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Dinesh Raghavan

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Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Dinesh Raghavan
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Dinesh RaghavanBegginer
Asked: January 11, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction (1-2 sentences) Contextualize the question: Briefly introduce the PESA Act of 1996 and its key objective of empowering Gram Sabhas as central governance bodies in Scheduled Areas. Mention the Act’s role in promoting self-governance for tribal ...

upsc: local governance
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Challenges Faced by Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA Act) empowers Gram Sabhas to be central institutions of governance in tribal areas, aiming to ensure local self-governance. However, several challenges hinder their effectiveRead more

    Model Answer

    Challenges Faced by Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas

    The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA Act) empowers Gram Sabhas to be central institutions of governance in tribal areas, aiming to ensure local self-governance. However, several challenges hinder their effective functioning:

    1. Lack of Awareness: A significant challenge is the low level of awareness among Gram Sabha members about their rights and powers. This lack of knowledge often leads to underutilization of their authority, particularly in areas like land conservation, forest management, and welfare schemes (Source: PESA Act). Many tribal members are unaware of their legal rights, leading to poor participation in decision-making processes.
    2. Geographical Isolation: Scheduled Areas are often geographically isolated, with poor connectivity and infrastructure. This isolation makes it difficult for people, especially those in remote villages, to attend Gram Sabha meetings, thus limiting their participation and representation (Source: PESA Act).
    3. Bureaucratic Resistance: The entrenched bureaucracy frequently resists the devolution of powers to Gram Sabhas, which hampers their ability to function effectively. Bureaucratic interference in matters like land acquisition and resource management prevents Gram Sabhas from exercising full control as mandated by the PESA Act (Source: PESA Act).
    4. Inequality in Participation: Gram Sabha meetings tend to be male-dominated, often excluding women and marginalized groups from meaningful participation. This lack of inclusivity diminishes the effectiveness of decision-making (Source: PESA Act).
    5. Political Interference and Poor Implementation: Political interference can distort the functioning of Gram Sabhas, especially in areas like fund distribution and beneficiary identification. Additionally, the poor implementation of resolutions passed by Gram Sabhas often leads to ineffective governance (Source: PESA Act).

    Measures to Enhance Effectiveness

    To strengthen Gram Sabhas, several measures are necessary:

    1. Awareness Programs: Conducting awareness campaigns to educate villagers about their rights and responsibilities will enhance participation and decision-making.
    2. Improved Access and Inclusivity: Organizing meetings at the hamlet level and ensuring women’s participation through targeted efforts can help address geographical and social barriers.
    3. Capacity Building: Training Gram Sabha members, particularly women, in meeting management, documentation, and advocacy will improve governance and resource management.
    4. Transparency and Accountability: Implementing proper record-keeping systems and monitoring mechanisms can ensure that resolutions are followed through and the Gram Sabha’s powers are respected (Source: PESA Act).

    By addressing these challenges and implementing these measures, Gram Sabhas can become more effective vehicles for local governance and sustainable development in tribal areas.

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Dinesh Raghavan
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Dinesh RaghavanBegginer
Asked: January 11, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction: Contextualizing the Question (30-40 words) Start with a brief introduction about the role of Parliament in the democratic setup. Define its core functions: deliberative lawmaking and holding the executive accountable. Mention the increasing concerns over the decline in ...

upsc: parliament & state legislatures
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Decline in Parliamentary Functioning and its Impact on Lawmaking and Accountability The effective functioning of Parliament is essential for fulfilling its role in deliberative lawmaking and holding the executive accountable. However, recent trends indicate that a decline in parliamentaRead more

    Model Answer

    Decline in Parliamentary Functioning and its Impact on Lawmaking and Accountability

    The effective functioning of Parliament is essential for fulfilling its role in deliberative lawmaking and holding the executive accountable. However, recent trends indicate that a decline in parliamentary operations is undermining these critical responsibilities.

    Reduced Time for Discussion and Scrutiny

    One of the most significant factors affecting parliamentary functioning is the decreasing number of sitting days. According to the PRS (Public Affairs Centre), the Lok Sabha’s annual sitting days have sharply fallen from 121 days between 1952-70 to just 56 days in 2022. This reduction in sitting time leaves limited opportunities for MPs to debate and scrutinize important legislation or question the executive (PRS, 2022). Furthermore, the rapid passage of bills, with the Lok Sabha passing laws in less than 10 minutes on average, bypasses the necessary scrutiny. This hasty approach diminishes the role of Parliament as a deliberative body and weakens accountability mechanisms.

    Overuse of Ordinances and Reduced Committee Scrutiny

    Another factor is the increasing reliance on ordinances, which limits Parliament’s ability to debate and hold the executive accountable. Between 2014-2021, 76 ordinances were issued, often circumventing parliamentary processes and reducing opportunities for opposition to question executive actions (PRS, 2021). Additionally, the sidelining of parliamentary committees, such as the Standing Committees, further weakens scrutiny. Only 27% of bills were referred to committees in the 16th Lok Sabha, compared to 71% in the 15th Lok Sabha (PRS, 2019).

    Diminished Role of the Opposition and Rajya Sabha

    The growing dominance of the ruling party, especially through the use of the money bill route, has further weakened the role of the Rajya Sabha, which traditionally acted as a counterbalance to the Lok Sabha. The lack of short duration discussions—only 6 since 2019—has also stifled the opposition’s ability to raise urgent national issues (PRS, 2019). Moreover, the absence of private members’ bills being passed for over fifty years highlights the diminishing space for non-government voices in lawmaking.

    In conclusion, these trends point to a significant erosion of parliamentary functions, limiting its ability to act as a deliberative body and an effective check on the executive. Strengthening parliamentary norms and ensuring adequate time for debates, scrutiny, and opposition involvement are crucial for restoring its accountability role.

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Dinesh Raghavan
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Dinesh RaghavanBegginer
Asked: January 11, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Brief Overview: Start by acknowledging the importance of the right to freedom of speech and expression as a fundamental right in both countries. Mention that although the right is protected in both the U.S. (First Amendment) ...

upsc: comparison of constitutions
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Interpretation of the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression in India vs. the United States The right to freedom of speech and expression is protected as a fundamental right in both India and the United States, but its interpretation and scope differ significantly due to the constituRead more

    Model Answer

    Interpretation of the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression in India vs. the United States

    The right to freedom of speech and expression is protected as a fundamental right in both India and the United States, but its interpretation and scope differ significantly due to the constitutional frameworks and cultural contexts in each country.

    Scope of Protection

    In the United States, the First Amendment provides robust protection for freedom of speech, covering political speech, commercial speech, and even offensive or controversial expressions, unless they fall into specific categories such as incitement to violence, obscenity, or defamation. A landmark case exemplifying this broad protection is Texas v. Johnson (1989), where the U.S. Supreme Court held that flag burning as a form of political protest was protected under the First Amendment.

    In contrast, India’s interpretation of freedom of speech is subject to “reasonable restrictions” as outlined in Article 19(2). These restrictions cover areas such as public order, defamation, and morality. For example, the Supreme Court of India has upheld restrictions on speech that could disturb public order or harm religious sentiments, as seen in the Amish Devgan case, where the Court allowed multiple FIRs against the journalist for allegedly defaming a Sufi saint.

    Press Freedom

    Both nations protect press freedom, but the scope is different. In the U.S., press freedom is absolute, guaranteed under the First Amendment, whereas in India, the press enjoys freedom as part of Article 19(1)(a), but this is more subject to judicial scrutiny and reasonable restrictions. In recent cases like Media One, the Indian Supreme Court intervened to restore the ban on a news channel, emphasizing the nuanced balance between press freedom and national security concerns.

    Obscenity and Hate Speech

    The U.S. uses a clear standard for obscenity based on whether material appeals to prurient interests and lacks significant literary, political, or artistic value (Miller v. California, 1973). India’s interpretation is more conservative, as seen in the Ranjit D. Udeshi case, where the sale of an unexpurgated version of Lady Chatterley’s Lover was banned due to its explicit sexual content.

    Hate speech is another area of divergence. While the U.S. provides broad protection to speech, including offensive or hate-filled expressions (unless it incites imminent violence), India allows restrictions on hate speech, especially when it involves communal or religious intolerance.

    Conclusion

    In essence, while both countries value freedom of speech, India’s constitutional framework imposes more restrictions based on public order, decency, and religious sentiments, reflecting the country’s socio-cultural values, whereas the U.S. adopts a more expansive view of free speech with fewer limitations. The degree of freedom, therefore, varies significantly, with India’s approach being more cautious and context-specific.

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Dinesh Raghavan
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Dinesh RaghavanBegginer
Asked: January 11, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction: Brief Overview of Affirmative Action Purpose of Affirmative Action: Define affirmative action as a set of policies and practices designed to address historical discrimination against marginalized groups and promote equality in education, employment, and other sectors. ...

upsc: comparison of constitutions
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Comparison of Affirmative Action Policies in India and the United States Affirmative action policies aim to redress historical inequalities and provide opportunities for marginalized groups. However, the nature, scope, and implementation of these policies differ significantly between InRead more

    Model Answer

    Comparison of Affirmative Action Policies in India and the United States

    Affirmative action policies aim to redress historical inequalities and provide opportunities for marginalized groups. However, the nature, scope, and implementation of these policies differ significantly between India and the United States.

    1. Genesis and Purpose

    In India, affirmative action stems from the caste-based discrimination prevalent for centuries, with the reservation policy focusing on Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Its primary goal is to promote social and economic equality by addressing inequalities related to caste, income, and gender.

    In the United States, affirmative action was introduced in response to racial and ethnic discrimination, particularly against African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans. It aims to mitigate systemic prejudice based on race, ethnicity, and gender, focusing on creating equal opportunities in education and employment.

    2. Scope and Implementation

    In India, the reservation system is extensive, applying not only in education but also in employment, promotions, and legislative bodies. The quotas are fixed at 50% (as per the Indra Sawhney case) for SCs, STs, and OBCs.

    In contrast, affirmative action in the USA is narrower, primarily targeting education and employment. The system offers preferential treatment in college admissions, hiring practices, and scholarships, but the scope varies by state and institution, and no fixed quotas are established.

    3. Targeted Groups

    In India, affirmative action targets the marginalized groups within the caste system, notably SCs, STs, and OBCs. It also includes economic factors to some extent, especially with the recent 103rd Amendment, which introduced reservations for economically weaker sections (EWS).

    In the USA, the primary focus is on racial minorities such as African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans, although other minority groups can also benefit.

    4. Legal Framework

    In India, affirmative action is constitutionally mandated, with clear provisions under Articles 15(4), 16(4), and 46. These articles empower the government to create reservation policies for marginalized communities.

    In the USA, affirmative action is not explicitly stated in the Constitution but has evolved through legislation (e.g., the Civil Rights Act of 1964) and judicial rulings, most recently with the Supreme Court limiting its scope in college admissions.

    5. Emerging Trends

    India has been expanding its reservation system, including the EWS category, to address income-based inequalities. Meanwhile, in the USA, the trend has been towards reducing the scope of affirmative action, with court decisions such as the 2023 ruling limiting race-conscious admissions in colleges.

    In conclusion, while both India and the USA have adopted affirmative action to address historical discrimination, the focus, implementation, and legal frameworks differ, reflecting each country’s unique historical and social context.

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Dinesh Raghavan
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Dinesh RaghavanBegginer
Asked: January 11, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Define the Scope of the Question: Briefly introduce the concept of India’s federal structure. Explain the importance of inter-governmental institutions in the context of federalism, particularly in a country like India with diverse states and regions. Mention the role ...

upsc: federal structure
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Importance of Federal Inter-Governmental Institutions in India India’s federal inter-governmental institutions play a pivotal role in fostering communication and dialogue between the Centre and states. These platforms facilitate cooperative federalism, which is essential for addressingRead more

    Model Answer

    Importance of Federal Inter-Governmental Institutions in India

    India’s federal inter-governmental institutions play a pivotal role in fostering communication and dialogue between the Centre and states. These platforms facilitate cooperative federalism, which is essential for addressing unresolved governance issues. While the mechanisms are vital, their effectiveness is shaped by both strengths and challenges.

    Strengths of Federal Institutions

    Fostering Cooperative Federalism
    Institutions like the Inter-State Council and NITI Aayog serve as key platforms for dialogue between the Centre and states. The Inter-State Council, for example, has facilitated discussions on critical issues like interstate water disputes, creating an avenue for resolution (source: Government of India). Such interactions help resolve conflicts and promote cooperation across levels of governance.

    Strategic Policy Vision and Regional Development
    NITI Aayog has played an instrumental role in shaping India’s national strategies, such as the 15-year road map and 7-year action plan, by actively involving states in policy formulation. Similarly, Zonal Councils ensure balanced regional development and resolve state-level issues, fostering stronger union-state relations.

    Fiscal Federalism
    The GST Council stands out as a significant example of how inter-governmental institutions address fiscal governance issues. For instance, the resolution on the GST compensation mechanism was crucial in addressing the revenue loss concerns of states after the GST rollout.

    Challenges Facing Federal Institutions

    Infrequent Meetings
    Despite the constitutional mandate, the Inter-State Council has met only 11 times since 1990, hindering its potential as a regular platform for dialogue (source: Ministry of Home Affairs).

    Political Will and Trust Deficit
    Political differences often impede effective cooperation between the Centre and states. The absence of key state leaders in NITI Aayog’s Governing Council meeting exemplifies the lack of political will and trust.

    Conclusion

    India’s federal institutions are crucial in addressing governance issues, but their effectiveness can be improved by ensuring regular meetings, clearer mandates, and enhanced political cooperation. Efforts to reduce political differences and ensure transparency can further strengthen these platforms.

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