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Class July17
Class July17
Related Questions:
● Pressure group politics is sometimes seen as the informal face of politics. With
regards to the above, assess the structure and functioning of pressure groups in
India. (2013)
● “Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.”
Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies. (2021)
A pressure group is an organized group which works to either secure certain interest (interest or
sectional groups) for its members or support a cause (cause or promotional groups), by
influencing public opinion or government policies. Unlike political parties, pressure groups seek
to influence from outside and do not aim directly to control or share political powers.
Yes
Organizational Structure
Advocacy Strategies
No
It is difficult to make a definitive statement on whether informal pressure groups have emerged
as more powerful than formal pressure groups. The power dynamics can vary depending on the
specific context, issue, and the effectiveness of their strategies. Both types of pressure groups
can play significant roles in influencing public opinion, policy-making, and social change, albeit
with different strengths and limitations.
Q2) Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through
microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples.
Related Questions:
● The legitimacy and accountability of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, the
micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for the sustained
success of the concept. Discuss (2013)
● The Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP), which is India’s own
innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and
women empowerment programmes. Elucidate.
● “Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income
security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of Self Help Groups in
achievinng the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. (2020)
Answer:
Microfinancing in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) plays a vital role in empowering women economically
and socially, leading to poverty reduction, improved livelihoods, and community development. It
provides access to financial resources, promotes savings, and enables women to start
businesses, enhance agricultural activities, and invest in education and healthcare.
The role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can be highlighted by the fact that they contribute to the
achievement of SDGs such as No Poverty (SDG 1), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work
and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Reduced Inequalities(SDG 10), Responsible Consumption and
Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13), through empowering women and
promoting sustainable practices.
Q3) How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to
protection of the environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints.
Answer:
Introduction: Definition
The World Bank defines NGOs as private organizations that pursue activities to relieve
suffering, promote the interests of the poor, protect the environment, provide basic social
services, or undertake community development.
NGOs are the catalysts for social change, the driving force that pushes society towards a more
just and equitable world. Additionally, they play a pivotal role in environmental conservation,
mobilizing efforts to protect our planet's precious ecosystems, promote sustainable practices, and
advocate for policies that ensure a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.
Answer:
Introduction:
The civil services in India has gradually transformed from rusted steel frame to trusted steel
frame over the years, However, There remains challenges in terms of its efficiency and
effectiveness in the wake of its traditional structure,
Mission Karmayogi is a right step in transforming the mindset and capabilities of bureaucrats in
India aimed to enhance the capacity, skills, and performance of civil servants through a
comprehensive and integrated framework by promoting competency-based training, individual
development plans, continuous learning, collaboration, and performance management.
Answer:
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, operationalized in 2005, was seen as a powerful tool for citizen
empowerment. The Act struck a balance between privacy and transparency by barring the
disclosure of personal information if it has no relationship to any public activity or would cause
unwarranted invasion of privacy. The 2019 Amendments to the act makes changes with respect
to the service conditions, term and salaries of the members of the Central Information
Commission.
Provisions under RTI, 2005 RTI (Amendment) Act, Impact on the Autonomy
2019
The salary of the CIC and ICs The Act removes these ● Undermining roles: It
(at the central level) will be provisions. It states that removes equality of salaries
equivalent to the salary paid the salaries, with the constitutional body
to the Chief Election allowances, and other undermining the role of
Commissioner and Election terms and conditions of information commissions.
Commissioners, respectively. service of the central ● The RTI now placed with the
Similarly, the salary of the and State CIC and ICs central government mercy
CIC and ICs (at the state will be determined by deviates from supreme court
level) will be equivalent to the the central government. judgment in the Anjali
salary paid to the Election Bhardwaj case. The
Commissioners and the Chief judgment provided that RTI
Secretary to the state works as a means to protect
government, respectively. freedom of speech is being
violated.
The 2005 Act stated that at The Act removes these ● Undermining states roles:
the time of the appointment provisions. The removal of selection
of the CIC and ICs (at the committees and
central and State level), if appointments by the centre
they are receiving pension or alone removes the state role
any other retirement benefits from appointments to the
for previous government state information
The 2nd ARC asserted that RTI is the master key to governance that must be held carefully along
with autonomy to the holder. The ARC's viewpoint reflects the belief that transparency and
accountability are vital in a democratic system. By granting citizens the right to access information,
the government can empower individuals to actively participate in governance. Informed citizens
can scrutinize the actions and decisions of government officials, ensuring that they act in the best
interests of the public
Q6) What are the methods used by the Farmers organizations to influence the
policymakers in India and how effective are these methods? (2019)
Answer:
Farmer organizations are collective bodies formed by farmers to represent and advocate for their
common interests and concerns. These organizations can take various forms, such as
cooperatives, associations, unions, or federations.
Related Question:
● Though Citizen’s charters have been formulated by many public service delivery
organizations, there is no corresponding improvement in the level of citizens’
satisfaction and quality of services being provided. Analyze.
Answer:
Answer:
Body:
Q9) Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems
that women face in both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your
Answer. (2017)
Answer:
Introduction:
Established in January 1992, the National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body
created under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. Its primary objectives include
evaluating the constitutional and legal safeguards for women, proposing necessary legislative
actions, facilitating grievance redressal, and providing policy advice to the government on
matters impacting women.
Answer:
The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 introduced a new Part XIV-A to the Constitution, establishing
Tribunals as quasi-judicial bodies under Article 323A or 323B through legislation enacted by the
Parliament and State Legislature. The purpose of Tribunals is to resolve specific matters
brought before them, relieving the burden on the regular judiciary and providing specialised
expertise for quicker dispute resolution. While not equivalent to a court of law, Tribunals
possess certain powers similar to a civil court, such as the ability to issue summons and receive
witness testimony.
Body:
Competency of tribunals:
Q11) “Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have
resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation’ to the environment.”
Comment with relevant illustration. (2018)
Answer:
Water Water needed for Water flow hindered Not able to maintain
irrigation facilities, by development of ecological flow in rivers
manufacturing etc, Hydro power plants to leading to hindered
RIver Interlinking also increase clean ability of rivers to clean
diverts river flow energy production themselves
In order to achieve our related SDG goals of 13(Climate action), 14(life below water), 15(Life on
land), 16(Partnerships to Goals) etc, there is a need to achieve policy convergence and
integration across sectors for harmonious usage of resources. We must indulge in multi
stakeholder deliberative policy making to achieve good governance in a development led setting
with an environmental touch.
Q12) What is a quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples. (2016)
Answer:
Body:
Answer:
Introduction:
ICTs, encompassing various communication technologies such as the internet and wireless
networks, are instrumental in facilitating the implementation of policies. When combined with
Way Forward:
Answer:
Introduction:
According to the UNDP, citizen participation is a crucial aspect of good governance, recognizing
their legitimate role in influencing decisions that impact their lives, businesses, and
communities. In India, legislative measures such as MGNREGA, RTE, RTI, NFSA, and the
constitutional amendments of 73rd and 74th Acts have facilitated increased people participation
in decision-making processes. These initiatives aim to ensure active engagement and
involvement of citizens in shaping governance.
Body:
Answer:
Answer:
Introduction:
Institutional quality is not just a luxury, but a necessity for sustainable economic development. It
provides the stability, predictability, and rule of law that businesses need to thrive.
“Reforming the civil services is not just about changing rules and regulations; it's about changing
mindsets, fostering innovation, and promoting a culture of excellence.”