GENERAL STUDIES TEST - 02

1. Discuss the major challenges to the ideals and aspirations stated in the preamble that hinder
functioning of a liberal democracy. (10 Marks, 150 Words)

Answer: Preamble is the soul of the constitution containing ideals like a sovereign, socialist, secular,
democratic, republic and aspirations like justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. These words
summarise the society we all dream of for ourselves.

But there are various challenges to these ideals and aspirations:

 Proxy warfare and hybrid warfare using NGOs is a threat to sovereignty.

 Increasing social gaps and a capitalism based economy is a threat to socialism.
 The rise of far-right vigilante groups is a challenge to secularism.
 Vote bank politics and polarisation have taken away democratic credentials in a real sense.
 Dynastic politics has taken away chances from people to share power as in a republic.
 Attacks on minorities and impunity to the rich restrict the realization of justice.
 Restrictions on women and their early marriages are taking away their liberty.
 The existence of Dalit atrocities and caste discrimination is a threat to equality.
 A wide income gap is inhibiting fraternity between rich and poor.

Even after 73 years of independence, India is still struggling to realize the dream of our constitutional
forefathers. Therefore, it is time to promote social harmony, social capital and liberal democracy by
removing corruption, nepotism, communalism, regionalism, sexism.

2. Balancing and harmonizing fundamental rights and directive principles will help reap social order
and empower people. Explain. (10 Marks, 150 Words)

Answer: Supreme Court in Minerva Mills case (1980) held that constitution is founded on the bedrock
of balance between fundamental rights and directive principles. This balance is crucial to ensure that
individuals and society are complemented and not antagonistic.

Balancing both will help reap social order:

 By removing inequalities and also ensuring that individual growth is not curtailed, e.g.,
freedom to adopt any occupation (Article 19 (1) (g)) and equitable distribution of income
(Article 39)
 By helping socially and educationally backward communities and ensuring individual merit is
recognized, e.g., – Article 46 (to promote the education of weaker sections) and Article 14
(Right to equality)
 By having common universal law and preserving unique customs, e.g., – Article 26 (Freedom
to manage religious affairs) and Article 44 (Uniform civil code)

Balancing both will help empower people:

 By ensuring the right to life (Article 21) through providing humane working conditions (Article
42)
 By ensuring the right to equality (Article 14) by providing equal pay for men and women
(Article 39 (d))
  By ensuring the Prohibition of employment of children in factories (Article 24) by giving
education for children (Article 46)

Although justiciability of fundamental rights and not of directive principles give fundamental rights an
upper hand, it is clear that both exist in harmony with equal importance.

3. Many times, imposition of the President's rule in a state is the direct outcome of the politicization
of the post of Governor. Do you agree?

Answer: As appointed by the President under article 153, the Governor acts in 'Dual Capacity' of the
Constitutional Head of the State and as the representative of the Centre. He is a part of a federal
system of Indian polity and acts as a bridge between union and state governments. Politicization of
the Governor led to the imposition of the President's rule in the State several times, e.g., in
Uttarakhand, 2016.

The politicization of the post of the Governor:

 Agent of the Centre: Recently, the Governor of West Bengal has been charged with violating
the model code of conduct. His support of the ruling party in the Centre is against the spirit of
non-partisanship expected from the person sitting on constitutional posts.
 Abuse of Power by the Centre: In several cases, politicians and former bureaucrats identifying
with a particular political ideology have been appointed the Governors. It goes against the
constitutionally mandated neutral seat and has resulted in bias, as appears to have happened
in Karnataka and Goa.
 Support to a certain political group when no clear majority in assembly election: Governor's
discretionary powers to invite the leader of the largest party/alliance, post-election, to form
the government has often been misused to favour a particular political party. For example,
Maharashtra in 2019.
 Recommendation of President's rule: A Governor's recommendation for President's
Rule (Article 356) in a state has not always been based on 'objective material' but on political
whim or fancy.

Instances where politicization of Governor's post led to President's Rule:

 2016 Uttarakhand: Chief Minister Harish Rawat's government collapsed after a split in the
Congress party. The President's Rule was imposed in the State twice within three months.
 2019 Maharashtra: The State went under President's Rule when the elections led to fractured
results, with no clear majority. Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari became in charge.

For the smooth functioning of a democratic government, avoiding controversies surrounding the post
of Governor require reforms suggested by the Punchhi Commission, Sarkaria Commission and the
rulings of the Supreme Court in SR Bommai case. Also, the agreed 'Code of Conduct approved by the
state governments, the central government, the parliament, and the state legislatures should be
evolved.

4. Discuss how the 15th Finance Commission report has the potential to transform the financial
governance of India's municipalities? (10 Marks, 150 Words)
Answer: The Finance Commission (Article 280) is a constitutional body formed by the President to
determine the method and formula for distributing the tax proceeds between the Centre and states,
the states, and the local bodies. The Fifteenth Finance Commission was constituted in 2017 for
devolution of revenue between Centre and States.

The 15th Finance Commission has given four major recommendations covering various aspects to
strengthen the financial governance of municipalities:

a) Increase in the share of funds: It has set aside Rs 29,000 crore for FY 2020-21 and indicated
the intent to raise municipalities' share in the total grants' of local bodies from 30 % to 40 %.
It could result in an increased outlay over five years compared to the 14th Finance Commission.
(From Rs 87,000 crore to Rs 1,50,000-Rs 2,00,000 crore).
b) Two Provisional outlays to receive funds: The commission has put entry conditions like
publishing audited annual accounts and notification of floor rates for property tax. It would
maintain transparency in the financial transactions of municipalities.
c) A population-based distinction of cities (million-plus urban areas and other cities): The
commission has recommended for 100 per cent outcome-based funding of approximately Rs
9,000 crore to 50 million-plus urban areas with specific emphasis on air quality, water supply
and sanitation and basic grants to the rest of the cities, with 50 per cent of the end-use tied
to water supply and sanitation.
d) Digital platform for municipal accounts: A common digital platform for municipal accounts,
a consolidated view of municipal finances and sectoral outlay at the state level, and digital
footprint of individual transactions at source, the FC has delightfully broken new ground and
demonstrated farsightedness.

The 15th Finance commission is not the first to recommend grants for the local bodies; the foundation
for some was laid by previous finance commissions, particularly the thirteenth and fourteenth.
However, the ultimate responsibility for municipal finance reforms remains with state governments.
Finance Commissions can at best prepare the ground and provide incentives and disincentives.

5. Both migration and reverse migration can be attributed to social and economic alienation faced
by migrants. Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words)

Answer: Migration refers to the movement of a person from one area to another, and reverse
migration is when migrants return to their place of origin from the destination. Both are attributed
social and economic alienation of people, which can be seen as follows:

Social Factors:

Factors Migration Reverse Migration

Lack of basic amenities
Discrimination
Lack of basic facilities like In urban areas, migrants live in
education, health etc., in the rural
slums and face issues like lack
areas leads to Rural to urban of sanitation facilities, clean
migration. drinking water, disease like
malaria, dengue etc.
Discrimination and exploitation In urban areas, a culture of
faced by lower castes due to the Gated communities,
hierarchical caste system in rural ghettoization etc
areas cause migration.
 Violence Due to the incidents of violence like In some places, migrants also
riots, war, terrorism etc face violence due to the son of
the soil theory. Example:
recent attack on migrants in
Jammu and Kashmir, attacks in
Maharashtra etc.
Poor governance and People feel alienated due to various People, especially the elderly,
Backwardness social issues like poor governance, feel alienated in urban areas
corruption etc. due to individualistic culture
and high inequality.

Economic Factors:

Factors Migration Reverse Migration

Lack of employment Unemployment in rural areas In urban areas, migrants lose
opportunities pushes people towards urban their jobs due to economic
areas, searching for new slowdown, seasonal jobs,
opportunities. health emergencies like the
Covid19 pandemic etc.
Poverty A high poverty rate in rural In urban areas, around 81
areas leads to the movement of million people are below the
the young population to urban poverty line (2018), which
areas, which results in forces migrants to return to
demographic change. their homes.

The government has taken various steps like One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC), RURBAN Mission,
One district one product scheme by UP state etc., to address the issues of migrants. Further, it should
formulate migration centric policies, strategies, and institutional mechanisms to address migrant
issues more effectively.

6. Do you think caste census is vital for taking necessary steps to achieve social equity and hence
realization of social justice? Critically examine. (10 Marks, 150 Words)

Answer: Caste census is a document that maintains caste wise data of individuals. Until 1931, every
census included caste-based data to estimate backward caste properly. At present several political
parties are demanding a nationwide caste census with the census of 2021.

Caste census as a vital step for social equity and social justice:
 Policy targeting: It will adequately enumerate the number of marginalized people,
occupations, etc., and reduce the exclusion and inclusion errors in service delivery that helps
in formulating better-targeted policies.
 Identify inequalities: It can help effectively compare various sections of the society in aspects
like poverty, employment etc., and assist in affirmative actions that provide judicial backing
to reservations.
  Rationalization of reservation: It will aid in the sub-categorization of caste and help in
preventing only a few castes from gaining from affirmative actions by the State. Under article
340, the government appointed Justice G Rohini Committee on the sub-categorization of OBC.
 It can also help bust the myth under which several castes are placed in work, crimes etc.

Issues with caste census:

 It may strengthen caste-based politics and increase constituency delineation based on caste.
 It can further increase division on caste lines, increase the demand for reservation, and lead
to society's fragmentation.
 Caste census may boost group feelings and impact the unity and integrity of India.

Thus, the caste census can be conducted based on the cost-benefit analysis in the short term.
However, multiple measures are needed to transform a hierarchical Indian caste society to an
egalitarian society in the long term.

7. Elucidate the major differences between traditional and modern instruments of accountability.
Discuss briefly the challenges associated with modern tools of accountability? (10 Marks, 150
Words)

Answer: Accountability is an obligation to explain, justify, and take responsibility for one's actions and
answer to someone, such as a person with more authority. It is often used in individuals taking
responsibility for their actions. It is a quantitative tool for ascertaining the performance of any
individual/institution.

The major differences between traditional and modern instruments of accountability:

Traditionally accountability has been a top-down approach where the superior ascertain the
answerability from the subordinate. With the growth of citizen-centric governance and empowerment
of citizenry, it has also become a modern tool of asking questions by common people to the
government machinery. To summarize this, its differences can be seen as follows:

Traditional Accountability Modern Accountability

 Top-down model  Bottom-up model

 Hierarchical  Flat
 Quantitative  Qualitative
 Organization support  Mass support
 Formal methods  Informal methods
 Ex: CAG Audit  Ex: Social Audit

Challenges associated with modern tools of accountability:

 High intensity at local level but low undercurrent in national level

 Very low or no media coverage at the local level
 No follow up action from the local level
 No institutional setup like CAG and the bureaucratic apparatus makes processing information
very difficult.
  Too much subjectivity invites the elite to capture
 Too much informality makes it a non-serious task
 Considered as an event and not as a process
 Missing technical expertise

With the change in the governance paradigm to that of a network era governance and the increasing
role of people in governance, the modern tool of accountability has to get the support of the
traditional accountability institution as recently CAG instituted its state representative in social audit
meetings. Both of them are sides of the same coin.

8. Explain the objectives of new Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media
Ethics Code) Rules 2021. Also, analyze the concerns associated with the non-compliance of the said
rules. (10 Marks, 150 Words)

Answer: With the growing use of the internet and Over-the-top (OTT) Platforms, the government has
brought Information Technology Rules, 2021. These rules seek to regulate the dissemination and
publication of content in cyberspace, including social media platforms. These rules have been framed
under section 87 (2) of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000. It superseded the Information
Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules 2011.

Key Objectives of New IT Rules, 2021:

a) Arrest growth of fake news: To create fact check mechanisms by social media platforms to
prevent the spread of fake news
b) Increase transparency and accountability: To take down offensive articles to prevent their
spread
c) Empower social media users: To empower users with a mechanism for redressal and timely
resolution of their grievance with the help of a mandatory Grievance Redressal Mechanism.
d) Protection of women and children: To special emphasis on the protection of women and
children from sexual offences, fake news and other misuses of the social media

Associated concerns related to rules:

 Suppressing free speech: The new rules might undermine free speech as it fixes the
government's final adjudicator.
 Unconstitutional move: The new rules were framed by the Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology without following proper legislative procedure.
 Identifying the originator of the message: Tracing the message's originator would
compromise end-to-end encryption, affecting individuals' privacy.
 Deprived of explanation: The intermediary has to take down the content within 36 hours of
government order without a chance of explanation.

There are some major problems with the law. It would be better for everyone if the law is consulted
with respective stakeholders (Public, intermediaries) and charted out a middle way to solve the
problems arising. There is a need to expedite the passage of the Personal Data Protection Bill as the
new IT rules intrude upon the privacy of an individual.
9. Notwithstanding China-Bhutan relations, India's emphasis on 'Neighbourhood First Policy' has
helped maintain its healthy ties with Bhutan. Analyze. (10 marks, 150 words).

Answer: Neighbourhood First Policy is a core component of India's foreign policy. It focuses on
peaceful relations and collaborative synergetic co-development with its South Asian neighbours. It
complements India's Look East and Looks West Policy. Thus, in the context of China Bhutan relations
and India's neighbourhood first policy, the strategic significance of Bhutan for India is as follows:

 Bhutan is part of its northern security system, having an open border and free movement
between the two countries.
 The overwhelming presence of any other foreign country, especially China, in Bhutan makes
India vulnerable, e.g., Chinese intention to access the Siliguri corridor of India.
 The strategically important Himalayan pass created by the Manas river, eastern Bhutan, is
important for China and India. It was for India during the 1962 war.

In this context, Chinese influence over Bhutan and the Siliguri corridor creates challenges of defence
of Sikkim. Precisely for this reason, six roads have been built by China near Bhutan's North and North-
West areas.

Areas of cooperation to counter Chinese influence in Bhutan

 Strong hydropower ties: India has financed and built over half a dozen dams in Bhutan, owned
by Bhutan's state-owned Druk Green Power Corporation. Its electricity is exported to India,
and the incoming revenue is Bhutan's largest export.
 Cooperation in Space: The Ground Earth Station and SATCOM network, developed with
assistance from ISRO for utilization of South Asia Satellite in Bhutan
 Digital payment system: Bhutan has also become the first country to adopt Unified Payment
Interface (UPI) standards for its QR deployment and issue RuPay cards and accept BHIM-UPI.
 Financial aid: India has made an additional $100 million to Bhutan under a standby swap
arrangement to meet its foreign exchange requirement.
o Continued cooperation between India's National Knowledge Network and Bhutan's
Druk Research and Education Network in Bhutan's five-year plans

Despite Chinese interest in the region, India is making Bhutan economically dependent on India as it
is landlocked. The idea is not to weaponize trade and development assistance but to make Bhutan
take India's sensitivity and national interest. Also, Bhutan's identity and unique measure of GNH has
long avoided massive economic investments and environmentally unsustainable projects from China.

10. From being indentured labourers in the past to holding positions of influence and power
presently, the Indian Diaspora has been playing a crucial role in the development of the Caribbean
Islands. Elaborate. (10 marks, 150 words)

Answer: After the slavery abolition in 1833, the British faced an extreme shortage of labour for sugar
plantations in their Caribbean colonies. Over half a million Indians were transported to the region as
indentured workers. Today, this Indian diaspora constitutes an integral part of the socio-economic
and political life of the Caribbean region.

Contribution of Indian diaspora in developing the Caribbean Islands:

a) Jamaica:
 The Sindhi, a vibrant business community, has the major share of the jewellery, electronics
and household goods market.
 Indian origin Mr Kenneth S. Benjami restored and expanded the Hope Zoo. He was honoured
with the 'Pravasi Bharatiya Samman' Award and the second-highest civilian award 'Order of
Jamaica'.
 Justice Ms Ingrid Mangatal is a Judge of the Supreme Court.

b) Surinam: Indian diaspora, which currently constitutes 27% of Suriname's population), arrived in
Suriname 146 years ago. By 2019, 14 sitting PIO Members of Parliament, five PIO Ministers, Vice
President of Suriname and Governor of Central Bank are also PIOs.

c) Trinidad and Tobago: Indians in this country form nearly 42% of the total population, constituting
an integral part of the country's economic, political, and social fabric. Kamla Persad-Bissessar was
the first female Prime Minister of this country.

Calling a country home is different, and committing wholeheartedly to the cause, case, and overall
development is different. Indian diaspora in Caribbean nations is no exception to the above, where
their contribution has been immense.

11. What do you mean by "Doctrine of essentiality" and "Doctrine of Principled Distance"? Explain
how the Supreme Court has helped in guarding the value of secularism in India with suitable
examples. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Answer: The doctrine of essentiality has evolved to protect the essential or integral religious practices
that do not violate any fundamental right. India being a secular country, has discrete religious beliefs
and to deny any is to violate the freedom of religion. The doctrine of "essentiality" was invented by a
seven-judge Bench of the Supreme Court in the 'Shirur Mutt' case in 1954.

 In the Ayodhya case 1994, the Constitution Bench had ruled that "A mosque is not an essential
part of the practice of the religion of Islam and namaz (prayer) by Muslims can be offered
anywhere, even in the open."
 In the Sabarimala case 2018, the Supreme Court has refered the case to a larger 7 judges
constitutional bench to re-evaluate the "essential religious practice test engaged with
whether untouchability, manifested in restrictions on entry into temples, was an "essential
part of the Hindu religion".
 The cases of two Parsi women married to non-Parsi men to enter the Tower of Silence and
other religious places and a plea seeking entry of Muslim women into mosques are some other
examples that refer to the doctrine of essentiality.

Experts of constitutional law have argued that the essentiality doctrine has tended to lead the court
into an area beyond its competence and given judges the power to decide purely religious questions.

The doctrine of Principled Distance means the State is not strictly separate from religion, but it
maintains a principled distance from religion. Any interference in religion by the State has to be based
on the ideals laid out in the Indian Constitution. In this context, the Supreme Court has identified
secularism as a basic structure in the SR Bommai case.

 SC also interpreted secularism in the Indian context to refer to equal/principled distance from
all the religious faiths. The concept of Sarva Dharma Sambhava was stressed upon, where the
 State could also interfere with the religious practices wherever required like the Hindu
Marriage Act, Uniform Civil Code etc.
 It held that ours was a tolerant society, and though the State does not have any religion, it
gives equal treatment for all the religious faiths.
 Also, it clarified the secularism does not intend to create an atheistic society without any
religion but a healthy co-existence of all the religions.

There have also been interpretations of secularism as a way of life and most of the interpretation has
been circled around Hinduism. But, ours being a multi-religious society, needs to be taken into
account. To date, there is no single clear definition for the secularism of the Indian State. It's high time
now that an all-encompassing interpretation of the nature of the Secular State of India needs to be
come up with to avoid certain elements taking advantage of loopholes in this aspect.

12. Establishing the National Tribunal Commission could possibly entail a radical restructuring of the
present Tribunal's system. Discuss the statement in the backdrop of the recent issues facing the
functioning of Tribunals in India. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Answer: The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, added entitled 'Tribunals' that consists of only
two Articles–Article 323(A) dealing with administrative tribunals and Article 323(B) dealing with
tribunals for other matters. Recently, the Centre, by Tribunals Reforms (Rationalization and Conditions
of Service) Ordinance, 2021, has abolished several appellate tribunals and authorities and transferred
their jurisdiction to other existing Judicial bodies.

Recent issues in the functioning of tribunals and the need for reforms in it:

 Executive interference: It is often seen in matters of appointment and removal of tribunal

members, as well as in the provision of finances, infrastructure, personnel and other resources
required for the day-to-day functioning of the tribunals.
 New rules 2020: The Union Finance Ministry framed a new set of rules in 2020 that prescribe
uniform norms for members' appointment and service conditions to various tribunals.
 Conflict of interest due to New Rules of 2020:
o Control of parent ministries: The rules do not remove the control of parent
administrative Ministries (ministries against which the tribunals have to pass orders)
over tribunals.
o The rules ensure that the Secretary of the Ministry against which the Tribunal is to
pass orders sits on the committee for selecting adjudicating members of the same
Tribunal.

Given the condition of tribunals, the central government has come up with Tribunals Reforms
(Rationalization and Conditions of Service) Ordinance 2021, which envisages setting up of common
National Tribunal Commission on various issues related to tribunals.

National Tribunal Commission (NTC) can entail a radical restructuring of the present Tribunal's
system:

 Administrative oversight: Administrative roles of the NTC include providing support services
to tribunal members, litigants, and their lawyers. For this purpose, it would need to hire and
supervise administrative staff and consolidate, improve, and modernize tribunals'
infrastructure.
  As a recruitment body: Importantly, it could function as an independent recruitment body to
develop and operationalize the procedure for disciplinary proceedings and appointment of
tribunal members.
 Towards Tribunal's independence: Giving the NTC the authority to set members' salaries,
allowances, and other service conditions, subject to regulations, would help maintain
Tribunal's independence.
 Uniform administration: One of the main reasons that have motivated the idea of NTC is the
need for an authority to support uniform administration across all tribunals.

Therefore, the NTC must be established via a constitutional amendment or a statutory process that
guarantees functional, operational, and financial independence. Thus, NTC could pave the way for the
separation of the administrative and judicial functions carried out by various tribunals.

13. Do you think the electoral bond scheme disrupts the basic principles of India's democracy by
infringing upon the citizens' 'right to know'? What major changes should be done to reform electoral
finance in India? (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Answer: Electoral bond scheme was announced in 2018 to reform election funding in India through
the purchase of anonymous electoral bonds by citizens or any person established in India through SBI,
keeping the identity of donors hidden.

Electoral bonds infringe upon the right to know as follow:

 The right to know is the species of the right to speech and expression provided by Article 19(1)
(a). It empowers citizens to make informed choices.
 Anonymity might shield crony capitalism behind doors as the scheme removes a cap of 7.5%
on corporate donations.
 Removal of minimum of 3 years of existence of companies may lead to the channelling of
black money through the creation of shell companies out of sight of civil society.
 SBI can be influenced by the ruling party to reveal details of donors of the opposition party,
defeating the purpose of anonymity leading to political victimization.

Electoral bonds do not infringe the right to know:

 Anonymity is necessary to protect against political victimization.

 Information is already being denied under various acts like the Official Secrets Act and Section
8 and 9 of the Right to Information Act.
 There is no need to remove anonymity as money is through a banking medium, leaving no
scope for black money.

Though the intentions of the government were right in introducing the electoral bonds, there is a need
to relook this scheme to address the above-mentioned issues.

Following changes should be made to reform electoral finance:

 Donations above a certain limit should be made public to break the corporate-politico nexus.
 State funding of elections or fundraising by the candidates or parties like in the USA should be
considered.
 Establish a National Electoral Fund where donors contribute and funds are distributed among
different parties according to their respective performances in the last elections.
  Political parties should be brought under the ambit of RTI as followed in countries like Bhutan
and Germany.
 Consideration of Indrajit Gupta committee recommendations

Transparency in the electoral process is a test of any democracy, and India must excel in this test to
consolidate the roots of democracy in India. Reforming electoral finance is the right step in this
direction.

14. Though all pressure groups employ similar techniques to incorporate their interest in the policies
of State, a few are more successful than others. What are the various factors that result into the
success of the pressure groups? (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Answer: Pressure groups (PGs) are organizations that attempt to influence government policies
without aiming to control or share political power directly. These organizations are formed when
people with common occupations, interests, aspirations or opinions come together to achieve a
common objective, e.g., FICCI, BKU, AITUC etc.

According to Odegard, pressure groups employ various techniques like:

 Electioneering: Trying to place those in public office who are inclined towards their interests.
 Lobbying: Trying to persuade public officers, whether they are favourably inclined or not, to
adopt policies that are beneficial to their interests.
 Propagandizing: Trying to Influence public opinion through propaganda to convince the
government in a democracy to act in their interest.

Though PGs employ similar techniques, some PGs like BKU (succeeded in repealing farm laws 2021)
are more successful than some like AIKSSS (aimed to get a farm bill passed in 2018) because various
factors decide their success.

Factors deciding the success of PGs:

 Leadership: It should be able to communicate to the political parties, policy-making agencies

and the public the viewpoint of their grouping writing and dialogue.
 Organizational Abilities: In a vast country like India, organization units are needed for two
reasons- a) to associate the various facets of the interest groups and b) communicate at
different levels. The size and organizational strength always play a significant role in their
success.
 Mass media: The print as well as the Television, through their skills of communication, create
powerful public images and, through continuous debate and propaganda, influence public
opinion.
 Mobilization Techniques: The effectiveness of the pressure groups also depends on their
capacity to mobilize the people into agitation and protest politics. In a society where the
majority are semi-literate, private interests can always be converted into public interests.
 Funds available: The influence of the pressure group is proportionate to its economic strength
as funds are required from financing the elections and party funds to carrying propaganda.

Thus, PGs' success depends upon various factors, but their role is indispensable in a vibrant democracy
like India. Being an integral part of civil society, PGs should act responsibly by only using democratic
methods.
15. The success of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) hinges not just upon the budgetary
allocation but on proper planning and execution of the key aspects of the policy as envisaged.
Examine. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Answer: The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP), based on recommendations of Kasturirangan and
T.S.R. Subramanian committees, has the potential to transform the Indian education sector. It aims to
universalize education with 100% enrollment until secondary level, teaching in mother tongue till 5th
class, and flexible curriculum and vocational training in higher education.

Budgetary allocations will be important to achieve its targets:

 It aims to spend 6% of GDP from around 3.1%, showing the need to increase spending.
 Initiatives like Skilling in vocational training will require significant funding.
 Considering India's linguistic diversity, preparing a primary education curriculum in local
languages will be a huge task.
 Huge spending will be required to bridge the digital divide considering e-learning gaining
momentum.
 Funds for plugging infrastructure gaps, especially in aspirational districts

Importance of Proper planning:

o Considering the diversity of India, there will be a need for bottom-up planning, needing the
cooperation of local authorities.
o Considering that education is a concurrent subject, there is a need for cooperative federalism
between Centre and State.
o Considering bad pupil-teacher ratio, inadequate infrastructure, huge digital divide, planning
will require convergence of resources and schemes.

Importance of Proper execution:

 Red tape and high corruption in spending is always a problem; hence a transparent process is
required.
 Educational institutes will have to collaborate positively with Skill development centres and
the Ministry of skill development to provide vocational training.
 Considering social evils like beggary by children, child labour, prevention of crime against
children, especially in ashram and hostel schools etc., there is a need to implement respective
laws and RTE.

Thus, considering the diversity of India and complexity in administration, the success of NEP will
require a holistic approach rather than working in silos. NEP is a Nobel visionary path to realize the
ideals of Article 21A and 45, along with SDG – 4, making India realize its demographic dividend to the
maximum extent.

16. Despite stringent provisions, the crime against women is on the rise." What are the major
shortcomings of the present laws aimed at fighting crime against women in India? (15 Marks, 250
Words)
Answer: According to the NCRB report 2020, around 44,783 cases of crime against women were
reported in 19 metropolitan cities in the year 2020. The increasing trend of crimes against women is
worrisome because the laws have become more stringent, but crime has not reduced.

Major shortcomings of present laws:

 Inconsistency/obsolete laws: Many laws need amendment due to changing nature of crimes,
e.g., cybercrimes, pornography etc.
 Many MNCs are not compliant with the prevention of Sexual Harassment At Workplace Act.
 Ineffectiveness and loopholes: The laws are not implemented properly, and there is a large
scope of misinterpretation, e.g., Domestic violence Act etc.
 The number of falsely reported crimes is very high.
 Lack of women representation: The representation of women in the policy formulation and
implementation is very low result in a lack of sensitivity.
 There is also a lack of feedback mechanism and consultation from various
stakeholders like NGOs, women organizations etc.
 Delayed and denied justice: The judicial system's insensitivity, inefficiency, corruption, and
unaccountability fails to deter habitual offenders.
  As NCRB report, around 92.9% of criminal cases against women are pending in
various district courts and the conviction rate of just 33.2%.
 Under-reporting: The rate of unreported crimes is very high due to a lack of awareness among
women about the laws and their rights.
 Women treat the abuse or violence of males in the family as normal.

Crime against women needs to be looked at as a prevention issue; the government should take
proactive measures like proper implementation laws, strengthening the judicial system, mass
awareness of laws etc., to fulfil the SDG-5 i.e., Gender equality.

Additional Information:
 India ranks 140th of 156 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index (2021).
 According to the NFHS-5 (2021) report, married women between 18 and 49 experienced
spousal violence, more than doubled from 20.6 in 2014-15 to 44.5%.
Factors for a high number of crimes:
 Social mindset: Gender disparity and stereotyping are deep-rooted in Indian society.
Women are considered weak and expected to stay under the dominance of the male.
 Societal ethos, orthodox norms and mindset towards rape victims, etc., led to
structural inequality.
 Lack of education and alcohol or other intoxicants also lead to increased crimes.
 Lack of sensitivity of public officials in tackling crime.
 The investigating agencies have lack technical infrastructure and workforce for tracing
evidence against criminals.
 According to the WHO, just 40 per cent of the women who experience violence seek any
help.
Suggestions to prevent crimes against women:
 The gender-based legislation and gender sensitivity of the public official can increase
reporting of crimes.

 Financial independence, capacity building and training, skill development etc., can
empower women.

 Government should promote egalitarian gender norms, behavioural change etc., by

involving influential personalities like religious leaders etc.

 The gender-based surveys, data collection on crimes, use of technological safeguards like
panic buttons etc. can prevent such crimes

17. Why capacity building of civil servant is sine quo non for a functional democracy? Discuss how
Mission Karmayogi aspires to fill the void in civil service reform architecture? (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Answer: Civil services are at the Centre of all government activities – they are agents of policy-making
and the executive hand that delivers on the ground. The skillsets and capacity of the civil servants play
a vital role in service delivery, program implementation and performing core governance functions.
Capacity Building for civil servants will help them remain entrenched in Indian culture and sensibilities
and remain connected with their roots. At the same time, they learn from the best institutions and
practices across the world.

Numerous factors have contributed to the increasing importance of civil service in modern-day
democracy:

 Crisis Management: They are the first responder to natural calamities and crisis. In a crisis,
they have to act quickly and undertake rescue operations to prevent loss of life.
 Rise of welfare states: The role of government as a welfare state has increased the
importance of civil servants as they are the dispenser of key public services.
 Economic Planning: Given the increasing challenges for emergent economies like India, plan
formulation and implementation have widened the need for efficient civil servants.
 Intermediary between citizen and government: The civil servants collect critical feedback
from the citizens and reframe their policy according to the government consultation. They
also redress all the grievances related to implementing schemes and policies.

Thus, civil servants have become sine qua non for democracy.

To develop domain knowledge besides administrative capacity, the government has launched Mission
Karamyogi. The Mission has been launched per the recommendation of 2nd ARC recommendations
where training and capacity building in mid-career to develop necessary competence and domain
knowledge.

The platform will act as a launchpad for the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building
(NPCSCB), which will enable a comprehensive reform of the capacity building apparatus at the
individual, institutional and process levels. An online database will be maintained on what courses
they have completed, how they fared, what areas their expertise lies in, etc.

In case of any future vacancy or if an appointing authority is considering an officer, they can see what
kind of training the officer has been getting.

Benefits of Mission:

 Supporting Transition from 'Rules based' to 'Roles based' HR Management.

 To emphasize 'on-site learning' to complement the 'off-site' learning.
 It will harmonize training standards across the country to a common understanding of India's
aspirations and development goals.
 It will encourage and partner with the best-in-class learning content creators, including public
training institutions, universities, start-tips and individual experts.

The manner and philosophy of training bureaucrats remain a neglected dimension, and lateral entry
will not remedy this. The focus should also be on a new approach to training administrators, the
success factor for public administrative reform. Thus, there should be a behavioural change in the
bureaucracy too and they must embrace the change as a need of the hour and not an attack on their
status quo.

18. The potential of m-governance has been realized during the pandemic period in general and
lockdown in particular. What are the major challenges hampering effective implementation of m-
governance initiatives in India? (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Answer: M-governance or Mobile governance involves using various wireless and mobile technology
services, applications and devices for enhancing benefits for citizens, businesses, and all government
departments. Mobile services are also cheaper and accessible in most of the rural areas in India.

The importance and potential of m-governance have been realized during the pandemic:

a) Ease of access: The infrastructure needed to create internet or wireline services is often
difficult to build in remote areas, whereas mobile connectivity has already covered most parts
of the country.
b) Low cost and efficient ROI: Compared to laptops and PCs, mobiles are relatively low cost.
Hence, they are more easily affordable for people from economically backward societies.
c) Contactless Transaction: Given the infectious nature of the disease, the contactless interface
between citizen and government agencies add to its benefit.
d) 24*7 Access: Perhaps the biggest advantage of mobiles is that they offer anywhere, anytime
access to the users. This kind of facility cannot be expected from computer-based systems. It
is only through mobiles that citizens can retain contact with government's services anywhere,
anytime.

Challenges associated with m-governance:

 Low Literacy: Literacy can be defined as the ability to read & write with understanding in
any language. People who can merely read but cannot write can't be considered literate.
The low Literacy level of India is a huge obstacle in the implementation of e-Governance
projects.
 Service Unavailability: Even when the internet is available, there are performance-related
issues either related to application or Internet connectivity leading to non-usage of e-
Governance
 Diversity in India: People in India come from different backgrounds speaking different
languages. Citizens face language problems while using computerized services. Most of
the applications and websites are either in English or Hindi.
 Lack of Expertise: Observation says expertise is not available in different government
departments for immediate repair of hardware/networking; therefore, an obvious delay
exists in the system.
 Lack of Awareness Amongst Citizens: Most people are unaware of the benefits of e-
governance services. Even the government doesn't take initiatives to create an
environment for awareness about e-Governance activities.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been a boon to the citizens as they can access
lots of Government services and avail of other benefits through smartphones. E-peek Pahani is the
mobile app developed by the Maharashtra government during the flood to analyze the agricultural
loss. More such services like UMANG app, e-Sanjivani can be initiated for easy access.

19. The new grouping of the US, Israel, India and UAE, also termed the QUAD in West Asia, gives a
further push to India's West Asia Diplomacy. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)

Answer: India has significantly reoriented its Middle East policy with various bilateral engagements
focusing on increasing trade, business and investment activities and strengthening defence and
military partnerships. India has developed a closer partnership among the key countries since 2014
are Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
With this 'new QUAD' initiative, India has signalled a de-hyphenation in its Middle East policy; it will
no longer be apprehensive of engaging in regional or multilateral initiatives if this serves its
interests. The focus is on enhancing India's economic engagements with the region under the
umbrella of Abraham Accords.

India's interests

 Geostrategic and Geo-economic interests: The Gulf-West Asia-North Africa region supply the bulk
of India's energy needs contributing over 60 % of total crude oil imports and over 85 % of LNG
requirements, , promote trade and investment, and engage in security and intelligence
cooperation.

 As Saudi Arabia and the UAE move towards a post-oil era, the Indian market offers itself an
attractive proposition, both as an oil consumer and investment destination with over 1.3
billion customers and investors alike.

 There are around 8 to 9 million Indian diasporas in this region.

 Ensures securing sea routes for the movement of its oil supplies and anti-piracy operations.

India is looking for a qualitative modification of its engagement with the region. Therefore, the
diplomatic objectives and the role of 'New Quad' can be seen as follows:

 The UAE-India Infrastructure Investment Fund targets 75 billion US dollars to support India's
infrastructure, e.g., railways, ports, roads, etc.

 Saudi Aramco's collaboration with Reliance Industries with its 20 per cent share in its oil
business has an investment of 15 billion US dollars.

 In 2018, a shift from traditional buyer- seller relationship, an MoU between an Indian
consortium and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company was signed. It allowed for the acquisition
of 10 per cent participating interest in Abu Dhabi's offshore Lower Zakhum Concession.

 Like its counterpart quadrilateral forum for the Indo-Pacific, the US-India-Israel-UAE partnership
claims to have a minimal security agenda and is not negotiating overt military deals.

 At the same time, however, it does seem to have strategic undertones aimed at encirclement and
containment. However, there are concerns that China's growing influence in the region might
jeopardize India's above interests.

 Although this new grouping is not necessarily anti-China, India can make use to establish more
geo-economic links with the region and grow its own influence in proportion to the influence of
China.

Thus, India hopes to settle the complexities of managing the increasing spillovers of West Asia's
geopolitical tussles. India shares political and security concerns and given the conflicts and volatility
of the region, Indian diplomacy needs to approach West Asia with pragmatism, delicacy and
sophistication.

Additional Information:
 Islamabad wants to assist Beijing in extending the coveted China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC), bolstering China's global footprint and thus consolidating the BRI. The new Taliban
regime in Kabul has already hailed China as its "most important partner" and expressed
 interest in being part of the CPEC. This is something that Washington, Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv and
Delhi are opposed to.
 The Abraham Accords deal, which seeks to normalize relations with a significant Arab world,
also eased pressures of conducting a political balancing act for states such as India. As briefly
alluded to earlier, India has sought to balance its interests between the three poles of power
in the region—the Arab world, Israel, and Iran.
 The trade and economic component has the significant marketable capacity, with Israel being
seen as a "startup nation", as christened by authors Dan Senor and Saul Singer, and the UAE as
a "scale up" nation. Also, India's technological prowess, money from the UAE (UAE also has
abundant capital resources, including those housed in sovereign wealth funds like ADIA,
Mubadala and ADQ) and innovation from Israel would power the cooperation among the four
countries.
 India is fast-tracking its FTAs with UAE, Israel and the European Union. In this context, joint
infrastructure projects like a multi-modal India-Arab-EU transport corridor linking Indian ports
like Mumbai with Piraeus in Greece via Jebel Ali in UAE, and by rail from there via Saudi Arabia
and Jordan to Israel's Mediterranean port of Haifa. Much of the infrastructure is already in
place or is coming up rapidly and a relatively short 300-km link from Al Haditha on the Saudi-
Jordan border to Beit She'an near the Jordan-Israel border could provide seamless
connectivity. This could have a strategic benefit for India by bringing it closer to European
markets.
 India also hopes to curb tensions between Israel, Iran and USA so that India's Chabahar project
can avoid problems related to sanctions from by the USA as the project is important for India
to access wider markets in Eurasian landmass. Israel, USA and Iran conflict is the biggest
destabilizer in the region if not controlled in time it might lead to a major conflict hindering
access to energy resources and putting India's large diaspora security at risk. Instability in the
region will also affect remittances from the region affecting India's balance of payments. Since
UAE has been trying to de-escalate its conflicts and tensions by engaging with Iran, and other
nations with which it has had fractious relations in the past, thus UAE's presence within the
four-member forum can help attain India's objective in this regard.
 India hopes to avoid over-dependence over any country and region because it restricts foreign
policy choices and curtails India's strategic autonomy, a core component of India's national
interest since the heydays of Nehruvian Non-alignment. India can utilize this initiative to
enhance its strategic autonomy.
 An important benefit India would likely be a consensus on the definitions of terrorism and
extremism that can arise if that forum is constructively utilized to this effect.

20. Critically examine India's decision of opting out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic
Partnership (RCEP), despite push from several nations like Japan and Australia to rethink its
decision. (15 marks, 250 words)

Answer: Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a free trade agreement among the
Asia-Pacific nations that simplify the customs procedure and rules of origin laws between countries. It
included trade in goods, services and investment; intellectual property rights; and special and
differential treatment to less-developed ASEAN member states.
India exited the group to safeguard the interests of industries like agriculture and dairy and give an
advantage to the country's services sector.

Reasons for India's exit

 It included India's fears that "inadequate" protection against surges in imports. The possible
circumvention of rules of origin and eliminating tariffs could lead to the dumping of some
products by routing them through other countries that enjoyed lower tariffs.
 India could not ensure countermeasures like an auto-trigger mechanism to raise tariffs on
products when their imports crossed a certain threshold.
 India already has trade deficits with 11 of the 15 RCEP countries. Findings from NITI Aayog's
report on India's performance in FTAs highlighted that India's imports had grown much faster
than its exports the countries it has FTA with.
 India wanted RCEP to exclude most-favoured-nation (MFN) obligations from the investment
chapter. It did not want to hand out the benefits it was giving to strategic allies or for
geopolitical reasons, especially to countries with which it has border disputes.
 India felt the agreement would force it to extend benefits given to other countries for sensitive
sectors like defence to all RCEP members.
 According to World Trade Organization data, India was the world's eighth-largest service
exporter and ninth-largest service trader in 2018. The member countries had not offered
concessions for the liberalized trade in services like IT sector.
 In particular, there was strong opposition from the textile (competition from countries like
Vietnam) and dairy industries (fear from New Zealand dairy imports).
 Also, the pharmaceutical sector opposed joining because RCEP wanted drug-makers to accept
stricter patent rules, threatening India's role as a generic "pharmacy to the world".

Potential negative impacts of exiting the RCEP

 Southeast Asian countries might take this decision negatively that may impact India's look east
policy.
 Given attempts by countries like Japan to get India back into the deal, there are also worries
that India's decision could impact the Australia-India-Japan network in the Indo-Pacific and
hamper initiatives like Supply Chain Resilience Initiative.
 There are valid concerns that India is losing out by staying away. It won't be part of global
value-chains generated by RCEP and may miss out on attracting export-oriented foreign direct
investment, hurting the Make in India policy.
 It leaves India with less scope to tap the large market that RCEP presents —the size of the deal
is mammoth, as the countries involved account for over 2 billion of the world's population.
 It can be argued that RCEP hasn't stopped China from slapping tariffs on or raising other
barriers to Australian products from barley to coal. RCEP will allow China to set global
standards and boost its overall standing worldwide, especially in the still-born Trans-Pacific
Partnership.

By rejecting RCEP, Delhi has reinforced its protectionist image. The possible alternative that India may
be exploring is reviews of its existing bilateral FTAs with some of these RCEP members and newer
agreements with other markets with potential for Indian exports. For example, emulation of India –
EU trade deal.