Daily Answer Writing

Model Answer

Devolution of Powers under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts

The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, enacted in 1993, were pivotal in granting constitutional recognition to local government bodies in India, establishing a framework for decentralized governance through the empowerment of Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

Key Features of Devolution

1. Three-Tier Structure: The Acts mandated a three-tier structure for local governance, comprising Panchayats at the village, intermediate, and district levels, along with Municipalities in urban areas. Gram Sabhas were also created, which include all registered voters in the Panchayat area (Source: Ministry of Panchayati Raj).
2. Devolution of Functions: The 11th and 12th Schedules delineate 29 and 18 subjects for the PRIs and ULBs, respectively, specifying the functional roles of local bodies (Source: The Constitution of India).
3. Election Conduct: The establishment of the State Election Commission provided for periodic elections of local bodies every five years, enhancing democratic practices at the grassroots level (Source: State Election Commission Reports).
4. Financial Devolution: Each state is required to form a State Finance Commission every five years to assess the financial status of local bodies. PRIs have autonomy to levy taxes and receive grants from the state’s consolidated fund (Source: Finance Commission Reports).

Evaluation of Devolution’s Effectiveness

Despite these provisions, the actual devolution of power remains largely unfulfilled. There is significant ambiguity regarding functional jurisdiction, often left to state legislative discretion. Local bodies are frequently undermined by state bureaucracy, lacking administrative autonomy and control over staff or budgets in sectors like health (Source: Various committee reports).

Additionally, local bodies face inadequate involvement in policy-making for welfare programs and are dependent on state and central financial resources due to insufficient revenue-generating capabilities.

In conclusion, while the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts laid a strong foundation for local governance, the devolution process has not been satisfactory so far. Addressing these challenges is crucial to achieving the desired empowerment of local bodies, which will facilitate participatory democracy and local development.

Model Answer

Why the Industrial Revolution Began in England

The Industrial Revolution (IR), which began in England around the 1760s, marked a significant shift from manual cottage industries to mass production in factories, particularly in the textile sector. Several key factors contributed to England being the birthplace of this transformative period.

1. Technological Advancements

Innovative inventions were pivotal to the IR. Key figures included:

• James Hargreaves, who invented the spinning jenny.
• Edmund Cartwright, known for the power loom.
• James Watt, who improved the steam engine.
  These advancements increased production efficiency and reduced labor costs.
  Source: Historical accounts of industrial innovations.

2. Agricultural Revolution and Urban Migration

The Enclosure Movement resulted in more productive farming, leading to greater crop yields. However, it displaced many small farmers, who migrated to urban areas seeking work in factories, thus providing a steady labor supply for industrial development.
Source: Agricultural history studies.

3. Availability of Resources

England was rich in essential resources for industrialization, such as coal and iron. This abundance of the factors of production—land, labor, and capital—was crucial for the IR’s initiation.
Source: Economic analyses of resource distribution.

4. Demand for Industrial Products

The rise of urban living increased domestic demand for industrial goods. Additionally, England’s colonies provided ready markets for surplus products, further driving industrial growth.
Source: Market studies of the colonial economy.

5. Stable Government and Economy

A conducive environment for trade, entrepreneurship, and innovation was fostered by a stable government and a straightforward legal system, which protected property rights and patents.
Source: Political economy research.

Impacts of the Industrial Revolution

The IR had profound and lasting effects on society and the economy:

1. Modern Capitalist Economy

The industrial sector dominated the economy, leading to exponential GDP growth. England became a major exporter of finished goods and an importer of raw materials.
Source: Economic growth reports.

2. Social Changes

Rapid urbanization resulted in the emergence of a middle class, while the working class often lived in poor conditions, leading to social stratification.
Source: Social studies of urbanization.

3. Rise of Imperialism

The demand for raw materials and markets spurred imperialism, as colonial powers sought to expand their control over overseas territories.
Source: Historical analyses of imperialism.

4. Environmental Impact

Increased population and industrial activity led to resource depletion and significant environmental pollution due to factory emissions and chemical usage.
Source: Environmental impact reports.

In summary, the combination of technological, economic, and social factors made England the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, which in turn reshaped the global landscape in various profound ways.

Model Answer

Decline of the Swadeshi Movement by Mid-1908

The Swadeshi Movement, which emerged from the anti-partition movement of 1905, marked a pivotal moment in the Indian National Movement. Despite its broad appeal and involvement from diverse sections of society, the movement lost momentum by mid-1908 due to several factors.

1. Government Repression

The British government responded to the growing unrest with severe repression. Public meetings, processions, and the press faced stringent controls and bans. Participating students were expelled from schools and colleges, and many activists were fined or assaulted by police. A notable example is the police crackdown during the 1906 Barisal Conference, where participants were forcibly dispersed and beaten.
Source: Historical accounts of the Swadeshi Movement.

2. Internal Conflicts

Disagreements within the Indian National Congress about the movement’s direction contributed to its decline. The split at Surat in 1907 weakened the unity of the movement, leading to fragmentation and a lack of cohesive strategy.
Source: Studies on the Surat split and its impacts.

3. Limited Nationwide Impact

While the Swadeshi Movement spread beyond Bengal, other regions of India were not fully prepared to adopt its new political strategies. The level of engagement varied significantly, limiting the movement’s effectiveness.
Source: Regional analyses of the movement’s outreach.

4. Leadership Vacuum

Significant leaders were either deported or imprisoned during this period. Key figures such as Ashwini Kumar Dutt and Tilak faced severe repercussions, while others like Bipin Chandra Pal and Aurobindo Ghosh withdrew from active politics. This lack of leadership left the movement directionless.
Source: Biographies of key leaders of the time.

5. Organizational Weakness

Although techniques like passive resistance were employed, the movement lacked centralized and disciplined organization. This disorganization hindered the effectiveness of its strategies.
Source: Research on the organizational structure of the movement.

6. Nature of Mass Movements

Mass movements often cannot maintain a constant level of intensity, especially under severe repression. A period of consolidation and regrouping is necessary to prepare for future struggles.
Source: Political theory on mass movements and their sustainability.

Conclusion

While the Swadeshi Movement faced significant challenges and ultimately lost momentum, it played a crucial role in fostering nationalism and engaging previously untouched segments of the population in the political discourse of India. Its legacy continued to influence future movements for independence.