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Approach Answer: General Studies Mains Mock Test 862 (2017)

1. What are the issues associated with the existing sterilization campaigns for family planning in India? In
this context, comment on the need for a multidimensional approach for family planning.
Approach:
Begin with a brief introduction of Indias population control program, launched immediately after
independence.
Enumerate the issues associated with existing state of sterilisation campaigns (include some
statistics).
Finally, the answer should end with some suggestions regarding need for multidimensional
approach.
Answer:
Despite half a century of efforts to reduce population growth, India faces challenges in delivering a
family-planning program that goes beyond female sterilization to help couples delay and space out their
children.
Issues with current approach
Current approach is overbearingly women centric, with 97.5 percentage of sterilization done on
women. Government expenditures are also skewed toward female sterilization
The sterilization camps are unhygienic and there is no follow up of the operated women. As a result,
the side effects are not monitored resulting even in deaths. E.g. over 100 women were hospitalised
due to mishandled sterilisation operation in Chattisgarh in 2014.
The current approach is target oriented resulting in explicit promotion of women sterilization over
other safer alternatives.
Current approach focuses on permanent sterilization at young age, rather than giving women options
to space the pregnancy.
There is no sufficient accountability mechanism to hold officials responsible for their lapses.
The sterilization policy currently reflects the inequalities in the society, as they are focussed mainly
on the poor and tribal women whose economic conditions make them easy prey for coercion.
The negative fallouts of pursuing a population policy that largely focuses on birth control also
contributes to declining child sex ratios (if every family is to have fewer children, there is a greater
anxiety that at least one of them should be male).
Recently, the Supreme Court has directed the Centre to finalise the National Health Policy and end mass
sterilisation camps. However, sterilization campaigns represent a uni-dimensional view of the problem.
There are various factors that leads to the failure of population planning, thus necessitating a
multidimensional approach, as under:
Provide sex education and improve quality of health services.

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 Changing the social norms that allow child marriage which results in multiple births during
adolescence. This results in severe health issues for women on the one hand and controlling the
population growth on the other.
Foster gender equality, enabling women and girls from making their own choices.
Improved access, education and empowerment and not coercion should be the guiding factors.
National programme should be based on the principle of the rights of couples and individuals to
decide freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children and the method of
contraception.
Increase the compensation for sterilisation deaths substantially and mandatorily explain to the
patient, in his or her local language, the impact and consequences of a sterilisation procedure.
The list of doctors, surgeons, and other health officials must be made public before the setting of
camp so that scrutiny can be done on their credentials. Strategies to engage the private sector
through social marketing and social franchising initiatives should be encouraged.
Make social audit mandatory for every such camp by involving the civil society.
Instead of female sterilization, male sterilization should be promoted as its less time and cost
consuming.
Induct more counsellors for sexual health and provide more youth-friendly services.

2. While many see globalisation as synonymous with westernisation, evidence suggests that the process
of globalisation has not been a one way street. Comment.
Approach:
Briefly explain globalisation and westernisation.
Explain the factors that make globalisation akin to westernisation.
Discuss how globalisation is a two way process.
Answer:
Globalization is the process of international integration of economies and societies across the world
arising from interchange of world views, products, ideas, and other aspects of culture. Westernization on
the other hand is a process whereby societies come under or adopt Western culture in areas such as
industry, technology, law, politics, economics, lifestyle, language, philosophy, and values.
Globalisation synonymous to westernisation
Globalisation by many is seen as a recent phenomenon which is occasioned by rise of western
influence in all aspects of life.
Major themes of globalisation today like internet, MNCs, fashion, music, financial institutions,
democratic principles, administrative techniques and international bodies(like UN,WTO) emanate
from West.
Many non-Western societies admire and adhere to Western living standards and lifestyles
Similarly, many Modern values in social and personal domains like religion, marriage, dating, work,
polity etc. are inspired from west. For instance western work culture is being aped in many
companies today.
East has adopted many western ideas and values but it seems that its own values have not
significantly affected the west.

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 Globalisation as two way process
Globalisation is not a recent phenomenon but ancient one. Trade on the Silk Road was a significant
factor in the development of civilizations of China, Indian subcontinent, Persia, Europe, and Arabia,
opening long-distance political and economic interactions between civilizations.
Renaissance, the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution occurred mainly in Europe and, later, in
America. Many of these developments drew on the experience of rest of the world, rather than
being confined within the boundaries of a discrete Western civilization.
Arabs carried their own as well as ideas of other civilisations (Eg. Number system from India) to
Europe through trade and later during Crusades.
Spread of religions like Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism to Europe, South-East Asia and Africa are
examples of globalisation.
Pre-industrialisation, Indian cotton was the most popular fabric in England. Indian food, philosophy
and spiritualism reached West during British rule.
In modern era, globalisation has facilitated movement of professionals, artists, entrepreneurs from
East to West, who are shaping the economies, cultures and governments in West.
Japanese technology and culture, Chinese food and Indian cultural practices like Yoga have largely
been integrated into Western lifestyles.
Free market has given rise to powerful economies like China and India in the East, who are in turn
influencing trade, international bodies and global decisions.
Though post WW-II institutions continue to be dominated by the west, there have been vocal
demands for their reform. It has also led to the emergence of new institutions dominated by east (for
example New Development Bank and AIIB).
Hence, westernisation can be considered as only one aspect of Globalisation, which is otherwise
multidimensional and much older than westernisation. Equating the two is a misdiagnosis and incites
parochial tendencies and undermines the possibility of objectivity in science and knowledge. Regarding
globalisation as two way traffic will help the civilizations to share their best and imbibe the best from
others leading to progress of whole humankind.

3. How are minorities defined in India? Does the commitment to ensure special rights for minorities
contradict the idea of secularism? Discuss in the context of India.
Approach:
Explain how minorities are defined in India.
Discuss the special rights given to minorities in India and whether it contradicts secularism.
Answer:
The Constitution of India uses the word minority (in Article 29 to 30 and 350 A to 350 B) but does not
define the word minority as such. The minorities in India include:
Religious minority- As per National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 it include Muslims, Sikhs,
Christians, Buddhists, Zoroastrians (Parsis) and Jains. Sects within a religion are not considered a
religious minority.
Linguistic minority -They pertain mainly to a State and not at the National level. The linguist minority
must have a separate spoken language. It is not necessary that the language must have a distinct
script.
It is to be noted that, a group which constitutes a statistical minority at national level may not enjoy
minority status in all State/UTs. Supreme Court in TMA Pai Foundation case considered the question of
the unit for the purpose of determining the definition of minority within the meaning of Article 30(1).
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 It held that a minority either linguistic or religious is determinable only by reference to demography of
the State and not by taking into consideration the population of the country as a whole. Thus, religious
and linguistic minorities, have to be considered State-wise for the application of central and state laws.
Special rights to minorities and secularism
In India, the safeguards for minorities under the constitution of India are firstly in the form of
fundamental rights (Article 25 to 30). Article 29 talks about preserving the distinct language, script or
culture of any citizen, while Article 30 is more specific and talks about right of religious and linguistic
minorities to administer educational institutions and non-discrimination by State in granting aids to such
institutions.
However, at times these safeguards invites the accusations of favouritism or appeasement and of being
anti-secular (a secular state being one that doesnt favour any particular religion over others). In reality,
the Protection of minorities requires that they be given special consideration especially in a context
where the normal working of the political system places them at a disadvantage vis--vis majority
community.
In India, even economically strong minorities like Sikhs and Parsis may be disadvantaged in a cultural
sense because of their small numbers relative to overwhelming majority of Hindus. Without special
protection, secularism can turn into an excuse for imposing the majority communitys values and norms
on the minorities.
The idea of giving some special right to the minorities is not to treat them as a privileged section of the
population but to give to the minorities a sense of security. Special rights for minorities were designed
not to create inequalities but to bring about equality by ensuring the preservation of the minority
institutions and by guaranteeing autonomy in the matter of administration of these institutions.
Hence, deeming these special rights as contradiction will be to take a lop-sided understanding of
secularism without attending to the needs of all sections of society. Counter-views and debate on this
arrangement should be seen as the trait of a healthy democracy.

4. An effective strategy to eliminate poverty must consider it as a violation of human rights and not just
an economic issue. Discuss in the context of India.
Approach:
Mention the limitations of viewing poverty as just an economic issue.
Discuss the implications of a human rights-based approach to eliminate poverty.
Also, discuss in brief, the limitations associated with human rights-based approach.
Answer:
Economic deprivation lack of income is a standard feature of most definitions of poverty. But this in
itself does not take account of the myriad of social, cultural and political aspects of the phenomenon.
Poverty is not only deprivation of economic or material resources but a violation of human dignity too.
Poverty erodes or nullifies economic and social rights such as the right to health, adequate housing, food
and safe water, and the right to education. Indeed, no social phenomenon is as comprehensive in its
assault on human rights as poverty.
A human rights definition and understanding leads to more adequate responses to the many facets of
poverty as it gives due attention to the critical vulnerability and subjective daily assaults on human
dignity that accompany poverty. Importantly, it looks not just at resources but also at the capabilities,
choices, security and power needed for the enjoyment of an adequate standard of living and other
fundamental civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights.
However, the recognition of poverty as a human rights violation may itself bring in various challenges.

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 The range of rights involved: If poverty is defined as the denial or violation of a whole range of rights
economic, social and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights which some argue that
these are ill-defined, then poverty alleviation may lose focus and clarity.
The range of determinants and causes of poverty: Poverty often has overlapping and multiple
determinants that cannot all be ascribed to state or non-state actors. The causes of poverty can be
hotly debated and contested at ideological and empirical levels, which makes it difficult to trace
accountability and attribute responsibility. Some see poverty as the unintended result of blameless
economic forces for which no specific actor can be held responsible. Others see poverty as the fault
of the poor themselves who should therefore take responsibility for themselves.
Nonetheless, a human rights approach to poverty calls for a paradigm shift in how we see and address
poverty. It suggests that poverty is not simply inevitable, nor can it only be blamed on the poor. A human
rights approach views poverty not as a question of fate, but rather as issue of justice.

5. Mass exodus of people inhabiting mountain regions to plains is fast turning hamlets into haunted
villages, in places like Uttarakhand. Discuss the causes, implications and possible remedies for this
phenomenon.
Approach:
Discuss the causes of mass migration from mountain regions and its implications (social, economic,
strategic).
Suggest solutions to address the issue.
Answer:
Hilly states in India harbor diverse biodiversity and culture. For centuries, these areas have experienced
harmonious co-existence with the environment. However, exodus of highland people to the plains in
search of livelihood opportunities has become a major problem. For example of the 13 districts of
Uttarakhand, migration has hit nine hill districts over the last decade. According to 2011 census, two hill
districts, Pauri and Almora, has a negative growth in population.
The various reasons for this situation include:
water shortage and degradation of grazing land due to furious dam-building activity
Limited economic avenues, educational and skill development opportunities.
Agriculture turning an unprofitable venture due to lack of irrigation infrastructure. For example in the
Uttarakhands 11 mountain districts, a mere 18 percent of land remains irrigated, compared to over
95 percent in the plain districts of Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar.
Poor connectivity which makes living hard in these remote regions. According to a 2011 Planning
commission report 5,000 villages (almost 58 percent of villages) in Uttarakhand remain cut off from
proper roads
Most highland farmers cannot compete with the high production volume of lowlands and are
frequently paid only a fraction of the value of their produce due to long supply chains that increase
transportation and other costs.
Unplanned and unchecked tourism which adds to the pressure on existing limited mountain
resources like water and biodiversity.
Rising aspirations of young generation.
Implications of excess outward migration:
The traditional knowledge of mountain people is getting destroyed.
Skewed sex ratio
Negative implications for essential services like health services in hill regions.
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 Strategic aspects like depopulation in border areas which may pose threat due to foreign incursions
or growth of Maoist influence.
Delimitation exercises tend to shift more political constituencies towards plain region which defies
the initial objectives of hill states like Uttarakhand.
Emergence of ghost villages and hamlets. Uttarakhand statistics department claims that 1,065
villages have permanently turned into ghost villages.
Pressure on few plain regions of the hill state, rising inequalities and overall skewed development.
Mass migration has also checked the local utilization of the Chir pine needles, leaving more fuel for
forest fires.
Possible solutions include:
Generating employment and income: creating a niche tourism circuit which promotes sustainable
mountain tourism, empowering local entrepreneurs through adequate finance and know-how, Value
chain development for enhancing livelihoods of local people.
Inviting industries to the mountains that dont pollute the fragile ecosystem, Promoting efficiency in
irrigation and promoting horticulture, Beekeeping, agro-forestry and organic farming for additional
income.
Promoting mini hydro power projects and other renewable sources of energy like wind and solar
power.
establishing skill development centers and re-looking at the existing education and the healthcare
systems in hills
Capacity building of local bodies keeping in mind effects of Climate Change.
Capacity Building is also required in use of Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing
Technologies for efficient monitoring and implementation of various programmes and integrated
hazard management.

6. Whereas the UN Habitat report calls cities the highest pinnacles of human creation, the moot
question is what form the cities of developing world should take. In context of this statement, examine
the contending strategies of urbanisation, with respect to India.
Approach:
In the introduction briefly explain the context in the statement and provide the reason for a careful
consideration of the shape cities would take in developing world.
Further delineate the strategies involving large and small cities as models of urbanisation.
Conclude by underlining the optimal combination required for future urban growth.
Answer:
Cities have been termed as pinnacles of human creation owing to their historic role and future potential
as sites of human collaboration, engines of growth and vehicles of social mobility. The UN habitat
estimates that by 2050 2/3rd of the global population would reside in cities. According to the World Bank
90 % of the urban growth would occur in the developing world. Thus, the inevitability of urbanization
and concerns of sustainability call for greater attention to cities in the developing world.
In this context cities in India have largely grown organically and in an unplanned manner, this has led to
pressure on the resources at disposal. Similarly the tier two cities would be expanding in the future.
Thus, India requires strategies suited to both traditional urban centers as well as future ones:
Megacities and Concentred Urbanisation: Cities like Mumbai or Delhi are examples of megacities (10
million or more population) and Concentred Urbanisation. They have attracted large number of
immigrants and over the years have proven to be engines of growth. However, these cities have
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 increasingly become dependent on resources from outside and face pressure of density over land
resources, housing and public amenities. As such they would require strategies of urban renewal and
rejuvenation.
Smaller Cities and Distributed Urbanisation: The growth of a number of tier two cities is a future
trend for India. This would require Distributed urbanization where a large number of cities are
developed simultaneously. United States which has many medium-sized cities with population in the
range 1.5-5 million. These are easily manageable, minus the problems of large cities, and provide
services to surrounding countryside as well. By functioning in a typical hub-and-spoke model these
cities can complement each other in terms of services and resources. With the right resources, they
can provide better services and environment for its inhabitants. The 12th plan also leaned towards
this trend which is reflective of Indias federal structure as well.
Learning from international experience, models such as Transport Oriented Development (TOD) with
dense core district of high rises such as in Hong Kong can be adopted. Similarly, many argue that the
Houston or Atlanta Models i.e. population spreading further away from the core should be avoided.
There are strategies suited for both small and large cities. A rapidly urbanising India needs cities that are
planned and inclusive hubs with enough fiscal resources and institutional decentralisation.

7. Rather than being a transitory phenomenon of fast-growing economies, today's slums pose deeper,
persistent structural problems and represent major policy challenges. Discuss in the context of India.
Approach:
Discuss how slums have become a persistent issue.
Enumerate policy challenges in this context.
Conclude with government efforts, SDG 11 and other recommendations.
Answer:
Slums have often been defined by developmental theories as a transitional phenomenon characteristic
of fast-growing economies. But these theories are being proven wrong as slums have become a
persistent problem. Millions of households find themselves trapped in slums for generations. According
to 2011 census, around 17.4 % urban Indian households live in slums. (Slum population is projected to
increase from 93.1 million in 2001 to 104.7 million in 2017).
Todays slums pose a deeper, persistent structural problem caused by multiple market and policy failures,
poor governance and management hindering investment, and poor and unsanitary living conditions.
Issues include:
The slum region is marked by lack of adequate living space, insufficient provision of public goods,
and the poor quality of basic amenities like clean drinking water and sanitation. All of which lead to
extremely poor health and diminishing human capital not only for the slum dwellers but for the
vicinity as well.
Congestion, environmental mismanagement, degradation of natural resources.
Poor education and opportunities, increased incidence of crime, vulnerability of women, substance
abuse, crowding and depersonalisation and other social and humanitarian problems.
Other issues relate to displacement of population from settlements, unregulated encroachment
cases such as Kathputli Colony in Delhi.
Policy challenges
Tackling rural urban migrationIt is closely relate to factors like globalisation and lack of income
opportunities in rural areas. Experts estimate that by 2050 approx. 60 % of the population shall live
in cities. This invariably requires complimentary schemes to develop smart villages on the lines of
smart cities.
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 Developing social security nets for slum dwellers in cities.
Sustainable urban development-Making cities safe and sustainable means ensuring access to safe
and affordable housing, upgrading slum settlements, ensuring basic necessities like clean drinking
water, health clinics and toilets. It also includes reducing vulnerability of women and elderly.
Employment generation-need to create opportunities for migrants and avenues for skill
development.
Capacity building in urban local bodies- This will include devolution of authority, ensuring
availability of funds (for example through Municipal bonds, devolving taxes like entertainment tax
etc.) and developing human resources.
Affordable housing- With rising cost of land there exist an urgent need to develop affordable
housing for slum dwellers. One of the major components of Housing for All by 2022 is to utilize in-
situ slum rehabilitation, through which the government has devised a strategy to incentivize private
developers to use land as a resource. The policy also includes a slum upgradation component.
As SDG-11 talks about making cities sustainable, it is imperative that Government initiatives such as
AMRUT, SMART cities etc. must extend the benefits of these initiatives to slum dwellers who are
currently excluded from the benefits of social and economic security.

8. While on the one hand, violence and discrimination against women justify strong laws, on the other
hand, such laws are also misused. Why does such a state of affair exist in the Indian society? Discuss
the reasons behind it.
Approach:
Explain why strong laws are required for women related violence and discrimination in our country
Discuss the reasons for the misuse of these laws.
End with positive note like how to overcome this kind of crisis.
Answer:
As per National Crime Records Bureau reports, incidents of serious crimes against women rose from 237
per day in 2001 to 313 per day in 2015. These crimes include rape, kidnapping and abduction, dowry
deaths and cruelty by husbands and relatives. This justifies the presence of strong laws which deter
violence and discrimination against women. However, despite having various laws like Domestic Violence
Act, Dowry Prohibition Act, sections of Indian Penal code etc., many women continue to live in abusive
relationships, while on the other hand, some of these laws are being misused.
The various reasons for the former phenomenon may be attributed to the various reasons:
Administrative Reasons
Many women go for out-of-court settlements, many are not aware of these provisions especially in
rural areas, or their families keep them from reporting it.
Apathy of administration and judicial proceedings which open them for public shaming
State also fails to provide adequate infrastructure to victims.
Problems of inadequate budgetary allocations, unspent budgets and unplanned expenditure on the
part of state governments.
Social and Cultural Reasons
Often society put pressure on women to withdraw the case due to patriarchy, regressive mind-set
and low status of women.
Lack of education or financial dependence of women on her partner.
Family pressure to make a marriage work.
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 Vested interest in the womans property is another reason why family members turn their backs on
their own sisters and daughters
However, while making special laws for women, the legislators must think of victimized sect of the
society in male line also. Laws like, Indian Penal Code section 498-A and Domestic Violence Act, 2005
have number of provisions to intimidate men and their families. The effect of these laws is unjustified
power in the hands of women for blackmail and extortion in domestic disputes. The various reasons
which lead to misuse of these laws include:
Misapplication and misinterpretation of various acts.
Absence of gender neutrality in legislation (for example no protection of men in Domestic Violence
Act, 2005)
Regressive sections in legislations. For example POSCO Act criminalises all consensual sexual activity
below the age of 18. This open the floodgates for prosecution of boys for offences of rape even for
consensual acts.
In very rare case, a complainant is punished for filing false complaints.
To arrest the trend following needs to be done
If provisions of law is misused and subjected to the abuse of the process of law, it is for the
legislature to amend, modify or repeal it, if deemed necessary
In line with the recommendations by Malimath Committee on the misuse of anti-dowry laws, making
certain sections bailable and compoundable is desirable.

9. Critically examine the point of view that cultural diversity in India has been a hindrance to the process
of nation building.
Approach:
Briefly explain nation building.
Put forth the points that suggest that diversity is hurdle to nation building.
Discuss how diversity has facilitated nation building.
In conclusion suggest how nation building can be carried on without harming diversity.
Answer:
Nation-building aims at the unification of people within the state so that it remains politically stable and
viable in the long run. It involves creation of a national identity and the sense of belongingness to the
country.
However, the cultural diversity of India owing to multitude of states, languages, religions, castes and
tribes is often considered as a stumbling block in the path of nation building. These identities greatly
affect the way people look at the social, political and national events in the country. They are often
strong enough to supersede national interest. For example:
Ethnic identities have led to secessionist movements in the states of North-East and J&K.
These identities demand creation of smaller and smaller units that are representative of their
ethnicity.
Regionalism has led to opposition to fundamental rights of citizens. For E.g. Opposition to migration
of people from outside a state violates Article 19.
River disputes leading to violence is another evidence of strong regional identities.
Communal and caste based politics in India based on religious and caste identities have led to riots,
subjugation and destruction. It has delayed evolution of healthy elections based on developmental
policies and national interest.
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 Language has been a major tool of political parties to mobilize people in states like Maharashtra and
Tamil Nadu.
Parochial interests have obstructed policies in national interest. For example, opposition to Teesta
Water Treaty, opposition of Tamil parties to centres policy vis--vis Sri Lanka or separatists in J&K.
However, an examination of post-independence development points out that nation building has
occurred at reasonable pace. In fact, cultural diversity has to a degree contributed to nation building:
Creation of linguistic states has fulfilled regional aspirations and some of these states are most
peaceful and prosperous today.
Diversity has kept the democratic process healthy and government responsive to demands of
different sections.
Diversity has been an extraordinary feature of India which increases it soft power internationally.
Made the makers of Indian Constitution cautious about providing safeguards to cultural minorities.
As a result constitution guarantees special rights to these groups. It has prevented any religious or
linguistic minority from being a homogeneous group which could have been too large and controlled
the democratic process. Thus, majoritarianism has been avoided.
Thus, cultural diversity has its share of pros and cons. It has at times acted as a hurdle to national unity
and interest and has been the most challenging aspect of Indian democratic system. Yet, it has kept the
democracy vibrant and active. Indian constitution and political system provides enough avenues to align
these diverse interests with the national interests. It is not their absence that makes the diversity
challenging, but the lack of will and narrow vested interests that appear to make it a threat.

10. Gender justice is often hindered by religious sensitivity over women related issues. In this context,
discuss how gender justice can be ensured while also keeping in mind religious sensitivity of different
communities.
Approach:
Citing examples, discuss how gender justice reforms are affected due to religious sensitivities.
Discuss the need for consideration of religious sensitivity while pursuing reforms.
Suggest ways through which the two can be balanced.
Answer:
Abolition of sati and child marriage and progressive legislations like Widow Remarriage or Hindu
Remarriage Act were opposed on the basis of religious and patriarchical traditions. Similarly, Shah Bano
judgement was opposed as it was seen interfering with the personal laws of Muslims. Presently, many
steps to render gender justice are being opposed by citing their interference with the fundamental right
to freedom of religion. For example:
Abolition of Triple Talaq.
Reform of personal laws and implementation of Uniform Civil Code.
Entry of females in the inner sanctum of temples and dargah.
Nullifying rulings of personal law courts amongst minorities.
It is often argued that these steps amount to interference of State in the personal lives of people.
Religious texts provide sufficiently as to how people should operate in matters of worship, marriage,
divorce or adoption. Misinterpretation of these texts by some religious bodies however block progressive
legislations and create a rift in the society between various communities. As a result, minorities perceive
such reforms as a threat to their identity. They start believing that steps like Uniform Civil Code amount
to imposing majoritarian culture and practices on them.

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 But, social reformers believe that practices which undermine the independence and integrity of women
amount to gender injustice. That these practices are out of time and reflect gender prejudices. They
point out that the interpreters of religion have mostly been men which is a reason for perpetuation of
such practices.
Hence, the issue of gender injustice vis--vis religion is a sensitive issue and needs to be tackled
cautiously. Perception that the State is interfering in the religious and cultural practices does not augur
well for peace and unity of the country. It should also be remembered that social, religious and cultural
beliefs that are correct in one age may have been unacceptable at another time. For example slavery was
the economic bedrock of the imperial age which is however a reprehensible belief today.
Ensuring Gender Justice while respecting religion
Promoting education and awareness among women about civil rights and liberties. If women
themselves take up their issues it would create a greater impact. Role of educators and family is
critical in these efforts.
A change that comes from within is widely accepted. Hence, the notion of gender equality should be
promoted using community leaders and religious texts. This will force people to consider dichotomy
of their thinking and they would be more open to reforms.
Citing examples of suffering of women due to some religious diktats.
Upward socio-economic mobility of women.
Gradual exposure to reforms after extensive dialogues with the various stakeholders involved.
Avoiding hasty legislations.
Upholding constitutional values of freedom of religion without constricting the universal rights of
women.
It should be kept in consideration that social reforms cannot be enforced by governmental or judicial
diktats overnight. They have to be nurtured through patient persuasion, enlightened leadership and
personal examples and only then they will be acceptable widely.

11. Equality of opportunity requires not only open competition for advantaged positions but also fair
access to qualifications required for those positions. Discuss in the Indian context.
Approach:
In introduction briefly define equality of opportunity.
The two key words i.e. open competition for advantaged positions and fair access to qualifications
should be explained in detail.
Substantiate your points with examples from Indian context.
Answer:
Equality of opportunity is an idea, that people ought to be able to compete on equal terms, or on a level
playing field. It is associated with the idea of fairness. When equality of opportunity prevails, individuals
position in society is determined by some form of competitive process as well as fair access to
qualifications required for those positions.
Thus equality of opportunity has two aspects:
Formal Approach:
This approach requires that equality of opportunity requires that advantaged positions be subject to
open competition. The idea there is that jobs and limited educational places should be open to all
and that the selection procedures for them should be designed to identify the best-qualified
candidates.

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 The formal approach to equality of opportunity places minimum demands on the state. The Indian
Constitution provides minimal guarantee for formal equality of opportunity.
Substantive Approach
This approach asserts that fair access to qualifications is a prerequisite for equality of opportunity.
A society in which those born into a lower social or economic class have radically different prospects
from those born into a higher social or economic class as a result of the way that the different
resources at their disposal influence their access to the qualifications required for success. For
example, in Indian context, the caste hierarchy restricts the opportunities available to people
belonging to lower caste. Added to this the rural urban divide also affects ones ability to access
formal equal opportunities.
It follows that a substantive approach requires the State policy to take into account and neutralize
not just the current circumstances but also historical burden of circumstances. This is reflected in the
affirmative action policies in the fields of education and government jobs in India.
Substantive approach implies an obligation on the state and thus creates a positive duty on public
authorities. The state cannot limit itself to a negative role of non-discrimination; in this
understanding, the state carries a responsibility to strive to create parity of circumstances.
The idea of equality of opportunity, as enshrined in the Constitution of India, involves the second,
substantive approach.
o The Directive Principles clearly enjoin upon the State a positive duty to strive to minimize the
inequalities in income, and endeavour to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities and
opportunities, not only amongst individuals but also amongst groups of people residing in
different areas or engaged in different vocations.
o The Supreme Court of India has variedly spelt out the rich dimensions of Art 14 of the
Constitution. The court has perceived the mandate of Art 14, as the obligation of the State to
progressively ensure equality of status and parity of conditions in order that every citizen is able
to realize her welfare and well-being without any externally created impediment.

12. Fertility rates in India are more closely related to education levels and the socio-economic
development within a state, than to religious beliefs. Elaborate. Enumerate the steps that can be taken
to achieve population stabilisation.
Approach:
Introduce factors that influence fertility rates including religious, social and economic factors
Highlight why socio-economic realities like education impact fertility rates more
Highlight efforts undertaken by the government and some steps that can be further taken.
Answer:
India was the first country to start family planning in 1952, however, still it is the second most populous
country in the world. To stabilize the population growth, National Population Policy (NPP) 2000 set the
target of achieving Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 2.1 by 2010, the target we missed. Though, TFR declined
from 3.6 in 1991 to 2.3 in 2013, India is yet to achieve replacement level of 2.1.
In spite of family planning initiatives, TFR is higher than 3 in some districts of BIMARU states.
Socio-economic Reasons
While many may attribute such high rates of fertility in these states owing to cultural norms and religious
factors, but high incidence of birth rates are directly related to socio-economic parameters of a
community:

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 High TFR rate is accompanied with high incidents of early marriage of women under 18 years of age.
For example, UP and Bihar.
High TFR rate is accompanied with low literacy rates and vice-versa. For example, high TFR in UP and
Bihar, while very low in southern states.
High TFR rate is accompanied with high incidents of poverty, as parents see their children as
economic asset. For example, high TFR in BIMARU states.
TFR rate is lower for women who are part of formal workforce. Even participation of males in formal
employment restricts TFR.
Social status of females and prevalence of dowry affects the TFR. In regions where such trend is
present, parents having girl child produce more children in hope of having boy.
TFR rate is lower in those states where women empowerment index is relatively higher, because it
has direct bearing on reproductive decisions and use of contraceptives. For example, lower TFR in
Kerala, TN while higher in northern states.
Steps already undertaken
Scheme for Home delivery of contraceptives by ASHAs at doorstep of beneficiaries.
Scheme for ASHAs to ensure spacing in births (launched in 2012), under which ASHAs provide family
planning counselling to newly married couples.
Compensation for sterilisation has been enhanced for states with high TFR.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme for education, growth and nurture of female child. It would also
prevent child marriages.
Some social welfare schemes provide benefits only to two children of the family.
Way Ahead:
Increase awareness against child marriages and enhance community participation in preventing it.
Provide informed reproductive services to women to restore gender balance, by reforming the
sterilization programs and giving more choices to women.
Focus on womens empowerment and women education.
Focus on right-based approach to reproductive health to address the special and unmet needs of
women and adolescent girls.

13. It has been observed by some that emergence of a distinct female vote bank has made political
parties and leaders take women related issues seriously. Critically examine in the context of electoral
mobilisation in India in the recent times.
Approach:
Contextualise the argument with recent examples.
Highlight the limitations of the argument on multiple fronts.
Provide a balanced conclusion on the issue.
Answer:
In recent times the importance accorded to issues affecting women in the electoral agendas of political
parties has been attributed to the emergence of a female vote bank.
For instance, in the most recent assembly elections in Bihar the issue of prohibition was widely
perceived to be influenced women voters.
Similarly, in the recent assembly elections in Goa the issue of ban on casinos has been described to
be influenced by the consideration of female votes.
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 Statistically, the participation of women in last few assembly elections in states like Bihar has
outstripped that of the male voters, giving further credence to the idea.
Issue of women safety and women related violence and abuse has become an important issue during
elections.
However, this idea has certain limitations:
The phenomenon has been observed in only a few states and any wide spread study is lacking.
Many, observers argue that the lack of attention to women is due to a lack of women as a
consolidated voting bloc. Their interests stand to be a function of their socio-economic class, race,
religion, ethnicity, and other demographic characteristics of age and location rather than gender
alone.
The arguments about the female vote bank as an important consideration in the calculation of
political parties and leaders are also not reflected in the number of female candidates proportionate
to their population.
The lack of reservation for Women in Parliament and State assemblies also weaken the argument.
On the positive, the governments across the country irrespective of ruling political parties have initiated
policies and schemes for the welfare of females. These include maternity benefit programmes, nutrition
and education of girl child and reservation for women in local government. These have been influenced
by a wider activism and participation of women rather than being a direct outcome of the female vote
bank considerations.
The female vote bank is only a reflection of a wide range of tactics being adopted by women to make
their voices heard and their issues addressed. The concept of vote bank, tied to a particular party and
community, might not be conducive for advancing the cause of the females in the long term. Rather, the
empowerment of women and their full participation in all walks of life as citizens is a far more powerful
idea.

14. Employment is a vital factor in empowerment of persons with disabilities. Analyse. Enumerate the
steps taken by the government to increase employment of persons with disabilities.
Approach:
Establish the relationship between livelihood and empowerment for people, especially the PwD.
Mention various schemes of the government in this direction. These may also be about enhancing
education and skills of the PwD.
Answer:
Employment is vital for everyone as it gives degrees of freedom to take control of life and improves
self-esteem. This is essential for leading life of dignity and respect.
Access to source of livelihood is also critical to combating poverty, as specified by the Millennium
Development Goals. Empirical evidence shows that Persons with Disabilities (PwD) are at a higher
risk of being dragged into poverty.
For marginalized groups, such as PwD, employment issues are very important because of the
negative and discriminatory attitudes of society. They face numerous socio-economic-political
constraints, which are easier to tackle with economic empowerment.
An inclusive society entails providing improved access to basic education and vocational training
relevant to needs of the labour market, and consequent employment opportunities suited to their
skills, interests and abilities.

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 According to Ban Ki-moon, the former Secretary-General of the UN, for sustainable development, it
is necessary for it to be equitable, inclusive and accessible for all. This requires the inclusion of PwD
in the paradigm of economic growth.
Steps taken by the Government
India is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the
Incheon Strategy which, amongst other goals, aim to reduce poverty and enhance work and
employment prospects of persons with disabilities.
Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, reservation in vacancies in government
establishments has been increased from 3% to 4% for certain persons or class of persons with
benchmark disability.
National Action Plan for Skill Development will cover PwD to enhance their employability.
Vocational Training Centres for PwD are being run by various training organizations under the
Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme.
Skill Training programme is being conducted by National Handicapped Finance Development
Corporation.
A Sector Skill Council for Persons with Disabilities has been set up to develop standards for job roles
for Persons with Disabilities and their training, assessment and certification.
An exclusive job portal for PwD.

15. Even as the caste system has weakened in recent times, caste based identity has strengthened
particularly in the wake of democratic politics in India. Comment.
Approach:
Give a very brief overview of the caste system in Indian society
State the factors that have weakened the hold of caste in society
Also, list the reasons why caste based identity has strengthened, with focus on democratic politics.
Suggest some ways to weaken caste identities.
Answer:
Caste system is a hereditary system of social and occupational segregation based on notions of purity
and pollution. It legitimized and reinforced the existing structure of social inequality. Recent times show
a paradoxical situation- as on the one hand, caste system has weakened, on the other, caste-based
identities have strengthened due to political mobilization.
Factors leading to weakening of caste system
Change in hierarchical structure: Caste hierarchy based on purity and pollution has weakened
because of secularization. Additionally, wealth is replacing birth as the basis of social prestige.
Breakdown of Jajmani system: Jajmani system involved exchange of goods and services, with each
jati contributing its share based on occupational specialty. However, it is dissipating due to traditional
breakdown of occupation and industrialization.
Sanskritization: It is a process by which low Hindu caste groups/tribes change their customs, rituals
etc. emulating a higher caste group to attain vertical mobility.
Disruption of traditionally ordained occupational system: Due to globalization and rise of services
sector.
Anonymous urban life: With increasing migration, city life is becoming anonymous where caste
identities of co-habitants is seldom known.
Modernization of education and legal system.

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 Factors strengthening caste identity
Caste based politics: Political parties are increasingly mobilizing caste groups for votes, strengthening
caste identities. It is evidenced by emergence of many regional parties.
Caste based affirmative actions: Provision of caste based reservation in education and jobs has
strengthened the caste identities. For example, recent demand of OBC status by some caste groups.
Collective mobilization: Caste groups are also mobilizing and collectively demanding equality and
non- discrimination in the wake of incidents of atrocities on Dalits.
Dominant caste phenomenon: Landowning classes have also come to wield political power in some
states due to sheer numbers, like in UP and Bihar.
Some experts have called this phenomenon as casteism. It is good in short term, because it links the
modern democracy with the masses through caste based political mobilization and participation.
However, it may threaten emergence of single national identity.
Some solutions:
Further promote participation of people in free market: Increased prosperity would further dilute
the caste identities.
Strengthen Section 123 of RPA 1951: To prevent parties from invoking votes solely on caste grounds.
Rationalize reservation system: To target benefits only to deserving candidates so as to usher in
egalitarian society.

16. A three pronged strategy of social empowerment, economic empowerment and social justice is needed
to ensure removal of disparities, elimination of exploitation and protection of disadvantaged sections
in India. Elaborate. Also enumerate the steps taken by the government in this regard.
Approach:
Briefly discuss the issue faced by the disadvantaged sections.
Discuss how the three pronged strategy works for their benefit.
Mention the steps taken by the government.
Answer:
In India, there is a sizeable population which may be termed disadvantaged as it is still discriminated
both socially and economically. The lack of empowerment keeps them away from participating freely and
fully in the development process. This section of the population include Scheduled Castes (SCs),
Scheduled Tribes (STS), women, differently abled and transgender, among others. Their empowerment is
still an unfinished agenda.
Peoples empowerment, and their ability to hold others to account, is strongly influenced by their
individual assets (such as land, housing, livestock, savings) and capabilities of all types:
Human (such as good health and education),
Social (such as social belonging, a sense of identity, leadership relations), and
Psychological (self-esteem, self-confidence, the ability to imagine and aspire to a better future).
Also important are peoples collective assets and capabilities, such as voice, organisation, representation
and identity. Therefore, what is needed is a three pronged strategy that will ensure that disadvantaged
groups are brought at par with other sections of the society. The components of this strategy include:
1) Social Empowerment: It is the process of developing a sense of autonomy and self-confidence, and
acting individually and collectively to change social relationships and institutions and discourses that
exclude these sections and keeps them in backwardness and poverty.

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 Steps taken by government: Women Reservation in Panchayats, Welfare scheme like NFSA, MGNREGA
with special emphasis upon women/SCs/STs, The SC And The ST (Prevention Of Atrocities) Act,
Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, rights of Persons with disability Act, reservation in jobs
and education to differently abled/SCs/STs, reservation of seats in Parliament/Assemblies for SCs/STs,
Fifth and Sixth Schedule, PESA, Forest Dwellers Rights Act etc.
2) Economic Empowerment: It allows poor people to think beyond immediate daily survival and to
exercise greater control over both their resources and life choices. For example, it enables
households to make their own decisions around making investments in health and education, and
taking risks in order to increase their income. Economic empowerment can strengthen vulnerable
groups participation in the decision-making and elevating social status.
Steps taken by government: SHGs and microfinance, Financial inclusion through Jan Dhan, MGNREGA,
Skill Development Mission, Equal Remuneration Act, land reforms, reservation in jobs for
women/SCs/STs/Differently abled, Insurance schemes like PM jivan jyoti bima yojana, Atal Pension
scheme etc.
3) Social Justice: It is ideally justice in terms of distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges
within a society. Here, the justice assigns rights and duties in the institutions of society, which
enables people to receive the basic benefits and burdens of cooperation. It takes within itself the
objectives of removing all inequalities and affording equal opportunities to all citizens in social affairs
as well as economic activities. Thus, it is the foundation of social and economic empowerment.
Steps taken by government: Reservation policy, Immoral Trafficking Act, Abolition of untouchability, Civil
Rights Act, Legislations against dowry, domestic violence and sexual harassment at work place, Self-
Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers, CSR in Companies Act etc.
The above components are not exclusive rather complement each other in achieving the overall goal of
empowerment.

17. Explain the factors leading to emergence of class among tribes in India. How is it affecting the tribal
society?
Approach:
Briefly explain the early features of Indian tribes, specifically their classless society
Factors leading to emergence of class among them
The impact of this development on their society
Answer:
A tribe is ideally characterized as a socially homogeneous and un-stratified social group. But in
contemporary India, tribes are no more an isolated and independent social units. They are increasingly
becoming a part of the wider society and structurally divided into distinct classes. This process of class
differentiation is analysed in two phases colonial period and post colonial period.
Factors of class-differentiation
A. Colonial period
Encroachment of feudalism on tribal life: It led to emergence of a new class structure set in with
three-fold division, replacing the earlier social formation of the tribe based on a clannish system of
land tenure.
New land settlement system: The colonial system curtailed the traditional land rights of tribals, like
shifting cultivation to extract surplus from the tribal masses. It forced tribes to mingle with
mainstream and become socially stratified.
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 B. Post-Colonial period
Modernization: Education and expansion of public and corporate sectors, exposure of tribal areas to
infrastructural and technological modernization, mass migration etc. are several factors that led to
class-differentiation among tribes.
Affirmative actions: Reservation in jobs and education has resulted in emergence of elite class within
different tribes.
Impacts on tribal society
Class differentiation has reaped inequalities within otherwise egalitarian tribal societies.
With increased intermixing due to this new phenomenon, tribal society is increasingly afflicted by
the ills of mainstream society. For example, declining sex ratios etc.
Thus, the class differentiation has led to sharp rise in inequalities with tribal society. However, the
growing middle class and intelligentsia among them are increasingly participating in the constitutional
political process. They are now demanding a greater share in national economic development.

18. Even though globalisation has led to increased employment opportunities for women, it has also
created a new set of challenges for women workers. Discuss with examples.
Approach:
Briefly state the definition of globalisation and its impact on Indian society as a whole.
In the main body, discuss the status and growth of employment opportunities for women in the
wake of globalisation.
Highlight the multiple forms of challenges faced by women workers in the changed economic
scenario along with relevant examples.
Briefly suggest some measures to overcome these challenges, so as to enable women to reap the
benefits offered by globalisation in the coming future.
Answer:
Globalisation is a process in which people and countries are getting integrated economically and
culturally, through trade, labor, information technology, travel, cultural exchanges, and mass media. .
Besides other sections of Indian society, the wave of globalisation has also touched economic and
social lives of women profoundly. It has opened up various avenues for women workers-
o Formal sector- Various MNCs have opened up multiple economic pathways for women, thus
making them more mobile and economically independent.
o Informal sector- Due to strengthened trade and export flows, absorption of women in main
economic fold has grown significantly. Kutchcraft, an association of 110 craftswomens groups
has generated over 6,000 job opportunities since India embarked on the path of globalisation.
o New jobs and higher pays, raise selfconfidence, economic independence, and enhanced
decision making power in financial and family settings. It has promoted equality between sexes,
and challenged gender stereotypes.
Globalization has a darker side as well as seen from following challenges-
o Gender inequalities in form of wage differentials and lesser career mobility in formal sector of
economy. Unemployment, underemployment and temporary work are more common among
women than among men.
o Health Hazards-Since availability or work is irregular particularly in unorganized sector, women
are forced to work for 12 hours which gives rise to respiratory problems, pelvic inflammatory
disease etc.

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 o Patriarchal attitude and cultural norms- Challenged by globalization often manifested in the
form of violence, sexual offences, glass ceiling, domestic and workplace harassment etc.
o Gender insensitivity- Maternity benefits and minimum wages provisions are rarely enforced.
o Working in nights-Inadequate transport facilities and security for women working with call
centers and EPZs makes them more vulnerable to crimes.
o Mechanisation- Several traditional industries where women work in large numbers
like handloom and food processing have undergone changes in the forms of production with
introduction of machines, power looms etc.
o Informalization: 95% of female workers are in unorganized sector. Globalisation has led to many
MNCs outsourcing there production to cheap labor countries like India. For ex: sports, apparel
etc. These women dont have protection from labor laws or unions to articulate their problems.
In India, GDP could rise by 8% if the female/male ratio of workers went up by 10%. In the long run, it is
necessary to mitigate the negative consequence of globalisation by enhancing women's skills,
innovations, developing policies and insurance products to minimize risks, so as to create an enduring
environment for their economic and social empowerment.

19. Inclusion of dominant castes in the OBC list is not the solution to challenges they are facing in the job
market. Comment. Also critically evaluate the arguments for revisiting the reservation policy in India.
Approach:
Discuss the state's intention behind providing reservation to the disadvantaged sections.
Discuss why dominant castes are lately seeking reservation and possible solution.
Discuss the arguments regarding modification of reservation policy of India.
Answer:
Reservation policy is a positive and protective discrimination meant for upliftment of backward
classes in order to bring social justice. It aims to correct historic injustices and bring disadvantaged
sections at par with the rest of society.
But recent trends show that even economically well off dominant castes such as Marathas, Patels,
Jats, Kapus and others are demanding recognition as OBCs.
Though these movements have political hue, but they also reflect challenges faced by these castes
in job market
o Changing career choices in face of growing competition- Traditionally these communities have
led an agrarian life. But dismal performance of agriculture and allied sectors has forced them to
think of more stable career options. Given their pretty modest education backgrounds,
reservation seems an obvious choice.
o Backlash from upper castes- Unwillingness of socially and economically powerful upper castes to
share power, resources and jobs with lower castes
However inclusion of dominant castes in OBC list is not a panacea by itself because
o Shrinking jobs in public sector- Declined from 7 lakh to 1.55 lakh from 2011-12 to 2014-15 in
eight sectors. 19.5 million Government jobs in 1996-97 have shrinked to 17.6 million today.
While group A and B jobs have grown, but bulk jobs in groups C and D have declined.
o Contractual nature of jobs- at least 44% of government employees are now temporary with their
numbers rising.
o Existing Quota unfilled- Even after 25 years of implementation of Mandal recommendations OBC
quota remains less than half filled at Centre. It implies that inclusion will hardly help.
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 Therefore, instead of extending reservation, efforts should be made at:
Enhancing education profiles and building skills
Investment in agriculture to make it more lucrative for youth.
Expanding manufacturing sector which has huge capacity to absorb labor.
Decentralised industrialization to provide local employment opportunities such as agro industries.
Revisiting reservation policy
Favor
o Inter-caste conflicts and tensions: Reservation has failed in removing caste differences and has
promoted caste divide and conflicts.
o Class within Castes: Creamy layer of reserved category has appropriated reservations while
fringes have been left out.
o Caste and Identity based Politics: Political parties has utilized caste-based reservation for their
electoral gain- vote banks, Identity politics rather than broad based one.
o Economic basis of reservation can be explored. Ex: Use of SECC data.
Against
o Reservation has proved to be a socio-economic equalizer for millions. Undoing it would prove
catastrophic for many.
o Many castes face exclusions of non-economic nature and their deprivation cant be assessed
through economic status alone. Also economic estimates are fraught with ambiguity and risks of
exclusion.
o Generate more demands from different regions and communities, thus disturbing social fabric of
country.
o Resistance from existing castes to giving up reservation benefits.
However, there is a strong need to correct distortions in reservation policy. Shoddy implementation of
creamy layer should be corrected. Support needs to be extended to poor along with better identification
and de-reservation of uplifted section.

20. Regional aspirations in the North East have been dominated by demands for autonomy, movements
for secession, and opposition to outsiders. Discuss with relevant examples.
Approach:
Discuss various demands for autonomy, movements for secession, and opposition to outsiders in N-E
region.
Briefly discuss the reasons for the above and give a suitable conclusion.
Answer:
Many issues like poverty, under-development, identity, extremism, insurgency etc. plague the North East
(NE) region. However, three issues have dominated politics of NE while other issues of the region are
closely related to these three issues.
Demands for autonomy:
At independence entire region except Manipur and Tripura comprised State of Assam. Demands for
political autonomy arose when non-Assamese felt that Assam government was imposing Assamese
language on them.
Even post completion of reorganisation of NE in 1972, demands for autonomy didnt end. In Assam,
communities like Bodos, Karbis and Dimasas demanded separate States.
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 Karbis and Dimasas have been granted autonomy under District Councils while Bodos were granted
Autonomous Council within constitutional provisions.
Secessionist movements:
Mizoram: After independence a movement for secession in Mizo hills gained popular support. Two
decades of insurgency led by Mizo National Front under the leadership of Laldenga and backed by
Pakistan ended after a peace agreement in 1986.
Nagaland: Led by Phizo, a section of Nagas declared independence from India in 1951. After a period
of violent insurgency a section of Nagas signed an agreement with government of India but this was
not acceptable to other rebels. The problem in Nagaland still continues.
Assam: The United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) is a separatist outfit operating in Assam. It seeks
to establish a sovereign Assam with an armed struggle. The government of India banned the
organisation in 1990 citing it as a terrorist organisation.
Movements against outsiders:
Large scale migration into north-east gave rise to a special kind of problem that pitted local
communities against people who were seen as outsiders or migrants.
These latecomers are seen as encroachers on scarce resources.
The Assam Movement from 1979 to 1985 led by All Assam Students Union (AASU) is best example
of such movements against outsiders. Assamese suspected that there were huge numbers of illegal
Bengali Muslim settlers from Bangladesh. Problem of immigration has remained a political issue
which is reflected in frequent clashes in Assam.
Sme feeling informs the hostility of local population to Chakma refugees in Mizoram and Arunachal
Pradesh.
Recent demand of inner line permit system and the associated violence in Manipur is another
example of movement against outsiders.
The isolation of the region, its complex social character, backwardness, laxity of political class, vast
international border and weak communication between and rest of India have further added to the
delicate nature of politics here.
However, efforts are being made and should be further scaled to address the regions concerns:
Continuous dialogue between Centre, state governments, rebel groups and civil society. Rebel groups
need to understand that their demands of independence and autonomy based on ever-narrowing
identities cannot be fulfilled without comprising external and internal security of country.
Steps for better development and connectivity in the region by apt implementation of policies and
able administration.
Effective implementation of the Sixth Schedule provisions.

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