president of India and the
office of vice-president of India shall be vested in the election commission.
 Article 325: No person to be ineligible for inclusion in, or to claim to be included in a special,
electoral roll on grounds of religion, race, caste or sex
 Article 326: Elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assemblies of States to
be on the basis of adult suffrage
 Article 327: Power of Parliament to make provision with respect to elections to Legislatures
 Article 328: Power of Legislature of a State to make provision with respect to elections to such
Legislature
 Article 329: Bar to interference by courts in electoral matters
 Article 329A: [Repealed.]
 Article 82: In India, delimitation is carried out by the Delimitation Commission, set up after every
census by an act of the Parliament.

Constitution allows Parliament to make provisions in all matters relating to elections to the
Parliament and State Legislatures. In exercise of this power, the Parliament has enacted laws like
Representation of the People Act 1950 (RPA Act 1950), Representation of the People Act 1951 (RPA
Act 1951).

Representation of Peoples Act 1950 (RPA Act 1950) provides for the following:

 Qualification of voters.
 Preparation of electoral rolls.
 Delimitation of constituencies.
 Allocation of seats in the Parliament and state legislatures.

Representation of Peoples Act 1951 (RPA Act 1951) provides for:

 Actual conduct of elections.

 Administrative machinery for conducting elections.
 Poll
 Election offences.
 Election disputes.
 By-elections.
 Registration of political parties.

Delimitation Commission Act of 1952, which provides for the readjustment of seats, delimitation
and reservation of territorial constituencies and other related matters.

The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Election Act 1952, which provides for the conduct of
Presidential and Vice- Presidential election and mechanism for the settlement of any dispute arising
out of such elections.

Conclusion:

Elections are the life blood of any democracy. The robustness of electoral processes determines the
fate of the nation. The timely reforms to the electoral process by ECI, according to the changing
needs of the society and the strong review of the judiciary have helped in conduction of free and fair
elections till date.

On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the

Representation of Peoples Act, 1951?explain and also present the remedies available to
such persons against his disqualification.(250 words)
Reference: Indian Polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question is straightforward from the GS paper II theme constitutional provisions – RPA.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the criteria for disqualifications listed under RPA, 1955 and present the remedies available to
such persons against his disqualification.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the
particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with
relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly set the context of the question.
Body:
The Representation of the People Act, 1951 provides for the conduct of elections to the Houses of
Parliament and to the Houses of the State Legislature, the provisions regarding qualification and
disqualification for the membership, and remedies of disputes in connection with such elections.
Present the certain criteria for disqualifications that the Act of 1951 has laid down. Discuss the
remedies available to such persons against his disqualification.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction:

India being the largest democracy of the world, elections in India have been the largest electoral
exercise in the world since the 1st general elections of 1952. Representation of Peoples Act 1951 is
an act enacted by the Indian provincial parliament before first general elections. The People’s
Representation act provides for the actual conduct of elections in India. The act also deals with
details like qualification and disqualification of members of both houses of Parliament (i.e. Loksabha
and Rajya Sabha) and the state legislatures (i.e. State Legislative Assembly and State Legislative
Council). Rules for the mode of conduct of elections is highlighted in detail.

Body:

Grounds for disqualification under RPA, 1951:

Conviction in offences: Section 8 deals with Disqualification of representatives on conviction for

certain offences. The various sub-clauses include

 8 ( 1 ): A person convicted of an offence punishable under certain acts of Indian Penal Code,
Protection of Civil Rights Act 1955, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, Prevention of
Corruption Act 1988, Prevention of Terrorism Act 2002 etc. shall be disqualified, where the
convicted person is sentenced to — (i) only fine, for a period of six years from the date of such
conviction; (ii) imprisonment, from the date of such conviction and shall continue to be
disqualified for a further period of six years since his release.
 8 ( 2 ): A person convicted for the contravention of—(a) any law providing for the prevention of
hoarding or profiteering; or (b) any law relating to the adulteration of food or drugs; or (c) any
provisions of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.

 8 ( 3 ): A person convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two
years [other than any offence referred to in sub-section (1) or sub-section (2)] shall be
disqualified from the date of such conviction and shall continue to be disqualified for a further
period of six years since his release.
 A fourth subsection, i.e., 8 ( 4 ) was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013 (Lily Thomas
case). This subsection had provisions for convicted lawmakers to retain their seats if they filed an
appeal within 3 months of their conviction.
 In 2013, the Patna High Court also debarred persons in judicial or police custody from contesting
elections.

Office of Profit:

 The other disqualification criteria for an MP as laid down in Article 102 of the Constitution, and
for an MLA in Article 191 is holding an office of profit under government of India or state
government.
 If an aggrieved person wants to complain about the corrupt practices going on in any phase of
the election process then he can make a complaint to the Election Commission of India where
there is the office of Chief Election Commissioner.

Conflict of interest

 A person fighting elections must not hold any profiteering offices under the government or its
subsidaries. This can also be as a secretary, managing agent etc.

Failure to file election expenses:

 An individual is expected to file his election expenses with the Election Commission of India
within a certain period of time after his/her election, failing in which will result in his/her
disqualification.

Practicing social evils

 An individual practicing social evils like sati, dowry, untouchability or promoting enmity between
social or religious groups can be disqualified.

Remedies available against disqualification

Judicial petition: The person in question can file a petition in high court and subsequently in
Supreme court to challenge the verdict of disqualification.

Conclusion:

The next big election in India will be the precursor to just how a pandemic affects
electoral democracy. Comment.(250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The article presents a narration of effects of COVID-19 outbreak on the elections in the country.
Key demand of the question:
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 63
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

One has to analyse and examine in detail the possible effect that the Pandemic will have on the
electoral democracy of the country.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an
overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the background of the question by presenting some key facts.
Body:
To start with, highlight in what way the COVID-19 outbreak has put India’s electoral calendar on the
back burner. Explain in what way the recent national election in South Korea sets an example with
lessons to learn and that conduct of elections should not be completely written off in India either.
Discuss the effect on the electoral democracy. Highlight the possible challenges.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way ahead.
Introduction

The COVID-19 outbreak has put India’s electoral calendar on the back burner. Much of what passed
for standard political discourse just weeks ago now seems petty and beside the point, as the nation
faces an unprecedented challenge.

The absence of a vaccine or therapeutic intervention against the disease has necessitated a long
period of physical distancing and sanitary measures, all of which, say experts, will change the great
Indian poll circus forever.Digital campaigning may replace big rallies; handbills and pamphlets are
likely to return.

Body

Context of the debate

One of the defining characteristics of a democracy is that it holds regular, periodic elections. This
requirement was famously enshrined into the Article 21(3) of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights. The certainty of holding an election means that citizens are given the opportunity to remove
or extend the mandate for their representatives and leaders.
At the same time, there are occasions where a natural disaster, famine or epidemic may mean that
holding an election will potentially introduce considerable threats to human life. The problem has
been laid bare with the pandemic coronavirus disease (Covid-19). From citizens queuing to vote at
polling stations to public officials counting votes in crowded halls, elections have suddenly become
opportunities for the spread of the infectious disease, as much as democratic rituals.

Undermining effect on electoral democracy

 Turnout may decline, especially amongst groups more likely to be affected by the disease, and
this undermines principles of inclusivity and equality in the electoral process.
 The public debate may only focus on the current public health crisis, thereby preventing a wider
discussion about other important topics;
 An unscrupulous government may use emergency restrictions on rights to repress opposition
candidates or critical media and individuals, making elections held under emergency conditions
less free and less fair than they should be.

Changes that may transform election

 Digital campaigning: Much of the campaign would have to shift to the digital sphere. Without
mass vaccination, organizing big rallies would be a hazard. Leaders envision more digital
campaigning, and micro, man-to-man marking gaining ground.

 Eg: In USA, rallies, canvassing, and phone banks have been called off and replaced with
virtual town halls and online barnstorms.

 In a sign of the times, former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders
debated on Sunday in an empty studio, standing six feet apart.

 Polling: There is a need to devise technology to ensure that proximity is not a factor in polling.
Especially with a highly contagious disease without a vaccine on the scourging the planet.
 And for many voters, the situation has put politics in an entirely new light, raising the
stakes of the election.

 For many, it’s putting a new premium on competence in government, while

simultaneously clarifying the voting booth question: Which candidate has the right
qualities to lead through these uncertain times?

 Online Voting: New Zealand‘s Electoral Commission is considering extending existing

alternative voting arrangements, designed for voters unable to attend a polling station to vote in
person, to all voters for its general election scheduled for 19 September 2020.

 There may be a move towards linking Voter ID (EPIC), Aadhar and mobile phones to ensure
integrity of data and reduce duplication of voters in the electoral list.

 After the COVID-19 outbreak and the role of governments being assessed so closely, this trend
will completely overshadow identity politics.

Steps needed
An International IDEA Technical Paper makes recommendations for how policy-makers should
continue. There is no one-size-fits all answer for every scenario, but there are general principles that
should be applied. Inter-agency collaboration is essential and there should be:

 Careful consideration of staff and public safety, constitutional constraints and procedures, and
implications for democracy – inclusion, equality and accountability;
 Logistical considerations for alternative voting arrangements must be made.
 If proceeding with an election, processes for mitigating risks should be in place.
 If postponing an election, pathways for addressing the electoral issue at hand and stringent
guidelines for caretaker arrangements are needed.
 Public communication about the issues at stake, the reasons for the decision and the processes
in place to safeguard democracy.

Conclusion

The global spread of Covid-19 has already profoundly impacted the health and welfare of citizens
around the world. The decisions that policy-makers make about the holding of elections will have a
further profound effect, shaping the health of democracy in the future.

Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and

responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
CAG is instrumental in securing accountability of the executive to the Parliament in the
sphere of financial administration. Elaborate. Enumerate the provisions made in the
Constitution to ensure the independence of the CAG. (250 words)
Reference: Indian polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question is based on the functionality of CAG and provisions in the constitution related to it.
Key demand of the question:
Explain in what way CAG is instrumental in securing accountability of the executive to the Parliament
in the sphere of financial administration. And discuss the provisions associated with it in the
constitution.
Directive:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context.
You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated
facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the composition of CAG and its origin.
Body:
Start by highlighting how executive is accountable to the Parliament in a parliamentary democracy.
Then discuss how parliament enforces financial accountability upon executive with the help of PAC
and the role of CAG in it. Conclude by enumerating the constitutional provisions for ensuring
independence of the CAG.
Conclusion:
Reassert the significance of CAG in the Indian constitutional setup.
Introduction:
The Constitution of India provides for an independent office of the Comptroller and Auditor
General of India (CAG) in chapter V under Part V. The CAG is mentioned in the Constitution of India
under Article 148 – 151. He is the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department. He is
the guardian of the public purse and controls the entire financial system of the country at both the
levels- the centre and state. His duty is to uphold the Constitution of India and the laws of
Parliament in the field of financial administration.

Body:

CAG and financial administration:

 The existence and mandate of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India emanates from
Articles 148 to 151 of the Constitution. Article 149 stipulates the Duties and Powers of the
Comptroller and Auditor General.
 DPC Act, 1971 (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service Act) lays down the general principles
of Government accounting and the broad principles in regard to audit of receipts and
expenditure
 CAG audits the accounts related to all expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India,
Consolidated Fund of each state and UT having a legislative assembly.
 CAG audits all expenditure from the Contingency Fund of India and the Public Account of India as
well as the Contingency Fund and Public Account of each state.

 CAG audits all trading, manufacturing, profit and loss accounts, balance sheets and other
subsidiary accounts kept by any department of the Central Government and the state
governments.
 CAG audits the receipts and expenditure of all bodies and authorities substantially financed from
the Central or State revenues; government companies; other corporations and bodies, when so
required by related laws.
 He submits his audit reports relating to the accounts of the Centre and State to the President
and Governor, who shall, in turn, place them before both the houses of Parliament and the state
legislature respectively.
 He submits 3 audit reports to the President: audit report on appropriation accounts, audit report
on finance accounts and audit report on public undertakings.
 He ascertains and certifies the net proceeds of any tax or duty and his certificate is final on the
matter.
 He acts as a guide, friend and philosopher of the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament.
 The Public Accounts Committee examines public expenditure not only from legal and formal
point of view to discover technical irregularities but also from the point of view of economy,
prudence, wisdom and propriety to bring out the cases of waste, loss, corruption, extravagance,
inefficiency and nugatory expenses.
 CAG along with its mandatory regulatory and compliance audit performs the performance as
well as efficiency audit to question executive’s wisdom and economy in order to identify cases of
improper expenditure and waste of public money.

Constitutional provisions which ensure the independence of CAG are:

 CAG is provided with the security of tenure. He can be removed by the president only in
accordance with the procedure mentioned in the Constitution. Thus, he does not hold his office
till the pleasure of the president, though fie is appointed by him.

 He is not eligible for further office, either under the Government of India or of any state, after he
ceases to hold his office.
 His salary and other service conditions are determined by the Parliament. His salary is equal to
that of a judge of the Supreme Court.

 Neither his salary nor his rights in respect of leave of absence, pension or age of retirement can
be altered to his disadvantage after his appointment.

 The conditions of service of persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department and
the administrative powers of the CAG are prescribed by the president after consultation with the
CAG.

 The administrative expenses of the office of the CAG, including all salaries, allowances and
pensions of persons serving in that office are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India. Thus,
they are not subject to the vote of Parliament.

 Further, no minister can represent the CAG in Parliament (both Houses) and no minister can be
called upon to take any responsibility for any actions done by him.

 Appointment and Term to Constitutionals Posts:

 The CAG is appointed by the President of India by a warrant under his hand and seal.

 The CAG, before taking over his office, makes and subscribes before the president an oath
or affirmation: to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India; to uphold the
sovereignty and integrity of India; to duly and faithfully and to the best of his ability,
knowledge and judgement perform the duties of his office without fear or favour,
affection or ill-will; and to uphold the Constitution and the laws.

 He holds office for a period of six years or upto the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier

Conclusion:

CAG helps the parliament/state legislatures hold their respective governments accountable. He is
one of the bulwarks of the democratic system of government in India. It is for these reasons Dr. B R
Ambedkar said that the CAG shall be the most important Officer under the Constitution of India and
his duties are far more important than the duties of even the judiciary.

Give an account of the factors responsible for the limited success of Lok Adalats. What
measures are required to ensure that Lok Adalats function as an effective dispute
redressal mechanism?(250 words)
Reference: Indian polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question is based on the theme of Lok Adalats.
Key demand of the question:
One has to present the factors owing to which the Lok Adalats have famed to be a limited success
and suggest measures as to what needs to be done to address challenges associated that hinder its
functions.
Directive:
Account – Weigh up to what extent something is true. Persuade the reader of your argument by
citing relevant research but also remember to point out any flaws and counter- arguments as well.
Conclude by stating clearly how far you are in agreement with the original proposition.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain what Lok Adalats are; Lok Adalat is one of the alternative dispute redressal
mechanisms, it is a forum where disputes/cases pending in the court of law or at pre-litigation stage
are settled/ compromised amicably.
Body:
The question is very much straight forward; first explain the factors responsible for limited success of
Lok Adalats – Lok Adalats are not apposite for complex cases, Lack of Confidentiality, Diminished
Party Autonomy, Needs consent of both the parties etc. Suggest measures to improve functioning of
Lok Adalats – Establishing permanent and continuous Lok Adalats in all the Districts, Accreditation of
NGOs for Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness Campaign, Sensitization of Judicial officers in regard of
legal Services Scheme etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction:

Lok Adalat (People’s Court) is an innovative Indian contribution to the world of jurisprudence. The
introduction of Lok Adalats added a new chapter to the justice dispensation system of this country
and succeeded in providing a supplementary forum to the victims for a satisfactory settlement of
their disputes. This system is based on Gandhian principles. Article 39 A of the Constitution of India
provides for equal justice and free legal aid. It is, therefore clear that the State has been ordained to
secure a legal system, which promotes justice on the basis of equal opportunity.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 68
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

Body:

NALSA along with other Legal Services Institutions conducts Lok Adalats. Lok Adalat is one of
the alternative dispute redressal mechanisms, it is a forum where disputes/cases pending in the
court of law or at pre-litigation stage are settled/ compromised amicably. Lok Adalats have been
given statutory status under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. Under the said Act, the award
(decision) made by the Lok Adalats is deemed to be a decree of a civil court and is final and binding
on all parties and no appeal against such an award lies before any court of law. If the parties are not
satisfied with the award of the Lok Adalat though there is no provision for an appeal against such an
award, but they are free to initiate litigation by approaching the court of appropriate jurisdiction by
filing a case by following the required procedure, in exercise of their right to litigate.

The objective of Lok Adalat is to settle the disputes which are pending before the courts, by
negotiations, conciliation and by adopting persuasive common sense and human approach to the
problems of the disputants.

Significance of Lok Adalats:

 There is no court fee and even if the case is already filed in the regular court, the fee paid will be
refunded if the dispute is settled at the Lok Adalat.
 There is no strict application of the procedural laws and the Evidence Act while assessing the
merits of the claim by the Lok Adalat. The parties to the disputes though represented by their
advocate can interact with the Lok Adalat judge directly and explain their stand in the dispute
and the reasons therefore, which is not possible in a regular court of law.
 Disputes can be brought before the Lok Adalat directly instead of going to a regular court first
and then to the Lok Adalat.
 The decision of the Lok Adalat is binding on the parties to the dispute and its order is capable of
execution through legal process. No appeal lies against the order of the Lok Adalat whereas in
the regular law courts there is always a scope to appeal to the higher forum on the decision of
the trial court, which causes delay in the settlement of the dispute finally.
 The reason being that in a regular court, decision is that of the court but in Lok Adalat it is
mutual settlement and hence no case for appeal will arise. In every respect the scheme of Lok
Adalat is a boon to the litigant public, where they can get their disputes settled fast and free of
cost.
 Last but not the least, faster and inexpensive remedy with legal status.

Factors responsible for the limited success of Lok Adalats:

 In various parts of the country political groups have established rival courts that challenge both
the legitimacy and efficacy of the official courts.
 In the state of Bihar, for example, the Maoist Communist Centre, a group of militant
revolutionaries, have established their own courts (Jan Adalats) in several rural sectors of the
state.
 In Andhra Pradesh another revolutionary group known as the Naxalites also has set up their own
“People’s Court”.
 The courts function often in a brutal manner, lacking any sort of due process and levying
punishments ranging from hefty fines to public floggings to the serving of limbs to beheadings
 The judges neither are without training in the law nor are they paid for their services. The police
frequently work in tandem with the judges.
 Sparse records are kept of the cases, and judgments are delivered orally and not kept in writing.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 69
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

 Litigants typically do not have representation and most decisions are rendered in a single sitting,
with no provision for appeal and little choice but to follow the “court’s” order.
 In many parts of India, local strongmen (dadas) sit as settlers’ disputes among rich people.
 In some places, senior police officers may be arbiters of disputes. The vernacular press refers too
many of these phenomena as panchayats (pejoratively).
 A master plan for judicial care cannot succeed without sufficient financial resource. An annual
amount of Rs.6 crore is being allocated to NALSA for the execution of its policies.
 Lack of awareness is the main impendent in effective ‘legal aid’.
 The major obstacle to the legal aid movement in India is the lack of legal awareness. People are
still not aware of their basic rights due to which the legal aid movement has not achieved its goal
yet. It is absence of legal awareness which leads to exploitation and deprivation of rights and
benefits of the poor.

Measures required to ensure that Lok Adalats function as an effective dispute redressal
mechanism:

 Though the execution of the legal aid programme has been yielding favorable results but much
more is needed to be reformed
 Using the various forms of ADRs like Arbitration, conciliation, Negotiation and Mediation in the
settling of disputes especially those involving matrimonial problems can prove to be an effective
legal aid tool providing quick and inexpensive justice to the masses.
 Substantial allocation of financial resources should be made at Revised Estimate stage to make
the functioning of NALSA more effective.
 Free legal aid must not be read to imply poor or inferior legal services. The lawyers in the panel
should be experienced. The law ministry should ensure the senior lawyers do at least ten cases a
year free of charge in the Courts.
 Efforts should be made to inform the public of the existence of these services by using electronic
media and aggressive campaigns.
 Awareness of schemes and programs to be able to guide the poor litigants in this regard

Conclusion:

Lok Adalat has a positive contributory role in the administration of justice. It supplements the efforts
and work of the courts. Area of contribution chosen for the purpose specially concerns and helps the
common man, the poor, backward and the needy-most sections of the society. Lok Adalats play a
very important role to advance and strengthen “equal access to justice”, the heart of the
Constitution of India, a reality. This Indian contribution to world ADR jurisprudence needs to be
taken full advantage of. Maximum number of Lok Adalats need to be organized to achieve the
Gandhian Principle of Gram Swaraj and “access to justice for all”.

The position of a Speaker is not apolitical in Indian constitution and is embedded in

party politics. Critically analyse the statement in the backdrop of issues witnessed with
this post in the recent times.(250 words)
Reference: Indian polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question is based on the relevance and importance of position of Speaker I the Indian
constitutional setup.
Key demand of the question:

Explain in what way the position of a Speaker is not apolitical in Indian constitution and is embedded
in party politics.one must discuss it with suitable case studies from recent times.
Directive:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or
nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the
topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly start with the Speaker’s power and role in Indian polity. Highlight with articles from the
constitution defining it.
Body:
To start with, explain how speaker could become partisan under current structure with examples and
apex court’s verdicts. Present points that justify Speaker being not an apolitical entity. Explain –
position of Speaker being an impartial entity. Highlight measures already taken for bringing in
impartiality.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction:

Body:

Importance of office of Speaker:

 The office of the Speaker occupies a pivotal position in our parliamentary democracy.
 It has been said of the office of the Speaker that while the members of Parliament represent the
individual constituencies, the Speaker represents the full authority of the House itself.
 She symbolises the dignity and power of the House over which she is presiding.
 The responsibility entrusted to the Speaker is so onerous that she cannot afford to overlook any
aspect of parliamentary life.
 Her actions come under close scrutiny in the House and are also widely reported in the mass
media.
 With the televising of proceedings of Parliament, the small screen brings to millions of
households in the country the day-to-day developments in the House making the Speaker’s task
all the more important.
 Even though the Speaker speaks rarely in the House, when she does, she speaks for the House
as a whole.
 The Speaker is looked upon as the true guardian of the traditions of parliamentary democracy.
 Her unique position is illustrated by the fact that she is placed very high in the Warrant of
Precedence in our country, standing next only to the President, the Vice-President and the
Prime Minister.
 In India, through the Constitution of the land, through the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of
Business in Lok Sabha and through the practices and conventions, adequate powers are vested

in the office of the Speaker to help her in the smooth conduct of the parliamentary proceedings
and for protecting the independence and impartiality of the office.
 The Constitution of India provides that the Speaker’s salary and allowances are not to be voted
by Parliament and are to be charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
 Therefore, it is expected that the holder of this office of high dignity has to be one who can
represent the House in all its manifestations.

However, there have been many instances when the Speaker’s office has been in the dock:

Measures needed:

 Any Speaker should be barred from future political office, except for the post of President, while
being given a pension for life.
 Following the UK model of Speaker where the Speaker elect compulsorily resigns from the party
membership. This will ensure neutrality of the office.
 The Speaker should be allowed to recommend a range of disciplinary actions like cuts in salary,
reduction in speaking time for the member based on the recommendation of the parliamentary
committee.
 The Speaker can arrange informal sessions with the members who frequently disrupt the house.
He can try to resolve their grievances if any with respect to the conduct of the house.
 A code of ethics for MPs must be formed to clearly define cases for suspension and dismissals.
 Power must be given to speaker to form a parliamentary committee to recommend removal of
MPs regularly disrupting the house. The decision of the committee must be subject to judicial
review.
 Ethics committee of Lok Sabha need to be given more mandate like other mature democracies

Conclusion:

The founding fathers of our Constitution had recognised the importance of this office in our
democratic set-up and it was this recognition that guided them in establishing this office as one of
the prominent and dignified ones in the scheme of governance of the country smoothly.

Write a short note on Quasi-judicial bodies of India .(250 words)

Reference: Indian polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question is straightforward and is based on the concept of quasi –judicial bodies in India.
Key demand of the question:
Explain what quasi –judicial bodies in India are, their relevance, roles and responsibilities in detail.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly define quasi-judicial bodies.
Body:
A quasi-judicial body can be an individual or body with powers resembling a court of law.
They can adjudicate and decide penalties on the guilty.
They are different from judicial bodies in that their field is limited compared to a court.
They can be formed on a matter pending in court, by a court order if the court considers it necessary;
the court reserves the right to appoint members of such a body.
They can be tribunals for a specific domain, or like an arbitrator
Give Examples of quasi-judicial bodies such as – National Human Rights Commission, National
Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Competition Commission of India, Income Tax Appellate
Tribunal, Appellate Tribunal for Electricity, Railway Claims Tribunal, Intellectual Property Appellate
Tribunal, Banking Ombudsman, etc. Bring out their importance.
Conclusion:
Conclude with their significance in the Indian polity.
Introduction:

Quasi-judicial bodies are an entity such as an arbitrator or a tribunal, generally of a Public

Administrative Agency, which has powers and procedures resembling that of a Court of Law or
Judge, and which is obliged to objectively determine facts and draw conclusions from them so as to
provide the basis of an official action. Such actions are able to remedy a situation or to impose legal
penalties, and may affect the legal rights, duties or privileges of specific parties.

Body:

Some examples of Quasi-Judicial Bodies in India are as follows

 Election Commission of India.

 National Green Tribunal.
 Central Information Commission (CIC)
 Income Tax Appellate Tribunal.
 Lok Adalat.

Reasons for Emergence of Quasi-Judicial Bodies in India:

 As the State grew in size and functions, the burden on its functions, especially those of the
judicial system increased manifold. Therefore, the need for an alternative judicial system arose.
 The cost factor also played an important role because ordinary judicial procedures can turn out
to be a costly affair if stretched over a long period of time.
 The complexity of a plethora of laws called for more technical minds in specific fields.
 The conventional judiciary is suffering with procedural rigidity, which delays the justice.

Pros:

 Low Cost: Tribunals on the other hand, have an overall low cost which encourages people to
seek redressal for their grievances.
 Simplicity: Tribunals and other such bodies do not follow any lengthy or complex procedure for
submitting application or evidence etc.
 Expert Knowledge: A tribunal comprises of experts, who can easily understand the technicalities
of a case, the necessary actions involved and their consequences.
 Reduction of Workload: Tribunals while taking up specific matters, majorly help by sharing the
massive workload of the Judiciary. In a country which has 2.81 crore pending cases, it is
important to take steps to decrease the burden of the Judiciary.
 Flexibility: since there is little use made of precedent.

Cons:

 There is an unfair imbalance between represented and unrepresented parties. It is unfair to

people who are not represented and cannot get legal aid to come up against a rich corporation.
Since richer parties are allowed to employ skilled representation they are consequently more
likely to win.
 The no-costs rule and lack of legal aid penalize poor litigants, although they do keep costs down.
 The lack of fees encourages poor applicants, although it may also result in ill-founded claims.
 Tribunals can become complex over time – as did the courts – rules of procedure grow up
caused by the use of representatives who as a result make representation desirable in future.
 They may lack some of the perceived independence of the judiciary
 It can still be difficult for the people who go to tribunals to represent themselves because of the
inherent difficulty in presenting a case in any environment.

 It undermines the celebrated principle of separation of powers.

Way forward:

 It should be manned by plural members rather than single individual

 They should be appointed by judicious process.
 Members should be from both the technical background and legal one.
 SC recommendations: The chairman should be appointed by President from sitting or retired
judge of a High Court in consultation with CJI or committee headed by CJI.
 Vice-chairman should be a judge of district court or an advocate who is eligible to become a
judge of HC.
 Removal should be more stringent.

Conclusion:

Government needs to address this issue by enabling sufficient number of appointments at various
Quasi-Judicial Bodies. However, as a fool proof appointment mechanism plays a crucial role in
ensuring quality, the Government is duty bound to provide for the same. Only then can India’s
Quasi-Judicial Bodies expedite not only the resolution of disputes but also dispensation of justice.

Highlight the powers and functions of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Also,
discuss the issues regarding the independence and impartiality of the ECI. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question is straightforward and is based on the topic of ECI and related issues.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the powers and functions of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and discuss the issues
regarding the independence and impartiality of it.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Give a brief introduction about Election Commission of India (ECI).
Body:
The Election Commission is a permanent and an independent body established by the Constitution of
India directly to ensure free and fair elections. Highlight its administrative, advisory and quasi-judicial
powers and functions; administrative, advisory and quasi-judicial. State the provisions regarding the
Commission’s independence and discuss various issues surrounding it such as – appointments,
security of tenure, appointment post retirement, with respect to financial autonomy etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude that in light of these issues, it is essential to impart requisite institutional protection and
independence so that public faith in the EC is strengthened. This bolsters the case for the removal of
any political bias in the appointment of the CEC and ECs and the same should be channeled in a
manner ensuring adequate participation of all the relevant stakeholders
Introduction:

The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for

administering election processes in India. The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya
Sabha, state legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice President in the country. The

Election Commission operates under the authority of Constitution per Article 324, and subsequently
enacted Representation of the People Act. It was established on January 25, 1950.

Body:

The powers of ECI:

 Power to Superintendent, Direct and Control:

 The Election Commission has got the power to conduct electoral rolls for all the elections
of Parliament, State Legislature, Offices of President and Vice President.

 The Election Commission has the power of Superintendence, Direction and control over
the preparation of the electoral rolls.

 Power to Order Re-Poll:

 Article 324 confers on the Election Commission not only the power to conduct elections
but also the power to order a fresh poll.

 The order for re-poll may be given if there is hooliganism, breakdown of law and order at
the time of polling or during counting of votes.

 Power to Allot Symbols:

 The Election Commission is empowered by the rule 5(1) of the rules made by the Central
Government under Representation of People’s Act, 1951 to specify the symbols to the
candidates for elections.

 The Symbols Order, 1968 has also been issued by the Election Commission read with the
above mentioned rules.

 Power to Postpone the Elections:

 In the case Digvijay Mote v. Union of India the Supreme Court has ruled that if there is any
kind of disturbing situations going on in a state or in any part of the state which is
preventing the conduction of free and fair elections, then the Election Commission has got
the power to postpone the elections.

 Power to Seek Information Regarding Election Expenses:

 In the case Registered Society v. UOI, the question regarding the “election expenses”
incurred by the political parties during the time of elections was brought before the court.

 The Court ruled that the purity of election is fundamental to democracy and therefore the
Election Commission has got the power to issues such directions requiring the political
parties to submit to the Election Commission, for its scrutiny, the details of the
expenditure incurred during elections.

 Decriminalization of Politics:

 Election Commission is seriously concerned about the existing criminalization in politics. In

order to curb the criminal activities in politics it has taken variety of initiatives which are
as follows;

 Model Code of Conduct:

 Election Commission in every election prescribes the model code of conduct for both
political parties and the candidates which deals with the manner in which the political
parties and the candidates should conduct themselves during elections in order to push
forward free and fair elections.

 Limiting The Poll Expense:

 India has already experienced many elections where there has been vulgar show of money
during elections.

 In order to get rid of such activities, the Election Commission has issued limit on the
amount that can be spent by a candidate during the election campaign.
 Election Commission also appoints expenditure observers to keep an eye on the expenses
incurred by the candidates during election campaign.

Functions of ECI include:

 Primary Functions:

 The primary function of the Election Commission which is entrusted by the Constitution
is superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for and
conduct of the elections to Parliament and to the legislature of every state and also of
the elections to the offices of the President and Vice President of India.

 Other primary functions of Election Commission include demarcation of constituencies,

preparation of electoral rolls, arranging sufficient staff for smoothly conducting the
elections, conduction of polls, briefings the details of elections to media

 Advisory function:

 The Election Commission has got an important duty of advising the President and the
Governor in the matter of disqualification of sitting members of Parliament, State
Legislature on all grounds other than the ground of defection. (Art 103 and 192).
 The Election Commission has been vested with advisory jurisdiction under the law. If a
person is found guilty of corrupt practise at election which comes before High Court in
Election petition is before Supreme Court in election appeal, the President decides the
question whether such persons should be disqualified from contesting future elections
and, if so, for what period.

 Quasi-Judicial Functions:

 All political parties wishing to contest in the elections must register themselves with the
Election Commission. Such function of registration of political parties by the Election
Commission has been held by the Supreme Court as quasi-judicial function of the
commission.

 The Supreme Court also held that in merger disputes between two political parties, the
Election Commission exercises the judicial power of state and against whose decision an
appeal shall straight away lie to Supreme Court under appellate jurisdiction under Art.
136.

ECI currently faces some challenges which are seen as its limitations:
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 77
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

 Model code of conduct:

 The lack of statutory backing of MCC makes it difficult to be implemented in its true letter
and spirit.
 MCC has become increasingly more difficult in recent times due to evolution of new
mediums of communications and innovative and overzealous campaigning.
 Social media is an evolving platform. It provides an intimate, immediate and democratic
space for information dissemination and interaction. The scale and depth of this platform
is so vast that it is practically impossible to oversight and regulates it in a liberal
democracy like India.
 Lack of Autonomy:
 According to the Supreme Court of India, The Election Commission has to act in
conformity with the law (representatives of People’s Act) made by Parliament and it
cannot transgress the same.
 The election process of Chief election commission is not interference proof. The
expenditure incurred by it is not charged on consolidated fund of India.
 It doesn’t even has a separate dedicated staff for conducting election process and has to
be dependent on various government departments for roping in personnel.
 Decreasing credibility:
 Many political parties challenged the tampering with the EVMs which led to victory of a
particular party.
 Frequent use of money power and muscle power is being viewed as rude shock to fairness
of election pr
 Insufficient Plenary powers:
 The EC can only disqualify a candidate if the money expenditure is no shown in his
accounts. Other than that use of illicit money and black money tackling is outside the
purview of EC.
 However, it has recommended the govt. to amend RPA and make it an offence. It has also
suggested to include new clause 58 (B) to empower itself to cancel poll in case of muscle
power use.
 Structural issues:
 The Constitution has not prescribed the qualifications (legal, educational, administrative
or judicial) of the members of the Election Commission.
 The Constitution has not debarred the retiring election commissioners from any further
appointment by the government.
 The tenure of Election commissioner not fixed hence not safe and independent of
government’s intervention.

Way forward:

 ECI has taken stringent measures to overcome many of the challenges like VVPAT, open
challenge to hack the EVM, multi- stakeholder involvement of social media companies to
regulate the Social media during MCC, cVIGIL to involve people also in MCC activities etc.
 However, there needs to be some positive action from the side of the Government too to
incorporate changes.
 Further, full usage of the powers of EC is the need of the hour to ensure MCC is followed in true
letter and spirit.
 Technology has been a savior for ECI over a period of time. Innovative usage of the social media
and apps like cVIGIL can be leveraged to make elections free and fair.

Conclusion:

ECI has transformed itself into an institution which is trusted by Indian people. Its various
recommendations and moves to keep up with the challenges of the times have strengthened the
elections process. Its neutrality, efficiency and work ethic are well established now. Robustness of
our election results, peaceful transition of power and people’s faith in the EC stand testimony to all
its virtues. It certainly is the dark knight of our democracy.

Are tribunals a panacea for judicial efficiency? Does tribunalisation of justice undermine
the principles set in our constitution? Examine. (250 words)
Reference: Legal Services India
Indian polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question is based on the concept of Tribunals and there contribution in justice delivery.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the contributions of tribunal in justice delivery and the challenges associated with them.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it,
investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so
we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly mention the concept of tribunals.
Body:
To start with, The original constitution did not contain provisions with respect to tribunals. However,
the 42nd amendment Act, 1976 added a new part XIV A to the constitution. The Administrative
tribunals are formed under the Article 323A of the Indian Constitution. However, tribunals for other
matters are formed under the Article 323B of the Indian Constitution. Then discuss whether tribunals
promote judicial efficiency. Present both sides of the argument. Later, analyze as to how
tribunalisation of justice undermine ideas/principles set out in our constitution.
Conclusion:
Conclude that despite such challenges, tribunals are an excellent instrument of speedy dispute
resolution and have become agents of good governance. In the interest of better justice delivery, the
institutions like tribunals cannot be dispensed with altogether.
Introduction:

Tribunal means a set or a bench upon which judge or judges sit and decide controversies between
the parties and exercises judicial powers as distinguished from purely administrative functions. It is
a quasi-judicial institution that is set up to deal with problems such as resolving administrative or
tax-related disputes. It performs a number of functions like adjudicating disputes, determining
rights between contesting parties, making an administrative decision, reviewing an existing
administrative decision and so forth. Part XIV-A which consist of two Articles 323A and 323B deals
with these Tribunals. The Industrial Tribunals, Railway Rates Tribunal, Companies Tribunals, Central
Administrative Tribunals, Election Tribunals etc, are the examples of Tribunals in India.

Body:

Tribunals and judicial efficiency:

 Flexibility:

 Rigid procedures and evidence ordeals of courts are not followed, rather it goes by the
principle of natural justice.

 Less Expensive:

 Administrative justice ensures cheap and quick justice.

 Its procedures are simple and can be easily understood by a layman.

 Relief to Courts:

 The tribunals perform an important and specialised role in justice mechanism. They take a
load off the already overburdened courts. They hear disputes related to the environment,
armed forces, tax and administrative issues.

 Reduce pendency:

 To overcome the situation that arose due to the pendency of cases in various Courts,
domestic tribunals and other Tribunals have been established under different Statutes,
hereinafter referred to as the Tribunals.

 Efficiency:

 The Tribunals were set up to reduce the workload of courts, to expedite decisions and to
provide a forum which would be manned by lawyers and experts in the areas falling under
the jurisdiction of the Tribunal.

 Adequate Justice:

 In the fast changing world of today, administrative tribunals are the most appropriated
means of administrative action, and also the most effective means of giving fair justice to
the individuals.

 Lawyers, who are more concerned about aspects of law, find it difficult to adequately
assess the needs of the modern welfare society

Tribunalization at times leads to undermining of constitutional principles:

 Administrative adjudication is a negation of Rule of Law.

 Administrative tribunals, with their separate laws and procedures often made by themselves,
puts a serious limitation upon the principles of Rule of Law.
 Most of the tribunals do not enjoy the same amount of independence of the Executive as do the
Courts and the judges.
 The civil and criminal courts have a uniform pattern of administering justice. A uniform code of
procedure in administrative adjudication is not there.
 Administrative tribunals are manned by administrators and technical heads who may not have
the background of law or training of judicial work.
 At times they adopt summary procedures to deal with cases coming before them
 Functioning of tribunals suffer from lack of autonomy especially in terms of appointment and
funding.
 In Chandra kumar case, SC held that the appeals to such tribunals lies before the court and
hence defeats the whole purpose of reducing burden of the superior courts.

 Since the tribunals are mainly chaired by the retired judges who are appointed by the
government, so the present judges in courts may favour government in certain matter to gain
political patronage in appointment to such tribunals after retirement.
 Lack of adequate infrastructure to work smoothly and perform the functions originally
envisioned for them.
 There is a lack of understanding of the staffing requirements in tribunals.

Way forward:

 In the interest of better justice delivery, their traditional structures and methods of functioning
can be reformed.
 In the interest of maintaining the rule of law in society and to preserve individual freedom, that
there should be some kind of judicial control over these tribunals.
 Increasing the number of judges, filling the existing vacancy, use of technology to bring
efficiency in administration of justice.
 Tribunals themselves are better positioned to gauge their own administrative requirements.
Therefore, providing power to tribunals to create or sanction posts

Conclusion:

The Tribunals plays an important role and part in the sphere of the adjudication of disputes.
Tribunals function differently from courts, from the manner of appointment to the procedure
followed. The Tribunals do not have to follow any uniform procedure as laid down under the Civil
Procedure Code and under the Indian Evidence Act but they have to follow the principles of Natural
Justice. But still they seek to achieve the same objective as that of the courts i.e. – To impart and
deliver Justice.

Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

“A planning institution must be a systems crusader and a force of persuasion, not just a
authority centre”, analyse the statement with reference to the role being played by NITI
Aayog in the current times.(250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The article analyses critically the role played by the planning body – NITI Aayog amidst the corona
crisis.
Key demand of the question:
Explain in what way A planning institution must be a systems reformer and a force of persuasion, not
just a control centre.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the
topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly narrate the situation in question alongside the efforts being made by the NITI Aayog.
Body:
To start with, explain what are the ideal roles and responsibilities that a national planning body must
render to its country. Highlight the fundamental issues a national plan must address- such as the
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 81
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

condition of the environment, the shape of the economy, and pace of human development, need
consistent action over decades. Discuss in brief the role of NITI Aayog, bring out the lacunae. Suggest
measures to address the challenges before it.
Conclusion:
Conclude that democratic governance is the need of the hour and the planning body must become a
systems reformer and a force of persuasion and not just a control centre.
Introduction:

The world, including India has been facing the menace of COVID-19 lately. The attack by the SARS-
CoV-2 virus has once again highlighted the bad shape of the Indian economy and the precariousness
in the lives of millions of people. National planning, whether it is Planning Commission or NITI Aayog,
has failed to produce all-round development of India’s economy so far. Any planning institution in a
federal and democratic system faces two basic challenges— a constitutional challenge, and the
challenge of Competence.

Body:

Constitutional challenges:

 Short-termism in policymaking is a weakness of electoral democracies everywhere.

 The fundamental issues a national plan must address the need to consistent action over
decades. Because governments that change in shorter spans in electoral democracies.
 Moreover, if the planning body does not have constitutional status independent from that of the
government, it will be forced to bend to the will of the latter. Planning in China does not face
this disruption.
 A fundamental principle of democratic governance is that the power to allocate public money
must be supervised by elected representatives.
 Therefore, a planning body that allocates money must be backed by a constitutional charter, and
also accountable to Parliament.
 India’s national planning process must address the constitutional relationship between the
Centre and the States.
 Constitutionally established Finance Commissions determine the sharing of centrally raised
resources with the States.
 The role of a national planning commission or NITI Aayog is thus under question.

Competency challenges:

 A national planning institution must guide all-round progress. It must assist in achieving not just
faster GDP growth, but also more socially inclusive, and more environmentally sustainable
growth.
 For this, it needs a good model in which societal and environmental forces are within the model.
 An economy is a complex system, in which all the parts are connected, is that the system cannot
be healthy if any part becomes very sick.
 Therefore, a healthy global system must help its weaker members to become stronger.
 Another feature of complex systems with many interacting forces is that the forces combine in
unique ways in different parts of the system.
 For example, the conditions of livelihoods, the natural environment, and infrastructure, combine
in different ways in different localities and States. Therefore, systems solutions must be local
too.

Measures needed:

 Address the constitutional relationship between the Centre and the States.
 Going by the fundamental principle of democratic governance that provides for supervision by
elected representatives with regard to planning institutions who have the power to allocate
public money.
 A planning body that allocates money must be backed by a constitutional charter, and also it
should be accountable to Parliament.

Conclusion:

The planning system of the country needs introspection to deal with the structural and functional
problems it faces. A robust planning system centered on local problems backed by local solutions is
the need of the hour and essential in future too; to deal with the larger problems and challenges of
the country.

Present the role played by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) amidst the ever-
increasing role of soft power across the world.(250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) celebrates its foundation day on 9th of April. The
article presents a brief upon it.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the role being played by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) while asserting the
significance of soft power in the current world.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the coming of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) into existence. The ICCR is an
autonomous organisation of the Government of India involved in India’s external cultural relations,
through cultural exchanges with other countries and their peoples. It was founded in 1950 by
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, independent India’s first Education Minister.
Body:
To start with, highlight the role of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The ICCR was
established when there was neither the concept of soft power nor was the term in use. Naturally
then, the activities were limited in terms of their number and their diverse character as well. Majorly,
it was about scholarships to foreign students, cultural exchanges involving artistes and youths as also
establishing some chairs in some universities, etc. Now, in a world where every nation wants to
influence and occupy the mind space of the global community and thereby add to its prowess, the
ICCR has a major role to play. Owing to the limitations of military might which are more obvious, the
importance of soft power is increasing.
Conclusion:
Conclude that the ICCR is an autonomous organisation of the Government of India involved in India’s
external cultural relations, through cultural exchanges with other countries and their peoples, thus is
pivotal in tendering India’s soft power diplomacy.
Introduction:

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), is an autonomous organization of the Government
of India, involved in India’s external cultural relations, through cultural exchange with other
countries and their peoples. ICCR was founded in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, independent
India’s first Education Minister. ICCR observed its 70th foundation day on 9th April 2020.

Body:

Objectives of ICCR:

 To actively participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes

pertaining to India’s external cultural relations.
 To foster and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other
countries.
 To promote cultural exchanges with other countries and people, and to develop relations with
nations.

Role played by ICCR in India’s soft power promotion:

 The Council addresses its mandate of cultural diplomacy through a broad range of activities.
 In addition to organising cultural festivals in India and overseas, the ICCR financially supports a
number of cultural institutions across India, and sponsors individual performers in dance, music,
photography, theatre, and the visual arts.
 It also administers the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding, established by
the Government of India in 1965, whose last award was in 2009.
 Administering of scholarship schemes for overseas; Grant of scholarships to foreign students to
learn Indian dance and music, Exchange of Exhibitions,
 Organizing of and participation in international conferences and seminars,
 Participating in major cultural festivals abroad, Organizing ‘Festivals of India’ abroad; Exchange
of groups of performing artistes,
 Maintain Distinguished Visitors Programme, under which eminent personalities from abroad are
invited to India and Indian experts are sent abroad to deliver lectures on issues of mutual
interest,
 Establish and maintain Chairs for Indian Studies in Universities abroad;
 Maintenance of Indian Cultural Centres abroad,
 Maintenance of a well-stocked library and the old Manuscripts; Awarding of Library Fellowships,
Digitization of rare manuscripts,
 Presentation of books, audio-visual material, art objects and musical instruments to institutions
abroad, and
 Execute MEA’s projects and administer scholarships of behalf of MEA and Ministry of Ayush.
 ICCR has its Culture Centres active in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal
and Sri Lanka through which it executes cultural activities with these countries.
 India has signed Cultural Exchange Programmes (CEPs) with Bangladesh, China, Maldives and
Myanmar.
 Under the CEPs both the countries have to jointly share the cost for activities related to culture
promotion. In case of the neighbouring countries, ICCR has extended additional assistance in
terms of providing local hospitality for outgoing cultural groups to these countries.

CCR has instituted several awards, which are conferred upon the foreign nationals for their
contributions in different fields, under its mandate of promoting India’s cultural relations. Such
awards include:

 Distinguished Indologist Award– The annual “ICCR Distinguished Indologist Award” was
instituted in 2015 during the First World Indology Conference hosted in India. Award is
conferred upon a foreign scholar for his contribution in study, teaching and research in any of
the fields of Indian Studies.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 84
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

 World Sanskrit Award- The institution of annual “World Sanskrit Award” was announced during
the 16th World Sanskrit Conference held in Bangkok in June 2015 recognizing the contribution of
foreign scholars in promoting Sanskrit studies.
 Distinguished Alumni Award – Citation and Plaque: Recognizing the achievements of foreign
students who studied in India. It was instituted in 2015.
 Gisela Bonn Award – Annual Gisela Bonn Award was instituted by ICCR in 1996 in the name of
famous German journalist, writer, environmental activist and Indologist, Giesela Bonn, to
honour her services to bolster Indo-German relations.

Conclusion:

The ICCR runs 36 cultural centres across the globe and its emphasis is on making India a hub of
higher education. Classical dance, music or Hindi and Sanskrit language classes are continuing at
most of ICCR centres via skype and other applications without hindrance. ICCR, which is the only soft
power institution of the country which plans to focus more on areas that have so far largely
remained “neglected” like Indian literature, Indian artisans and also Ayurveda.

Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and

issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Write a short note on Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
Congress leaders on Monday questioned the setting up of the PM CARES Fund to deal with the
COVID-19 pandemic by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the Prime Minister’s National Relief
Fund (PMNRF) is already in existence. Thus the context of the question.
Key demand of the question:
Write a short note on Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF); explain the scheme, its utility
and limitations if any.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly highlight the significance of Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) in short.
Body:
Explain what is PMNRF? When was it setup?
In pursuance of an appeal by the then Prime Minister, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru in January, 1948, the
Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) was established with public contributions to assist
displaced persons from Pakistan. The resources of the PMNRF are now utilized primarily to render
immediate relief to families of those killed in natural calamities like floods, cyclones and earthquakes,
etc. and to the victims of the major accidents and riots. Assistance from PMNRF is also rendered, to
partially defray the expenses for medical treatment like heart surgeries, kidney transplantation,
cancer treatment, etc.
Discuss the key features of it.
Present the limitations if any.
Conclusion:
Conclude with its importance.
Introduction:

The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) was established with public contributions to
assist displaced persons from Pakistan. This was in pursuance of an appeal by the then Prime
Minister, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru in January, 1948. PMNRF accepts only voluntary donations by
individuals and institutions. The government has recently set up the Prime Minister’s Citizen
Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM-CARES Fund) to deal with any kind of
emergency or distress situation like posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Body:

Objectives:

 The resources of the PMNRF are now utilized primarily to render immediate relief to families of
those killed in natural calamities like floods, cyclones and earthquakes, etc. and to the victims of
the major accidents and riots.
 Assistance from PMNRF is also rendered, to partially defray the expenses for medical treatment
like heart surgeries, kidney transplantation, cancer treatment and acid attack etc.
 The fund consists entirely of public contributions and does not get any budgetary support.
 The corpus of the fund is invested in various forms with scheduled commercial banks and other
agencies.

Functioning:

 Disbursements are made with the approval of the Prime Minister.

 PMNRF has not been constituted by the Parliament.
 The fund is recognized as a Trust under the Income Tax Act and the same is managed by Prime
Minister or multiple delegates for national causes.
 PMNRF operates from the Prime Minister’s Office.
 PMNRF is exempt under Income Tax Act, 1961 under Section 10 and 139 for return purposes.
 Contributions towards PMNRF are notified for 100% deduction from taxable income under
section 80(G) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
 Prime Minister is the Chairman of PMNRF and is assisted by Officers/ Staff on honorary basis.

Few instances where PMNRF was used:

 Crores of rupees for rehabilitating victims of the Cyclone Aila in 2009 in Odisha and West Bengal.
 In addition, an amount of Rs 60 crore was also disbursed in 2012. This was the year when deadly
floods ravaged the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand.
 In 2014, when Kashmir was devastated by floods, Rs 258 crore was sanctioned from PMNRF.
 Compensation has also been paid to victims of various mishaps.
 From bus accidents in Nepal, victims of stampedes in Kumbh, riot victims in Muzaffarnagar, burn
victims in Sivakasi cracker factory explosions to families of security personnel massacred by
Naxals in Chhattisgarh.
 PMNRF has been there in times of need with whatever it could conjure at the time.

Shortcomings of PMNRF:

 The fund that was primarily meant to tackle emergency situations has now become an
investment vehicle instead of fulfilling its primary objective of keeping a war chest ready for
situations like the one currently being faced by India.

 In 2018-19, it received voluntary contributions from companies and individuals amounting to Rs

534 crore – two thirds of its total receipts.
 Its present corpus of Rs 3,800 crore is grossly insufficient to meet the massive financial
implications of tackling an emergency situation like the Coronavirus pandemic which has spread
its tentacles with vicious speed across India.
 After a record-breaking collection of Rs 926 crore in 2004-05, donations dwindled to a trickle in
subsequent years.
 From 2009-10 to 2012-13, the first four years of Manmohan Singh’s second stint as PM,
contributions received by PMNRF was a measly Rs 106 crore.
 The vetting of PMNRF’s account has been done by third party auditors till date.

Conclusion:

Regardless of its inadequacy to meet the Coronavirus pandemic, PMNRF’s role in mitigating the
impact of disasters and rebuilding human lives in the past has been invaluable. It receives thousands
of requests every year for medical help from citizens. While not everyone is obliged with help,
PMNRF has over the years consistently funded the medical treatment of those in need. While the
modalities and operational framework of PM CARES are yet unknown, PMNRF over the years has not
been allowed to be audited by Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.

List down the key features of National Security Act? What are the Criticisms and
concerns over its misuse, comment on the need for its review.(250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
Recently, many state governments have invoked the National Security Act (NSA) to detain people on
doubtful offenses. The Act has stringent provisions against the arrested. The Usage of NSA by States
is being seen as the misuse of these provisions. Thus the question.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the key features of National Security Act and elucidate upon the criticisms and concerns over
its misuse, comment on the need for its review.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an
overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by explaining What is the NSA Act?
Body:
List down the key features –
National Security Act allows Central or State governments to prevent any person from acting as a
threat to national security.
The Act also allows the government to preventively detain any person from disrupting supply or
maintenance of essential commodities and services to the community or disrupting public order.
As per the act, a person can be detained for a maximum of 12 months but can be extended when
fresh evidence is produced by the government.
Explain the concerns associated in detail and highlight the possibilities of its misuse.
Conclusion:
In a democracy often acts such as this hampers the progress of the nation. Already, the act is 40
years old and reconsidering it is the need of the hour. Arbitrary detention for personal goals becomes
the norm which does not augur well for the country.

Introduction:

National Security Act is a stringent law that allows preventive detention for months, if authorities
are satisfied that a person is a threat to national security or law and order. The person does not need
to be charged during this period of detention. The goal is to prevent the individual from committing
a crime. It was promulgated on September 23, 1980, during the Indira Gandhi government.

Body:

Recent instance of using NSA:

 The Indore district administration invoked the National Security Act (NSA), 1980, against four
persons accused of instigating residents of a locality to pelt stones and chase away health
workers.
 The Uttar Pradesh government has said that six persons associated with the Tablighi Jamaat who
have been accused of misbehaving with women staff at the district hospital in Ghaziabad will be
charged under the National Security Act (NSA).

key features of National Security Act:

As per the National Security Act, the grounds for preventive detention of a person include:

 acting in any manner prejudicial to the defence of India, the relations of India with foreign
powers, or the security of India.
 regulating the continued presence of any foreigner in India or with a view to making
arrangements for his expulsion from India.
 preventing them from acting in any manner prejudicial to the security of the State or from acting
in any manner prejudicial to the maintenance of public order or from acting in any manner
prejudicial to the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the community it is
necessary so to do.
 Under the National Security Act, an individual can be detained without a charge for up to 12
months; the state government needs to be intimated that a person has been detained under the
NSA.
 A person detained under the National Security Act can be held for 10 days without being told the
charges against them.
 Appeal: The detained person can appeal before a high court advisory board but they are not
allowed a lawyer during the trial.

Criticisms and concerns:

 The NSA has repeatedly come under criticism for the way it is used by the police.
 As per a Law Commission report from 2001, more than 14 lakh people (14,57,779) were held
under preventive laws in India.
 Typically, if a person is arrested, then he/she enjoy certain rights bestowed by the Indian
Constitution. The person has to be informed of the reason for the arrest. Under Section 50 of the
Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), the person arrested has to be informed.
 However, in the case of the NSA, the person can be held up to ten days without being informed
of the reason.
 Sections 56 and 76 of the same penal code guarantee the detained person to be produced
before a court within 24 hours.

 Apart from this, Article 22(1) of the Constitution allows the detainee to seek legal advice from a
legal practitioner.
 However, under the NSA, none of these above mentioned basic rights is permitted to the
suspect.
 The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), which collects and analyses crime data in the
country, does not include cases under the NSA in its data as no FIRs are registered. Hence, no
figures are available for the exact number of detentions under the NSA.
 Some experts argue that the governments sometimes use the NSA as an extra-judicial power.
 NSA has come under wide criticism for its misuse by the authorities. Experts describe the validity
of the Act even during peacetime as ‘anachronism’.

Way forward:

 National Security Act is more than 40 years old. Changes are required to ensure that the Act is
not used arbitrarily.
 Arbitrary use of the Act hampers democracy and basic rights of an individual.
 Even, the Supreme Court has held that the law of preventive detention has to be strictly
construed and meticulous compliance with the procedural safeguards, is mandatory and vital.

Discuss how the design of MGNREGA program makes it more successful than other
rural development programmes.(250 words)
Reference: nrega.nic.in
Why this question:
The question is concerning the success of MGNREGA relative to other rural development programs.
Key demand of the question:
Explain how the design of MGNREGA program makes it more successful than other rural
development programmes.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly highlight the background of MGNREGA.
Body:
In Introduction briefly explain the significance of MGNREGA program. Clearly delineate the design of
MGNREGA. Provide successful examples of the functioning of the MGNREGA to substantiate. Quote
examples/case studies relevant to the question to justify better.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting the importance of such a scheme.

Introduction:

With rural distress deepening across India and private consumption growing anaemically, calls for
ramping up the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), are
growing louder ahead of the upcoming budget. Proponents of MGNREGS believe that it may be the
only ammunition in the government’s arsenal to fight rural poverty. Critics, though, have labelled
the scheme as leaky, wasteful and simply ineffective.

Body:

Data on key metrics such as wages, inflation, and consumption suggests that the truth lies
somewhere in the middle. While MGNREGS can provide income security to its beneficiaries, its
overall impact on the rural economy will be limited unless it is implemented with greater resources
and greater care.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA):

The MGNREGA was launched in 2006 in order to provide at least 100 days of guaranteed
employment to rural households. It is the largest scheme run by the Ministry of Rural Development
(MoRD).

Impact of MGNREGA:

 MGNREGA works have demonstrably strong multiplier effects are yet another reason to improve
its implementation.
 It is a labour programme meant to strengthen participatory democracy through community
works. It is a legislative mechanism to strengthen the constitutional principle of the right to life.
 It has helped in increasing rural household income.
 It has not only helped in increasing groundwater table in the last one decade, but also
agriculture productivity, mainly cereals and vegetables and fodders.
 The water conservation measures, including farm ponds and dug wells, have made a difference
to the lives of the poor.
 While the scheme was earlier focused on creation of community assets, in the last three years,
individual assets have also been emphasised.
 It has provided goat, poultry and cattle shed as per the need of poor households.
 One national study found that MGNREGS has created valuable public goods which have
augmented rural incomes.
 Another national study found that, even after deficiencies in implementation, MGNREGS may
have improved nutrition outcomes.
 Even consumption has been shown to improve if MGNREGS is implemented well. A 2018 study
of a better-implemented version of MGNREGS in Andhra Pradesh, where there was significantly
less leakage or payment delays, estimated that MGNREGS increased income households’
earnings by 13% and decreased poverty by 17%
 MGNREGS can smoothen food consumption of rural poor by providing them with an alternate
source of income during the agricultural lean season.
 According to a study conducted by New Delhi-based Institute of Economic Growth.
 there has been an 11 per cent increase in rural household income,
 5 per cent increase in cereal productivity and
 32 per cent increase in vegetable productivity,
 Some instances of success:
 Rise in water table varies from 30 per cent in Muktsar to 95 per cent in Vizianagaram.
 Sasur Khaderi-2, a tributary of the Yamuna River flowing through Teliyani block of Fatehpur
district, 150 km south of Lucknow, was revived under MGNREGS. The 46 km-long stream
originating in Thithoura Lake was encroached over time, resulting in its drying up. Its revival
generated 205,000 person days of work and cost around Rs 4 crore.

Challenges:

 Aadhar has been hastily implemented for the MGNREGA. Several MGNREGA payments have
been rejected, diverted, or frozen as a consequence.
 The delay in the payment of wages which is captured in the system is intentionally suppressed to
avoid paying delay compensation.
 There are numerous cases of MGNREGS payments getting diverted to Airtel wallets and ICICI
bank accounts.
 In a recently concluded survey on common service centres in Jharkhand for Aadhar-based
payments, it was found that 42% of the biometric authentications failed in the first attempt,
compelling them to come later.
 the MGNREGA wage rates in 18 States have been kept lower than the States’ minimum
agricultural wage rates.
 In the last five years, the average person days of work generated per household under
MGNREGA remained less than 50 across years
 The scheme is running out of funds due to increased demand for work.
 Droughts and floods in several States have led to an increased demand for work.
 Data show disparity in MGNREGA wages across States.
 Agricultural minimum wages exceed MGNREGA wages in almost all states.
 The total MGNREGA expenditure reported by States has risen, but the year-on-year growth has
fallen below 5%.
 The act continues to fight widespread corruption and administrative negligence.
 In some areas of certain states, MGNREGA work opens only during specific seasons and time.
 Since April 2014, the work completion rate has been declining.
 Jharkhand being one of the poorest states and having huge dependence on MGNREGA, has the
lowest wage rates.

Way Forward:

 MGNREGA can be revived through

 Adequate allocation of Budget funds
 Timely payments to workers
 Completely decentralising implementation
 Improving entitlements (ie, wages, compensations and worksite facilities)
 There is a need to upgrade skills of MGNREGA workers.
 The centre needs to ensure uninterrupted operations by primarily ensuring allocation of
adequate funds for the programme.
 Workers across the nation have been demanding higher wages in accordance with the
recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission.
 Different committees constituted by the Centre vouched for higher MGNREGA wages.
 The recent central committee for fixation of national minimum wage recommended that the
national minimum wage should be fixed at Rs 375 per day.
 Many civil society organisations has been demanding that the person work days under
MGNREGA be increased to 200 days per rural household.
 The Supreme Court in the Swaraj Abhiyan vs. Union of India case stated that said that the delay
caused in stage-2 was not taken into account for the purpose of payment of compensation.
 Incorporation of ICT infrastructure at grassroots level, so that the data is available in public
leading to better transparency and accountability.
 Social audits, mandated by law under MGNREGA, should be strengthened to reduce the data
suppression and under-representation of job demand.

Conclusion:

It is in some of these contexts that strengthening an existing universal programme such as the
MGNREGA would have been a prudent move instead of introducing a hasty targeted cash transfer
programme. At a time of such acute distress, there is a need to the Central government to improve
the existing universal infrastructure of the MGNREGA before plunging into a programme pretending
to augment farmers’ income

Examine whether the Essential Commodities Act (ECA)is relevant in today’s India?(250
words)
Reference: Business Today
Why this question:
The question is based on the do ability of Essential Commodities Act (ECA) in the country.
Key demand of the question:
Explain if the Essential Commodities Act 1955 is an anachronistic act, present your opinion whether it
should be kept alive or done away with.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it,
investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so
we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly define the basics of Essential Commodities Act.
Body:
The ECA, 1955, was enacted to control the production, supply and distribution of, and trade and
commerce in, certain goods considered as essential commodities. The Act itself does not lay out rules
and regulations but allows the states to issue control orders related to dealer licensing, regulate
stock limits, and restrict movement of goods and requirements of compulsory purchases under a levy
system. Present the advantages and disadvantages associated with the Act. Suggest solutions to
address the associated challenges.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction:

The Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955 provides for the control of production, supply,
distribution, trade and commerce i of a whole host of commodities it declares ‘essential’ in order to
make them available to consumers at fair prices. The list of items under the Act includes drugs,
fertilizers, pulses and edible oils, and petroleum and petroleum products. The Centre under the Act
has the power to include new commodities as and when the need arises, and can take them off the
list once the situation improves, in view of public interest. Under the Act, the government can also
fix the maximum retail price (MRP) of any packaged product that it declares an “essential
commodity”.

Body:

Working of ECA:

 If the Centre finds that a certain commodity is in short supply and its price is spiking, it can notify
stock-holding limits on it for a specified period.
 The States act on this notification to specify limits and take steps to ensure that these are
adhered to.

 Anybody trading or dealing in a commodity, be it wholesalers, retailers or even importers are

prevented from stockpiling it beyond a certain quantity.
 A State can, however, choose not to impose any restrictions. But once it does, traders have to
immediately sell into the market any stocks held beyond the mandated quantity.

Importance of ECA:

 The ECA gives consumers protection against irrational spikes in prices of essential commodities.
 The Government has invoked the Act umpteen times to ensure adequate supplies.
 It cracks down on hoarders and black-marketeers of such commodities.
 State agencies conduct raids to get everyone to toe the line and the errant are punished.

Views of the recent Economic Survey:

 According to the Economic survey 2019-20, ECA act is outdated and it opined that ECA should be
repealed.
 In September 2019, the Centre invoked the ECA Act’s provisions to impose stock limits on onions
after heavy rains wiped out a quarter of the kharif crop and led to a sustained spike in prices.
 Although the restrictions on both retail and wholesale traders were meant to prevent hoarding
and enhance supply in the market, the Survey showed that there was actually an increase in
price volatility and a widening wedge between wholesale and retail prices.
 This is due to the fact that ECA act fails to differentiate between hoarding and Storage.
 Thus in the long term, the Act disincentives development of storage infrastructure, thereby
leading to increased volatility in prices following production/ consumption shocks — the
opposite of what it is intended for.
 The report finds that the ECA has been enacted in the year 1955, when the economy was
ravaged by famine and food shortages. The government should note that today’s scenario is
much more different.

Conclusion:
Without the ECA the common man would be at the mercy of opportunistic traders and shopkeepers.
It empowers the government to control prices directly too.

What are the objectives of National Renewal fund? Do you think it’s time move ahead
of NRF to bring back the economic stability of the country? Analyse (250 words)
Reference: Business Standard
Why this question:
The article brings to us the purpose and utility of the National Renewal Fund in the current times and
the need to move ahead of it.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the key objectives of National Renewal Fund and analyse as to why it is time move ahead of
NRF to bring back the economic stability of the country.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the
topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly set the context of the question.
Body:

To start with, explain what NRF is.

Context – it is time to move ahead with National Renewal fund to bring back the economic stability
of the country.
Discuss the objectives – The main objective of the National Renewal Fund was to provide a social
safety net to the workers who are likely to be affected by technological up-gradation and
modernisation in the Indian industry.
Highlight its present status – The National Renewal Fund was abolished by the government in 2000
and administration of the VRS scheme was shifted to Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), instead
of DIPP from fiscal year 2001-02.
Explain why NRF was abolished? – The reason for abolishing NRF was that most of the payments
under this were made for VRS and this fund did not serve adequately the purpose of retraining and
rehabilitation. Further, private sector was also listed as one of the beneficiaries of the NRF, but later
it was felt that this fund should deal exclusively with the public sector units only.
Conclusion:
Discuss what should be the way forward.
Introduction:

The Indian economy is staring into an abyss. The scenes of thousands of people walking on foot for
days back to their villages, the staggering loss of livelihoods and the potential bankruptcies of
businesses, large and small, are just the most visible manifestations of a post-Covid economic crisis
that is well underway. Therefore, this is little time for half measures or equivocation.

The Government of India had announced to establish a National Renewal Fund (NRF) as a part of the
slew of measures announced in New Industrial Policy of 1991. The Fund was later established in
February, 1992 for a period of 10 years.

Body:

Objectives of National Renewal Fund:

The main objective of the National Renewal Fund was to provide a social safety net to the workers
who are likely to be affected by technological up-gradation and modernisation in the Indian
industry. The objectives of were to be achieved as follows:

 By providing assistance to firms to cover the costs of retraining and redeployment of employees
arising as a result of modernisation and technological upgradation of existing capacities and
from Industrial restructuring.
 By providing funds for compensation to employees affected by restructuring or closure of
industrial units, both in the public and private sectors.
 By providing funds for employment generation schemes in the organised and unorganised
sectors in order to provide a social safety net for labour.
 The government included two schemes under this fund viz. Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS)
for central public sector undertakings; and re-training scheme for rationalised workers in
organised sector.

The National Renewal Fund was abolished by the government in 2000 and administration of the VRS
scheme was shifted to Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), instead of DIPP from fiscal year 2001-
02. The reason for abolishing NRF was that most of the payments under this were made for VRS and
this fund did not serve adequately the purpose of retraining and rehabilitation. Further, private
sector was also listed as one of the beneficiaries of the NRF, but later it was felt that this fund should
deal exclusively with the public sector units only.

Need for a renewed National Renewal Fund:

 To enable the government to discharge the humongous obligations being placed on it, a stimulus
package that would be of the order of 15 per cent of GDP (around Rs 30 trillion) suggests itself.
 A renewed National Renewal fund where this money could be placed is the need of the hour
considering the economic crisis India would be likely to face post the covid pandemic.

Measures to fund the NRF:

 A National Renewal Fund (NRF) financed by long-term government borrowing (with a tenure of
50 years or more), from both the domestic and overseas markets.
 The NRF should have a moratorium on servicing interest for the first 10 years; and can follow a
ballooning structure thereafter, for the next 40 years.
 Expenditures must be heavily front-loaded over the next few years to have maximum impact.
 The Fund could possibly be redeemed through a cess on direct and indirect taxes for the next 40
years.

Working of the NRF:

The NRF would deliberately not be under the purview of the fiscal responsibility and budget
management or FRBM rules — the government and Parliament must understand, as many other
countries already do, that this is not a time for fiscal discipline.

This is because, as history has shown, sticking to fiscal discipline in a time of serious recession can
have disastrous economic consequences.

States must play a critical role in the way any such NRF is used and allocated.

States are the ones at the frontlines of the battle against the coronavirus pandemic and it is they
who, when the immediate impact of the crisis has ebbed, will be best placed to decide which sectors
and projects need a big funding push.
The NRF can also provide a guarantee mechanism for state borrowing — this is urgently needed
since interest rates on state government bonds have been creeping up since the crisis began.

Way forward for NRF:

 The NRF must not just be about providing relief — though that would be a critical component.
 It must also be seen as a way of revitalising critical sectors of the economy such as infrastructure
and health and building institutions and projects whose impact will be felt for decades.
 Projects under the National Infrastructure Pipeline announced by the government toward the
end of December last year, can be subsumed under the NRF and can be a good starting point for
fund allocation.
 Other programmes and projects like the building of roads, bridges, schools and hospitals in
hundreds of communities across India should be taken up.

Conclusion:

It is time to move ahead with a National Renewal Fund, and moving out of within-the-box
discussions around the Consolidated Fund of India and the Union Budget.

Is it possible to use the ongoing Coronavirus crisis to affect permanent reforms in

public procurement system ? give your opinion with suitable justification.(250 words)
Reference: Financial Express
Why this question:
The article highlights the need for reforms in the PPS in the current times of the pandemic.
Key demand of the question:
Explain why and in what way can the public procurement system can be reformed to better utilize
the available resources.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the context of the question.
Body:
To start with, define Public procurement and its significance to the Indian setup. Explain that since
significant production is at a standstill, the state should harness industrial units to deliver emergency
supplies and utilize stranded private sector human resources too where needed. Take cues from the
article and explain in detail the significance of such a move.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction:
Public procurement is a key lever available with the Indian state to overcome the economic fallout of
the coronavirus crisis. Such procurement accounts for anywhere between 20-30% of India’s GDP
annually. It is a lifeline for small businesses, as the state is often the primary buyer of their goods
and services. The central government has already eased procurement norms for ministries like
textiles and health in light of the crisis. They are now allowed to classify and buy “emergency
supplies” at an accelerated pace, with post-facto financial approval. But, much more needs to be
done. India must use this crisis to affect permanent reforms in its public procurement system to
support and sustain economic recovery.

Body:

Challenges faced in public procurement in India are:

 Absence of a comprehensive procurement Act

 In the absence of a comprehensive procurement Act, General Financial Rules allow the
government entities to frame procurement process with its own perception of public
interest.
 It has resulted in heterogeneous procedures and multiplicity of rules across the procuring
entities

 Quality challenges

 The procurement ecosystem is riddled with quality challenges.

 For instance, healthcare practitioners are complaining about the poor quality of personal
protective equipment (PPE) in public hospitals for battling COVID-19..

 Delays in activities in procurement cycle

 The procurement process is often delayed in the stage of need assessment, budget
preparation, and approval. Similarly, unavailability of sufficient procurement professionals
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 96
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

and non-realization of the required information usually appear responsible for the delay in
preparing the technical specifications.

 Unfair practices and corruption

 Given the size and the interests of the stakeholders, public procumbent is vulnerable to
unfair practices imposing high costs on both the government and the society.

 Despite the procedural safeguards, corruption level in India is perceived to be high in

recent years leading to low quality of public services which ultimately hampers the
development process.

 Presence of anti-competitive elements

 The existence of anti-competitive practices by the bidders’ community tends to hamper

the procurement process by negating the best value of money.

 Competition issues in India mainly concern with collusive bidding, bid rigging,
cartelization, and abuse of dominance.

 Low participation of the domestic MSEs

 Despite the MSEs provisions, the participation of domestic MSEs in the public
procurement activities remains low in India.

 Apart from resource related entry barriers including anti-competitive elements, many
MSEs do not also take part in public procurement due to a perception that government
procuring entities often delay in releasing the contract payments.

 Absence of an independent grievance redressal mechanism

 India does not have an Independent Grievance Redressal Mechanism in the procurement
system.

 The GFR 2017 only allows the aggrieved bidders to file complaints with procuring entities,
arbitrators, and courts.

 Competency and skill of the procurement officials

 There are implementation challenges concerning the skills and competency of the
government procurement officials as these activities require professional skills.

 The officials need to be more acquainted with the procurement management, rules and
regulations, legal issues, contract management issues, and others

Measures needed:

 India can emphasize quality as much as cost in public procurement, with due concern to
affordability.
 A useful benchmark for quality-orientation is the European Union’s (EU) 2014 directive on public
procurement.
 India should further its innovation agenda through public procurement. The long-term economic
recovery from the coronavirus is contingent on innovation-driven productivity gains.
 India can introduce new legislation to smoothen and repurpose public procurement. The finance
ministry’s General Financial Rules govern the procurement ecosystem.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 97
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

 The Draft Public Procurement Bill 2012 which was introduced in the parliament seeks to
regulate procurement activities valued over INR 50 lakhs by the government procuring entities.
This must be reintroduced.
 The adoption of e-procurement portals (GeM portal) have certainly helped in enhancing the
transparency in the procurement system. Still, a few areas need to be addressed to reap full
benefits of e-procurement such as e-opening of bids, e-deposit of the tender-related payments,
e-filing for contract payment, and e-payment to the suppliers.
 An effective procurement management information system (PMIS) is important for a sound
and sustained procurement system.
 The procurement competency and capacity of the concerned officials should be enhanced
through training and exposure to the best procurement mechanisms used in advanced countries
as well as the international agencies.
 The CCI and CVC provide support to the procuring entities in detecting anti-competitive
elements and adopting counter-measures.
 In order to enhance the participation of MSEs in the public procurement, efforts should be made
to provide access to information, technology, credit facilities, training especially for tendering
process, and use of IT in public procurement.
 Establishment of independent and decentralized grievance redressal system is crucial for
building public confidence in the procurement system imparting that the procurement activities
are undertaken transparently and in an impartial manner.
 It is also important to develop a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) for the pro-curing
entities to assess and monitor their efficiency.

Discuss in what way the COVID-19 pandemic presents a chance to make systemic
changes for sustainable development in the country.(250 words)
Reference: Live Mint
Why this question:
The article talks about the possible systemic changes that can make a difference for the sustainable
development in the country.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the current scenario of the COVID-19 and present the case as to how it presents the case for
systematic development in the country.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the need for sustainable development.
Body:
To start with, discuss that the recovery efforts from the fallout of the Covid pandemic present the
country a chance to make systemic changes for sustainable development. This crisis has also
demonstrated that governments and individuals are capable of strong action in the face of an
overarching challenge. Explain how the pandemic has reinforced the links between health,
environment and the economy. Take hints from the article and explain in what way the present
scenario facilitates an opportunity to envision the goal of sustainable development.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 98
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

The recovery efforts from the fallout of the covid pandemic present the country a chance to make
systemic changes that would ensure more sustainable development and a resilient economy. This is
because the crisis has also demonstrated that governments and individuals are capable of strong
action in the face of an overarching challenge

Body

Chance to make systemic changes for Sustainable and inclusive development

 Create sustainable infrastructure

 First, invest in sustainable infrastructure. Infrastructure investments are an effective way

of boosting economic activity and creating jobs.

 Data from the 2008-09 financial crisis shows that South Korea, which directed 80% of its
stimulus towards green measures, rebounded faster than other economies in the OECD. In
the recovery package developed by the United States in response to the Great Recession
about a decade ago, investments in clean energy and public transport created more jobs
than traditional investments.

 Focus on renewable energy

 India too should increase support for renewable energy, particularly rooftop solar.

 Decentralized solar power can help spread critical services in remote regions if the upfront
capital constraints can be addressed.
 It should revisit the potential import duties on solar panels, since this may not increase
domestic production, but may raise the cost of solar power.

 This will create new opportunities for employment when the nation is reeling under
unemployment crisis, exacerbated by the pandemic layoffs.

 Electric Vehicles
 Similarly, scaling up the electrification and adoption of public transport will be critically
important to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. This should involve closer
coordination with the electricity sector, and a greater focus on vehicle-charging
infrastructure.

 Agriculture reforms

 Continued investment in cold storage facilities and supply chains will ensure the
preservation and timely delivery of agricultural produce, and reduce losses to farmers.

 It will aid in increasing the farm income as well as ensure food security.

 Social safety nets

 Build resilience of the most vulnerable is tantamount. About 90% of India’s workforce is
informally employed, which includes gig economy workers.

 This population is extremely vulnerable to economic shocks and needs greater access to
formal credit and social safety nets such as insurance and pension schemes.

 Beyond employment guarantees, a universal basic income – broader than the current
schemes that are conditional on occupation and land ownership – can provide vital
resources for subsistence, or for investing in education and health.

 Working towards a circular economy

 Promoting reuse, recycling, and repair models for consumption can contribute to a
circular economy and reduce the waste generated by current business models.

 This will bring a lot of unorganized sector workers such as ragpickers into safety nets.

Conclusion

For a geography as vast and diverse as India, it is not surprising that challenges abound. However,
the resilience of our economy, how we transform these challenges into opportunities and the
collective resolve of its citizens to overcome roadblocks, have made India a force to reckon with.
India needs to plan for immediate relief as well as rebuilding with sustainability in mind. This will not
only help with pandemic efforsts but also secure a lasting economic recovery, increase community
resilience, and create a long-term path for sustainable development.

Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs,
various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other
stakeholders.
Non-Governmental Organisations often play the role of a Social Safety-Valve, however
there aren’t free of challenges. Elucidate.(250 words)
Reference: Indian polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question is with reference to the key role played by NGOs in the society.
Key demand of the question:
Explain in what way NGOs play the role of safety valve and also explain the possible challenges they
face.
Directive:
Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context.
You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated
facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
In short explain what NGOs are. NGOs refers to not-for-profit organizations that pursue activities to
relieve suffering, promote the interests of the poor, protect the environment, provide basic social
services, or undertake community development.
Body:
Explain the key role played by NGOs in general. Discuss their need; explain that Non-governmental
organisations (NGOs) act as the operational arm of the civil society and thus have an important role
in the development processes. Non-profit organisations play vital role in mobilizing public attention
to societal problems and needs. They are the principal vehicle through which communities can give
voice to their concerns. Discuss the issues and challenges associated.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 100
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction

Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) are legally constituted organizations, operate

independently from the government and are generally considered to be “non-state, non-profit
oriented groups who pursue purposes of public interest”. The primary objective of NGOs is to
provide social justice, development and human rights. NGOs are generally funded totally or partly by
governments and they maintain their non-governmental status by excluding government
representatives from membership in the organization.

Body

Role of NGO’s as safety valve

 Advocacy and Social Safety: Non-profit organizations play vital role in mobilizing public
attention to societal problems and needs. They are the principal vehicle through which
communities can give voice to their concerns.
 Augmenting government performance: NGOs can broaden government’s accountability by
ensuring government is responsive to citizens at large rather than to narrow sectarian interests.
They also induce innovation and flexibility in policymaking by bringing their own independent
expertise and research teams.
 The Service Role: The non-profit sector acts as a flexible mechanism through which people
concerned about a social or economic problem can begin to respond. It also caters to groups of
the population who desire a range of public goods that exceeds what the government or society
is willing to support. Eg: Goonj NGO works in flood relief, providing essential materials while
rebuilding the society through “clothes for work” initiative.
 Conflict Resolution: NGOs help in constructive conflict resolution. In the international arena
Track II diplomacy (involving non-governmental bodies) plays a crucial role in creating an
environment of trust and confidence.
 Building Community Participation: The non-profit organizations offer alternative perspectives;
and most importantly, the capacity to conduct a meaningful dialogue with communities,
particularly those that are disadvantaged. They foster pluralism, diversity and freedom. Many
NGOs work to preserve and promote India’s diverse culture. For example, SPIC MACAY is a
society for promoting Indian classical music and culture amongst youth.
 Akshaya Patra feeds 326.5 million meals (FY18) through 37 kitchens and the plan is to raise this
threefold by 2025. There are even mobile kitchens to feed 5,000-7,000 people every day during
the Kumbh Mela, the NTR canteens in Andhra Pradesh feed 60,000 people at just Rs. 5 per meal.
 Social welfare and rehabilitation: NGOs like Chetna, Save the Children have showed the way in
drug abuse control. Helped the youth in rehabilitation and skill development.
 Non-profit organizations play vital role in mobilizing public attention to societal problems and
needs. They are the principal vehicle through which communities can give voice to their
concerns. Eg: Campaign for Survival and Dignity is fighting for tribal rights under FRA,2006.

Challenges faced by NGOS

 Difficulties to get funds: The majority of NGOs have experienced difficulties in getting enough,
and continuous funding in order to do their work.
 Getting donors is a hard task, and sometimes dealing with some specific donor’s funding
conditions can be an enormous challenge for NGO’s.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 101
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

 Additionally, most of the non-governmental organizations have a high level of dependency

of donors’ funds, that makes them even more susceptible to donors’ behavior.
 Absence of Strategic Planning: Many NGOs suffer from the lack of a cohesive, strategic plan that
would facilitate success in their activities and mission. This renders them unable to effectively
raise and capitalize on financial support.
 Poor Governance and Networking: A lack of effective governance is all too common in NGOs.
Many have a deficit of understanding as to why they must have a Board and how to set one up.
A founder may be too focused on running the NGO for their own purposes; however,
governance is foundational to transparency.
 As a result there is a great deal of suspicion among NGOs, secrecy and lack of transparency.
 Many NGOs, large and small, intervene at community level without any community mapping and
implement projects without due regard to ongoing community initiatives.
 NGO politics: One fighting another, one with resources but no community presence, another
with community presence but no resources.
 Relationships with INGOs: There is considerable concern among local NGOs that the giants,
mainly INGOs, occupy so much space that it is very difficult to find room for themselves. INGOs
often intervene without any concern for the building of sustainable local CSOs. They pay
government and community members to participate in their projects while local NGOs have no
facility for doing so.
 NGOs under Government’s Scanner: With recent Government of India crackdown on
Greenpeace and several other NGOs coming under the scanner of Indian government, it is
important for NGOs to achieve and maintain a high degree of transparency in not just their work
but also their financials.

Conclusion
NGOs and CSOs form the backbone of democracy. Democracy does not just revolve around what
happens once in five years (elections) but how rights of the citizens are protected and are allowed to
hold power holders accountable. The state must respect the articulation of the politics of voice and
not just the politics of the vote. The promises of democracy can only be realized through collective
action in civil society. A democratic state needs a democratic civil society and a democratic civil
society also needs a democratic state. They mutually reinforce each other.

Discuss the role of Self-help groups as a necessity in rural development of the

country.(250 words)
Reference: Indian Polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question aims to ascertain the role of Self-help groups as a necessity in rural development of the
country.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the role of Self-help groups as a necessity in rural development of the country in detail.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Define what SHGs are.
Body:

Self Help Groups are groups of 10-20 people in a locality formed for any social or economic purpose.
Most of the SHGs are formed for the purpose of better financial security among its members. SHGs
can exist with or without registration. SHGs in India often work in association with Banks (SHG – Bank
Linkage Programme). Briefly explain their benefits to the society in general. Then explain why SHG
are a necessity in rural development?
In India there is a substantial percentage of rural and urban poor, who if tried individually cannot
break their chains of poverty, and hence collective action is required.
For self-employment and financial independence, poor sections need credit.
Bank credits are not easily accessible to individual poor, but by forming a SHG, there are make better
prospects for bank credits. (Often without collateral).
The chance of successful income generation is high with SHGs than individual attempts.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction

Rural Development can be sustainable if it has the participation of people for whom it is aimed at.
SHGs bring in the much-desired peoples’ participation in rural development that has inherent
advantages. They synergize the developmental efforts and infuse a sense of zeal and enthusiasm
among the participating stakeholders.

Body

Background

A self-help group (SHG) is a village-based financial intermediary committee normally consist of 10–
20 local women or men. When the formal financial system fails to help the needy, then small groups
volunteer to cater to the needs of the financially weak by collecting, saving and lending the money
on a micro scale. SHGs have gained wide recognition in most developing countries in Asia where
their presence is quite pervasive

 The concept evolved over decades and was pioneered by Noble laureate Mohammad Yunus as
Self Help Groups (SHGs) in 1970s.
 SHG movement in India gained momentum after 1992, when NABARD realised its potential and
started promoting it.
 NABARD’s SHG-Bank Linkage Program (SBLP) connected group members to formal financial
services.
 Over the last two decades, the SBLP has proven to be a great medium for social and economic
empowerment for rural women.
 India has witnessed state-led promotion of SHGs through a three-tiered architecture of
community institutions at group, village and cluster level.
 In 1999, Government of India, introduced Swarn Jayanti Gram Swarojgaar Yojana (SGSY) to
promote self- employment in rural areas through formation and skilling of SHGs.

Role of SHG’s in rural development

 Capital formation: Through micro-finance, many SHG’s have created valuable assets and capital
in the rural areas and are sustaining livelihoods.

 Access to credit: SHGs provide better access to credit at acceptable and convenient terms. The
members have been able to obtain loans for emergent productive and non-productive purposes
on comparatively easy terms. This has reduced their dependence on local moneylenders to a
large extent.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 103
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

 Government initiative such as SHG-Bank linkage program is also increasing their financial
inclusion and easy access to credit from formal institutions.

 Poverty Alleviation: The approach of poverty alleviation through SHG is the most effective
means and suits the ongoing process of reforms based on the policy of decentralization.

 SHGs have given the poor the access to microfinance and consequently led to important
changes in their access to productive resources such as land, water, knowledge,
technology and credit.

 Employment generation: Self-employment activities such as collective farming, bee-keeping,

horticulture, sericulture have been taken up by SHG’s.
 Socail welfare: There are many successful cases where SHG women have come together to close
liquor shops in their village.

 Rural infrastructure: Schemes such as Aajeevika express have helped SHG’s in creating transport
in rural areas.

 Women empowerment: SHGs have been able to improve the skills of women to do various
things by managing the available natural resources.

 It is estimated that more than 25 million rural women of India have been benefited by the
Self Help Groups (SHG).

 As a group they can help each other to learn so many things along with the money
management because most of the women in the rural areas have a very little knowledge
for the management of money.

 Eg Kudumbashree in Kerala has been a huge success. Kudumbashree café is an exemplary

example of nurturing entrepreneurship through SHG’s.
 They also act as a delivery mechanism for various services like entrepreneurial training,
livelihood promotion activity and community development programs.

Conclusion

SHG approach is an enabling, empowering, and bottom-up approach for rural development that has
provided considerable economic and non-economic externalities to low-income households in
developing countries. SHG approach is being hailed as a sustainable tool to combat poverty,
combining a for-profit approach that is self-sustaining, and a poverty alleviation focus that
empowers low-income households. It is increasingly becoming a tool to exercise developmental
priorities for governments in developing countries.

Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and
States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions
and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable
sections.
Identify the key objectives of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO)
Act, 2012. Also highlight the challenges in its implementation. (250 words)
Reference: Economic Times
Why this question:
The question is based on the theme of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act,
2012.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the key aspects of the coming of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act,
2012 into implementation, challenges and way forward to address the same.
Directive:
Identify – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the
topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly discuss a very brief history of child protection from sexual offences in India and why POCSO
was passed.
Body:
Start with the key objectives of the Act. Discuss the reasons for ineffectiveness of this act to prevent
the sexual offence against child. Very briefly provide a way forward in this context.
Conclusion:
Conclude that In a country where 40% of the population falls below the age bracket of 18 years and
about 53% children have been a subject to some form of sexual abuse, the proper implementation of
POCSO in our country is a necessity of yesterday.
Introduction:

POCSO or The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) 2012 was established to
protect the children against offences like sexual abuse, sexual harassment and pornography. It was
formed to provide a child-friendly system for trial underneath which the perpetrators could be
punished. The Union Cabinet has approved amending the POCSO Act, to introduce the death penalty
as a punishment for certain offences. The Union government has notified the Protection of Children
from Sexual Offences Rules, 2020 which enables implementation of recent amendments to the Act
under which provisions of punishment for child abuse has been made more stringent.

Body:

The aims and objectives of this Act were:

 To secure a child’s right to safety, security and protection from sexual abuse.
 To protect children from inducement or coercion to sexual activity
 To prevent exploitative use of children in prostitution and generation of pornographic material.
 To provide a comprehensive legislation to safeguard the interest of a child at every stage –
reporting, recording of evidence, investigation and trial of offences.
 To provide for establishment of special courts for sensitive and speedy trial

Salient features:

 The Act defines a child as any person below eighteen years of age, and regards the best interests
and well-being of the child as being of paramount importance at every stage, to ensure the
healthy physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of the child.
 It defines different forms of sexual abuse, including penetrative and non-penetrative assault, as
well as sexual harassment and pornography.
 It deems a sexual assault to be “aggravated” under certain circumstances, such as when the
abused child is mentally ill or when the abuse is committed by a person in a position of trust or
authority vis-à-vis the child, like a family member, police officer, teacher, or doctor.
 People who traffic children for sexual purposes are also punishable under the provisions relating
to abetment in the Act.
 The Act prescribes stringent punishment graded as per the gravity of the offence, with a
maximum term of rigorous imprisonment for life, and fine.
 In 2019, death penalty was introduced as a punishment for offences of penetrative sexual
assault and aggravated penetrative sexual assault (Sections 4, 5 and 6).
 Further, a provision for hefty fine would be imposed for not deleting, not destroying child
pornographic material or not reporting child pornography was also added in the amendment.

Challenges in its implementation:

 According to the National Crime Records Bureau(NCRB) data of 2016, the conviction rate in
POCSO cases is 29.6% while pendency is as high as 89%. The prescribed time period of two
months for trial in such cases is hardly complied with.
 As per the NCRB data of 2016, less than three per cent of child rape cases that came up before
the courts ended in convictions.
 The appalling lack of infrastructure and manpower in the criminal justice system.
 Most districts continue to try cases of child sexual abuse in regular sessions courts, designated as
special courts for the sake of compliance
 Investigations are regularly botched up by an understaffed, poorly trained, overburdened police
force which has little to no forensic support.
 The fact that the ordinance reduces the time given to the police to file a charge sheet, and to the
court to decide appeals against sentencing, displays a complete lack of understanding about the
issues on the ground.
 Given the unavailability or unreliability of age-related documents in most parts of the country,
reliance is placed on ossification tests to prove the age of the victim in cases under the POCSO.

Way Forward:

 Problems related to implementation of POCSO Act such as lack of adequate special courts, lack
of sensitization for investigators and prosecutors in dealing with child victims, poor rate of
convictions etc. need to be resolved urgently.
 The Supreme Court direction to set up special courts within 60 days of the order in each district
having more than 100 pending cases under the act must be complied with urgently.
 Fast track courts and Special trial courts (already in provision of POCSO Act) to provide justice at
the earliest to the victims. Instead of death penalty, a combination of heavy financial penalty,
life imprisonment with no provision of parole can act as deterrent.
 Awareness and sensitization of people is equally important to prevent the crime itself.
 Providing sex-education to children, which is neglected in India. This makes them more aware of
the various protective laws like POCSO, good touch-bad touch etc.

 Orientation programme and intensive courses may also be organised for police personnel and
forensic experts for building their capacities in their respective roles on a regular basis.
 any institution housing children or coming in regular contact with children, including schools,
creches, sports academies or any other facility for children must ensure a police verification and
background check on periodic basis of every staff.
 Measures to protect their physical and virtual identity should be in place.
 To safeguard their emotional and mental wellbeing, prevention and protection from sexual
offences and reporting mechanisms, including Childline helpline services through toll free
number – 1098.

Should watching or possession of child pornography be made a criminal offence?

Critically analyse amidst sharp rise in demand for online child pornography during
lockdown. (250 words)
Reference: Times of India
Why this question:
The India Child Protection Fund (ICPF) said that millions of pedophiles had migrated online, making
the Internet extremely unsafe for children. Thus the question.
Key demand of the question:
There is no law banning watching pornography in personal space, thus one must analyse the
significance and urgency to have laws in place to ensure protection of children from the evils of child
pornography.
Directive:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or
nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the
topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the context of the question.
Body:
To start with explain that there is no law banning watching pornography in personal space. After the
Supreme Court’s order, the Department of Telecommunication banned several websites containing
child pornographic material. As per the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2002, it is punishable to
show children any pornographic content. Then explain the impact of Pornography on Children and
Society. Discuss the challenges involved. Present your opinion whether child pornography should be
made a criminal offence.
Conclusion:
Conclude by suggesting way forward.
Introduction:

The POCSO Act, 2019 defines Child Pornography as Any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct
involving a child which includes a photograph, video, digital or computer-generated image
indistinguishable from an actual child. India Child Protection Fund (ICPF) has come out with a report
which indicates a sharp rise in demand for online child pornography during the lockdown.

Body:

Currently, there is no law banning watching pornography in personal space. After the Supreme
Court’s order, the Department of Telecommunication banned several websites containing child

pornographic material. As per the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2002, it is punishable to show
children any pornographic content.

The Ad-hoc Committee of the Rajya Sabha was instituted recently by the Chairman of the House to
examine and report on the issue of child pornography and the prevalence of its horrific
consequences. The Committee has also recommended important amendments to the Protection of
Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 and the Information Technology Act, 2000
besides initiating changes at technological, institutional, social, educational and state-level
initiatives.

Child pornography and its impacts:

On children:

 Seeing unfamiliar looking bodies engaging in acts that a child cannot comprehend is a confusing
and frightening experience for a child or adolescent.
 Children or adolescents may experience autonomic sexual arousal at the sight of pornography,
which can confuse them into thinking they “like” what they see, when in fact their bodies are
reacting instinctively without the “approval” of their brain.
 Children and adolescents can become “de-sensitized” to pornography exposure and this can
result in acting out sexualized behaviors with other children and engaging in high-risk sexual
experiences by adolescents.
 Adults who choose to view adult pornography have an obligation to ensure that children cannot
possibly access it. Lockup written material, clear browsers, and use every technological
resources possible. Use of adult pornography or other sexually explicit materials in a home
should never be accessible to children.

On families:

 Married men who are involved in pornography feel less satisfied with their conjugal relations
and less emotionally attached to their wives. Wives notice and are upset by the difference.
 Pornography use is a pathway to infidelity and divorce, and is frequently a major factor in these
family disasters.
 Among couples affected by one spouse’s addiction, two-thirds experience a loss of interest in
sexual intercourse.
 Both spouses perceive pornography viewing as tantamount to infidelity.
 Pornography viewing leads to a loss of interest in good family relations.

On individual:

 Pornography is addictive, and neuroscientists are beginning to map the biological substrate of
this addiction.
 Users tend to become desensitized to the type of pornography they use, become bored with it,
and then seek more perverse forms of pornography.
 Men who view pornography regularly have a higher tolerance for abnormal sexuality, including
rape, sexual aggression, and sexual promiscuity.
 Prolonged consumption of pornography by men produces stronger notions of women as
commodities or as “sex objects.”
 Pornography engenders greater sexual permissiveness, which in turn leads to a greater risk of
out-of-wedlock births and STDs. These, in turn, lead to still more weaknesses and debilities.

 Child-sex offenders are more likely to view pornography regularly or to be involved in its
distribution.

Challenges to ban child pornography:

 The effect of pornography is different in children belonging to the lower class compared to
children belonging to the high class. A single approach won’t be able to handle the issue
effectively.
 Lack of sex education courses and workshops in the school curriculum.
 In India, sex is seen as negative (something which should be hidden). There is no healthy family
dialogue regarding sex. It leads the child to learn this from outside which led to an addiction to
pornography.
 It’s very difficult for agencies to detect the activities of child pornography and monitor them
effectively.
 Availability of obscene content on regular websites and OTT (over the top) services make it
difficult to differentiate between the non-vulgar content and vulgar content.

Way forward:

 Parents can make a vast and positive difference by talking with their children. Like sexuality
education in general, the topic of pornography is not one big talk but rather a series of
discussions that easily can arise from the content of songs, music videos, video games, movies
and unintended or intended exposure to sexually explicit images.
 Parents can help their children develop a critical eye when viewing media, so they see the lies,
and differentiate that fiction from the joy in loving equitable and respectful relationships.
 National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal shall be designated as the national portal under-reporting
requirements in the POCSO Act in case of electronic material
 Union Government shall be empowered through its designated authority to block and/or
prohibit all websites/intermediaries that carry child sexual abuse material
 Law enforcement agencies should be permitted to brake end to end encryption to trace
distributors of child pornography. Apps that help in monitoring children’s access to pornographic
content shall be made mandatory on all devices sold in India. Such Apps or similar solutions to
be developed and made freely available to ISP, companies, schools and parents.
 Ministry of Electronics and IT and Ministry of Home Affairs shall coordinate with Blockchain
analysis companies to trace identities of users engaging in cryptocurrency transactions to
purchase child pornography online. Online payment portals and credit cards are prohibited from
processing payments for any pornographic website.
 All social media platforms should be mandated with minimum essential technologies to detect
Child Sexual Abuse Material besides regular reporting to law enforcement agencies in the
country.
 On-streaming platforms like Netflix and social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook etc. should
have a separate adult section where under-aged children could be disallowed.
 The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shall mandatorily record and report annually cases of
child pornography of all kinds.
 A national Hotline Number should be created where child sexual abuse, as well as the
distribution of child pornographic material, can be reported by concerned citizens.
 Ministries of Women and Child Development and Information and Broadcasting shall launch
campaigns for greater awareness among parents to recognize early signs of child abuse, online
risks and improving online safety for their child.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 109
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

 Schools shall undertake training programmes for parents at least twice a year, making them
aware of hazards for children of free access to smartphones, internet at an early age. Based on
the experiences of other countries, a proper practicable policy for restricting the use of
smartphones by under-aged kids needs to be considered.

Analyse the need of creation of ‘Waqf’, in the context of India being a “Secular”
State.(250 words)
Reference: pib.gov.in
Why this question:
Recently Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi directed senior officials of more than 30 state waqf boards to ensure
strict and honest implementation of lockdown.
Key demand of the question:
The question demands the necessary reasons that justify the need of creation of ‘Waqf’, in the
context of India being a “Secular” State.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the
topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly define what ‘Waqf’ are.
Body:
Waqf is a property given in the name of God for religious and charitable purposes. A non-Muslim can
also create a waqf but the individual must profess Islam and the objective of creating the waqf has to
be Islamic. Then present the case of Secularism and the Indian Constitution. Explain the pros and cons
of creating Waqf. Discuss the key objectives of it.
Conclusion:
Conclude that in a pluralistic society, the best approach to nurture secularism is to expand religious
freedom rather than strictly practicing state neutrality.
Introduction

The Waqf is the religious endowment for the person professing Islam. It owns land and other
properties that have been given to it by the state and private individuals, and it manages these
properties. It ensures the commitment of proving economic security to the property owners in
return of social services done.

Waqf means property given in the name of God for religious and charitable purposes. In legal terms,
permanent dedication by a person professing Islam, of any movable or immovable property for any
purpose recognized by the Muslim law as pious, religious or charitable.

Body

India as a secular state

 The term ‘secular’ was added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution by the 42nd
Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976.
 All persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice
and propagate any religion (Article 25).
 Every religious denomination or any of its section shall have the right to manage its religious
affairs (Article 26).
 No person shall be compelled to pay any taxes for the promotion of a particular religion (Article
27).

 No religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution maintained by the State
(Article 28).
 Any section of the citizens shall have the right to conserve its distinct language, script or culture
(Article 29).
 All minorities shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their
choice (Article 30).

The Western concept of secularism connotes a complete separation between the religion (the
church) and the state (the politics). This negative concept of secularism is inapplicable in the Indian
situation where the society is multireligious. Hence, the Indian Constitution embodies the positive
concept of secularism, i.e., giving equal respect to all religions or protecting all religions equally.

Waqf Creation

 Waqf boards are statutory bodies formed under Waqf Act, 1954, through gazette notification.
These boards are purely elected bodies but can have a few nominated members too.
 Different sects of Islam have their separate boards like Sunni Waqf Board, Shia Waqf Board,
 While state governments are authorized to form Waqf Boards in their respective states,
the Central government constitutes the Central Waqf Council.

Pros

 Muslims constitute the largest minority group in the country—roughly 15% of the population.
The Islamic religious places are managed by “Waqf boards” completely free from state
interference.

 Waqf means a property dedicated to the society – the property donated or constructed by
Muslim rulers or people from the community for public use. It could be a madrasa, mosque,
tomb or a graveyard.

 It helped in poverty alleviation of the poor in the community by providing alms.

 India’s model of secularism being positive, enables all religion not only equal treatment, but also
safeguarding provisions of each religion. Likewise, Waqf would ascertain confidence amongst
minorities regarding India’s commitment to protection of minorities.

 They have promoted social welfare through endowments to Madrasas, shelter homes for
homeless, scholarships for poor students amongst others. Social justice has been their mainstay.

Cons

 Despite being huge in number, the Waqf assets in India have not been fully utilized for the
betterment of Muslim societies as reported by Sachar Committee 2006. The reason is believed
to be inefficiency in the governance of Waqf institutions and mismanagement by their
administrators or mutawallis (trustees).

 In India, it is estimated that there are about five lakh Waqf properties pegged at a value of about
Rs 1.20 lakh crore and after Railways and Defence, Waqfs are considered to be the third largest
land holding entity in the country.

 But the total annual income derived from Waqfs however is just a paltry Rs 160 crore. The
rate of earning is a mere 0.13 per cent. This shows gross corruption and
misadministration.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 111
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

 Waqf Boards are politicized more often than not, propagating ideas that go against secular
politics.

 At present, many mutawallis treat Waqf endowments as their personal property, disgracefully
using them for ulterior motives and self-enrichment.

 As seen recently during covid-19 outbreak, misinformation and rumors are spread at the behest
of some vested interests and thereby communalizing the issues.

Way-forward

There is a strong case for state governments to empower state Waqf boards with greater budgets
and a good cadre of administrative and legal officers to professionalize them.

 Huge tracts of land can be freed up for the Indian Muslim community that lags behind in several
socio-economic parameters as indicated by the Sachar Committee report.
 For instance, 40 per cent of Muslim areas lack hospitals.
 Instead of shopping complexes and hotels that come up on Waqf lands, if hospitals were
built up, either through the PPP model or by the government itself, it would fulfil the
stated charitable objective and could also cater to the needs of all poor people in the area,
not just Muslims.
 This would help in strengthening communal amity too.
 Waqf lands could be used to start colleges and universities like Aligarh Muslim University, skill
development centres including ITIs which could boost employment.
 State must ensure that waqf boards do not become a platform for ‘Politics of Religion’.
 It is important to ensure fraternity and unity of all religions. This can be strengthened when
religious leaders rise above identity politics. They must call for harmony and philanthropy
amongst all and encourage brotherhood.
 Proper regulations must be laid to ensure the benefits of waqf endowments to the most needy
and the poor.

Conclusion

Creation of waqf has been imperative for socio-economic development and must continue to do so.
Poverty, discrimination and joblessness, rampant amongst Indian Muslims, can lead to many law and
order issues, by festering a sense of alienation, dejection and helplessness. Resolving the issue of
Waqfs can usher in a new sense of hope.

In your opinion, what solutions are desirable to help crush the caste-based exploitation
in India? Has economic progress helped realize Dalit empowerment? Critically
examine.(250 words)
Reference: Live Mint
Why this question:
The question is premised on the evaluation of welfare schemes made available to the Dalit, and to
what extent economic progress has helped overcome the caste-based exploitation of the same.
Key demand of the question:
One must evaluate the situation; suggest measures to address the caste-based exploitation of the
Dalits and hint on the need and importance of economic progress for their empowerment.
Directive:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in
detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 112
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the
topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly talk about the conditions of the SC and ST in the country from past to present.
Body:
To start with, first present the existing caste based annihilations in the country. Then explain that the
vision of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, in tune with our constitution, is to build
an inclusive society where the most oppressed and backward sections of our population can live a life
of dignity, pride and actively contribute to the nation’s human capital. Discuss the various measures
taken to overcome it. Explain the importance and relevance of economic empowerment to empower
the Dalit in the country. Discuss various steps taken by the government in this direction (Past to
present).
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction

Scheduled castes are those castes/races in the country that suffer from extreme social, educational
and economic backwardness arising out of age-old practice of untouchability and certain others on
account of lack of infrastructure facilities and geographical isolation, and who need special
consideration for safeguarding their interests and for their accelerated socio-economic
development.

Today, the Dalit population represents 16% of the country’s population and still struggles to achieve
social equality. There remains geographic division within Indian cities and villages which exemplify
the role that the caste system plays in today’s society.

Body

Solutions to Stop the caste-based exploitation

 Untouchability is an offence under Article 17 and has been abolished under Constitution.

 Manual scavenging that was majorly carried out by the scheduled caste community is now
prohibited and an offence that can attract upto 2-5 years of imprisonment.

 In spite of the above measures taken by the Government, manual scavenging continued to
exist which became evident with the release of 2011 the Census data indicating existence
of more than 26 lakh insanitary latrines in the country.

 Therefore, Government decided to enact another law to cover all types of insanitary
latrines and situations which give occasion for manual scavenging.

 The ‘Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013’
(MS Act, 2013) was passed by the Parliament in September, 2013 and has come into force
from 6th December, 2013.

 SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989, helped in combatting the societal discrimination and
mistreatment of SC/ST’s.

 Various scholarships are provided to the students belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SCs) to
ensure that education is not denied due to the poor financial condition of their families. These

Scholarships are provided at both pre-matric and post-matric levels. Eg : Prematric and Post
matric scholarship for SC students. National Fellowship to pursue higher education.

 Increasing political representation through reservation of seats In Lok Sabha and state
assemblies in proportion to their population.

 Reservation in educational institutions and public employment to increase their socio-economic

conditions by means of affirmative actions.

Economic measures and Dalit Empowerment

 National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC): It is to finance

income generating activities of Scheduled Caste beneficiaries living below double the poverty
line limits (presently Rs 98,000/- per annum for rural areas and Rs 1,20,000/- per annum for
urban areas).

 NSFDC assists the target group by way of refinancing loans, skill training, Entrepreneurship
Development Programmes and providing marketing support through State Channelizing
Agencies, RRBs, Public Sector Bank and Other Institutions.

 National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC): It is another

corporation under the Ministry which provides credit facilities to beneficiaries amongst Safai
Karamcharis, manual scavengers and their dependants for income generating activities for socio-
economic development through State Channelizing Agencie.s.

 Special Central Assistance (SCA) to Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCSP): It is a policy initiative for
development of Scheduled Castes in which 100 % assistance is given as an additive to SCSP of
the States/ UTs on the basis of certain criteria such as SC population of the States/UTs, relative
backwardness of States/UTs, percentage of SC families in the States/ UTs covered by composite
economic development program.

 It is an umbrella strategy to ensure flow of targeted financial and physical benefits from all
the general sectors of development for the benefit of Scheduled Castes.

 Under this Scheme, the States /UTs are required to formulate and implement Special
Component Plan (SCP) for Scheduled Castes as part of their annual plans by earmarking
resources.

 Scheme of Assistance to Scheduled Castes Development Corporations (SCDCs): The SCDCs are
playing an important role in providing credit and missing inputs by way of margin money loans
and subsidy to the target group.

 The SCDCs finance the employment-oriented schemes covering diverse areas of economic
activities which inter-alia include :

 agriculture and allied activities including minor irrigation;

 small scale industry;

 Transport;

 trade and service sector

 Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes: The objective of the fund is to promote
entrepreneurship amongst the Scheduled Castes who are oriented towards innovation
and growth technologies and to provide concessional finance to the scheduled caste
entrepreneurs.

Shortcomings

 Crimes against Dalits : National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows that crimes against
Dalits increased from less than 50 (for every million people) in the last decade to 223 in 2015.

 Among states, Rajasthan has the worst record although Bihar is a regular in the top 5
states by crimes against Dalits.
 Many social scientists have questioned the belief that economic advancement of Dalits
can reduce crimes against them.

 Economic empowerment alone not enough : According to Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Economic
advancement alone will not diminish the psychic traumas of caste; it may actually create more
conflict. The empowerment of these groups rather than becoming a celebration of justice
becomes a sign of fatal concoction of guilt and loss of power.

 Average asset ownership is still the lowest among Dalits.

 Political representation : The representation of Dalits above themandated quota is abysmal.

Data collected by the Trivedi Centre for Political Data, Ashoka University shows that in 63 state
assembly elections held since 2004, scheduled-caste candidates found it extremely difficult to
get elected from a unreserved seat.

 While some benefits of social programs and government policies designed to increase primary
education rates can be noticed, the Dalit literate population still remains much lower than that
of the rest of India.
 There remains still, hostility, oppression and flaws in social programs in Indian society that
prevent an increase in education growth.

 Despite efforts to decrease caste discrimination and increase national social programs, the
Dalits of India continue to experience low enrolment rates and a lack of access to primary
education in comparison to the rest of India.

Conclusion

It can’t be denied that economic development and affirmative action have helped improve the lot of
Dalits, even though the advance is far from satisfactory. Education being the major factor in
improving the conditions of people should get higher priority, as literacy rate amongst Dalits is still
lower than the national average.

The country has seen emergence of a generation of ‘new’ educated middle class among
SCs and STs. What affirmative policies in education and employment have led to this
change? Discuss.(250 words)
Reference: shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in
Why this question:

The question is based on the role played by the affirmative action of the State in bringing new
educated middle class among the SCs and STs.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the emergence of a generation of ‘new’ educated middle class among SCs and STs and the
reasons behind it, emphasize upon the affirmative action of the State in terms of education and
employment.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly set the context of the question.
Body:
Explain in what way Reservations in higher education and in government employment are the main
sources of creating a new educated middle class among the SCs and STs in the post-independent
India. Discuss that the constitution has recognized the less privileged and more disadvantaged
groups for special safeguards and affirmative measures such as anti-discrimination, anti-atrocity and
positive discrimination laws such as prohibition of the practice of untouchability, protection of right
to the land and habitation, provision of scholarships and reservations in education and employment
and more recently, ear-marking sub-plans in union and state budgets cutting across various
departments of the Government for the lot of both SCs and STs.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction

In India, the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), which together constitute a quarter
of the total population, have long suffered from discrimination and exclusion. This is reflected in a
lack of access to income-earning assets, higher-quality employment and public services. They also
experience resistance, violence and even atrocities in their attempts to secure human rights and
lawful entitlements. The discrimination and exclusion experienced by these groups has resulted in
severe deprivation and poverty.

Body

The Indian government’s approach towards these groups consists of three main elements. These
are:

 legal and other safeguards against discrimination;

 affirmative action measures in the state and state-supported sector;
 general developmental and empowerment measures in the private sector.

Affirmative policies in education and employment

 Education : The second most important aspect of reservation policy relates to education. Article
15 (4) of the constitution empowers the State to make special provision for the educational
advancement of SCs and STs.

 In pursuing this provision, the State reserves places for SC and ST students in educational
institutions, including all colleges run by the Central or State governments and all
government-aided educational institutions.

 This is supported by a number of financial schemes, including scholarships, special hostels

for SC and ST students, fee concessions, grants for books, and additional coaching.

 Employment: The most important aspect of the reservation policy is that relating to government
services.

 Article 16 (4) of the constitution empowers the State to make “any provision for the
reservation in appointments, or posts in favor of any backward class of citizens”, and
“provision for reservation in matters of promotion to any class or classes of posts, in the
services under the State in favor of the SCs and STs.”

 In pursuing this provision, the Government made reservation for SCs and STs in proportion
to their share of population.

 There are also reservations in the promotion of employed persons.

 The government services included are the Government civil service, public sector
undertakings, statutory and semi-Government bodies, and voluntary agencies which are
under the control of the government or receiving grant-in-aid.

 Other provisions

 The Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights)
Act, 2006 (FRA); The Provision of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act,
1996; Minor Forest Produce Act 2005; and the Tribal Sub-Plan Strategy are focused on the
socio-economic empowerment of STs.

 This helped in the economic development of the tribes in various part of the country.

 Through the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) and the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP), the
Government of India is channelling funds for the development of SCs and STs respectively.
 Of the total Plan budget, as of 2001, the Government of India has earmarked 16 per cent
for the development of SCs and 8 per for the development of STs, in the Union and State
Budgets.

Emergence of new educated middle class among SC/ST’s

 There has been a striking increase in the number of SC and ST government employees. The
absolute number of SC employees increased from 218,000 in 1950 to 641,000 in 1991, although
it fell to 540,000 in 2003 following a contraction of total government employment.
 The percentage of SC employees in total government employment increased from 12% in 1956
to about 16% in 2003, fairly close to their share in population.
 The absolute number of ST employees increased from 38,0000 in 1960 to 211,000 in 2003,
which represented an increase from 2% to 6% of total government employment.
 The number of SC and ST employees has also increased significantly in public sector
undertakings, nationalised banks, and public insurance companies.
 In 1981, the proportions of SCs and STs among total graduates were estimated to be 3.3% and
0.8% respectively, far below their shares in total population. By the late 1990s however, these
figures had risen to 7.8% and 2.7%. This is still low, but encouraging.

Rethinking Affirmative Action as a “Quotas Plus” policy

 In order to increase its efficacy, Affirmative Action (AA) has to be less mechanical: provision of
quotas should be seen as the beginning of AA, not its end, as is the current practice.

 A big problem with the existing nature of implementation is that there is no monitoring, and
there are no penalties for evading AA. Thus, the mere announcement of quotas is seen as
sufficient, and very little attention is paid to outcomes.

 Further, just providing entry into jobs or educational institutions is not sufficient.

 There have to be supplementary measures that need to be mandatorily incorporated: –

 remedial teaching, counseling and other measures to lower the incidence of

drop-outs;

 skill enhancing programmes and so forth which would ensure that the benefits
of entry into prestigious jobs and educational programmes are fully utilized.

Conclusion

Finally, “outside the box” measures targeted towards Dalits and Adivasis (tribals) must be
considered that go beyond the scope of the current Affirmative Action program; such as free,
compulsory and good quality primary education, vigorous expansion of non-farm employment, land
reforms wherever feasible, subsidies/support for Dalit and Adivasi business/self- employment. All
these will benefit a much larger section of SC/ST’s than the current Affirmative Action programme.

Examine and review the safeguards provided by National Commission for Protection of
Child Rights (NCPCR).(250 words)
Reference: Indian polity by Lakshmikant, Times Of India
Why this question:
336% increase in child rape cases from 2001 to 2011. Figures are under reported as majority of child
rape cases are not reported to the police. 9/10 rapes and sexual assaults are carried out by people
known to the victim. Insensitivity and unhelpful attitude of police, lawyers and untrained hospital
staff makes prosecution and conviction difficult.
Key demand of the question:
Examine and review the safeguards provided by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
(NCPCR).
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it,
investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so
we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly describe the coming of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) into
existence.
Body:
To start with, explain that the Ministry has enacted the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights
Act (CPCR), 2005, extending pan-India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir, under which National
Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is mandated to function for protection and
promotion of child rights. Discuss the functions and powers of the NCPCR. Its roles and
responsibilities. Discuss concerns and challenges if any.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.

Introduction:

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is a statutory body established in
2007 under an act of Parliament, the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005.
The Commission’s Mandate is to ensure that all Laws, Policies, Programmes, and Administrative
Mechanisms are in consonance with the Child Rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of
India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. A Child is defined as a person in the 0 to
18 years’ age group. The Commission is also mandated with responsibilities under two other acts,
namely the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 and Right to Education
Act, 2009.

Body:

The NCPCR has recently written to the education departments of states and union territories to
ensure that during the lockdown no child should be subjected to any kind of harassment from school
authorities on account of payment of school fee.

Functions and Powers:

The Commission shall perform all or any of the following functions, namely:

 Examine and review the safeguards provided by or under any law for the time being in force for
the protection of child rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation.

 Present to be central government, annually and at such other intervals, as the commission may
deem fit, reports upon working of those safeguards;

 Inquire into violation of child rights and recommend initiation of proceedings in such cases;

 Examine all factors that inhibit the enjoyment of rights of children affected by terrorism,
communal violence, riots, natural disaster, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, trafficking,
maltreatment, torture and exploitation, pornography and prostitution and recommend
appropriate remedial measures;

 Look into matters relating to children in need of special care and protection, including children in
distress, marginalised and disadvantaged children, children in conflict with law, juveniles,
children without family and children of prisoners and recommend appropriate remedial
measures.

 Study treaties and other international instruments and undertake periodic review of existing
policies, programmes, and other activities on child rights and make recommendations for their
effective implementation in the best interest of children.

 Undertake and promote research in the field of child rights.

 Spread child rights literacy among various sections of society and promote awareness of the
safeguards available for protection of these rights through publications, media, seminars and
other available means.

 Inspect or cause to be inspected any juvenile custodial home or any other place of residence or
institution meant for children, under the control of the Central Government or any State
Government or any other authority including any institution run by a social organization, where
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 119
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

children are detained or lodged for the purpose of treatment, reformation or protection and
take up with these authorities for remedial action, if found necessary.

 Inquire into complaints and take suo moto notice of matters related to:

 Deprivation and violation of child rights.

 Non implementation of laws providing for protection and development of children.

 Non compliance of policy decisions, guidelines or instructions aimed at mitigating

hardships to and ensuring welfare of the children and to provide relief to such children or
take up the issues arising out of such matters with appropriate authorities

 Such other functions as it may consider necessary for the promotion of child rights and any other
matter incidental to the above functions.

Appraisal of NCPCR:

 Positives:

 The positive role of National Commission for the protection of child rights has been
reported many a time. For example, in 2007, it took initiatives to protect school children
from harsh corporal punishments

 The involvement and assistance of Panchayat Raj Institution in child protection matters
with the commission has made commendable results. For example, in Meghalaya, 132
cases of children missing were reported through the initiative of local Panchayats

 Another notable, instance is that the NCPCR had submitted its reports towards the
strategies for protection of child rights especially for abolition of child labour in Eleventh
plan.

 Again, the commission has started a helpline on education in the light of the rights of
children free and compulsory education act, 2009.
 In another instance, on a complaint filed by a local college student, of Nawanshahr, the
NCPCR has asked the chief election commissioner of India to issue necessary instructions
to the authorities concerned

 Challenges/Concerns against NCPCR:

 the main drawback of the Child Rights Commission is that it is a mere replica of other
commissions like Human Rights Commission and Women’s Commission.

 Its role is limited to just recommendatory directives and they lack any power to enforce
their recommendations.

 There is no time frame for the completion of the enquiries or investigations.

 The time limit, within which the state governments have to set up their own commissions,
has not been specifically stipulated.

 The offices of the commissions should be structured at the lower levels like district and
panchayat levels so that any child or children’s group can have access to the office of the
commission and should have the opportunity to impart their own participation

 The NCPCR has been criticized by activists for allegedly turning a blind eye to police
brutalities following the crackdown on protesters holding demonstrations against the
Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019, in U.P. and Delhi.

 The Supreme Court recently ordered the Centre, the NCPCR and its arms in New Delhi and
U.P. to submit a report on detention of children in jails, calling such actions as a violation
of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.

Conclusion:

The NCPCR play key role in protect, promote and defend child rights in the country. The
Commission’s Mandate is to ensure that all Laws, Policies, Programs, and Administrative
Mechanisms are in consonance with the Child Rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of
India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Commission visualizes a rights-
based perspective flowing into National Policies and Programs, along with nuanced responses at the
State, District and Block levels, taking care of specificities and strengths of each region. In order to
touch every child, it seeks a deeper penetration to communities and households and expects that
the ground experiences inform the support the field receives from all the authorities at the higher
level.

Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services

relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
“A decentralized public health system that socializes the cost of healthcare is the need
of the hour”, Elucidate.(250 words)
Reference: epw.in
Why this question:
The article plaints a bleak picture of the public health system in the country.
Key demand of the question:
One has to present the point of having a decentralized public health system for the country to
socialize the cost of healthcare.
Directive:
Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context.
You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated
facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly present the facts related to the public health system in India.
Body:
Bring out the lacunae in the healthcare sector first. Explain how and why Primary healthcare is one of
the most neglected segments. Discuss with facts the gaps such as – Total personnel in all human
health activities working in institutions with some inpatient facility is around 26.3 lakh, of which 72%
works in urban areas that account for a little less than one-third of the population. Explain why we
need a people-centred, decentralised public health system that socialises the cost of healthcare.
Suggest benefits of adopting such a system. Present the case of Kerala and its administration and
methods of handling the Nipah situation.
Conclusion:
Conclude with suitable solutions to address the challenges.

Introduction

India’s expenditure on the health sector has risen meagerly from 1.2 per cent of the GDP in 2013-14
to 1.4 per cent in 2017-18. The National Health Policy 2017 had aimed for this to be 2.5% of GDP.

According to the latest National Health Accounts (NHA) estimates released on Wednesday, patients
bear a big chunk of health expenses, as high as 61 per cent of the total health expenditure, by
themselves.

Body

Lacunae in the health sector

 There is a massive shortage of medical staff, infrastructure and last mile connectivity in rural
areas. Eg: Doctor: Population 1:1800 and 78% doctors cater to urban India (population of 30%).

 Massive shortages in the supply of services (human resources, hospitals and diagnostic centres
in the private/public sector) which are made worse by grossly inequitable availability between
and within States.

 For example, even a well-placed State such as Tamil Nadu has an over 30% shortage of
medical and non-medical professionals in government facilities.

 Health budget: The health budget has neither increased nor is there any policy to strengthen the
public/private sector in deficit areas. While the Ayushmaan Bharat provides portability, one
must not forget that it will take time for hospitals to be established in deficit areas.

 This in turn could cause patients to gravitate toward the southern States that have a
comparatively better health infrastructure than the rest of India.

 Infrastructure constraints: There are doubts on the capacity of India’s infrastructure to take on
the additional load of patients during pandemics like Covid-19 as seen recently.

 There is a growing medical tourism (foreign tourists/patients) as a policy being

promoted by the government, and also domestic patients, both insured and uninsured.

 Absence of primary care: In the northern States there are hardly any sub-centres and primary
health centres are practically non-existent. First mile connectivity to a primary healthcare centre
is broken. For eg, in Uttar Pradesh there is one PHC for every 28 villages.

 Out of pocket expenditure high: Even the poor are forced to opt for private healthcare, and,
hence, pay from their own pockets. As a result, an estimated 63 million people fall into poverty
due to health expenditure, annually.

 Inequities in the health sector exist due to many factors like geography, socio-economic
status and income groups among others. Compared with countries like Sri Lanka,
Thailand and China, which started at almost similar levels, India lags behind peers on
healthcare outcomes.

 Rural medical practitioners (RMPs), who provide 80% of outpatient care, have no formal
qualifications for it. People fall prey for quacks, often leading to grave disabilities and loss of life.

 Numerous Schemes: The Government has launched many policies and health programmes but
success has been partial at best. The National Health Policy(NHP) 2002 proposed to increase
Government spending on health by two to three per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP)
by 2010 which has not happened yet. Now, the NHP 2017, has proposed to take it to 2.5 per
cent of the GDP by 2025.

 Healthcare without holistic approach: There are a lot of determinants for better health like
improved drinking water supply and sanitation; better nutritional outcomes, health and
education for women and girls; improved air quality and safer roads which
are outside the purview of the Health Ministry.

 While private sector healthcare providers play an important role in the overall delivery of health
services, any engagement of Government hospitals with private sector is seen with suspicion.

 A number of health institutions, established since independence, seem to have outlived their
utility, for instance institutions solely focus on family welfare.

 Finally, universal health coverage (UHC) is a widely accepted and agreed health goal at the global
level and has been included in the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda as
well.

Steps needed

 The current approach requires re-emphasizing the missing priority on PHCs and CHCs for
developing comprehensive primary care. Achieving comprehensive primary care requires a
paradigm shift from disease-control vertical programmes to community-led, people-oriented
primary care.

 Sharper focus in the resource-starved states should be on improving efficiency in spending

without compromising equity, and this can be attained by designing programmes that would
cover a large number of people and a wide range of diseases.

 For example, POSHAN Abhiyan to be strictly rolled out in BIMARU

 Since the states have higher responsibility than the Centre in matters related to health, the
blueprints of primary care can further be redefined in view of the local needs. This should be the
policy agenda for the low-performing and resource-constrained states.

 It is relevant to develop low-cost primary care service delivery models involving nurses and
allied health professionals which can lower the burden on the public health system marked by
the stress of a low doctor-strength.

 India needs to design health services to meet local needs with the opposite referral mechanism
to secondary- and tertiary-care, and this can produce better health outcomes with a
considerable cost-advantage.

 In this context, the role of public health professionals, those who can help design
outreach and preventive programmes and implement the continuing health programme
effectively, assumes paramount importance. Eg: Telemedicine

 India lacks the required number of public health professionals. The shortage is severe in many
parts of the country, especially poorer states like Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.

 The focus should be to train a pool of social workers, psychiatrists, counsellors with
public health orientation who could then transform the primary healthcare delivery
system in the country.

 Ayush doctors can prescribe Allopathy medicines after a bridge course.

 Along with Ayushmaan Bharat (PMJAY), focus must be laid on strengthening the primary health
centres with basic diagnostics and services, with district hospitals equipped with multi-specialty
capabilities and services to people. Especially for the poor who cannot afford quality health care
in private hospitals.

 Access to medicines through Jan Aushadhi Kendra Scheme. It is mandated to offer 2000
medicines and 300 surgicals in all districts by 2024.

Conclusion

The neo-liberal solution of lopsided and unregulated growth of private healthcare is not a panacea
for India’s massive health needs. It calls for a people-centred, decentralized public health system
that socializes the cost of healthcare. Especially in times of Pandemics like Covid-19, the significance
and loopholes of Indian public health sector are led bare. It gives an opportunity to reform and
rehaul the healthcare sector to be better equipped for future emergencies.

Community health workers are a key communication mechanism between the

healthcare system and the population, however they face several challenges, Analyse
the statement in the backdrop of recent attacks ASHA worker conducting COVID-19
survey.(250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The question is amidst the recent attack on an ASHA worker conducting a COVID-19 survey, due to
an alleged suspicion that she was a government National Register of Citizens agent betrays the
faltering of our community health worker programmes in a way.
Key demand of the question:
Explain Community health workers are a key communication mechanism between the healthcare
system and the population and the challenges they face in delivering their responsibilities to the
society.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the
topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Explain in short who community health workers are.
Body:
To start with, explain how community health worker schemes begin to play an important role; It was
realised that a cadre of health workers recruited by and from within the community, and also
accountable to the community, would have greater affinity with people, thus ensuring greater
community participation in care delivery.
Discuss in detail the challenges faced by them.
Present the example of ASHA workers; their role, importance and challenges before them.
Suggest solutions to address the issue.
Conclusion:
Conclude with what needs to be done and suggest way forward.
Introduction

During the 1970’s it was realized that a cadre of health workers recruited by and from within the
community, and also accountable to the community, would have greater affinity with people, thus
ensuring greater community participation in care delivery. Soon, a series of community health
worker schemes followed (auxiliary nurse midwives), the latest being the accredited social health
activist (ASHA) programme.

Urgent reinforcing and galvanizing of community engagement activities will largely decide the
trajectory COVID-19 undertakes in India.

Body

The recent attack on an ASHA worker conducting a COVID-19 survey, due to an alleged suspicion
that she was a government National Register of Citizens agent betrays the faltering of our
community health worker programmes in a way.

Importance of community health workers

 Over time, they have become de-facto public health employees rather than being community
representatives enjoying the unswerving confidence of people as originally envisaged.

 Interface between community and Public health system

 The primary role of the volunteer, selected from within the community, is to act as an
interface between the

 Community engagement is a pre-requisite for risk communication, which entails

effectively communicating the threat due to the virus, instilling the right practices and
etiquette, and combating rumours and stigma. This is true especially in a pandemic
outbreak such as COVID-19.

 Critical for maternal and child health

 Institutional delivery in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh
increased from 12 per cent in 1992-93 to 55 per cent in 2008 due to the introduction of
ASHAs

 It is due to the Asha workers and other Anganwadi workers, that India was able to
eradicate Polio. At the same time, these workers are actively engaged in immunization
programs, vaccination and providing nutrition to newborns, children under 5 years of
age , lactating and pregnant women.

 The success of POSHAN Abhiyan, Mission Indradhanush and the Integrated Child Development
Scheme, rests on the shoulders of these community workers.

Challenges faced by community health workers

 Wages

 They have low and non-fixed salary and does not come under Minimum Wages

 There are over 0.87 million ASHAs across India. In the past three years, ASHAs from at least
17 states have demanded fixed salaries, higher incentives and inclusion in social safety
schemes such as pensions.
 ASHAs are not recognized as workers and thus get less than Rs 18,000 per month. They are
the cheapest healthcare providers in India.

 ASHAs say they normally earn through antenatal care (Rs 300), institutional delivery (Rs
300), family planning (Rs 150) and immunization rounds (Rs 100) as cases of other diseases
are far and few.

 Administrative issues

 They are paid from the NRHM fund for which they have to wait for long time. The scheme
does not have a dedicated budgetary allocation and the funds are arranged on an ad-hoc
basis from different government schemes under NRHM such as National Immunisation
Programme.

 The delays in reimbursement of incentives hurt the self esteem of ASHAs and has a bearing
on her service delivery.

 Instead of focussing solely on community healthcare and related work, they are burdened
with surveys and other non related work.

 Infrastructure

 Many Anganwadi workers and Asha activists have reported against dilapidated buildings
and hazardous environment.

 It becomes difficult to ensure proper nutrition and early childhood care for children under
these conditions.

 Occupational Hazard

 Recent attack on ASHA workers during the COVID-19 pandemic shows the vulnerability of
these workers and the non-performance of state in providing basic security.

Way Forward

 Fixed salary and dedicated fund: A Parliamentary Committee on Empowerment of Women way
back in 2010 recommended fixed salaries for ASHAs. There should be a dedicated fund for
ASHAs, which will ensure timely payment of the incentives and boost the morale of the
volunteers.

 Skill training: Skill upgradation should be an integral part of the scheme. Volunteers should be
encouraged to take short-term courses on auxiliary nurse mid-wives/general nursing and
midwifery.

 This will not only help the volunteers in getting a better incentive, but will also ensure that
the people living in remote areas have better health access.
 Currently, nursing schools in 11 states give preference to ASHAs for auxiliary nurse mid-
wives and general nursing courses.

 In recent times, centre has provided Insurance cover to Asha workers and increased
their honorarium. This must be institutionalized, so that more community workers can come
forward and effectively execute their responsibility.

“In the current times Medical Science gives us quick relief but not the guarantee of
good health”. In this context elucidate upon the significance of “AYUSH” in India. (250
words)
Reference: Deccan Herald
Why this question:
The question is about evaluating the role of AYUSH medicine the contemporary times.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the role played by AYUSH system in India, in what way it plays a niche role in guaranteeing
good health for all to the citizens of the country.
Directive:
Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context.
You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated
facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the importance of medical science and in what way it is not a relief in itself.
Body:

To start with, explain the advantages and the challenges that medical science is facing such as
Affordability, low adaptation time, lack of access, availability, and short term benefits etc. List down
points to support significance of AYUSH system in the country; affordability, accessibility, long term
benefits etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction:

AYUSH is the acronym of the medical systems that are being practiced in India such as Ayurveda,
Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. These systems are based on definite medical
philosophies and represent a way of healthy living with established concepts on prevention of
diseases and promotion of health. The basic approach of all these systems on health, disease and
treatment are holistic.

Ministry of AYUSH had issued an advisory on various immunity enhancing steps from the time tested
approaches of Ayurveda. The advisory is reiterated again in these testing times to support the efforts
of all as a measure towards enhancing one’s immunity.

Body:

Significance of AYUSH in India in current times:

 In the wake of the Covid 19 outbreak, entire mankind across the globe is suffering. Enhancing
the body’s natural defence system (immunity) plays an important role in maintaining optimum
health.
 Prevention is better than cure: While there is no medicine for COVID-19 as of now, it will be
good to take preventive measures which boost our immunity in these times.
 The Ministry of AYUSH recommended some self-care guidelines for preventive health measures
and boosting immunity with special reference to respiratory health. These are supported by
Ayurvedic literature and scientific publications.
 Following the AYUSH ministry initiative many state governments also followed up with
healthcare advice on traditional medicine solutions to enhance immunity and disease-resistance,
which are particularly relevant against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic.
 the Ministry of AYUSH has also proposed to include AYUSH solutions in the district level
contingency plans being drawn up to contain COVID -19 in all the districts across the country.
 The Odisha State Government has decided to rope in AYUSH doctors to strengthen the frontline
medical teams in combating Covid-19 in their respective areas of posting.

Potential of AYUSH:

 A number of initiatives to promote AYUSH have been recently announced.

 Creation of AYUSH wings in defence and railway hospitals.

 Providing soft loans and subsidies for the establishment of private AYUSH hospitals and
clinics.

 Establishing institutes of excellence in teaching and research in AYUSH.

 12,500 dedicated AYUSH health and wellness centers are planned to be set up under the
Ayushman Bharat mission.

 AYUSH, represent a pluralistic and integrative scheme of health services. AYUSH can play an
important role in realizing the dream of ‘New India’ by providing quality healthcare and medical
care for its citizens. The ‘New India’ also needs to be a ‘Healthy India’ where its own traditional
systems can play a significant role.

 With statistics repeatedly indicating that there is a severe shortage of doctors in India with a
mere 80 doctors per lakh population. AYUSH provides a way to increase healthcare access

 AYUSH presents an opportunity to realize the potential of medical pluralism in the current
environment where prevention is emphasized along with curative aspects.

 AYUSH industry may create 26 mn jobs by 2020 according to Government reports.

 Given the rising popularity of AYUSH and alternative medicine, AYUSH could help boost medical
tourism in India.

Challenges faced:

 Health professionals have often questioned the measures advised by Ayurveda, Unani and
Homeopathic medicine to deal with serious illnesses.
 Non-integration into mainstream medicine: Our efforts to mainstream AYUSH medicine has
been to regard that the major problem lies in the fact that there is a very less proportion of
AYUSH in the present mix. Hence, the integration of AYUSH into the health-care system has been
focused on having more AYUSH facilities or having them in the place where there aren’t any
without worrying about the actual effectiveness of such a move.
 Status gap: The subservient status of AYUSH has been the major hurdle. AYUSH has been
fraught with multiple issues like including dishonest practices and claims by some AYUSH
practitioners leading to the ridicule of AYUSH treatments and procedures by sceptics. The
mindless cosmeticisation and export promotion of AYUSH products has led to a bad perception
of AYUSH.
 The isolationist approach goes against the cherished ideal of modern medicine to embrace
concepts that are backed by evidence. In the case of traditional medicine, an isolationist attitude
could deter scientific scrutiny and block some potential value addition.
 Quality standards of Medicines: Scientific validation of AYUSH has not progressed in spite of
dedicated expenditure in past.
 Lack of human resources: Practitioners are moving away from traditional system for better
opportunities
 The existing infrastructure remains under-utilized.
 The 2013 Shailaja Chandra report on the status of Indian medicine and folk healing,
commissioned by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, noted several instances in States
where National Rural Health Mission-recruited AYUSH physicians were the sole care providers in
PHCs and called for the appropriate skilling of this cadre to meet the demand for acute and
emergency care at the primary level.

Way forward:

 It is important to gather scientific evidence for the safety and efficacy of AYUSH medicines and
practices.
 Work towards capacity building and developing a critical mass of competent professionals in the
AYUSH sector through quality education and training at national and international levels.

 True integration of traditional and modern systems is the need of the hour. This would require a
concerted strategy for facilitating meaningful cross-learning and collaboration between the
modern and traditional systems on equal terms.
 The Chinese experience of integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine with Western medicine
makes for a good example.
 An Indian parallel could envision the integration of education, research, and practice of both
systems at all levels. This can include training of AYUSH practitioners in modern medicine
through curriculum changes and vice versa.
 Need to ensure substantial groundwork with respect to the prerequisites of an effective
integration.
 Building a strong traditional medicine evidence corpus.
 Standardizing and regulating AYUSH practices and qualifications.
 Delineating the relative strengths, weaknesses, and role of each system in an integrated
framework.
 Negotiating the philosophical and conceptual divergences between systems.
 Addressing the unique issues associated with research into AYUSH techniques.
 An integrated framework should create a middle path — fusing the two systems, while still
permitting some autonomy for each.
 Accordingly, a medium- and long-term plan for seamless integration should be developed
expeditiously in view of the massive drive for achieving universal health care already underway
in the country and considering the vast potential of AYUSH to contribute to this cause.

“Digital India vision of the government is emerging as a vital instrument for solving the
present crisis facing the education system due to Covid-19”.Elucidate.(250 words)
Reference: Economic Times
Why this question:
The author narrates upon the significance of the Digital India mission and its vision amidst the
Corona crisis.
Key demand of the question:
Explain in detail how Digital India vision of the government is emerging as a vital instrument for
solving the present crisis facing the education system due to Covid-19.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the ongoing crisis in a line or two.
Body:
To start with, explain the effect of the pandemic on t education system; the effect of lockdown,
leading to denial of access to schools and classrooms etc. Explain then the vision of Digital India
mission. Discuss how the government’s mission is now coming into action and helping the education
system sustain the shocks of pandemic.
Conclusion:
Conclude with what lies ahead with digital india mission and its utility in the education system of the
country.
Introduction:

The state governments across the country began shutting down schools and colleges temporarily as
a measure to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, since March second week. It’s close to a
month and there is no certainty when they will reopen. This is a crucial time for the education

sector—board examinations, nursery school admissions, entrance tests of various universities and
competitive examinations, among others, are all held during this period.

Body:

Impacts on education due to COVID-19 pandemic:

 school and university closures will not only have a short-term impact on the continuity of
learning for more than 285 million young learners in India but also engender far-reaching
economic and societal consequences.
 The pandemic has significantly disrupted the higher education sector as well, which is a critical
determinant of a country’s economic future.
 A large number of Indian students—second only to China—enroll in universities abroad,
especially in countries worst affected by the pandemic, the US, UK, Australia and China.
 Many such students have now been barred from leaving these countries. If the situation persists,
in the long run, a decline in the demand for international higher education is expected.
 The bigger concern, however, on everybody’s mind is the effect of the disease on the
employment rate. Recent graduates in India are fearing withdrawal of job offers from corporates
because of the current situation.
 The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy’s estimates on unemployment shot up from 8.4% in
mid-March to 23% in early April and the urban unemployment rate to 30.9%.

Digital Education and its potential:

 This is an ideal time to experiment and deploy new tools to make education delivery meaningful
to students who can’t go to campuses.
 It’s a chance to be more efficient and productive while developing new and improved
professional skills/knowledge through online learning and assessment.
 The use of technology in education is resulting in different concepts in the system, for instance
the move from teacher-centric education to student-centric education.
 Virtual classrooms and various online tools today allow us to make the engagement between the
teacher and students as close to a real, in classroom type experience, as possible.
 These tools can also make the teachers and parent meetings as well as staff/management
meetings more time and cost saving while providing the necessary interactivity.
 It is also a fact that technology-based education is more transparent and does not make
difference in front vs back benchers or girls vs boys.
 State governments and private players have regularly been publishing information on various
initiatives undertaken by ministries like MHRD, Department of Technical Education, NCERT and
others to support and benefit youth/students.

Initiatives under Digital India:

 SWAYAM online courses for teachers.

 UG/PG MOOCs for non-technology courses.
 e-PG Pathshala or e-content containing modules on social science, arts, fine arts, natural and
mathematical science.
 CEC-UGC YouTube channel.
 Vidwan – a database of experts who provide information to peers and prospective collaborators.

 NEAT – an initiative by AICTE based on the PPP model to enhance the employability skill among
students, in collaboration with Education Technology Companies and National Digital Library
(NDL), a repository of learning resources with single window facility.
 The DIKSHA platform, with reach across all states in India, can be further strengthened to ensure
accessibility of learning to the students.
 Many noteworthy initiatives have been taken up like Spoken Tutorial, Free and Open Source
Software for Education (FOSSEE), e-Yantra, Google Classroom and so on.
 It is fact that the government of India as well state governments, through their various
ministries/departments, have created infrastructure to deliver e-education. These include
National Knowledge Network (NKN), National Project on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL),
National Mission on Education Through Information and Communication Technology (NMEICT),
National Academic Depository (NAD), among others.
 All these enhance our ability to connect easily with institutions and enhance our access to
learning resources. For instance, NKN provides high speed network backbone to educational
institutes in India.

Challenges:

 The major challenge in EDTech reforms at the national level is the seamless integration of
technology in the present Indian education system, which is the most diverse and largest in the
world with more than 15 lakh schools and 50,000 higher education institutions.
 Further, it is also important to establish quality assurance mechanisms and quality benchmark
for online learning developed and offered by India HEIs as well as e-learning platforms (growing
rapidly).
 Many e-learning players offer multiple courses on the same subjects with different levels of
certifications, methodology and assessment parameters. So, the quality of courses may differ
across different e-learning platforms.
 Democratization of technology is now an important issue, comprising internet connectivity,
telecom infrastructure, affordability of online system, availability of laptop/desktop, software,
educational tools, online assessment tools, etc.
Going forward, the use of technology in teaching or recruitment will lead to a new era wherein the
best of faculty will be available from across the globe to students. Education quality will be gauged
not just by the quality of faculty but will also have quality of IT infrastructure and familiarisation of
the faculty will digital teaching technologies as important parameters.

Conclusion:

For all this to be a reality, a drastic change in thought process is required in the mind- set of policy
makers, authorities, students and specially educationists. Faculty selection should gradually be
linked to technology friendliness and keenness for technology adoption. Similarly, accreditation
parameters, criteria need reconsideration. All these steps will help strengthen the country’s digital
learning infrastructure in the long run. Covid-19 has only accelerated adoption of technologies to
deliver education.

What do you understand by a social vaccine? How far did it succeed in the case of HIV
pandemic in the past? Can we now replicate it for the case of Corona pandemic?
Analyse.(250 words)
Reference: The Hindu

Why this question:

The article talks about the lessons to be learnt from the concept of social vaccine that was applied in
the past in the case of the HIV epidemic.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the concept of social vaccine, discuss the lessons of HIV pandemic of the past and suggest
how the model can be replicated for the case of corona pandemic.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the
topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Though there is no biological cure so far, world has used a very known vaccine to contain the
pandemic which helped even in the past for containing the pandemics like HIV/ AIDS, SARS. It’s
nothing but the social vaccine.
Body:
Explain first – Social vaccine can be defined as spreading socio-behavioural measures which are
required to bring awareness among the societies regarding the pandemic. Discuss social vaccine
applied to the case of Corona pandemic – In the present situation, socio – behavioural measures
include wearing face masks, maintaining proper hygiene, social distancing etc. Discuss the case of
social vaccine in the past with respect to HIV AIDS.
Conclusion:
Conclude with what can be done; present a balanced solution with suitable justifications.
Introduction
The pandemic outbreak has come to plague the nations and causing great havoc and miseries in life
of people. The lockdown necessary to stop the spread of the virus will have effect on the larger
economy. The dire socio-economic consequences and the scale of human tragedy that play out daily
make a prolonged total lockdown undesirable.

Alongside infection-control, a strategic plan of action to mitigate suffering and to stimulate

economic recovery is urgently needed. In a recent interview, the Union Health Minister, Harsh
Vardhan, asserted that lockdowns and social distancing are the most effective “social vaccines”
available to fight the pandemic. A social vaccine has far broader implications.

Body

Social Vaccine: A social vaccine is a metaphor for a series of social and behavioural measures that
governments can use to raise public consciousness about unhealthy situations through social
mobilization.

 Social mobilization can empower populations to resist unhealthy practices, increase resilience,
and foster advocacy for change.
 This can drive political will to take action in the interests of society and hold governments
accountable to address the social determinants of health by adopting progressive socio-
economic policies and regulatory mechanisms that promote health equity and reduce
vulnerability to disease.

Efficacy during HIV pandemic

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes the acquired immune deficiency syndrome
(AIDS) is believed to have made the zoonotic jump from monkeys through chimpanzees to humans
in Africa as early as the 1920s, but the HIV/AIDS epidemic was detected in 1981 and was a pandemic
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 134
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

by 1985. From 1981 till December 2018, around 74.9 (range: 58.3 to 98.1) million people worldwide
were HIV-infected, and around 32.0 (range: 23.6 to 43.8) million died (43%, range: 41 to 45%) from
AIDS-related illnesses.

 Uganda and Thailand used these strategies effectively during the HIV/AIDS pandemic to bring
down the incidence of HIV infection, before highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) was
introduced in 1995.
 They demonstrated how an effective social vaccine helped “flatten the curve” till effective
treatments were discovered that dramatically reduced mortality, viral loads and infection
transmission.
 Reducing HIV transmission centered on acknowledging that everybody was potentially infected
— even those apparently healthy — and that infection occurred predominantly through sexual
transmission and intravenous drug use.
 The core preventive messages involved being faithful to one sexual partner or 100% condom use
during sexual intercourse outside stable relationships; resisting peer-pressure for risky
behaviors, and harm reduction for intravenous drug use.
 These measures conflicted with prevailing cultural, social, religious, behavioural and legal norms.
IEC and SBCC activities targeted (and partnered) individuals, families, community leaders, peer-
led community networks and social and health systems to change attitudes and behaviors.
 Religious and community leaders were key change agents. For example, the Catholic Church in
Uganda did not initially support promoting condoms for safe sex since its use prevents life. After
large numbers of people died of AIDS, their tacit acknowledgment that their religion did not
preclude the use of condoms to prevent death was an important turning point.
 Thailand pioneered the effective use of social marketing of condoms for safe intercourse and
used humor to defuse social taboos about publicly discussing on sexual education.
These strategies and advocacy against stigma and discrimination were successfully adapted in India.
These skills and experiences can be innovatively adapted for the current pandemic.

Social vaccine for COVID-19

 Maintaining physical distancing in social situations (unless impossible) and wearing cloth masks
or facial coverings in public (especially where distancing is impossible) by 100% of people (and
100% of the time) is key to preventing infection along with regular disinfection of oneself and
one’s surroundings.

 Effective and innovative IEC(Information education communication) and SBCC (social behavioral
change communication) strategies should address the barriers and facilitators to
implementation.

 People are more likely to practice these behaviors if all leaders (without exception) promote
them publicly and consistently, the whole community believes in their importance, and if proper
information, support, and materials are available and accessible.

 Re-purposing and funding relevant industries and small and medium businesses to produce
materials such as PPE, hand sanitisers and medical equipment;

 Community groups to supply cloth masks, soap, etc., and

 Innovative social marketing of these are other essential components of the social vaccine.

 The components of the social vaccine should be in place before relaxing or lifting the
lockdown.

 Rapidly scaling-up testing; meeting the basic and economic needs of vulnerable sections;
providing psychological support where needed; not communalising or politicising the pandemic
is significant.

 Providing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to front-line workers in health,

sanitation, transport and other essential services; and not compromising the privacy and dignity
of infected individuals and their families in the interest of public health.

 Building trust is key if government-imposed mitigation strategies are to be embraced by the

population.

Conclusion

Considering the limited efficacy and uptake of influenza vaccines, vaccines for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19
may not provide a panacea. Effective treatments to reduce deaths with COVID-19 may emerge, but
till then, and even afterwards, a social vaccine is needed. A social vaccine can build societal
immunity to the devastating effects of future pandemics by the lessons learned about addressing
the root causes, and our responses to the current one.

Assess the concerns against the Aarogya Setu app and the arguments in favour of it and
also suggest measures to address the concerns.(250 words)
Reference: Economic Times
Why this question:
The Aarogya Setu app was recently designed to enable users who have come in contact with COVID-
19 positive patients to be notified, traced and suitably supported.
Key demand of the question:
The question is straightforward and one must assess the concerns against the Arogya Setu app and
the arguments in favour of it and suggest measures to address the concerns.
Directive:
Assess– When you are asked to assess, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the
given statement in the question or the topic based on evidences. You have to appraise the worth of
the statement in question. There is scope for forming a personal opinion here.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the coming of the Arogya Setu – contact tracing app in India into existence.
Body:
To start with, explain the background circumstances under which this app was developed;
Governments around the world are using contact-tracing as a means to improve their situational
awareness to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indian Government’s Aarogya Setu App follows
the same trajectory. Discuss the concerns highlighted by the article such as – app has been criticized
for not complying with data protection principles of data minimization, purpose limitation,
transparency and accountability, all of which are crucial to protecting the privacy of its users. Discuss
the arguments in favour of the app.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a balanced and just solution to address the concerns involved.
Introduction:

Aarogya Setu is a COVID-19 tracking mobile application developed by the National Informatics
Centre that comes under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 136
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

India. The purpose of this app is to spread the awareness and to connect essential health services to
the people of India. It will calculate risk based on the user’s interaction with others, using cutting
edge Bluetooth technology, algorithms and artificial intelligence.

Body:

Objectives of Aarogya Setu:

The Aarogya Setu is developed keeping in mind the following objectives:

 To spread awareness of the novel Coronavirus outbreak among Indian citizens.

 To augment the Government of India’s initiatives, particularly the Department of Health, in
proactively reaching out to the users and informing them about the risks, best practices and
relevant advisories relating to the containment of COVID-19.
 To establish a connection between the government and the people of India for health services,
facilities and updates from the health ministry nationally and state-wise.

Key Features:

 The application uses Bluetooth and GPS of a smart phone to inform the user if he is in a radius of
6 feet from a COVID-19 infected person.
 The application also provides information about the best practices and advisories regarding
containment of the virus.
 The application is available in 11 languages.
 In order to keep the application running, one has to keep their GPS and Bluetooth ON always.
 The application asks for name, gender, profession, travel history and profession.
 The data extracted are to be shared only to Government of India according to the terms and
conditions of the application.

Issues posed:

 Legal loopholes:

 The app exists in the privacy law vacuum that is India.

 With no legislation that spells out in detail how the online privacy of Indians is to be
protected, Aarogya Setu users have little choice but to accept the privacy policy provided
by the government.

 The policy goes into some detail on where and how long the data will be retained, but it
leaves the language around who will have access to it vague.

 No specification on the issue of how the government will use data if the data gets shared
with the government of India.

 According to a working paper from the Internet Freedom Foundation, this “suggests
interdepartmental exchanges of people’s personal information” and is “more excessive
than countries like Singapore and even Israel”.

 Additionally, there was also a question of proportionality with the app and whether it will
be as effective as envisaged in containing the Covid-19 outbreak.

 India’s situation is different from countries like Singapore, where a good number of
people have smartphones.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 137
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

 In India compared to its population, smartphone users are very less which means very few
people will be able to download the app.

 Technical loopholes:

 The unique digital identity in Aarogya Setu is a static number, which increases the
probability of identity breaches.

 The abundance of data collected is also potentially problematic. Aarogya Setu uses both
Bluetooth as well as GPS reference points, which could be seen as an overkill.

 The forums such as the Internet Freedom Foundation and the Software Freedom Law
Center have raised is that the Aarogya Setu app is something of a black box. There is no
documentation publicly available on the app.

Way forward:

 The app privacy policy needs detailed clarification on data collection, its storage and uses.
 The Government of India must specify how it will deal with the app’s data and how long it will
retain the server side data.
 According to the Supreme Court in the Puttaswamy judgement (2017), the right to privacy is a
fundamental right and it is necessary to protect personal data as an essential facet of
informational privacy.
 A better approach against unique digital identity would be constantly-changing digital
identification keys like what Google and Apple deploy in their joint contact tracing technology.
 With the launch of this app, the governments seek to limit the spread of the Covid-19 cases in
India via technology and AI as well as, help create self-awareness among the citizens with
relevant information on the infection.

With the pandemic forcing everyone to consider e-learning tools and resources, now is
a good time to assess its strengths and opportunities, and adapt to the new normal.
Comment.(250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The coronavirus pandemic has shuttered educational institutions across the globe. Closure of schools,
colleges and universities, shutdown of routine life of students and teachers, disruptions in education
and the education ministry remaining incommunicado, have created an unprecedented situation and
thrown many unexpected challenges to administrators, educators, teachers, parents and students.
The situation has created the new normal. How to cope with the new normal is the question that
everyone is now asking.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the need for SWOT analysis amidst the pandemic with respect to the e-learning tools and
resources.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an
overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly discuss the impact of the pandemic on the education system across the world.
Body:

Explain that it is good to carry out a SWOT — Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats —
analysis of the COVID-19 situation and its impact on education. This exercise can help us set new
goals and objectives and move forward. Discuss different dimensions involved – Can everyone in the
country afford e-learning? Is online education an elite concept in India? Will the digital divide further
cement inequality and create an academic divide in the country? Explain the opportunities,
weaknesses and strengths.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction:

The coronavirus pandemic has shuttered educational institutions across the globe. Closure of
schools, colleges and universities, shutdown of routine life of students and teachers, disruptions in
education and the education ministry remaining incommunicado, have created an unprecedented
situation and thrown many unexpected challenges to administrators, educators, teachers, parents
and students.

Body:

Impacts on education due to COVID-19 pandemic:

Digital Education and its potential:

 State governments and private players have regularly been publishing information on various
initiatives undertaken by ministries like MHRD, Department of Technical Education, NCERT and
others to support and benefit youth/students.

Challenges:

 India is far behind some developing countries where digital education is getting increased
attention.
 In countries where e-learning is popular, students have access to various online resources such
as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) which help students, teachers and professionals
upgrade their skills.
 The major challenge in EDTech reforms at the national level is the seamless integration of
technology in the present Indian education system, which is the most diverse and largest in the
world with more than 15 lakh schools and 50,000 higher education institutions.
 Further, it is also important to establish quality assurance mechanisms and quality benchmark
for online learning developed and offered by India HEIs as well as e-learning platforms (growing
rapidly).
 Many e-learning players offer multiple courses on the same subjects with different levels of
certifications, methodology and assessment parameters. So, the quality of courses may differ
across different e-learning platforms.
 Democratization of technology is now an important issue, comprising internet connectivity,
telecom infrastructure, affordability of online system, availability of laptop/desktop, software,
educational tools, online assessment tools, etc.
 Since our education system has not trained our teachers and students to think creatively and
manage in a crisis situation, and has underplayed the importance of e-learning, they are
unprepared for the transition from the classroom to online.

Going forward, the use of technology in teaching or recruitment will lead to a new era wherein the
best of faculty will be available from across the globe to students. Education quality will be gauged
not just by the quality of faculty but will also have quality of IT infrastructure and familiarization of
the faculty will digital teaching technologies as important parameters.

Conclusion:

To summarize, education must continue. Students should keep learning. The lockdown period
should be productive. Educators should think creatively and introduce innovative ways of learning.
In a country where access to the Internet and high-speed connectivity is a problem, and the digital
divide is an issue, it is important to address the challenges. Those who are involved in education
planning and administration should give a serious thought to reducing the digital divide in the
country and popularize digital learning.

The migrant workers’ plight during the lockdown has exposed the inadequacies of the
legal safeguards available to them. Analyse.(250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
Seasonal migration is an important issue of our time and the COVID-19 crisis has brought the issue of
migration to the centre stage of public discourse. The migrant workers’ plight during the lockdown
has exposed the inadequacies of the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979.
Key demand of the question:

Explain the loopholes and lacunae in the legal safeguards available to the migrant workers in the
country; suggest what needs to be done to address the situation.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the
topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly discuss who constitute migrant workers; what the provisions available to them are.
Body:
To start with, explain the concerns associated with the very definition of migrant workers in the Inter-
State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979. Discuss various legal provisions and framework available to them.
Hint towards policies that were directed specifically for them yet had loopholes. Suggest measures to
address the issue.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction:

Thousands of migrant labourers have headed home on foot after national lockdown, which has
created an acute shortage of labourers in major agrarian states. The inter-State migrant worker
community, thousands of these migrant labourers have been leaving cities, even on foot, for their
towns in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and elsewhere

Body:

The migrant workers’ plight during the lockdown has exposed the inadequacies of the laws available
for the migrant workers:

Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979:

 Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979 (ISMW Act) was drawn up after repealing the Orissa
Dadan Labour Act, 1975.
 The ISMW Act defines inter-State migrant workman as any person who is recruited by or
through a contractor.

The Unorganised Workers’ Social Security (UWSS) Act, 2008

 This act was enacted to provide for social security and welfare of unorganised workers.
 The Act defines unorganised workers as home-based worker, self-employed worker or wage
worker in the unorganised sector.
 The UWSS Act itself has two very vitally useful features, viz., (a) Registration of unorganised
workers, and (b) Portable smart I-card with a Unique Worker’s Identification Number.

Loopholes in the legal safeguards:

 The definition of a migrant as per the ISMW Act keeps away any migrant workman out of the
ambit if he is not brought in through a licensed contractor.
 It is common knowledge that most of the migrant workmen are not routed through licensed
contractors.
 This small catch, in the definition, has been sufficient to exclude bulk of the migrant workmen
from getting any benefit out of the Act.
 Furthermore, the Act is only applicable to any establishment in which five or more inter-State
migrant workmen are employed.

 In reality, only a minuscule proportion of migrant workmen are placed under such
establishments these days.
 So, if the establishment doesn’t come under the purview of the Act, its migrant employees,
numbering less than five, cease to be migrants, legally, even though they may actually be one.

However, the Government of India has, in the recent past, introduced a host of social security
schemes:

 Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan Yojana is meant to ensure old age protection for
unorganised workers.
 Atal Pension Yojana has been launched under the National Pension System.
 Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana is a life insurance scheme.
 Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana is an accident insurance scheme.
 Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana aims at providing health cover.
 The coverage of these useful provisions and schemes, however, is still sub-optimal thereby
making the need for legal safeguards and welfare measures for migrants has become pressing
and urgent.

Way forward:

 Repealing of the ISMW Act, 1979 forthwith and replacing it with a new act, or alternatively,
enlarging the scope of the UWSS Act to include legal entitlements, to define the migrant
workman as a subset, to provide for contingencies of livelihood loss and to make the Act legally
enforceable.
 Universalisation of registration and issuance of Aadhaar-based UWIN (Unique Worker’s
Identification No.) would serve multiple objectives.
 Schemes like MNREGA, PDS and Ujjwala need to be made portable.
 Geofencing of different benefits can be done so that a migrant workman can choose location-
wise benefits for himself and his family from a matrix available.
 A comprehensive database must be created, of the migrant workers’ source and destination,
demography, employment patterns and skill sets.
 It would help in skill development and providing for social security benefits.
 It would also be useful in planning for mass transit of migrant labour, and preparing for any
contingency plan in abnormal situations.

Conclusion:

Issues related to migrant workmen have complex Centre-State and inter-State dimensions. The
Inter-State Council, set up under Article 263 of the Constitution, may be a more appropriate forum
to effectively and comprehensively deal with larger issues related to migrant workmen. It’s time to
initiate a legal platform that means business to the migrant workmen, and replace the antiquated
law of 1979 that seems to have outlived its utility. The entitlements and benefits for the migrant
workers have an unquestionable economic, legal and moral basis. There is a need for the
policymakers to ensure a better legal framework which doesn’t leave the migrant workers high and
dry yet again during tough situations.

Discuss the conditions of Tribal Women in India, also bring out the efforts of the
government to improve their conditions.(250 words)
Reference: shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in
Why this question:

The question is straightforward and aims to analyse the conditions of tribal women in the country.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss the conditions of Tribal Women in India; also bring out the efforts of the government to
improve their conditions.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Tribal women are among the most vulnerable people in India. They are faced with a double
discrimination of being tribal and being women within the tribal households.
Body:
To start with, state facts that justify the dismal condition of tribal women in the country. Basic
amenities are completely absent from tribal settlements. Absence of electricity and basic sanitation
facilities impacts the women the most. Only 15.2 per cent of ST households have drinking water
which further spells out the burden on the women. Discuss different dimensions like education,
availability of rights on lands, lack of legal safeguards, low human resource development etc. Discuss
policy measures of the governments from past to present in this direction.
Conclusion:
Conclude with what needs to be done to better their conditions and mainstream them inclusively in
the agenda of growth and overall development.
Introduction:
Tribals or adivasis, as they are popularly known as a symbol of self-assertion, comprise of around 8.2
per cent of the national population. The tribals are concentrated mostly in the central belt of India
and parts of the North-East. The status of women in the tribal societies is comparatively better than
that of the women in general society—apparently so. The sex ratio of the tribes in India during 1991
showed 971 females per 1000 males while it was 927 females among the general population.

Body:

Conditions of Tribal women in India:

 The tribal women, constitute like any other social group, about half of the total population. The
tribal women, as women in all social groups, are more illiterate than men.
 Role of women is not only of importance in economic activities, but her role in non-economic
activities is equally important. The tribal women work very hard, in some cases even more than
the men.
 Mitra and Singh write that discrimination against women, occupational differentiation, and
emphasis on status and hierarchical social ordering that characterise the predominant Hindu
culture are generally absent among the tribal groups.
 Bhasin (2007) also writes that though tribes too have son preference, they do not discriminate
against girls by female infanticide or sex determination tests.
 The status of tribal women can be judged mainly by the roles they play in society. Their roles are
determined to a large extent through the system of descent.
 Most of the tribes in India follow a patrilinear system. There are exceptional cases like the Khasi,
Jaintia, Garo and Lalung of Meghalaya in the North-East who follow the matrilineal system. The
Mappilas of Kerala too are a matrilineal community.

 Since women in the tribal communities’ toil hard, they are considered to be assets. Not
surprisingly, the practice of bride price during marriages is quite common among them.
 The tribal women in the North-East were famous for their weaving skills. Almost every tribal girl
used to learn weaving at home. They usually used to weave in their leisure time and for self-
consumption.
 Tribal women as such enjoy very little control over immovable property. They hardly ever inherit
land, particularly in the patrilineal societies.

Some of the problems faced by tribal women are:

 Despite several economic, political and social changes, women, are still far behind.
 Primitive Economy results in overburdening of women. They are exposed to wild animals,
poisonous vegetation as a cost of survival (women are known to actively participate in economy)
 Cultural Practices – Numerous practices like genital mutilation are disastrous to the physical and
mental health of women.
 Health: Malnutrition, anaemia, lack of access to healthcare & proper medicines, lack of literacy
& education opportunities, low empowerment & sense of independence
 Sexual Exploitation – A number of complaints regarding officials committing sexual offences
have come to light. (especially Naxalite area)
 Isolation – Prevents women to take up education or benefit from government policies like
maternity benefit, reservation etc.
 Financial exploitation by money lenders.
 Male migration leading to feminization of agriculture and poverty.
 Tribal migrant women face issues of low wages, bad work conditions, malnutrition, unhygienic
sanitation, cramped housing.

Government measures:

 Reservation of seats and relaxation in marks in admission to educational institutions,

scholarships,
 Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojana-with special focus on o the qualitative and sustainable employment
for tribal families, Improving the quality of education and health and improving the quality of life
in tribal areas.
 Single Window System for Obtaining Market Information on Minor Forest Produces,
 Setting up of Eklavya Model Residential Schools, & Tribal Research Institutes, which undertake
intensive studies of tribal arts, culture and customs.
 Access to marketing, ex: women’s part time job is to collect minor forest product like honey,
resins, herbs etc. has brought income security among many tribal
 Tribal women of North East are self-employed, border e-Haat has added colour to their life.
 PESA extended to tribal areas are testimonial for the success of democratic decentralisation
besides 33% reservation.
 Infrastructure facilities like providing toilets under SBM. Etc.
 Stand Up India Mission which is dedicated to SCs/STs and Women would fetch good
opportunities.
 Democratic Decentralization in Tribal areas would ensure their participation at the political level.

Conclusion:

Integration of tribals into mainstream economy is important for inclusive development. A women
centric approach can help achieve this goal. Hence, problems of tribal women should be taken into
consideration when undertaking planning.

What are Zoonotic diseases? Examine the challenges posed by it in India? How should
India gear itself to deal with this challenge. (250 words)
Reference : The Print
Why this question
The coronavirus onslaught has presented an unprecedented challenge for India in scale and expanse,
but there are other viral diseases that the country battles year to year. One such disease is the
monkey fever, which originated in Karnataka and peaks as the summer begins. It is a zoonosis like
the novel coronavirus, which means it reached humans via an animal carrier.
Key demand of the question
Following points are to be brought out in your answer
What are zoonotic diseases
How they are a huge health risk – apart from the obvious fact that they can lead to loss of significant
no of lives, what other factors exacerbates the risk
How India deals with these diseases and the changes required
Directive word
Examine – When you are asked to examine, you have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details,
and find out the causes or implications if any . In the above case, discuss points as highlighted above.
Structure of the answer
Introduction:
explain zoonotic diseases along with some current examples to establish the scare on account of
zoonotic diseases.
Body
How they are a huge health risk – apart from the obvious fact that they can lead to loss of significant
no of lives, what other factors exacerbates the risk. Explain points like ecosystem changes brought
about, no vaccination etc
How we deal with such diseases, highlight our experience in dealing with Zika scare and now Nipah
scare.
Examine how can we improve our handling of these diseases – virology centres, border screening,
awareness etc
Conclusion:
Mention that it is important to take proactive action, rather than reactive in this case as the health
cost of an outbreak will be immense.

Introduction:

Zoonotic diseases are those that are transmitted from animals to humans and account for over 60%
of infectious outbreaks. Deforestation due to expanding agriculture and logging, animal breeding,
and livestock farming are creating a conveyor belt for the transmission of microbes, hitherto
confined to their primary animal hosts in wild life, to the veterinary population and then to human
habitats. Anthropogenic climate change creates conditions for vectors like mosquitoes and ticks to
spread to new geographies. They transport the microbes to the human body. Microbial genetics
evolve far more rapidly than humans. Microbes which are confined to forest animals or small human
communities follow the survival rules of evolution, and generally have low virulence, because the
extinction of their host will lead to their own extinction

Body:
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 145
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

Challenges posed by Zoonotic diseases in India:

 Humans now crowd together in large numbers, travel fast and far in many modes of transport,
and unknowingly transmit microbes to other humans through sputum, saliva, semen, blood, and
other bodily fluids. This enables the virus to multiply rapidly and mutate to more virulent forms.
 Vaccines are presently not available against many of these viruses, though some early success
has been reported in candidate vaccines for Ebola and Zika.
 Specific drug treatments too, are unavailable.
 Laboratory diagnosis is possible in specialised labs but is mainly useful for identifying the nature
of the outbreak, modelling its likely spread, and alerting the health system of the anticipated
clinical severity of the cases that will arise.
 India has one of the highest density of livestock population and poorly guarded animal-human
interface makes it vulnerable to disease outbursts.
 The Indian subcontinent has been identified as one of the four global hotspots at increased risks
from emergence of new infectious diseases, particularly zoonoses according to various studies.
 Economic risk:
 The case for control of zoonotic diseases (zoonoses) is compelling. The economic losses
from six major outbreaks of highly fatal zoonoses between 1997 and 2009 amounted to at
least US$80 billion.
 The health infrastructure in India, already quite shabby, would bend it’s back in trying to
deal with situations like these.

India’s actions:

 India is now expanding its laboratory network but epidemiological surveillance systems need
further strengthening.
 In the absence of specific treatments, supportive care has been provided in the case of Nipah
virus attack. Fluids for adequate hydration and electrolyte balance; medicines to control fever,
and intensive care with respiratory and circulatory support are given when needed.
 During any outbreak, isolation of the patient, avoidance of direct contact while providing care,
tracing, examination of all contacts, and limiting their movement during the incubation period
are helping to contain the spread.
 Preventive measures include hand washing and avoiding contact with bodily fluids of a person
known or suspected to be infected. Avoidance of direct or indirect contact with animals, who act
as primary or reservoir hosts, is necessary and people are being made aware.
 Effective risk communication to the public is especially necessary, to enable them to adopt
preventive personal protection measures, seek timely medical care, and avoid mass panic. This
requires clear and open information sharing by trusted experts who are adept in jargon-free
messaging via mass media.
 In Jaipur, India, dog vaccination and sterilization resulted in a decline of human rabies cases to
zero.

Way forward:

 A rational response to such outbreaks requires an understanding of why these viruses cross
species, how they are transmitted among humans, what preventive measures can be taken,
which tests and treatments exist, and whether the health system is ready to contain the
outbreak at an early stage.

 Microbes must be vigilantly monitored during outbreaks to study if highly infective viruses are
suddenly seized with mutation madness to develop higher virulence, especially in crowded
populations where the virus has a free run.
 Given the elevated risk to India from zoonotic diseases, it is important to have a policy
framework in place to prevent an outbreak.
 India needs to fund creation of data and evidence-base (data to support actions) on these
infections so that they can be controlled in animals.
 India should prevent infections spreading to humans. This can happen with better collaboration
(between various agencies), an operational framework from the government, better surveillance
and sharing of data on these diseases.
 The effectiveness of zoonotic disease control requires early detection at the source of the
disease in animals, an early and accurate diagnosis, and rapid disease control measures.
Therefore, One Health, a collaborative approach finds an important place at this human-animal
interface to work effectively in disease prevention.
 Numerous examples already exist of the success of this collaboration in One Health like in Chad,
joint animal–human vaccination campaigns of DPT and polio in children and CBPP control in
livestock resulted in greater coverage in both humans and livestock, and pastoralists became
more aware of public health services.
 Reporting by the media should exercise responsible restraint to avoid stoking mass hysteria.
 Virology centres need to be established more
 Border screening has to be done strictly.

Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-

governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens
charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
Discuss the concept of “people-centered development” and its contributions to global
health equity. Illustrate with examples.(250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
The author discusses in detail in what way Prime Minister Narendra Modi has deftly drafted the
people into the fight against pandemic. Thus hinting us to analyse the importance of “people-
centered development”.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the concept of “people-centered development”, discuss its significance in the current times
especially with respect to achieving global health equity.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly define what “people-centered development” is.
Body:
People-centered development is an approach to international development that focuses on
improving local communities’ self-reliance, social justice, and participatory decision-making. It
recognizes that economic growth does not inherently contribute to human development. Then

discuss the origin of the concept. And highlight the importance. The concept of “people-centered
development” places the ultimate objective of development in helping humankind lead an affluent
and happy life. Explain in what way it can help achieve global health equity ; illustrate using the
example of India fighting COVID-19. Discuss any concerns associated.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction:

People-centered development is an approach to international development that focuses on

improving local communities’ self-reliance, social justice, and participatory decision-making. It
recognizes that economic growth does not inherently contribute to human development and calls
for changes in social, political, and environmental values and practices. When people are placed at
the centre of development programmers, high levels of human well-being can be achieved even at
modes income levels. That is the central theme of UNDP’s innovative study, the Human
Development Report 1990.

Body:

Various countries’ responses have handled the COVID-19 crisis:

 The prime minister of Hungary used the majority he enjoys in the parliament to secure
emergency powers for himself. He can now run Hungary through decrees without any judicial
oversight. Any criticism of his measures will attract imprisonment up to five years.

 Even traditional democracies like Britain and Israel are compelled to turn to emergency
measures in their battle against the pandemic.

 The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, has ordered the courts to be shut down,
authorised his internal security agencies to carry out extensive surveillance on citizens, and is
punishing violators of the lockdown with six months’ imprisonment.

 The United Kingdom, with well-established democratic institutions and practices, had to push
through a pandemic-related bill that gave sweeping powers to different ministries for detaining
and arresting people indefinitely.

 President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha of Thailand
have been granted supreme powers by their respective governments.

 Italy and Spain have had to turn to their militaries for quarantining thousands of people.

 Hungary, Lebanon, Malaysia, Peru and many other countries too have brought their armies to
the streets to implement the restrictions.

 Even Germany and the UK have turned to soldiers for help. The UK has formed a “COVID
Response Group” with about 20,000 soldiers.

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, some justifiable. But critics argue that some
leaders are using the public health emergency to usurp all powers and are emerging as authoritarian
regimes.

Indian Government’s response to COVID-19 pandemic:

 Indian Government has neither asked for nor invoked any emergency powers.

 It has not resorted to any draconian measures like censorship or detention without trial.

 The cacophony about gagging the media is misinformed.

 All that the Supreme Court had asked of the media is to be careful with fake news and give space
to official figures and numbers.

 Government has not called the army onto the streets nor has it denied people any fundamental
human rights.

 The lockdown instructions were largely voluntary and for the public good.

 Yet, the Indian Govt. decided to depend not on authoritarian but on democratic means.

 It has come out as a committed democratic country upholding basic human rights in a “world
war-like situation”.

Health equity in India based on people-centered development:

 Indian government has made the people stakeholders in governance.

 Starting with the first major campaign for cleanliness — Swachh Bharat Abhiyan — right up to
the present fight against the pandemic, Indian Government has displayed the unique skill of
increasingly making people active participants.
 Government schemes like the ICDS, MDM etc which are targeted at ensuring healthy women
and children are also based on the he above idea.
 Further, the involvement of ASHA’s, ANMs at the village levels along with the Gram Sabha itself
in maintaining the healthy village and its people is a testimony to people centered government.

“people-centered development” would contribute to global health equity:

 Integrated people-centred health services means putting people and communities, not diseases,
at the centre of health systems, and empowering people to take charge of their own health
rather than being passive recipients of services.
 Evidence shows that health systems oriented around the needs of people and communities are
more effective, cost less, improve health literacy and patient engagement, and are better
prepared to respond to health crises.
 It would improve the quality of the services available
 help people get the care they need when they need it
 help people be more active in looking after themselves
 and reduce some of the pressure on health and social services
 Improve the experience people have of care and help them feel more satisfied
 encourage people to lead a healthier lifestyle, such as exercising or eating healthily

Conclusion:

India has taken his fight against the pandemic to a different level. It has used scientific methods,
deployed technology in a big way and made 1.3 billion people stakeholders in his fight. Through a
unique and visionary handling of this situation, India has presented a new mantra to the world:
“Human-centric development cooperation.”

Though digital tools can help achieve transparency, efficiency and accountability in
governance, meeting these objectives requires much more than just building a large
digital infrastructure and mere connectivity. Discuss.(250 words)
Reference: darpg.gov.in
Why this question:
The question is based on the utility aspects of digital tools and to what extent achieving digital
governance requires more efforts than mere availability of digital infrastructure and connectivity.
Key demand of the question:
One must explain the idea behind digital tools and e-governance, the efforts that the government
needs to take other than creating infrastructure and connectivity.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Explain first that Digital tools are aimed at reforming the functioning of the government. The
advantages they bring with them are transparency, efficiency and accountability in governance,
making the government citizen friendly.
Body:
Explain the idea behind digital tools and e-governance; Improving work culture in government
offices, Training and capacity building, proactive disclosure of information, quality as a mission etc.
Give some examples of such initiatives.
Elaborate upon what else the government needs to do to make digital tools effective.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance and way ahead.
Introduction:

e-Governance which also known as electronic governance is basically the application of Information
and Communications Technology to the processes of Government functioning in order to bring
about ‘Simple, Moral, Accountable, Responsive and Transparent’ governance.

e-Governance involve the use of ICTs by government organisations for exchange of information with
citizens, businesses or other government departments, faster and more efficient delivery of public
services, improving internal efficiency, reducing costs / increasing revenue, re-structuring of
administrative processes and improving quality of services.

Body:

Potential of e-governance with respect to India:

 Increased effectiveness and efficiency: Improved government services in terms of

accomplishing the government purpose and functioning
 Better services: E-government can provide quick and timely services to stakeholders
 Transparency by dissemination and publication of information on the web: This provides easy
access to information and subsequently makes the system publicly accountable. Also as the web
enables the free flow of information, it can be easily accessed by all without any discrimination.
 Accessible anytime and anywhere: As e-government services are provided through web-
enabled technology they can be accessed anytime and anywhere

 User-centred ICT enabled services: The services are primarily intended for the use of citizens,
businesses, and the government itself.
 Reduced cost and time: As the services are provided through internet they are effective in terms
of time and cost

Recommendations of 2nd ARC on e-Governance:

Building a Congenial Environment: Building a congenial environment is a sine qua non for successful
implementation of e-Governance initiatives. This should be achieved by:

 Creating and displaying a will to change within the government

 Providing political support at the highest level
 Incentivising e-Governance and overcoming the resistance to change within government
 Creating awareness in the public with a view to generating a demand for change.

Identification of e-Governance Projects and Prioritisation: The Organisation for Economic Co-
operation and Development (OECD) has defined four stages of e-government Projects, each one
more demanding than the next. These are:

 Information: Putting information on web-sites

 Interaction: Allowing citizens to enquire about services, procedures etc. and filling up forms and
submitting them online
 Transaction: Allowing payments online
 Transformation: A mix of all the above and allowing the citizen to participate in governance
through ICT.

Business Process Re-engineering (BPR): The basic idea behind such re-engineering is to avail of the
opportunity provided by ICT in transforming governmental processes and not just in modifying
them.

 For every function a government organisation performs and every service or information it is
required to provide, there should be a step-by-step analysis of each process to ensure its
rationality and simplicity.
 Such analysis should incorporate the viewpoints of all stakeholders, while maintaining the
citizen-centricity of the exercise.
 After identifying steps which are redundant or which require simplification, and which are
adaptable to e-Governance, the provisions of the law, rules, regulations, instructions, codes,
manuals etc. which form their basis should also be identified.
 Following this exercise, governmental forms, processes and structures should be re-designed to
make them adaptable to e-Governance, backed by procedural, institutional and legal changes.

Capacity Building and Creating Awareness: The success of an e-Governance project would depend
on building human capacities in terms of necessary knowledge and skills to conceptualize, initiate,
implement and sustain e-Governance initiatives across government as also on the ultimate use by
citizens of the facilities created.

 Capacity building efforts must attend to both the organizational capacity building as also the
professional and skills upgradation of individuals associated with the implementation of e-
Governance projects.
 Each government organization must conduct a capacity assessment which should form the basis
for training their personnel.

 A network of training institutions needs to be created in the States with the Administrative
Training Institutes at the apex.
 State Governments should operationalise the Capacity Building Roadmap (CBRMs), under the
overall guidance and support of the DIT, Government of India.
 Lessons learnt from previous successful e-Governance initiatives should be incorporated in
training programmes.

Developing Technological Solutions: There is a need to:

 Develop a national e-Governance ‘enterprise architecture’ framework as has been done in some
countries.
 Promote the use of ‘enterprise architecture’ in the successful implementation of e-Governance
initiatives; this would require building capacity of top level managers in all government
organizations.

Implementation: E-Governance projects could be of a wide variety based on their objectives,

technological requirements, dependence on databases, requirement of institutional support etc

 All organizations should carry out a periodic independent evaluation of the information available
on their websites from the citizens’ perspective and then re-design their websites.
 Each organization should prepare a time-bound plan for providing of transactional information
through their websites.
 Complex e-Governance projects should be planned and implemented like any major project
having several parts / components for which Project Management capability should be
developed in-house
Public-Private Partnership (PPP): Financial and managerial resources are critically required for
successful implementation and more so, the sustainability of e-Governance initiatives. While the
normal preference for any reform initiative is through exclusive use of inhouse resources, the merits
of inducting the private sector resources into the e-Governance sector have now been appreciated
and accepted by policy-makers in Government.

 Several components of e-Governance projects lend themselves to the Public-Private Partnership

(PPP) mode. In all such cases (PPP) should be the preferred mode.
 The private partner should be selected through a transparent process.
 The roles and responsibilities of government as well as the private partner should be clearly laid
down in the initial stage itself, leaving no room for any ambiguity.

Protecting Critical Information Infrastructure Assets

 There is need to develop a critical information infrastructure assets protection strategy.

 This should be supplemented with improved analysis and warning capabilities as well as
improved information sharing on threats and vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The above principles and recommendations were given by 2nd ARC in the realm of e-Governance.
The NeGP and many other projects are based on the above. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former President
of India, has visualized e-Governance in the Indian context to mean: “A transparent, smart e-
Governance with seamless access, secure and authentic flow of information crossing the
interdepartmental barrier and providing a fair and unbiased service to the citizen.”

knowledge-era technologies, in contrast to industrial-era technologies, promote

democratization and facilitate decentralisation, do you agree? Present your analysis
with suitable examples.(250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
The question is based on the article that brings to us the unique connection between the knowledge-
era and the industrial-era technologies and in what way the latter is better than the former.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the two kinds of technology era witnessed – knowledge-era and the industrial-era, highlight
the advantages of the latter and differentiate the two.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the
topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain knowledge-era and the industrial-era technologies in general.
Body:
To start with, discuss the contributions of Industrial era technology, bring out the limitations
associated. Explain that in the knowledge era, with emphasis on capability and capacity building of
rural youth in terms of holistic education, appropriate technology and enhanced livelihood, there is a
possibility for a more balanced distribution of income as well as population. Explain in what way
these technologies bring and promote democratization and facilitate decentralisation(quote recent
examples to justify). Highlight the effects of knowledge era technology on cities and rural areas alike.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance and suggest that the knowledge era technologies can prove to be a
harbinger to the rural pockets of the country.
Introduction:

The reverse migration of daily wage earners in large numbers despite the lockdown to contain the
coronavirus has been distressing. Many even resorted to walking back to their hometowns,
hundreds of kilometres away, as their survival in cities, with no jobs in hand, became untenable.
However, in contrast, some in tune with knowledge-era technologies have been able to continue
working, many from their homes.

Body:

Knowledge-era technologies, in contrast to industrial-era technologies:

 Knowledge-era technologies promote democratisation (social media, for example) and facilitate
decentralisation (work from home).
 It should thus be possible for an adequately educated and trained youth residing in a rural
domain to support a significant part of the manufacturing and service needs of urban areas, just
as an urban youth can support a significant part of the knowledge and application needs in rural
areas.
 With technologies like additive manufacture, internet of things, and artificial intelligence, well-
trained people can address needs in both urban and rural areas from wherever they are.
 There are instances where an Indian group is addressing the troubleshooting, plant modification
and technical documentation needs of plants abroad, sitting in India.
 Thus, the knowledge era should, in principle, become a significant income leveller between the
urban and rural domains, with a large rise in the overall national income.

 Democratisation promoted by knowledge technologies, if properly leveraged, can in principle

reduce disparities, which, unfortunately, are on the rise today.

Measures needed:

 As we embrace the knowledge era and focus on capacity building of rural youth, the
opportunities in rural areas should, in principle, become higher than those in urban areas since
the rural segment can now benefit from all three (agriculture, manufacturing and services)
sectors of the economy.
 In the knowledge era, with emphasis on capability and capacity building of rural youth in terms
of holistic education, appropriate technology and enhanced livelihood, there is a possibility for a
more balanced distribution of income as well as population.
 This would need knowledge bridges to be built between cities and villages, and the creation of
an ecosystem which has been conceptualised as a “cillage” — a synergistic combination of city
and village.
 bridging the knowledge gap between a city and a village would also bridge the income gap
between the two, and lead to a faster bridging of the gap between the average individual
income in India and that in industrially advanced countries.
 Developing a “cillage” ecosystem would need a rooted and integrated approach to holistic
education and research, technology development and management, as well as technology-
enabled rural livelihood enhancement.
 Facilitating a number of new skills, technologies and support systems that can further leverage
current capabilities of these people for starting a new enterprise would be important.
 Immediate arrangements to facilitate their livelihood, and leveraging their present capabilities
could help retain at least some of these people in villages.
 Going forward, we should take knowledge activities to a higher level so that the products and
services created by these people become more competitive. Looking at disruptive technologies
for exploiting local opportunities should follow.

Conclusion:
The disruption caused by the COVID-19 crisis, particularly in the context of loss of livelihoods at the
base of the socio-economic pyramid, is bound to have a deep impact. It will need every effort to
return to normal. Given that the new normal would, in any case, be quite different, the right course
would be to channelise the stimulus caused by this crisis towards accelerating the shift to a new
normal. This will not only help a more dispersed population, but will also reduce disparities and lead
to faster growth of the economy.

India’s digital divide makes the government far-flung from those who need it most,
discuss the need for aggressive bridging of the digital divide to ensure access to e-
governance for all.(250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
The author in the article tries to bring the lop sides of the digital bridge and in what way the gaps in
the digital divide distance the needy from the State.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the need to aggressively bridge the digital divide in the country. Discuss its relevance and
importance in bringing about access to e-governance.
Directive:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
One can start by stating key facts/reports that highlight the digital divide in the country.
Body:
To start with, define what constitutes a digital divide. Present the Indian scenario. Explain the
advantages and disadvantages of the e-governance model to the people of the country, define the
role of digital divide and explain why it is important to aggressively bridge it. One can present the
case of COVID-19; highlight the issue of poor and the migrants who are at the receiving end.
Conclusion:
Conclude by suggesting solutions to address the problem, highlight the efforts of the government in
this direction.
Introduction

The digital medium has emerged as a powerful passport for millions of citizens to register their
expectations from the state and make their voices hear. Especially at a time when the nation is
under a lockdown to combat an unprecedented pandemic, the glaring inequality in the access to the
digital world is laid our bare.

Body

Digital Divide: It means discrepancy between people who have access to and the resources to use
new information and communication tools, such as the Internet, and people who do not have the
resources and access to the technology. It also means discrepancy between those who have the
skills, knowledge and abilities to use the technologies and those who do not.

The digital divide can exist between those living in rural areas and those living in urban areas,
between genders, between the educated and uneducated, between economic classes, and on a
global scale between more and less industrially developed nations.

Status in India

 Although India has 220 million smartphone users and is the second largest smartphone market
in the world, the overall penetration is still just about 30 per cent of the population.

 There is a huge rural- urban and inter-state digital divide in India.

 according to statistics, more than 75 per cent of the broadband connections in the country
are in the top 30 cities

 Similarly, many states like north-eastern states, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa,
Chhattisgarh and Assam lag behind other states in the use and development of ICTs.

 Globally 12 percent more men used the internet than women in 2017, while in India only 29% of
total internet users are females.
 Another important reason of digital divide in India is knowledge divide. Knowledge divide is
directly related with digital divide.

Advantages of Digitization

Digital revolution in India is significant as it promises to bring a multi-dimensional metamorphosis in

almost all sectors of the society.

 From digitization in governance to better health care and educational services, cashless
economy and digital transactions, transparency in bureaucracy, fair and quick distribution of
welfare schemes all seem achievable with the digital India initiative of the present Government.

 Access to Education: ‘SWAYAM’ scheme provides an opportunity to students to access courses

taught in classrooms from ninth standard to post graduation, that can be accessed by anyone,
anywhere at any time.

 This digital scheme not only brings education at the door step of numerous students but
also aims to bridge the digital divide as students who cannot join mainstream or formal
education can access this application.

 Another digital scheme is ‘ePATHSHALA’ which disseminates all educational content

through website and mobile app.

 Better healthcare: Digital AIIMS’ a project that aims to create an effective linkage between
UIDAI and AIIMS; the ‘e-hospitals’ scheme that is an open source health management system;
‘mRaktkosh’ – a web-based mechanism that interconnects all blood banks of the state into a
single network. Such initiatives has been revolutionary for Indian healthcare.

 Further, it enables collaboration and knowledge-sharing between academia, the business world,
NGOs and the vast swathes of the Indian population that will most benefit from it — our
farmers, rural entrepreneurs and artisans.

Impact of Digital Divide

 Low female representation: Due to huge digital divide in gender, thousands of Indian girls in
these far-flung areas are refused access to Information and Communications Technology (ICTs),
which is a primary cause of low female representation in jobs.
 Denial to information/knowledge: This lack of equal opportunities to access online services and
information deprive people of higher/quality education and skill training that could help them
contribute to the economy and become leaders on a global level
 Non delivery of welfare schemes: As many schemes have started using ICT in their delivery, at
the same time due to digital divide it will create more problem.
 Covid-19 case study: India’s deep digital divide is in ever-sharper focus with most physical
means of carrying out business and governance rendered dysfunctional.
 For instance, most emergency permits being issued by various government authorities
are e-passes, which must be applied for and received digitally.
 As such, the exigencies of the unlettered and the digitally deprived must, by default,
languish behind the great divide.
 We cannot underestimate the disproportionate burden of the lockdown, both
psychological and material, being borne by them.

Need of the hour

The way to lighten this burden is through an aggressive bridging of the digital divide.

 A national network of decentralised virtual call centres could be operated in local languages and
dialects for the purpose of accessing e-governance.

 Digitally empowered citizens, remotely serving as “digital volunteers” could be equipped with
the relevant helpline numbers, website addresses and URLs for accessing public services.
 The digitally disconnected could seek help through a simple phone call, which would be queued
in the system.
 A digital volunteer could then connect with the caller in her language, understand her
requirement, and initiate the necessary procedures.
 Similarly, leveraging India’s vast mobile phone penetration, an artificial intelligence-
powered Interactive Voice Response (IVR) mechanism of placing automated calls could be
harnessed for proactive dissemination of area-based vital information.
 Such digital inclusion is essential for the reassurance of India’s teeming millions that the state is
in their service and won’t let them languish without an anchor.

Conclusion

Promotion of telecommunication infrastructure in rural India is the most important condition for
bridging the rural-urban digital divide and Indian government can play a significant role in creating
the IT infrastructure in rural India. A special expenditure should be marked for bridging the digital
divide in rural India. Government should come up with innovative schemes for giving technology
access to rural areas.

Deliberate the relevance of Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme in

present times. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
The question is straightforward from the article that talks about issues pertaining to the Member of
Parliament Local Area Development Scheme.
Key demand of the question:
Examine the relevance of Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme in present times.
Directive:
Deliberate – Weigh up to what extent something is true. Persuade the reader of your argument by
citing relevant research but also remember to point out any flaws and counter- arguments as well.
Conclude by stating clearly how far you agree with the original proposition.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Recently, the Government of India in the event of struggle against Covid-19 has suspended Member
of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme or MPLADS funds for two years (2020 and 2021) and
directed these funds to be transferred to the Consolidated Fund of India.
Body:
To start with, explain what MPLADs is; The MPLAD scheme was formulated in 1993 to enable
Members of Parliament (MPs) to recommend development works in their constituencies with
emphasis on the creation of durable community assets based on the locally felt need. Discuss the key
features of it. Explain the issues associated with it. Discuss the relevance of it.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction

MPLAD is a central government scheme, under which MPs can recommend development
programmes involving spending of Rs 5 crore every year in their respective constituencies. MPs from
both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including nominated ones, can do so.

Recently, the Government of India in the event of struggle against Covid-19 has suspended Member
of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme or MPLADS funds for two years (2020 and 2021) and
directed these funds to be transferred to the Consolidated Fund of India.

Body

MPLAD Scheme: Features

 The Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) is an ongoing Central
Sector Scheme which was launched in 1993-94.

 The Scheme enables the Members of Parliament to recommend works for creation of durable
community assets based on locally felt needs to be taken up in their constituencies in the area of
national priorities namely drinking water, education, public health, sanitation, roads etc.

 The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has been responsible for the policy
formulation, release of funds and prescribing monitoring mechanism for implementation of the
Scheme.

 The MPLADS is a Plan Scheme fully funded by Government of India. The annual MPLADS fund
entitlement per MP constituency is Rs. 5 crore.

 MPs are to recommend every year, works costing at least 15 per cent of the MPLADS
entitlement for the year for areas inhabited by Scheduled Caste population and 7.5 per cent for
areas inhabited by S.T. population.

 In order to encourage trusts and societies for the betterment of tribal people, a ceiling of Rs. 75
lakh is stipulated for building assets by trusts and societies subject to conditions prescribed in
the scheme guidelines.

 Lok Sabha Members can recommend works within their Constituencies and Elected Members of
Rajya Sabha can recommend works within the State of Election (with select exceptions).
Nominated Members of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha can recommend works anywhere
in the country.

 All works to meet locally felt infrastructure and development needs, with an emphasis on
creation of durable assets in the constituency are permissible under MPLADS as prescribed in
the scheme guidelines. Expenditure on specified items of non durable nature are also permitted
as listed in the guidelines.

 Implementation

 A Member of Parliament shall give his/ her choice of Nodal District in a prescribed format
to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation with copy to the State
Government and to the District Magistrate of the chosen District.

 The annual entitlement of Rs 5 crore shall be released, in two equal instalments of Rs 2.5
crore each, by Government of India directly to the District Authority of the Nodal District
of the Member of Parliament concerned.

 Each MP shall recommend eligible work on the MP’s letter head duly signed by the MP to
the district authority.

 The District Authority shall identify the Implementing Agency capable of executing the
eligible work qualitatively, timely and satisfactorily. It shall be responsible for timely and
effective implementation of such works. All recommended eligible works should be
sanctioned within 75 days from the date of receipt of the recommendation, after
completing all formalities. The District Authority shall, however, inform MPs regarding
rejection, if any, within 45 days from the date of receipt of recommendations, with
reasons thereof.

Issues associated with the scheme

 Against Separation of Powers: It is inconsistent with the spirit of the Constitution as it co-opts
legislators into executive functioning.

 The additional workload on MPs created by the scheme diverted their attention from
holding the government accountable and other legislative work.

 Corruption: There are allegations of corruption associated with allocation of works. The
Comptroller and Auditor General has on many occasions highlighted gaps in implementation.

 Centre usurping role of state governance

 Union Government can incur expenditure only with respect to matters over which it has
subject domain as per seventh schedule.

 MPLADS encroaches upon the domain of local self-governing institutions and

thereby violates Part IX and IX-A of the Constitution.

 Implementation issues

 MPLAD scheme gives scope for MPs to utilise the funds as a source of patronage that they
can dispense at will.
 The CAG has flagged instances of financial mismanagement and artificial inflation of
amounts spent.

 Also, the scheme is alleged to be marred by the nexus of MP and private firms.

 Due to this sometimes spending of MPLADS funds is seen for private works,
recommending funds to ineligible agencies, diverting funds to private trusts, etc.
 The MPLAD Scheme is not governed by any statutory law and is subject to the whims and
fancies of the government of the day.
 The scheme mandates that as soon as a work is completed, it should be transferred to the user
agency for public use. Out of the 15,049 sample works created during 2004-09, handing over
was not on record for 14,828 cases, which is 98.53 per cent of the works created.

 The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2000) and the Second
Administrative Reforms Commission, headed by Veerappa Moily (2007), recommended
discontinuation of the scheme. In 2010, the Supreme Court held that the scheme was
constitutional.

Relevance of the scheme

 In 2018, when continuation of the scheme was approved, the government noted that “the entire
population across the country stands to benefit through the creation of durable assets of locally
felt needs, namely drinking water, education, public health, sanitation and roads etc, under
MPLAD Scheme”.
 Until 2017, nearly 19 lakh projects worth Rs 45,000 crore had been sanctioned under the MPLAD
Scheme.
 Third-party evaluators appointed by the government reported that the creation of good quality
assets had a “positive impact on the local economy, social fabric and feasible environment”.
 Further, 82% of the projects have been in rural areas and the remaining in urban/semi-urban
areas.

Conclusion

At a time when the country is reeling under the pressure of pandemic and a dwindling economy, it is
imperative to generate resources for better utilization. As cumulatively more than 5000 crore funds
were unused under the scheme, the decision to discontinue for two years may help in ecnomic
recovery. These funds will be used to strengthen Government’s efforts in managing the challenges
and adverse impact of COVID19 in the country.

Discuss the shortcomings of citizen’s charter in India and suggest reforms to make it
more effective.(250 words)
Reference: Governance by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question is straightforward from the static portions of GS paper II.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the drawbacks of the citizen’s charter in India and suggest reforms to make it more effective.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly define what a citizen’s charter is.
Body:
To start with, present the case of citizen’s charter in India, highlight the shortcomings such as –
Devoid of participative mechanisms, Poor design and content, Lack of public awareness, Charters are
rarely updated etc. Suggest reforms to make the citizen charter more effective such as – One size
does not fit all, Wide consultation process, Firm commitments to be made etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude that a Citizens’ Charter cannot be an end in itself; it is rather a means to an end – a tool to
ensure that the citizen is always at the heart of any service delivery mechanism.
Introduction

A citizens’ charter is a document of commitments made by a government agency to the citizens in

respect of the services being provided to them. It empowers the citizens to demand the committed
standards of service. However, it is not legally enforceable and hence, non-justiciable. Its objective is
to build bridges between citizens and administration and to streamline administration in tune with
the needs and concerns of citizens.

Body

Citizen Charter Initiative in India

 In 1996, the Centre organised a Conference of Chief Secretaries of States and Union
Territories on “Effective and Responsive Administration”.

 The conference inter alia recommended the adoption of citizens’ charters for all public
service organisations.

 This recommendation was approved by the Centre, states and union territories in the
Conference of Chief Ministers held in 1997.

 Since 1997, when the scheme was introduced in India, the various ministries, departments,
directorates and other agencies of the Central Government, state governments and union
territory administrations have formulated a number of citizens’ charters.

Citizen Charter Component

A citizens’ charter in India has the following components:

 Vision and Mission Statement of the Organisation

 Details of Business transacted by the Organisation

 Details of citizens or clients

 Statement of services including standards, quality, time frame etc., provided to each
citizen/client group separately and how/where to get the services

 Details of grievance redressal mechanism and how to access it and

 Expectations from the citizens or clients.

Shortcomings of Citizen charter initiative

 In a majority of cases charters were not formulated through a consultative process.

 By and large, service providers are not familiar with the philosophy, goals and main features
of the charter.

 Adequate publicity to the charters had not been given in any of the departments evaluated.

 In most departments, the Charters are only in the initial or middle stage of implementation.
Citizens’ charters have still not been adopted by all Ministries/Departments.

 No funds have been specifically earmarked for awareness generation of citizens’ charter or
for orientation of staff on various components of the charter.

 End-users, Civil society organizations and NGOs are not consulted when CCs are drafted.
Since a CC’s primary purpose is to make public service delivery more citizen-centric,
consultation with stakeholders is a must.

 There was lack of precision on standards and commitments in several cases.

 There is often little interest shown by the organisations in adhering to their charter.

 On the communications front, the charter programme has been throttled on account of
poor planning and resource commitment for publicity.

 In some cases, the charters have become a one-time exercise, frozen in time.

 There was general lack of accountability and review mechanisms.

 The charters were devoid of participative mechanisms for effective performance.

Reforms needed in citizen charter

 No One size fits all approach: Every organization has it’s own set of priorities and likewise
the charter must be prepared catering to their goals.

 Wide consultation process: Charter must be formulated after extensive consultations within
the organization followed by a meaningful dialogue with civil society. People who benefit
from these reform must be widely consulted through surveys.

 Firm commitments to be made: Charter must be precise and make firm commitments of
service delivery standards to the citizens/consumers in quantifiable terms wherever
possible.

 Redressal mechanism: It must clearly lay down the relief which the organization is bound to
provide if it has defaulted on the promised standards of delivery.

 Continuous Evaluation: It must be done preferably through an external agency like a social
audit.

 Accountability: Fix specific responsibility in cases where there is a default in adhering to the
charter.

Conclusion

The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) in its12th Report entitled ‘Citizen Centric
Administration – Heart of Governance” has recommended for making the Citizens’ charters more
effective as a document for interacting with citizens. This recommendation has been accepted by
Government of India. All Central Ministries/Departments have been requested to review their
Citizens’ Charters to make them more effective as a tool for interacting with the citizens. It must be
implemented in the true spirit.

Discuss the contributions of Sevottam model in improving the quality of public service
delivery in the country. (250 words)
Reference: darpg.gov.in
Why this question:
The question is straightforward from the static portions of GS paper II.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the contributions of Sevottam model in improving the quality of public service delivery in the
country.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 162
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

Introduction:
Briefly explain Sevottam model.
Body:
The Sevottam model has been developed with the overarching objective of improving the quality of
public service delivery in the country. It is a combination of two words Seva (service), Uttam
(excellence). Explain the concept in detail. Discuss the contributions of it in the country’s public
service delivery.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction

Sevottam is a “Service Delivery Excellence Model” which provides an assessment-improvement

framework to bring about excellence in public service delivery. The term “Sevottam” is formed by
joining two Hindi words “seva” and “uttam” meaning “service” and “excellence” respectively.

Body

Sevottam Model

 The first component of the model requires effective charter implementation thereby
opening up a channel for receiving citizens’ inputs into the way in which organizations
determine service delivery requirements.

 Citizens’ Charters publicly declare the information on citizens’ entitlements; making citizens
better informed and hence empowering them to demand better services.

 The second component of the model, ‘Public Grievance Redress’ requires a good grievance
redress system operating in a manner that leaves the citizen more satisfied with how the
organization responds to complaints/grievances, irrespective of the final decision.

 The third component ‘Excellence in Service Delivery’, postulates that an organization can
have an excellent performance in service delivery only if it is managing the key ingredients
for good service delivery well, and building its own capacity to continuously improve delivery

Benefits of Sevottam

There are four broad ways in which the Sevottam model can be used:

 As a self - assessment tool by organizations already motivated to improve service delivery

 As a requirement standard

 As a benchmark assessment process to be established

 As a rating model to recognize and reward organizations that are doing commendable work
in service delivery

Contributions of Sevottam in service delivery excellence

 Initially, Sevottam framework was undertaken from April 2009 to June 2010 in ten
Departments of the Government having large public interface. These are, Department of
Post, CBEC, CBDT, Railways, Passport office, Pensions, Food Processing, Corporate Affairs,
Kendriya Vidyalaya Schools and EPFO.

 Later, Sevottam has been launched as a certification scheme which provides for the award
of the Sevottam symbol of excellence to public service organizations that implement and
are able to show compliance to a set of management system requirements that have been
specified in a specially created standard document.

 This standard, known as IS 15700:2005, was developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards
(BIS) based on the objectives of Sevottam.

 The standard takes into account unique conditions of service delivery by Public service
organisations in India and the sectoral and regional variations in service delivery standards.

 It offers a systematic way to identify weaknesses in specific areas and rectify them through
systemic changes and process reengineering.

 India is among the first countries in the world to have a Quality Standard for public service
delivery.

Conclusion

The framework enables implementing organizations to undertake a systematic, credible and

authenticated self-assessment (or ‘gap analysis’) for citizen-centric service delivery. Using this
analysis, practical solutions are gradually and systematically incorporated into the organization’s
day-to-day routine thereby ensuring sustainable results.

Role of civil services in a democracy.

The phenomenon of ‘politicisation of the civil service’ is rising in India. Comment.(250
words)
Reference: Governance by Lakshmikant

Why this question:

The question is based on the theme of role of civil services in a democracy.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the context of politicisation of civil services in India.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an
overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly quote the importance of civil services.
Body:
The question is straight forward one has to discuss the factors responsible for politicisation of the civil
service’ in India. Explain what you understand by politicisation of the civil service. Discuss why it is on
rise.
Conclusion:
Conclude by suggesting solutions to address the issue.
Introduction:

Bureaucrats need to maintain political neutrality and impartiality to ensure the triumph of
democracy. Politicisation of Bureaucracy (civil services) refers to undue political influence in the
governance due to nexus between bureaucracy and politics resulting in government appointing their
own people to sensitive positions and higher offices.

Body:

Most developing countries are engaged in nation building and bringing about socio-economic
development, i.e., providing social services such as health, education, infrastructure like roads,
electricity, productive activities in agriculture, industry etc. Thus, public administration becomes the
key agency for development. Bureaucracy can immensely contribute to development by serving as
adviser, inventor, and decision-maker.
Politicisation of bureaucracy is not a new phenomenon in democracy. However, the intensity of
application and reasons for politicisation vary from country to country. There are some levels of
political involvement in personnel matters in all countries. For instance, the United States has over
4,000 political appointments at federal level. Even Britain, which was considered to have a strong
tradition of neutral civil servants, has shown evidence of greater politicisation.

For instance, the undue political interference of the government in power in the functioning of the
central bureau of investigation has led to severe criticisms about the institute. Supreme Court even
called CBI as caged parrot which speaks for its masters. There is also a perception in the country that
CBI has become a tool of political vendetta of government to suppress voice of opposition.

Reasons for increasing politicization of bureaucracy:

 Over the years, whatever virtues the IAS possessed – integrity, political neutrality, courage and
high morale – are showing signs of decay. Some civil servants are deeply involved in partisan
politics: they are preoccupied with it, penetrated by it, and now participate individually and
collectively in it.
 One of the main reasons why systemic reforms have not been taken up earnestly by the states is
the lack of stable tenure for IAS officials.

 Transfers have been used as instruments of reward and punishment, as tools for controlling and
taming the bureaucracy. There is no transparency, and in the public mind transfer after a short
stay is categorised as a stigma.
 Officers who are victimised are not in a position to defend themselves. Internally the system
does not call for any reaction to explain one’s conduct, while externally public servants are
debarred from going public to defend themselves.
 A high degree of professionalism ought to be the dominant characteristic of a modern
bureaucracy. The fatal failing of the Indian bureaucracy has been its low level of professional
competence.
 A civil servant spends more than half of his tenure on policy desks where domain knowledge is a
vital prerequisite.
 However, in the present environment prevailing in the States there is no incentive for a young
civil servant to acquire knowledge or improve his skills. There is thus an exponential growth in
both, his ignorance and arrogance.
 For instance, it is said that in the house of an IAS officer one would find only three books – the
railway timetable, because he is always being shunted from one post to the other, a current
affairs magazine because that is his level of interest, and of course, the civil list – that describes
the service hierarchy!
 An important factor which contributes to the surrender of senior officers before political
masters is the total lack of any market value and lack of alternative employment potential.
 Of late, some senior officers are being hired by the private sector, not so much for their
professionalism, but for their ability to influence government in favour of the hiring company.
 Bureaucrats remain busy in tadbir management instead of trying to improve their capabilities
since party “loyalty” and strength of tadbir are the only requirements for getting promotion.
 The most threatening thing is that thousands of brilliant civil servants have been penalised from
time to time in the name of “loyalty.” Such a situation will certainly discourage qualified and
talented graduates from competing for the civil services.

Way forward:

 In a democracy it is essential that the politicians play the role of masters assisted by the civil
servants. However, the extent of interference of the bureaucracy in the affairs of the state is
crossing every limit.
 This is mostly because of the bow-down policy and inefficiency of our political leadership.
 The political leaders should be able to spell out their requirement to the bureaucracy and
distinguish the jurisdiction of the bureaucracy in the affairs of the state.
 Only then will the bureaucracy remain confined within their jurisdiction and consider themselves
as the servants of the people.
 After the first ten years of service each IAS officer should be encouraged to specialise in one or
two chosen sectors by not only giving them long tenures but even permitting them to join
academic or research organisations where they could improve their intellectual skills.
 a model in which politicians would be casteist, corrupt and will harbour criminals, whereas civil
servants will continue to be efficient, responsive to public needs and change-agents cannot be
sustained indefinitely. In the long run administrative and political values have to coincide.
 In his article demanding ban on bureaucrats entering politics the retired high level bureaucrat
Madhav Godbole has stated that politics and administration should have separate status and if it
is jeopardized, the very spirit of the constitutional provision would be eroded.

A healthy working relationship between Secretary and the Minister is a must thing to be
and it must be organic. Comment.(250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The question is based on the theme of role of civil services in a democracy.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the need for a healthy working relationship between Secretary and the Minister and in what
way it is a must thing to be and why it should be organic.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an
overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Explain in short importance of civil services in a democracy.
Body:
Briefly discuss the relationship between a minister and a secretary of civil services. Such answers are
best explained with examples, quote an example from the recent times and provide for your analysis
as to why the relationship between the two needs to be healthy and organic rather otherwise.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way ahead.
Introduction:

Civil services or Bureaucracy is an administrative body of officials whose roles are determined by
written rules. It’s an impersonal system operating on the basis of calculable rules and staffed by full
time appointed officials. Civil Services are the bedrock of public administration. Civil services have
assumed more important role in democracy to ensure good governance, both in developing and
developed countries.

Body:

Working relationship between Secretary and the Minister:

 A minister is an experienced politician and feels the pulse of the people. But he is not an expert
administrator. On the other hand, a civil servant does not possess the qualities of a minister but
he is an expert administrator. So both belong to opposite poles. This situation may create
troubles for public administration.
 In order to overcome this problem or trouble several suggestions have been made. For example,
it has been suggested that the minister (who has no administrative experience) shall take every
decision in consultation with his departmental secretary or senior-bureaucrat. The latter will
assist the minister in all possible ways and tender advice on basis of his administrative
experiences.
 But the above suggestion is not without flaws. Though the minister is not an experienced
administrator, he is the leader of the people and accountable to the electorate and legislature.
This double accountability empowers him to take all important decisions regarding general
administration and policy-making affairs. This means that, so far as policy-making and general
administration are concerned, the minister is supposed to be the supreme authority.
 The civil servant must admit that the minister is the representative of the people and he is
accountable to them. Naturally, in the decision-making process and in some administrative
affairs he must be given priority. On the other hand, the minister must admit that the top officer

of his department has passed through several stages of test and possesses wide experience in
public administration. In such a situation his opinion must be given due weight.
 This is an easy formula, but the public administration travels along a zigzag way. An experienced
bureaucrat does not always surrender to the ill- conceived and politically motivated policy or
decision. If the bureaucrat sees that on the basis of his experience he finds no reason to tend
support to the decision/ policy of the minister, it is natural that he will object.
 In parliamentary form of government the tussle or conflict between the minister and his
departmental secretary is very common. The minister thinks that since he is people’s repre-
sentative he should have the final say on every matter. On the other hand, the permanent
executive is less concerned with politics or political issues. He knows administration and law. He
feels that his accountability is to the proper application of the two and not to the politics and
electorate. These two stands are irreconcilable.
 It has been found that sometimes a very powerful minister who is also a top leader of the party
brings the entire department under his full control and even the top bureaucrat does not feel
any courage to raise his voice against the minister. This is one aspect of the relation between the
minister-bureaucrat relationship.
 Sometimes we find an unholy nexus between a minister and the bureaucrat. Both of them, when
hand in glove, use the administration for personal benefits and pecuniary gains. Since the
bureaucrat is well-acquainted with every nook and corner of public administration he helps the
political executive in the misuse of personal gains. In this situation there is no scope of
difference of opinion between minister and his departmental secretary.
 In India the bureaucrats have special role to play. The ministers are simply people’s
representative. The public administration is not only a continuous process but also a
complicated one. It is not possible for ministers alone to run the administration efficiently and
effectively and naturally they are to depend on the bureaucrats. India is a developing nation and
it is in the process of transition—from developing to development. For this, management of
resources is very important.
 The minister’s duty is to collect resources and it is the duty of the civil servants to utilise the
sources so that the state can reach the most coveted goal of progress within a stipulated time. In
this field both the minister and the bureaucrats are essential. Our point is—both of them must
know this basic concept. And, if it so happens, I believe, any conflict between a minister and
bureaucrat will never arise.
 The minister must know that he is simply people’s representative and not an expert
administrator. On the other hand, the bureaucrat must be well-aware of the fact that in a
parliamentary form of government the minister is his political master and chief actor in the
policymaking affairs. The minister must give a patient hearing to what the departmental
secretary says. If the minister is firm in his stand, the bureaucrat must submit.

Conclusion:

Both the ministers and the civil services have to work as a team for the socio-economic uplift of the
masses. A.D. Gorwala has rightly remarked, “The relationship between the ministers and the official
of whatever rank and between officials of various ranks is not that of master and servant but rather
that of senior and junior colleagues engaged on the same beneficial tasks”. In case of India in the
present contest of the things the role of the civil services vis-à-vis the ministers has undergone
change. The positivity is replacing the negativity. A positive motivation of civil services is being
considered as the crying need of the hour.

India and its neighborhood- relations.

Despite the baggage of fraught and convulsive neighbourhoods, the transformation of
the India-Israel bilateral relationship into a strategic partnership over the course of past
tumultuous 25 years is commendable. Elaborate. (250 words)
Reference : idsa.in
Why this question:
Israel and India are exploring to open new vistas of partnership in the world of finance, including
collaboration between market regulators and allowing Israeli investment in corporate bonds, taking
advantage of a favourable climate in both countries.
Key demand of the question:
One must explain how has the bilateral relations between evolved from outright hate in 1950’s to
strategic partnership today. Also discuss about how there is a co-operation today in various fields
from agriculture to defence to science and technology.
Directive word
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context.
You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated
facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
In a few introductory lines define the current bilateral relations between India and Israel.
Body:
Discuss the evolution of India-Israel bilateral relations from 1948 onwards. Trace the changes in
trends of co-operation. How and why is there a shift? Discuss the various areas of co-operation. Talk
about the significance of growing India-Israel strategic relations.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction:

Israel and India are exploring to open new vistas of partnership in the world of finance, including
collaboration between market regulators and allowing Israeli investment in corporate bonds, taking
advantage of a favourable climate in both countries.

Body:

Evolution of Relations between India and Israel:

 Outright hate:

 For two countries that came into being in the same year — 1947, though Israel formally
became free in 1948 — and from the same colonial master, the British, India’s relations
with the newly created nation bordered on outright hostility, with New Delhi voting
against the creation of the State of Israel at the UN in 1947 and also against its admission
to the UN in 1949.

 Grudging acceptance:

 In 1950, India recognized Israel as a separate country, allowing it to appoint an honorary

consul in Mumbai — a local Jewish resident — in 1951.

 That was upgraded to a consulate in 1953, leading to a slow uptick in bilateral ties — most
notably in 1956 when the Israeli foreign minister Moshe Sharett visited India in the
backdrop of the Suez crisis.

 Secret Alliance:

 The 1962 India-China war was the first time that India reached out to Israel for help with
arms and ammunition, with then Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru writing to his Israeli
counterpart Ben Gurion, who responded by sending ships loaded with weapons.

 Even as the two nations publicly maintained distance — thanks to Tel Aviv’s pro-
Washington stance and India’s founding of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961,
which was a de facto pro-Soviet forum — Israel responded to India’s call for help in the
1971 war with Pakistan and the 1999 Kargil war.

 Today, India is Israel’s largest weapons buyer while Israel is the second largest weapons
supplier for India, after Russia.

 Not just weapons, India’s spy agency RAW, established in 1968 during Indira Gandhi’s
tenure as PM, actively collaborated with Mossad, the Israeli Intelligence agency.

 The thaw:

 It was in 1992, with P V Narasimha Rao as PM that India finally established diplomatic
relations with Israel — with several factors contributing to the decision.

 Chief among them were the crumbling of the Soviet Union and the start of the Israeli-
Palestinian peace process in 1991, involving not just Tel Aviv and the PLO, led by Yasser
Arafat, but also Arab countries like Syria, Jordan and Lebanon — both of which gave New
Delhi the necessary leeway to correct its pro-Soviet and pro-Arab tilt in its global
diplomacy.
 India’s public stance against Israel was seemingly an economic and political necessity to
keep the oil-rich West Asian nations and certain domestic political constituents happy —
with Arafat reportedly ready to help Indira Gandhi rally Muslim votes in India in her
favour.

 Open season:

 The first inkling that the tide had turned in Israel’s favour came in 2015 when India
abstained from voting against Israel at the UN Human Rights Commission.

 That was followed by the first ever visit of an Indian PM to Israel when Modi paid a three-
day visit in 2017 — even though it did vote against the move by US to recognise Jerusalem
as Israel’s capital.

Areas of Co-operation:

 Economic Relations:

 Trade, technology and tourism are the three key areas in India-Israel economic relations.

 Over the last 25 years, bilateral trade has increased from $200 million to more than $4
billion (excluding defence) in 2016-17.

 Given India’s large market and huge consumer base, the numbers are low compared to
India’s economic relations with other countries.

 Israel will invest $68.6 million to boost cooperation with India in areas like tourism,
technology, agriculture and innovation over a period of four years.

 The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and its Israeli counterpart are exploring
partnerships and the two sides are also focusing on cyber security collaboration to
safeguard their financial markets

 Defence Ties:

 India already has robust defence ties with Israel which is expected to strengthen further.

 India is the largest arms buyer from Israel; trade is to the tune of approximately $600
million.

 If defence ties keep increasing at the same rate, Israel may replace Russia as India’s largest
arms supplier.

 Last year, India signed the biggest weapons deal in Israeli defence history, which is nearly
$2 billion.

 This will provide India with an advanced defence system of medium-range surface-to-air
missiles, launchers and communications technology.

 Counter Terrorism and Cyber Security:

 In counter terrorism, intelligence gathering and retaliation, Israel has an exceptional good
record and India need to learn from Israel how they have been able to mount surgical
strikes all over.

 Both India and Israel are vulnerable to cyber-attack. Cyber security would be very
important concern of all governments.

 Water and Agriculture:

 India and Israel are set to jointly develop new crop varieties and share post-harvest
technologies following the success of the 10-year-old Indo-Israeli Agriculture Project
(IIAP).

 Israel has become one of the foremost technology superpowers in areas such as rainwater
harvesting, use of oceanic water and using that for irrigation in the driest land.

 Israel has mastered water conservation techniques and India can learn from it.

 It helps India to face its water stressed condition.

 Another area of potential cooperation is cleaning polluted rivers.

Conclusion:

For too long, India has, under the guise of maintaining its strategic autonomy, shied away from
explicit friendships in the international scenario. The India-Israel relationship must continue to
expand. What just needs to be done away with is the normative posturing of the relationship which
could potentially endanger India’s international relations and also its domestic situation.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 171
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

“India- EU relations are like a loveless arranged marriage “. Critically discuss. (250
words)
Reference : mea.gov.in
Why this question:
For long, the EU and India partnership had been slow-moving and fragmented, struggling to
maintain momentum. Unfairly large emphasis was laid on foreign policy cooperation, but on many
issues divisions far exceeded commonalities, leading to disappointment and an overall delusion in the
potential of the partnership. Today, not only do the EU and India have a thriving commercial
relationship and growing security collaboration, but both partners have developed greater depth in
political cooperation internationally while exploring new and innovative areas for further broadening
their partnership.
Key demand of the question:
The question wants us to express our knowledge and understanding about the India-EU relations, its
evolution, the concerns and challenges and the way forward.
Directive:
Critically discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going
through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons
for both for and against arguments. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, all you need
to do is look at the good and bad of something and give a fair judgement.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Provide the Background of India-EU relations.
India-EU relationship dates back to 1960s when India was the first country to establish relationship
with European economic union which later evolved into common market -European union
For more than a decade, the EU and India partnership had been slow-moving and fragmented,
struggling to maintain momentum. India was acknowledged as a strategic partner in 2004.
But fifteen years on there is still no mutually agreed set of clear priorities. The EU-India relationship
fails to acknowledge each partner’s individual realities.
Body:
Discuss the following points:
Brief summary if India EU relations
Trade and Investment
Energy Cooperation
Research and development
And so on
Concerns in India-EU relations
India’s protectionism to automobile sector
India’s Intellectual property regime with the provision of compulsory licensing and manufacture of
generic medicine
Domestic source obligation in the multi brand retail
European Union’s heavily subsidised agro industry. This could hurt Indian farmers
EU Import restriction: like ban on the import of mangoes from India
Work visa restriction – movement of skilled professionals
Way forward
Conclusion:
Based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
Introduction:

India-EU relationship dates back to 1960s when India was the first country to establish relationship
with European economic union which later evolved into common market -European union. For more

than a decade, the EU and India partnership had been slow-moving and fragmented, struggling to
maintain momentum. India was acknowledged as a strategic partner in 2004. But fifteen years on
there is still no mutually agreed set of clear priorities. The EU-India relationship fails to acknowledge
each partner’s individual realities.

Body:

Various facets of India-EU bilateral relations:

 Trade and Investment:

 The EU is India’s largest trading partner, accounting for 12.9% of India’s overall trade.
Further the trade in services have almost tripled in last decade.

 Overall, the EU is the second largest investor in India, with €70 billion of cumulative FDI
from April 2000 to March 2017, accounting for almost one quarter of all investments flows
into India.

 EU and India remain close partners in the G20 and have developed a regular macroeconomic
dialogue to exchange experience on economic policies and structural reforms.

 Energy Cooperation: EU – India Clean Energy and Climate Partnership.

 Research and Development: India, participates in international ITER fusion. India also
participates in research and innovation funding programme ‘Horizon 2020’

 Environment and Water: The EU and India also cooperate closely on the Indian Clean Ganga
initiative and deal with other water-related challenges in coordinated manner.

 Migration and mobility: The EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility (CAMM) is a
fundamental cooperation agreement between India and EU.

 Development cooperation: Over €150 million worth of projects are currently ongoing in India.

Concerns in India- EU relations:

 Poor outcomes of strategic summits: The relationship remained far too focused on set-piece
summits rather than fostering dynamic everyday linkages. Meetings, including summits, would
be ritually cancelled and the paucity of high-level bilateral visits revealed a lack of political will.
Unfairly large emphasis was laid on foreign policy cooperation, but on many issues divisions far
exceeded commonalities, leading to disappointment and an overall delusion in the potential of
the partnership.
 EU ‘s concerns with India’s ‘human rights violations: India doesn’t take kindly to being lectured
to on issues which she considers herself competent of handling. For example, India considers
human rights violations as a domestic issue and would wish to handle it within India’s political
space. EU’s insistence on including HR provisions into Free Trade Agreement has hampered
trade between the two.

 On multilateralism, EU-India interaction and coordination within UN bodies is not robust.

 India’s bilateral relations with member countries: Given the lack of cohesion among the EU
constituents on strategic issues, India prefers establishing bilateral relations rather than dealing
with the EU as a whole.

 The case of the two Italian marines being tried in India was manslaughter has become a festering
wound. The EU’s stand on the issue is seen by many in India as a challenge to her sovereignty.

 Dual use technology: EU’s reluctance to provide India with strategic dual use technology has
pushed India into a closer huddle with the US and other European countries like France. India
therefore, doesn’t see the EU as a reliable partner.

 EU is characterised by over-institutionalized and over-bureaucratized, which makes it far less

attractive as a bilateral partner as compared to less institutionalised regimes such as the ASEAN
and SAARC.

 EU has next to nothing to contribute to her energy demand or other principal security interests.
 When it comes to India’s desire to find a permanent place on the UNSC, it is not the EU but the
existing European permanent members, the UK and France, who bring more value to the table
for India.

 Finally, the on-going Eurozone crisis has greatly undermined India’s confidence in the EU.

 Currently EU is the largest trading partner of India and account for 20% of India’s trade and a
major source of FDI whereas India is the 9th largest trading partner.

 Although trade remains the primary focus, negotiations for The free trade agreement
(FTA) which was launched in 2007 is still being dragged due to the following reasons:

 EU’s concerns:

 India’s protectionism to automobile sector

 India’s Intellectual property regime with the provision of compulsory licensing

and manufacture of generic medicine

 Domestic source obligation in the multi brand retail

 Duty and tariff protection in areas of wine, spirits and dairy products

 Civil nuclear energy generation legislation

 Data Security: Based on current standard of protection to data in India the EU

refused to grant the status of Data Secure Nation. Data secure nation needs to
protect the important data related to innovation, research, individual details, IP
etc. to be safeguarded. This affects High end business products specifically.
European companies doing outsourcing business with countries not certified as
data secure have to follow stringent contractual obligations that increase
operating costs and affect competitiveness.

 Vodafone case has threatened EU investors from entering India due to

retrospective taxation measures. So such taxation is also acting as road block.

 India’s concerns:

 European Union’s heavily subsidised agro industry. This could hurt Indian
farmers.

 EU Import restriction: like ban on the import of mangoes from India

 Work visa restriction – movement of skilled professionals

 Technology transfer issues

Way forward:

 A framework addressing the above mentioned issues could go a long way in strengthening ties in
light of India and EU’s affinities and common concerns such as increasing fundamentalism.
 India EU FTA has a lot of road blocks but it is in benefit of each other. EU will gain market of 1.2
billion whereas India will gain in terms of Technology, Investments from EU.
 Both are needed to be pragmatic in approach while working on it in future. India’s share in
services trade with EU can grow manifold.
 Cheaper imports of European luxury items like cars, wine, European expertise in agriculture,
infrastructure and urban management can augment Indian drive in make in India, Swachh Bharat
Abhiyan & agricultural research.
 The EU has capacitated to deal with issues like global governance, climate change and the 2030
agenda for sustainable development. India must utilise this through bilateral dialogues and
consultations.
 Working on FTA and realising concrete results in other areas can make the India-EU partnership
truly strategic. Deepen the strategic relations and go ahead with the long-term view on global
and regional challenges, and a rule-based international order.

In terms of geographic and demographic dimensions, skilled manpower, civilizational

depth, China is the only country in the neighborhood which qualifies for comparison
with India. Comment.(250 words)
Reference: mea.gov.in
Why this question:
The question is based on the theme of – India and its neighborhood- relations.
Key demand of the question:
The question expects one to draw comparison between the development levels of India and China
while highlighting the fact that China is the only country that is capable of being compared with the
progress that India is making.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an
overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the India China factor.
Body:
One has to justify that in terms of geographic and demographic dimensions, skilled manpower,
civilizational depth, China is the only country in the region which qualifies for comparison with India.
Explain that the two countries have a long history of civilizational links. Discuss the bilateral relations;
the two sides have established a Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity. The
leaders of India and China have also been meeting on the sidelines of regional, plurilateral and
multilateral gatherings and conferences etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude on a positive note that It remains to be answered precisely as to whether the modern China
is an opportunity, challenge or threat, perhaps, a mix of all three.
Introduction:

India and China were global economic powers during most of the last 2000 years and were returning
to stage gradually. The two countries should go beyond the model of differences management,
actively shape bilateral relations and accumulate positive energy. As the only two major developing
countries and important representatives of emerging economies, China-India relations assume
global and strategic significance.

Body:

Bilateral Relations:

 The development of China and India is an important opportunity for each other.

 Both countries are members of China-Russia-India Trilateral, BRICS, SCO and G20, and share
common interests in promoting globalization and opposing trade protectionism.

 On major international issues, China and India have shared interests and similar positions.

 Government departments, political parties, legislatures and military of the two countries have
actively engaged in high-level exchanges and shared governance experience.

 Recently the two sides held the 6th Strategic Economic Dialogue and the 9th Financial Dialogue,
and reached new consensus on development strategies.

Comparisons between India and China:

Geographic area

India has a total area of 3.29 million sq. km whereas China is around 9.59 million sq.km

Population

India: 1,370,195,865 (October 2019 est.) whereas China: 1,435,328,900 (October 2019 est.)

Civilization:

India: The Indus Valley civilization, one of the world's oldest, flourished during the 3rd and 2nd
millennia B.C. and extended into northwestern India. Aryan tribes from the northwest infiltrated the
Indian subcontinent about 1500 B.C.; their merger with the earlier Dravidian inhabitants created the
classical Indian culture. The Maurya Empire of the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C. - which reached its
zenith under ASHOKA - united much of South Asia. The Golden Age ushered in by the Gupta dynasty
(4th to 6th centuries A.D.) saw a flowering of Indian science, art, and culture. Islam spread across the
subcontinent over a period of 700 years. In the 10th and 11th centuries, Turks and Afghans invaded
India and established the Delhi Sultanate. In the early 16th century, the Emperor BABUR established
the Mughal Dynasty, which ruled India for more than three centuries. European explorers began
establishing footholds in India during the 16th century.

China: China's historical civilization dates from at least 1200 B.C.; from the 3rd century B.C. and for
the next two millennia, China alternated between periods of unity and disunity under a succession of
imperial dynasties. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was beset by civil unrest, major
famines, military defeats, and foreign occupation. After World War II, the Chinese Communist Party
under MAO Zedong established an autocratic socialist system that, while ensuring China's
sovereignty, imposed strict controls over everyday life and cost the lives of tens of millions of
people. After 1978, MAO's successor DENG Xiaoping and other leaders focused on market-oriented
economic development and by 2000 output had quadrupled. For much of the population, living
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 176
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

standards have improved dramatically but political controls remain tight. Since the early 1990s,
China has increased its global outreach and participation in international organizations.

Economy:

 China’s Manufacturing Productivity is 1.6 times than that of India

 China produces a lot more than India does. It also does so remarkably more efficiently.

 Given the better quality infrastructure and better production techniques at China’s
disposal, it is not astounding that the average Chinese worker produces 1.6 times more
output than that of the average Indian worker. This means that the productivity of China
as a nation is 60% higher.

 The Indian manufacturing sector has multiple problems. These problems include erratic
electricity supply, slow and expensive transport systems as well as lack of skills that
increase manufacturing productivity.

 Given that a large portion of these problems are structural in nature, it seems unlikely that
India will be able to overcome them in the near future.

 Entrepreneurship

 China is still more or less a communist country. This means that all the enterprises there
are run by the state. State run enterprises are usually not efficient and definitely not
innovative.

 On the other hand, the Indian industry is based on innovative enterprises. Given the
competitive nature of the world economy, the Indian industry stands a better chance at
success in the future.

 This can already be seen as capital intensive Chinese industries such as coal and cement
are going bankrupt whereas knowledge intensive industries such as information
technology are thriving!

 Workforce

 The Indian economy on the other hand, has a clear strategic advantage when the
workforce is considered.

 The Indian education system was created by the British. As such, Indian workforce is
global in nature. They can speak fluent English which gives them an edge over Chinese
nationals who face language barriers.

 Also, the Indian workforce does high end jobs for the information technology industry and
BPO industry as compared to the Chinese workforce which works menial jobs on the
factory shop floor.

 Given that the future of the world lies in high skilled knowledge jobs, the Indian workforce
may soon rise in prominence while the Chinese workforce may soon become redundant.

Way Forward:

 Regional disputes should be resolved through dialogue and consultation.

 Maintaining close high-level exchanges.

 The two sides can strengthen cooperation under the WTO framework, jointly safeguard the
legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

 The two sides should speed up negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement (RCEP).

 Increasing mutual investments and encouraging Indian companies to participate in China

International Import Expo

 Upgrading Nathula border trade port to make the pie of cooperation even bigger

 India needs to suggest ways and means to prevent Pakistan from intruding in its relationship
with China.

 Both need to identify roadmaps to address the burgeoning trade deficit favouring China.

 People to people contact, tracing the work of Chinese traveller Huen zang and Indian
counterpart Kashyap Matenga in relation with Buddhism.
 A strong India-China relationship is important not only for the mutual benefit of the people of
India and China, but also for the region and the world

Discuss the importance of the Maritime Neighborhood for India. Also explain what
should be the course of action for Indian foreign policy towards maritime
Neighborhood.(250 words)
Reference: Live Mint , Indian Express
Why this question:
The question is based on the theme of – India and its neighborhood- relations.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the concept of Maritime Neighborhood and its importance for India, also explain the course
of action for Indian foreign policy towards successful maritime Neighborhood.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly define Maritime Neighborhood.
Body:
Start by explaining what is the importance of the Maritime Neighborhood for India? – discuss the
Geo-strategic, geopolitical, geo-economic prospects. Explain what should be India’s focus in the
maritime domain. Discuss the past to present progress in this domain made by India. Highlight the
concerns and challenges. Suggest solutions to the above challenges.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction:

The Indian Ocean matters today, arguably more than ever. It is a major conduit for international
trade, especially energy. Its littoral is vast, densely populated, and comprised of some of the world’s
fastest growing regions. The Ocean is also a valuable source of fishing and mineral resources. The

Indian Ocean basin is of particular importance for India, as the region’s most populous country and
geopolitical keystone.

Body:

The Economic importance of IOR for India includes:

 Trade and Commerce:

 It enjoys a privileged location at the crossroads of global trade, connecting the major
engines of the international economy in the Northern Atlantic and Asia-Pacific. This is
particularly important in an era in which global shipping has burgeoned.

 Today, almost 90,000 vessels in the world’s commercial fleet transport 9.84 billion
tonnes per year. This represents an almost four-fold increase in the volume of
commercial shipping since 1970.

 The Indian Ocean has vital sea lanes of communication crisscrossing it and which feeds
Asia’s largest economies. Around 80 per cent of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes
through the choke points of this ocean and therefore it literally connects the east to the
west with 40 percent passing through the Strait of Hormuz, 35 percent through the
Strait of Malacca and 8 percent through the Bab el-Mandab Strait.

 The Ocean’s vast drainage basin is important in its own right, home to some two billion
people. This creates opportunities, especially given the high rates of economic growth
around the Indian Ocean rim, including in India, Bangladesh, Southeast Asia, and Eastern
and Southern Africa.

 95 per cent of India’s trade by volume and 68 per cent of trade by value come via the
Indian Ocean.

 Presence of 13 major ports and over 200 minor ports provide avenues for exports of
Indian goods to world.

 Blue Economy: The Indian Ocean is rich in natural resources.

o Oil and Natural Gas:

 Forty per cent of the world’s offshore oil production takes place in the Indian
Ocean basin.

 Energy security and resources are absolutely critical. The Indian Ocean Region is
immensely rich in that.

 3.28 million barrels per day—or nearly 80 per cent of India’s crude oil
requirement—is imported by sea via the Indian Ocean. Taking into account
India’s offshore oil production and petroleum exports, India’s sea dependence
for oil is about 93 per cent, according to the Indian Navy.
 India is also the fourth-largest importer of liquefied natural gas (LNG), with
about 45 per cent coming by sea.

 India has her own oil rigs in the Indian ocean region. Example: Bombay high

o Minerals:

 Mineral resources with nodules containing nickel, cobalt, and iron, and massive
sulphide deposits of manganese, copper, iron, zinc, silver, and gold present in
sizeable quantities on the sea bed.

 Indian Ocean coastal sediments are also important sources of titanium,

zirconium, tin, zinc, and copper.
 Additionally, various rare earth elements are present, even if their extraction is
not always commercially feasible.

 In 2014, the International Seabed Authority issued licenses for the Indian Ocean
ridge, opening up new opportunities for deep seabed mining. This region is
estimated to have massive reserves of manganese, as well as cobalt, nickel, and
copper, all of which are scarce on Indian soil.
 Placer Deposits – Vitally important, thorium resources in placer sands of
Malabar coast are a promise to Nuclear Energy security. Similarly Placers of
Thailand, Indo-China and Australia are source of precious heavy metals critically
important for Electronics and semi conductors industry.

o Fishing and Aquaculture:

 Fishing in the Indian Ocean now accounts for almost 15 per cent of the world’s
total.

 Aquaculture in the region has also grown 12-fold since 1980. Although global
fishing is reaching its natural limitations, the Indian Ocean may be able to sustain
increases in production.

 The largely unregulated overexploitation of its fishery resources. The

consequences of over fishing, which is actually largely a result of activity by
countries outside the region, could eventually have serious consequences for
littoral states that depend heavily on maritime resources to feed their
populations and also provide valuable export revenues.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 180
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

 India captured 4.1 million tonnes of fish in 2008, placing it sixth in the world and
its fishing and aquaculture industries employ some 14 million people.

 Fisheries and aquaculture industries are also a major source of exports. India’s
maritime exports grew 55 times in volume between 1962 and 2012 and fisheries
exports now account for Rs. 16,600 crore or about $2.5 billion.

o Tourism:

 Coral atolls in Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands attract many tourists
from India as well as abroad. This helps the livelihood of many islanders.

Challenges:

 Piracy– Although the number of reported incidents of piracy have dropped dramatically since
2012, the International Maritime Bureau reports high risk for piracy and armed robbery against
ships, particularly in the Gulf of Aden, along the east coast of Africa and the Strait of Malacca.

 Presence of China- Aggressive soft power diplomacy (through infrastructure projects, soft loans
and its Belt and Road Initiative), China has secured considerable goodwill and influence among
countries in the Indian Ocean region.

 China is also engaging in a String of Pearls strategy to surround India, by building ports and
military establishments in the littoral countries.

 Traditional challenges– maritime boundary, border issues between the countries surrounding
the ocean.

 Non-traditional challenges– the issue of maritime governance – biodiversity threats, climate

change, sea level changes, human trafficking, piracy, maritime terrorism and unscientific fishing.

Way forward for India:

 It is crucial that the navy priorities its acquisition based on the risk assessment of
the region.

 The concept of strategic buffer zones in the naval domain is enshrined in great
power politics and any nation getting a head start in it can safely avoid anti-
access and area denial tactics from their adversaries. India therefore should
develop a similar outlook to guard against Chinese encirclement of its strategic
space.

 New Delhi should look to operationalise logistical agreements with France and
the United States, in order to upgrade naval relations and allow its own bases to
be used for logistical support by the French and American navies.

 These logistical bases can enhance India’s capability to establish sea-denial in

the Indian Ocean, demonstrating the breadth of Indian naval power. These
moves should be accompanied with counter-theatre presence in the Western
Pacific, and diplomatic outreach to South Asian nations that are being courted
by China.

 India should look to develop interdependencies with neighbouring countries,

both economically and strategically, which until now it has failed to realise. The
void left by India has been dutifully fulfilled by China.

Conclusion:

Indian Ocean is an “ocean of economic opportunities” for India. The security threats posed
by State and non-state actors are impeding the progress. The Government initiatives like SAGAR,
IORA, Sagarmala etc. should ensure that the fruits of Blue Economy is well reaped.

Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

In the backdrop of the criticism of the World Health Organization’s response to the
COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the role of WHO in global health efforts and the inherent
challenges faced by it while suggesting measures to empower it.(250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The article explain How the American President’s suspension of funds to the World Health
Organization in the middle of a pandemic impact its work. Thus the context of the question.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the role of WHO in global health efforts and the inherent challenges faced by it and also
suggest measures to empower it.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the background of the question.
Body:
To start with, explain that The U.S. President has criticized World Health Organization (WHO) for its
handling of the COVID-19 Pandemic and has alleged that the organisation was “very China centric”.
The WHO has been accused of mismanaging the COVID-19 crisis and failing to vet information and
share it in a timely and transparent manner. Discuss the role of WHO in global health efforts. List
down the criticism of WHO’s handling of the Pandemic. Present the counter arguments if any.
Suggest measures to address its challenges.
Conclusion:
Conclude that WHO would have to work with its partners to fill any financial gaps that arise to
ensure that its work continues uninterrupted.
Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is
concerned with international public health. It was established on 7 April 1948, and is headquartered
in Geneva, Switzerland. The WHO is a member of the United Nations Development Group.

It has been at the forefront of coordinating global response against the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet the
role and it’s response were criticized for being inadequate.

Body

WHO: Organization , objectives and role

 The World Health Assembly (WHA) is the legislative and supreme body of WHO. It meets
annually and reviews various works of WHO. It also appoints the Director-General every five
years.

 The WHO operates “Goodwill Ambassadors”; members of the arts, sports, or other fields of
public life aimed at drawing attention to WHO’s initiatives and projects.

 The WHO is financed by contributions from member states and outside donors. Publications of
WHO- World Health Report, Bulletin of the World Health Organization, Eastern Mediterranean
Health Journal, the Human Resources for Health, Pan American Journal of Public Health.

 The WHO supports the development and distribution of safe and effective vaccines,
pharmaceutical diagnostics, and drugs, such as through the Expanded Programme on
Immunization.

 Role played by WHO

 Providing leadership on global health. Initiatives like triple billion goals for better health,
convention on tobacco control, TB elimination, campaign and awareness on Anti-
microbial resistance are some examples.

 Shaping research agenda

 Advocating for Evidence based and ethical policy.

 Monitoring and assessing health trends.

Challenges faced by WHO

 Donor dependency– with only 30 percent of its budget under WHO control, the organization’s
agenda is guided by donor priorities. This goes against the principle of equity, which requires all
countries’ requirements to be included in its agenda.
 Eg: With USA suspending it’s WHO contribution, especially during global pandemic it
becomes even more important to ensure WHO has a stable financial resource.
 Unable to respond effectively to existing and anticipated global health challenges-
 Eg. faulted response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak. It also failed in insisting more
transparency by China regarding Coronavirus and the morbidity attached.
 It took till about the middle of January for WHO to suggest human-to-human transmission
of the virus, toeing the China line for the first few weeks of the year, as per reports.
 WHO cannot enforce accountability for nations’ actions. For instance, delayed reported of
covid-19 and gagging of media and press from reporting it at the earliest.
 Widening gap between the agency’s mandate and capabilities- A report by independent
experts concluded that WHO lacks the capacity to deliver a full emergency public health
response. WHO requires a systematic overhaul of its structure and practices to build this
capacity.
 Lack balance of staff skills- nearly half of WHO staff includes medical specialists with only 1.6 %
social scientists, and 4 % lawyers. Although medical specialists are crucial for technical expertise,
other staff composition is needed to understand the local traditions and culture, manage
international relations and perform some of its core functions such as creating rules and
principles for global health.

 Emergence of new global institutions– which have challenged the WHO’s leadership in global
health such as Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, GAVI Alliance, and Unitaid
etc.

Measures to empower WHO

 Increase the WHO’s technical capacities and capabilities– Creating new departments focused
on science, antimicrobial resistance and digital health will also broaden the WHO’s range of
expertise and keep up with the latest public health challenges and opportunities.
 Help focus on the mission of WHO-which does not have the capacity to do everything and has
frequently found itself responding to situations rather than setting its own agenda. It may also
encourage member states to provide additional resources if they have a better idea of where
that money is going.
 Coordinate with other global players– as these reforms do not address how the organization
should interact with major global health players like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and
Doctors Without Borders.
 Mobilize more resources– WHO’s current biennial budget is 4.42 billion, with overwhelming
majority dictated by donors and their priorities, which leaves the organization limited control
over the funding.

Conclusion

The countries should stop politicizing the virus and ramp up their capabilities to fight the pandemic
without overwhelming the healthcare infrastructure. What is needed now is global cooperation on
the issue rather than issuing blame on each other. It augurs well for nations if WHO was
strengthened with adequate finances.

The IMF has stated grave estimates of the global economy in the coming future owing
to the COVID-19 pandemic, what measures should India take to avert the worst
coming? Elaborate. (250 words)
Reference: blogs.imf.org
Why this question:
The question is amidst the economic impact that the COVID-19 outbreak has caused.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the concerns highlighted by the IMF concerning the global economy, discuss what role India
should play to address and mitigate the situation facing it.
Directive:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context.
You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated
facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly state the facts pointed out by the IMF with respect to the global economy.
Body:
The International Monetary Fund this week said the global economy is expected to shrink by 3% this
year, before growing by 5.8% next year. However, India’s economy is estimated to grow by 1.9% by
2020-2021. Present the role that the Government of India, RBI must play to handle the upcoming
economic crisis. Suggest methods, policies that need to be adopted.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way ahead.

Introduction

With more than 20 lakh people infected worldwide and 1.27 lakh dead, the Covid-19 pandemic
shows no signs of abating. As vaccine is yet to be found, lockdowns remain the only way to slow its
spread. However, the lockdowns are also pushing major economies to the brink.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its global GDP growth estimate from 3.3% just 3
months ago to a contraction of 3%, something not seen since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Body

Covid-19 impact on global economy

 The IMF sees GDP per capita shrinking across 170 nations due to the coronavirus pandemic, but
the projection “may actually be a more optimistic picture than reality produces.”

 The IMF noted that even a short-lived outbreak would drag the world into a 3% GDP contraction.

 Massive supply-chain related disruptions across a range of industries from containment efforts
in China and other economies.
 Amplification of demand-side shocks due to uncertainties as well as lockdowns and other
containment measures domestically;

 Propagation of financial shocks and the US dollar credit crunch.

 The global economy could shrink by up to 1 per cent in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, a
reversal from the previous forecast of 2.5 per cent growth, the UN has said.

 In the best-case scenario – with moderate declines in private consumption, investment

and exports and offsetting increases in government spending in the G-7 countries and
China – global growth would fall to 1.2 per cent in 2020.

 With nearly 100 countries closing national borders during the past month, the movement of
people and tourism flows have come to a screeching halt.

 According to the forecast, lockdowns in Europe and North America are hitting the service sector
hard, particularly industries that involve physical interactions such as retail trade, leisure and
hospitality, recreation and transportation services.

 High rise in unemployment across the globe, especially in the west.

Impact on Indian Economy

IMF says India will remain the ‘fastest growing major economy in 2020’. But one must remember
that the Covid onslaught is only at an early stage in India.

 The immediate economic and market impacts of the coronavirus have been on India’s financial
markets as well as the rupee, which hit a new low vis-à-vis the US dollar in March due to global
risk-off sentiment.

 GDP Contraction: The Asian Development Bank estimates that the lockdown would take
about3% of GDP. It could cost India nearly $120 billion.
 All the airlines except Air India have grounded their domestic and international flights, the loss
of which is estimated to be $600 million.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 185
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

 The automobile sector in India has been forced to stop key manufacturing activity and has led to
a sharp drop in production and sales.

 Demand-side issues: Abrupt stop of urban activity could lead to a steep fall in consumption of
non-essential goods.

 Demand shocks are expected to hurt India’s textile exports over the next few quarters.

 With rising unemployment and layoffs, there will be lesser household consumption.

 CMIE data shows how unemployment in India spiked in the month of April. The situation is
expected to worsen if the situation shows no improvement over the next few months.

 Supply-side impact: Shutdown of factories and the resultant delay in supply of goods could
result in a shortage of raw materials in China for companies largely importing from there.

 Financial sector: When businesses close down, they default on their commercial obligations to
their financiers and suppliers. This freezes up credit flow in the economy and also affects related
sectors.

 Trade disruption: For example, 18% of auto-component imports, 45% of consumer durables and
67% of electronic components come from China. The trade impact is estimated to be greatest
for the chemicals, textiles, apparel and automotive sectors.

Way forward

 The government is planning to release Rs 20,000 crore relief package, divided into two funds, for
helping MSMEs.
 A well-designed fiscal stimulus package, prioritising health spending to contain the spread of the
virus and providing income support to households most affected by the pandemic would help to
minimise the likelihood of a deep economic recession.
 The Central bank has taken some steps to ease the dollar credit crunch via long-term repo
operations (LTRO) and offered a $2-billion swap for six months to ease the pressure on the
rupee.
 The public and private sector in India should plan for the best and prepare for the worst
scenarios, keeping in mind that a V-shaped recovery is not guaranteed.
 A gradual opening up of the lockdown in a phased manner will be critical to avoid a second wave
or peak in the viral spread.
 One bright spot for India Inc. lies in the 10-15 per cent decline in global oil and metal prices since
the outbreak, but cost savings will provide cold comfort if supply disruptions force production
cuts.

Conclusion

Some of the strongest economies around the globe are struggling to cope with the situation in the
wake of an unprecedented demand shock and a shutdown of all key economic activities that drive
growth. Many Indian sectors are now in critical need of a relief package. A well structured stimulus
will the key driver of the economy in India.

The admitting of the observer status for India in the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) is
an opportune move that offers ample opportunities for a mutually beneficial
relationship between the IOC member countries and India. Elaborate.(250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
India has been recently granted observer status in the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC). Thus the
question.
Key demand of the question:
One must discuss the impact of such a status granted to India and the opportunities that it brings
with it to build mutually beneficial relationship between the IOC member countries and India.
Directive:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context.
You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated
facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the context of the question.
Body:
To start with, discuss the aspects of maritime security in the Indian ocean region. Discuss the role of
Indian Ocean Commission till date; Regional Maritime security architecture, Promoting collaboration
in the region etc. Explain how it proves to be a Mutually beneficial association. Highlight India’s
interests.
Conclusion:
Conclude that India has repeatedly stated its strategic vision for the Indian Ocean based on Security
and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) approach. Such an opportunity would mean more
consultative, democratic and equitable engagements in dealing with smaller but equally significant
countries in the region.
Introduction:
The Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) is an intergovernmental body created in 1984 to protect the
interests of the Western Indian Ocean islands. It consists of Madagascar, Comoros, La Reunion
(French overseas territory), Mauritius and Seychelles. India has been accepted as an observer of the
Indian Ocean Commission (IOC). India’s joining of the IOC as an observer has strategic importance as
the Commission is an important regional institution in the Western/African Indian Ocean. This
development is one of the steps in India’s strategic vision (SAGAR) for the Indian Ocean.

Body:

Significance of an Observer Status of India:

 Engagement with the Western Indian Ocean:

 It will facilitate collective engagement with the islands in the Western Indian Ocean that
are becoming strategically significant.

 Given China’s growing presence in the region, India will be able to increase its naval
presence and gain support for its maritime projects across the Indo-Pacific.

 The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) is also a strategic location of the Indian Ocean linking the
South-eastern coast of Africa to the wider Indian Ocean and beyond.

 Opportunity in the Mozambique Channel:

 The IOC islands are situated around one of the key chokepoints in the Indian Ocean- the
Mozambique Channel.

 The Mozambique Channel is an arm of the Indian Ocean located between the African
countries of Madagascar and Mozambique.

 The Mozambique Channel lost its significance post the opening of the Suez Canal, but the
recent hostilities near the Strait of Hormuz brought the channel back into focus as the
original route for bigger commercial vessels (especially for oil tankers).

 Potential of natural gas reserves in the Mozambique Channel further increases the
significance of the region.

 Cooperation with France:

 It will also help to boost cooperation with France that has a strong presence in the
western Indian ocean.

 SAGAR Policy:

 It will help to extend India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for all in the Region) policy in the
region.

 SAGAR is an articulation of India’s vision for the Indian Ocean which aims for
enhancement of capacities to safeguard land and maritime territories & interests;
deepening economic and security cooperation in the littoral; action to deal with natural
disasters and maritime threats like piracy, terrorism.

Challenges associated:

 The ‘Global Commons’ approach (everyone’s property is no one’s responsibility) to using marine
resources, especially in areas beyond national jurisdiction, with no oversight on issues of
governance, access and benefit sharing.
 It poses a risk for overexploitation of marine resources.
 SAGAR Vision has created engagement of multiple players, the duplication of actions, and
regional dependence on international navies.

India’s possible contribution to IOC:

 The 2018 joint strategic vision for India-France cooperation in the Indian Ocean region– released
during the visit of French president Emmanuel Macron – specifically mentions that France would
support India’s entry in the IOC as an observer and in return India had supported a “greater role”
for France in the bigger Indian Ocean Rim Association.
 In 2019, the MEA got a brand-new Indo-Pacific division to reflect the priority given to the region
and bring about a sense of coherence within its various regions. The division also looked after
the multilateral linkages in the region and would likely look after the enhanced IOC portfolio.
 With the observer status, India can extend its expertise to the region, put its satellite imagery to
the service of the RMIFC, and establish links with its own Information Fusion Centre.
 As a major stakeholder in the Indian Ocean with maritime security high on the agenda, India will
continue to pursue its interests and tackle maritime security challenges at the macro level in the
region. However, as an observer of the IOC, India can embrace bottom-up regionalism to
establish relations in Western Indian Ocean.

 IOC observer status will strengthen western flank of the Indo-Pacific and is a stepping stone to
security cooperation with East Africa.

Conclusion:

India’s consultative, democratic and equitable leadership can help achieve the Security and
sustainable growth to all in the region. Apart from it, India must also lead in ensuring Sustainability
and Growth for All in the Region.

Do you think BRICS grouping can fill the void in global governance in the time of crisis
the world is facing currently? Examine.(250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The article talks about the role of BRICS amidst the current crisis facing the world.
Key demand of the question:
One must explain the potential of BRICS to emerge as an important global governance institution.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it,
investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so
we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the background that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a crisis of globalization
and global governance.
Body:
Explain the relevance of BRICS in the present times. Discuss the possible opportunities that the BRICS
has in presenting global response to the current crisis. BRICS looks better than other global
governance institutions amidst the ongoing COVID crises. There is no blame-game or pointing fingers
within BRICS, rather, there is a vision for intensifying cooperation, including in sectors like healthcare
and social welfare. Contrary to initial estimates of lack of effectiveness of the BRICS grouping, BRICS
has progressed on developing a common position on the most important matters of the global
economy and security and it also got institutionalized with the setting up of the BRICS New
Development Bank in 2015. Explain the challenges that the BRICS nations have before them.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a positive note.
Introduction

A report, “BRICS and the Rivalry Pandemic”, released by Russian think-tank Valdai Club this week,
notes that the question of considering BRICS as a global governance institution has now come to the
fore. It argues that COVID-19 is another stage for political rivalry that has reinforced some
international disputes and conflicts with the U.S. “ratching up its confrontational policy towards
China and Russia”. In this scenario, BRICS emerges as an important global governance institution.

Body

Role of BRICS to fill vacuum in global governance in time of pandemic

 In 2018 Johannesburg summit, it was decided to establish BRICS Center for Research and
Development of vaccines.
 Apart from that, BRICS countries are planning to work on an early warning mechanism for
outbreaks of infection, the development of diagnostic and preventive measures for the disease,

as well as joint epidemiological exercises while the New Development Bank would provide
financial anti-crisis assistance to members to fight the
 Recently, BRICS decided to set up a $15 billion fund for member nations to revive the economy.
This will be done by the New Development Bank.
 BRICS nations had also agreed to ensure availability of innovative medical products through
promotion of research and development and access to affordable, quality, effective and safe
drugs, vaccines, diagnostics and other medical products and technologies as well as to medical
services through enhanced health systems and health financing.
 While G7, created during the Cold War, is today used by the leading Western powers to
strengthen their position in the competition with non-West and to restore a rules-based
international order, BRICS is based on entirely different values, and adheres to the goals and
objectives of the UN Charter and the idea of equality.
 BRICS has re-iterated to stand firm by multilateralism, by the UN-centered international
system, and by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. At this crucial juncture, BRICS has
lauded the work being done by WHO.
 It has called to champion the approach of consultation and cooperation for shared benefits in
governance, take the lead in advancing global governance reform along the right direction.
Through joint efforts, it aims to l safeguard the legitimate rights and interests and space for
development not just for members but also for all other emerging market and developing
countries.

Challenges for BRICS

 Varied Political Structures and values: While Brazil, India and South Africa are democratic, China
and Russia are not. Structure of financial systems, levels of income, education, inequality, health
challenges also differ substantially within BRICS which makes it hard for them to speak with a
unified voice and to coordinate action.
 Different geopolitical agenda: The Brasilia declaration notes shared perceptions on global
economic and financial governance. However, their interpretation by each country depends on
its national interest in specific circumstances.
 g. on expansion of the UN Security Council, BRICS exposed its disunity yet again by sticking
to the formulation that refuses to go beyond China and Russia supporting the “aspiration”
of Brazil, India and South Africa “to play a greater role in the UN”.
 Also the China-Pak axis will always be a hindrance for India to fully cooperate with China.
China’s rejection of NSG membership to India is an example.
 Diverging long-term economic goals of member countries: Though the five nations have greatly
increased their combined economic heft since the turn of the century, the share is imbalanced.g.
Brazil, Russia and South Africa’s shares of global output have actually shrunk since 2000.
 Despite their combined population accounting for 40% of humanity, intra-BRICS trade still
makes up just 15% of world trade.
 Brazil also took India to WTO dispute resolution wrt sugar production.

Way Forward

 For BRICS to stay relevant, it needs to make better use of its institutions, which it has set up over
the last two decades.
 The New Development Bank established in 2014, could collaborate with other multilateral
financial institution supporting green energy initiatives and set up research centers which would
focus on United Nations established Sustainable Development goals.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 190
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

 Healthcare research could be a priority and give a distinct view of how policies should be
implemented in developing and least developed countries around the world.

Conclusion

A significant amount of convergence on economic issues is required for BRICS to work as a strong
multilateral body that will have a significant effect on global governance. A joint battle against
COVID-19 and pursuit of common development will help these nations embrace a better future.

Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or
affecting India’s interests.
India has addressed the China factor well and must now continue its efforts to curb the
global health crisis. Elucidate.(250 words)
Reference: The Hindu Business Line
Why this question:
The question is around the fact that India has handled the case of the outbreak well so far and has
addressed the China factor.
Key demand of the question:
One has to elaborate on how India must now continue its efforts to curb the global health crisis.
Directive:
Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context.
You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated
facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the role played by China in containing the situation; highlight its initial failures.
Body:
To start with, explain how the world would have been better prepared to handle the crisis if China
had acted more urgently and transparently. Talk about the factor of ‘Responsible governance’ in
association with China. Take hints from the article and explain the China factor, role played by India
in the grave situation of the pandemic.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting the good work that India is doing and managing and suggest way forward.
Introduction:

China and India are both ancient civilizations and major developing countries. As the only two major
developing countries and important representatives of emerging economies, China-India relations
assume global and strategic significance. China erred in not containing the coronavirus when it first
appeared in Wuhan.

Body:

India- China relations in recent past:

 The Chinese city of Wuhan was where the “informal” Narendra Modi-Xi Jinping Summit held in
April 2018, which paved the way for a de-escalation of tensions in the Doklam sector of the Sino-
Indian border.
 The Wuhan meeting was different from earlier summits in preceding years, where the entire
focus of attention was on ending the tensions, which followed the Chinese military intrusion in
Doklam.
 The two leaders developed a personal rapport in the meeting.
 A clear message emerged from the summit, indicating that India and China were capable of
improving relations, while maintaining peace and tranquility along their borders, by adhering to
the terms of border agreements signed in 1993 and 2005.
 Serious differences, however, emerged between India China later, over China’s blatantly anti-
Indian views on Jammu and Kashmir in international forums and particularly the United Nations,
and its unwavering support to Pakistan in this regard.
 This occurred after Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, according a special status to Jammu
and Kashmir, was scrapped in August 2019.

India has addressed the China factor well:

 New Delhi has done well not to irresponsibly criticize China publicly, as US President Donald
Trump has done.
 Prime Minister has done well by not acting in a partisan manner during the crisis. He has sought
national unity in confronting the most serious challenge the world is facing in recent history.
 Opposition leaders, unlike some others, have thrown her weight behind what the Prime Minister
is undertaking.
 The government has also handled foreign policy skillfully, both regionally among the SAARC
countries and globally in the G20.
 India’s role in working quietly and behind the scenes with Saudi Arabia to convene a tele-
conference of leaders of the G20 during the crisis merits special mention.
 It signaled the will of the entire comity of nations to confront the coronavirus challenge in
unison.

India’s challenges in tackling the global health crisis:

 India is now at the crossroads in dealing with the coronavirus crisis.

 We have worked hard in our efforts to separate those afflicted with the disease from those who
are not.
 The reality, however, is that we are still woefully underprepared in terms of hospitals and
equipment like ventilators and other medical facilities, to deal with a large increase in the
numbers of patients.

Measures needed to be taken by India to tackle the issue:

 Expanding hospital facilities in collaboration with State governments should now become the
country’s foremost priority.
 Social welfare: For two months, every household in the informal economy, rural and urban,
should be given the equivalent of 25 days’ minimum wages a month until the lockdown
continues, and for two months beyond this.
 Pensions must be doubled and home-delivered in cash.

 Governments must double PDS entitlements, which includes protein-rich pulses, and distribute
these free at doorsteps.

Conclusion:

India and China could together work to wipe out the pandemic of Covid-19. China could share its
strategy in containing the virus in city of Wuhan, which has sprung back to normalcy now. China
could help India by supplying the essential medical devices like masks, ventilators etc. in fighting the
pandemic. Together, India and China could help the other Asian countries in tackling the crisis.

Discuss the possible role that multilevel governance and multilateralism would play in
post COVID-19 world.(250 words)
Reference: ilo.org
Why this question:
The question is amidst the ongoing COVID-19 war that the entire world is fighting and the
significance of multilevel governance and multilateralism in it.
Key demand of the question:
Explain in detail the possible role that multilevel governance and multilateralism would play in post
COVID-19 world.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly discuss the context of the question.
Body:
To start with, explain that the Coronavirus crisis has been instrumental in initiating a decisive and
solid transformation in global governance structures as well as the world order. Discuss the following
dimensions – Given the waning legitimacy of international institutions and a global resurgence of
national sovereignty, can the Indian imperative withstand the political buffeting on the global stage?
Is there value to boosting multilateral collaborations with international organisations? Suggest the
possible role that multilateralism and governance would play in the current situation.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction:

COVID-19 is the gravest and multi-faceted crisis many of us shall witness in our lifetime. Given its
scale and unpredictable impact, it has the potential to shake the trust in Multilateralism and its
institutions, but that shall be a devastating mistake.

Body:

While not comparable in totality to the global economic and financial crisis experienced 10 years
ago, it is safe to say that the economic and social impact of that meltdown would have been far
worse if not for the extraordinary policy and pragmatic response measures adopted by many
governments.

The measures were coupled with the commendable assistance provided by the various development
partners including the UN agencies and the international financial institutions and multilateral
development banks.

The current crisis is even more deserving of a multilateral response, because it presents challenges
above and beyond those previous threats. In what amounts to an economic perfect storm, the
pandemic has combined with preexisting recessionary pressures, the broader disruption to global
trade.

The possible role that multilevel governance and multilateralism would play in post COVID-19
world:

 to enhance coordination on macro-economic policies, and take well-focused fiscal and monetary
measures on both sides of supply and demand in an effort to curb recession, create jobs, protect
livelihoods and stabilize the global economy.
 to sustain coordination in the UN, the G20 and other multilateral frameworks to keep up secure
and smooth functioning of global industrial and supply chains, and defend the multilateral
trading regime with the WTO as the cornerstone.
 to work for making development the centerpiece of the global macro policy agenda, and
expedite the delivery of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
 to champion the approach of consultation and cooperation for shared benefits in governance,
take the lead in advancing global governance reform along the right direction.
 to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests and space for development not just for ourselves
but also for all other emerging market and developing countries.
 The multilateral organizations should offer trade unions and social partners in general the space
and impetus necessary to participate in democratic and transparent multilateral decision-making
processes.
 It must also offer them the space to demand enhanced policy coherence, improved enforcement
and better accountability.

Immediate measures needed:

 There is still a chance for a coordinated push under the auspices of the G20 or the International
Monetary Fund.
 Jointly orchestrated monetary and fiscal policies would provide not just immediate stimulus but
also a boost in confidence, as would an agreement to reverse the protectionist policies of the
past few years.
 A mutual ceasefire in the trade war and a return to multilateral trade negotiations would directly
boost economic activity by restoring confidence and spurring investment.
 It would show that the international community is still capable of coming together in meaningful
ways to fight a global crisis.

Conclusion:

Taken together, joint action to tackle the pandemic, manage multiple economic shocks, and end the
trade war would both limit the severity of the downturn and accelerate the pace of the subsequent
recovery. Until recently, restoring multilateral cooperation and rebuilding confidence in the
institutions that USA has torn down was a noble objective. Now, it is an urgent and near-existential
one.

Examine India’s stand with respect to the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).(250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:

A recent report by the U.S. State Department claimed that China has been carrying out nuclear
testing against the provisions of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Thus the
question.
Key demand of the question:
One has to analyse India’s stand with respect to the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it,
investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so
we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly narrate the background of the question context.
Body:
To start with, explain the coming of Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) into action.
Highlight the concerns associated with CTBT. Bring out the challenges and threats associated with
possibility of new nuclear arms race. Discuss in detail India’s stand with respect to the Nuclear
Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
Conclusion:
Conclude with way ahead.
Introduction

India supports upholding and strengthening global non-proliferation objectives, in particular the full
and effective implementation by States of their obligations arising from the relevant agreements and
treaties, including the NPT.

Body

Nuclear non Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

The NPT is an international treaty whose objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and
weapons technology, to foster the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of
disarmament. Nuclear-weapon states parties under the NPT are defined as those that manufactured
and exploded a nuclear weapon or other nuclear explosive device before January 1, 1967.

Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is the Treaty banning all nuclear explosions -
everywhere, by everyone.

 The Treaty was negotiated at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva and adopted by
the United Nations General Assembly.

 Of the 44 listed countries, to date only 36 have ratified the treaty.

 China, Egypt, Iran, Israel and the U.S. have signed but not ratified.

 China maintains that it will only ratify it after the U.S. does so but the Republican dominated
Senate had rejected it in 1999.

 In addition, North Korea, India and Pakistan are the three who have not signed.

 All three have also undertaken tests after 1996; India and Pakistan in May 1998 and North
Korea six times between 2006 and 2017.
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoccbCX9GEIwaiIe4HLjwA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightsonindia Page 195
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

 The CTBT has therefore not entered into force and lacks legal authority.

India’s stand on NPT

Today, India is one of the only five countries that either did not sign the NPT thus becoming part of a
list that includes Pakistan, Israel, North Korea (withdrew later), and South Sudan.

 Till date, the NPT recognises only the five permanent members of the UN Security Council
(US, Russia, UK, France and China) as nuclear weapon powers and mandates that other
countries can be a party to the NPT only as a non-nuclear weapon state.

 This is not acceptable to India and hence the issue of India joining the NPT does not arise.

 India’s stated position on the NPT is that it “cannot accept externally prescribed norms or
standards on matters within the jurisdiction of its Parliament or which are not consistent
with India's constitutional provisions and procedures, or are contrary to India's national
interests or infringe on its sovereignty.”

 India’s refusal to accede to the Treaty is on grounds that it is a biased legal instrument that
divided the world into “nuclear haves” and “nuclear have-nots".

 Perceived security threats from Pakistan and Pakistan’s all weather friend China, on the one
hand, and from the United States, on the other (U.S. inaction in 1965 war and active support
for Pakistan in the 1971 war are cases in point) provide a strong security-driven rationale.

 Despite being a non-party, India abides by the principles and objectives of the NPT, including
its nuclear disarmament aspirations.

 India’s hostile neighbor Pakistan is increasingly talking about tactical nuclear weapons.
India’s geographical position between China and Pakistan is a huge security threat. Hence
there is no question of giving up nuclear weapons under NPT.

 India has always reiterated for complete and verifiable global disarmament.

India has ruled out the possibility of joining the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as a non-nuclear
weapon state but said it remains “committed” to a unilateral voluntary moratorium on nuclear
explosive testing.

Indias stand on the CTBT

 India’s principled opposition drew from its emphasis on universal and complete nuclear
disarmament in a time-bound manner.

 India has traditionally believed this to be the end goal with the test ban just being a path to
get there. But CTBT did not insist on a complete disarmament clause in 1994, acknowledging
that it was a “complex issue.”

 India saw the attempt at a test ban becoming an end in itself, while exacerbating technology
differences between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots.’

 For instance, one of India’s concerns was the possibility of those already possessing nuclear
weapons upgrading their arsenals through sub-critical and laboratory simulated testing.

 Another major concern was Article XIV, the entry-into-force (EIF) clause, which India
considered a violation of its right to voluntarily withhold participation in an international
treaty.

 The treaty initially made ratification by states that were to be a part of the the CTBT’s
International Monitoring System (IMS) mandatory for the treaty’s EIF. Because of this, India
withdrew its participation from the IMS.

Conclusion

However, India has pledged to continue with its voluntary and unilateral moratorium on further
nuclear testing. India is the only nuclear weapon state to declare that it believes its security would
be enhanced, not diminished, in a world free of nuclear weapons.

Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s

interests, Indian Diaspora.
Critically examine the recent trends of US retreating from Global leadership role .(250
words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The question is amidst the fact that recently US has halted the funding to the WHO over its handling
of the coronavirus pandemic.
Key demand of the question:
One must examine the recent trends of US retreating from Global leadership role.
Directive:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in
detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question.
While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the
topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the withdrawal of US from the WHO contributions. USA is the biggest overall donor to
WHO, contributing more than $400 million in 2019, roughly 15% of its budget.
Body:
To start with, list down various instances in the recent past highlighting withdrawal of US from the
global leadership roles such as –
With the beginning of Trump Presidency (2016 onwards), US has
Quit the U.N. Human Rights Council and U.N. cultural agency UNESCO
Pulled out of Paris accord and Iran nuclear deal
Cut funding for the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) and U.N. agency that helps Palestinian refugees
(UNRWA)
Opposed a U.N. migration pact etc.
Discuss what needs to be done to overcome the concerning situation.
Conclusion:

Conclude with way forward.

Introduction:

The United States (US) has decided to cut off US payments to the World Health Organisation (WHO)
during the Covid-19 pandemic. US President halted his government’s funding of the multilateral
body accusing it of “severe” mismanagement of the COVID-19 epidemic. The US has also criticised
the WHO for being China-centric and has alleged that earlier WHO had criticized US’s ban on travel
from and to China. However, the US has made it clear that it would continue to engage with the
WHO in pursuit of meaningful reforms.

Body:

India refused to criticise the United States defunding of the World Health Organisation (WHO),
saying that it was currently occupied with the domestic campaign to defeat the coronavirus (COVID-
19) pandemic.

Impact of US’ halting funds to WHO:

 The US contributes almost 15% of the WHO’s total funding and almost 31% of the member
states’ donations.
 The halt of this fund comes when the global caseload of COVID-19 approaches 2 million, with the
most cases in the US.
 For the WHO, the loss of about 15% of its total funding is bound to have an impact the world
over.
 However, unless other countries do the same as the US, the move may not severely restrict the
WHO operations.
 Halting that payment is expected to hit many health initiatives across the world, including in
India.

Recent trends of US retreating from global leadership role:

 Burdened by public debt, domestic unrest and guilt over past mistakes, America is withdrawing
from the world and focusing on internal problems.
 A voluntary retreat from or abdication of global leadership.
 a greater reliance on unilateralism.
 a less-critical view of certain authoritarian or illiberal governments.
 a reduced or more selective approach to promoting and defending certain universal values.
 a reduced willingness to work through international or multilateral institutions and agreements
 the Administration’s decisions to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) regional
trade agreement, the multilateral Paris climate agreement, and the Iran nuclear agreement;
 the President’s decision, announced by the Administration to withdraw U.S. troops from
northern Syria;
 the Administration’s focus on pursuing bilateral trade negotiations with various countries;
 the Administration’s infrequent or inconsistent statements in support of democracy and human
rights, including the Administration’s reaction to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the
President’s statements regarding the prodemocracy protests in Hong Kong

However, there are contrary views too:

 Administration statements reaffirming U.S. support for NATO, as well as Administration actions
to improve U.S. military capabilities in Europe for deterring potential Russian aggression in
Europe;
 the Administration’s willingness to impose and maintain a variety of sanctions on Russia;
 the Administration’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) construct for guiding U.S. policy toward
the Indo-Pacific region;
 the Administration’s more confrontational policy toward China, including its plan to increase
funding for U.S. foreign assistance programs to compete against China for influence in Africa,
Asia, and the Americas;
 S. trade actions that, in the view of these observers, are intended to make free trade more
sustainable over the long run by ensuring that it is fair to all parties, including the United States;
 the Administration’s belated support of Hong Kong’s prodemocracy protestors, its criticism of
China’s human rights practices toward its Muslim Uyghur population, and its emphasis on
religious freedom as a component of human rights

Conclusion:

Although, the trend of transition from Unipolarity to multipolarity is good, the lack of finances, US’s
clout does matter. In a multipolar world, it is difficult to rely on USA for leading the global
institutions and global alliances. The other nations should work together in tandem and help achieve
the sustainable development goals.

Defendant's Motion For Writ of Body Attachment (Righthaven v. Wayne Hoehn)
100% (1)
Defendant's Motion For Writ of Body Attachment (Righthaven v. Wayne Hoehn)
8 pages
GS2 - Final-1 - 2024-07-12T144751.672
No ratings yet
GS2 - Final-1 - 2024-07-12T144751.672
109 pages
GS2 Final-1
No ratings yet
GS2 Final-1
82 pages
Gs 2 Jan 2023
No ratings yet
Gs 2 Jan 2023
124 pages
GS2 Final
No ratings yet
GS2 Final
88 pages
GS2 Final-1
No ratings yet
GS2 Final-1
120 pages
GS2 Final
No ratings yet
GS2 Final
102 pages
GS2 Final
No ratings yet
GS2 Final
175 pages
GS2 Final
No ratings yet
GS2 Final
163 pages
GS2 - Final Answere Writing2020 PDF
No ratings yet
GS2 - Final Answere Writing2020 PDF
227 pages
GS2 Final
No ratings yet
GS2 Final
172 pages
Indian Polity Mains Previous Years Questions 2013-19
No ratings yet
Indian Polity Mains Previous Years Questions 2013-19
6 pages
Pol Qs
No ratings yet
Pol Qs
7 pages
July Secure GS2 Compilation
No ratings yet
July Secure GS2 Compilation
110 pages
GS 2 2
No ratings yet
GS 2 2
114 pages
Insight gs1
No ratings yet
Insight gs1
93 pages
GS-2
No ratings yet
GS-2
79 pages
Class PPTs Polity Mains Strategy - 2 Lecture-1 13sep2023
No ratings yet
Class PPTs Polity Mains Strategy - 2 Lecture-1 13sep2023
24 pages
GS-2
No ratings yet
GS-2
84 pages
GS 2 Final PDF
No ratings yet
GS 2 Final PDF
174 pages
Secure-GS2-Aug-Compilation
No ratings yet
Secure-GS2-Aug-Compilation
106 pages
GS2 Final
No ratings yet
GS2 Final
130 pages
Polity Mains PYQ
No ratings yet
Polity Mains PYQ
6 pages
GS-2
No ratings yet
GS-2
95 pages
Polity Syllabus Decode PYQ
No ratings yet
Polity Syllabus Decode PYQ
18 pages
GS Ii 2
No ratings yet
GS Ii 2
132 pages
Polity Previous Year Mains Questions
No ratings yet
Polity Previous Year Mains Questions
6 pages
PYQ Polity, Modern History
No ratings yet
PYQ Polity, Modern History
5 pages
polity
No ratings yet
polity
6 pages
GS Ii
No ratings yet
GS Ii
102 pages
GS2 Jan 2024
No ratings yet
GS2 Jan 2024
87 pages
Mains_Revision qip
No ratings yet
Mains_Revision qip
37 pages
Polity Questions
No ratings yet
Polity Questions
2 pages
Constitution & Polity - Paper-II (2013 To 2020)
No ratings yet
Constitution & Polity - Paper-II (2013 To 2020)
6 pages
Polity Ques
No ratings yet
Polity Ques
37 pages
Polity Pyq - Copy
No ratings yet
Polity Pyq - Copy
5 pages
Indian Constitution - Evernote
No ratings yet
Indian Constitution - Evernote
4 pages
GS-24541198191xc dscsdc
No ratings yet
GS-24541198191xc dscsdc
82 pages
Governance & Polity - Evernote
No ratings yet
Governance & Polity - Evernote
3 pages
Polity PYQ 2011-2023
No ratings yet
Polity PYQ 2011-2023
4 pages
GS Paper - 2 Aug-Oct First Half-1 PDF
No ratings yet
GS Paper - 2 Aug-Oct First Half-1 PDF
241 pages
2021+Trend+Analysis+Governance
No ratings yet
2021+Trend+Analysis+Governance
25 pages
GS2 2023
No ratings yet
GS2 2023
3 pages
Polity and Governance Previous Year Questions 2013 2022
No ratings yet
Polity and Governance Previous Year Questions 2013 2022
7 pages
Important Questions
No ratings yet
Important Questions
2 pages
10 Years PYQ UPSC Mains
No ratings yet
10 Years PYQ UPSC Mains
9 pages
Assignment H
No ratings yet
Assignment H
3 pages
2013
No ratings yet
2013
8 pages
General Studies Paper2 20211207 195929
No ratings yet
General Studies Paper2 20211207 195929
2 pages
Polity
No ratings yet
Polity
12 pages
FY PS QB.docx
No ratings yet
FY PS QB.docx
1 page
Polity & Constitution EXAMPLES
No ratings yet
Polity & Constitution EXAMPLES
3 pages
07 upPaper-II (18-23)
No ratings yet
07 upPaper-II (18-23)
5 pages
COI, Assignment 1
No ratings yet
COI, Assignment 1
3 pages
MAWP 03 _Qns
No ratings yet
MAWP 03 _Qns
1 page
New Text Document
No ratings yet
New Text Document
11 pages
Document (8) (1)
No ratings yet
Document (8) (1)
1 page
Debates in Constituent Assembly
No ratings yet
Debates in Constituent Assembly
11 pages
Polity Key Notes PDF
No ratings yet
Polity Key Notes PDF
5 pages
Problems in American Democracy
From Everand
Problems in American Democracy
Thames Ross Williamson
No ratings yet
BlockChain for Beginners
From Everand
BlockChain for Beginners
Matthew Smith
No ratings yet
Physics 2
No ratings yet
Physics 2
4 pages
M. Sc. Physics - 2
No ratings yet
M. Sc. Physics - 2
42 pages
Maharastra: Physiographic Division of 2011
No ratings yet
Maharastra: Physiographic Division of 2011
1 page
Thar Desert PDF
No ratings yet
Thar Desert PDF
8 pages
Union Public Service Commission: Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110 069
No ratings yet
Union Public Service Commission: Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110 069
2 pages
MSC Entrance. Physices Bhu Papers
No ratings yet
MSC Entrance. Physices Bhu Papers
30 pages
Gujarat HIgh Court - Bullet Train Judgment - September 19, 2019
No ratings yet
Gujarat HIgh Court - Bullet Train Judgment - September 19, 2019
361 pages
Palantir Briefing Report
No ratings yet
Palantir Briefing Report
21 pages
Like Profile
No ratings yet
Like Profile
24 pages
0007 - People vs. Adriano 78 Phil. 561, June 30, 1947 PDF
No ratings yet
0007 - People vs. Adriano 78 Phil. 561, June 30, 1947 PDF
6 pages
Polis Networked Journalism Report 11.6.10
No ratings yet
Polis Networked Journalism Report 11.6.10
20 pages
Sierra Club v. Trump Motion To Lift Stay
No ratings yet
Sierra Club v. Trump Motion To Lift Stay
35 pages
Agwasim v. Ojichie
No ratings yet
Agwasim v. Ojichie
20 pages
CASE DIGEST - GR No. 95357
No ratings yet
CASE DIGEST - GR No. 95357
2 pages
People VS Navoa
100% (1)
People VS Navoa
2 pages
Constitution of India
No ratings yet
Constitution of India
15 pages
Role of Judiciary: Decisions States Resources
No ratings yet
Role of Judiciary: Decisions States Resources
5 pages
Summary of Arguments
No ratings yet
Summary of Arguments
2 pages
Consumer Protection Act 1986
0% (1)
Consumer Protection Act 1986
2 pages
People of The Philippines vs. Allen Udtojan Mantalaba G.R. No. 186227 20 July 2011.
No ratings yet
People of The Philippines vs. Allen Udtojan Mantalaba G.R. No. 186227 20 July 2011.
19 pages
Cayetano Vs Monsod
No ratings yet
Cayetano Vs Monsod
2 pages
Cyber Crime Elements and Dio Case
100% (1)
Cyber Crime Elements and Dio Case
20 pages
Data Privacy Law
No ratings yet
Data Privacy Law
2 pages
Responding To Multimodal Materials From Social Media.
No ratings yet
Responding To Multimodal Materials From Social Media.
1 page
Declaration of Independence PDF
0% (1)
Declaration of Independence PDF
2 pages
Battleground The Media (2 Vol.)
100% (1)
Battleground The Media (2 Vol.)
655 pages
TASK 5 - Local Agenda 21
No ratings yet
TASK 5 - Local Agenda 21
4 pages
Diaa Hammamy CV - July 1017
No ratings yet
Diaa Hammamy CV - July 1017
4 pages
Arrest and Custody
No ratings yet
Arrest and Custody
8 pages
Tax Law and Jurisprudence
No ratings yet
Tax Law and Jurisprudence
9 pages
CT-Gov McLaughlin & Associates For Bob Stefanowski (May 2018)
No ratings yet
CT-Gov McLaughlin & Associates For Bob Stefanowski (May 2018)
2 pages
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES vs. Emmanuel Cortez
No ratings yet
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES vs. Emmanuel Cortez
2 pages
Big Presentation1
No ratings yet
Big Presentation1
20 pages
People vs. Sayo
100% (1)
People vs. Sayo
3 pages
Nestle Phil. v. Sanchez
No ratings yet
Nestle Phil. v. Sanchez
1 page