Model Answer

Introduction

Higher education plays a crucial role in shaping a nation’s future by fostering innovation, research, and skilled workforce development. However, India’s higher education system faces significant challenges that hinder its growth and effectiveness. The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) aims to address these challenges and position India as a global knowledge hub.

Key Challenges in India’s Higher Education System

1. Poor Research Ecosystem: India has a limited research culture, with spending only 0.7% of GDP on research, far below the global average. This results in inadequate interdisciplinary research, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 institutions.
2. Faculty Shortages: A critical shortage of qualified faculty affects the quality of education. Premier institutions like IITs and IIMs have vacancies of 40% and 31%, respectively, leading to a teacher-student ratio of 1:26, far below the ideal.
3. Low Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): With a GER of only 27.3%, access to higher education remains inequitable, particularly for marginalized communities.
4. Inadequate Industry-Academia Linkage: The disconnect between academic institutions and industry leads to low employability, with only 54.81% of graduates employable as of 2024.
5. Governance Challenges: The excessive centralization and bureaucratic inefficiencies hinder institutional autonomy and innovation.
6. Digital Divide: The uneven adoption of digital education tools exacerbates disparities in access, especially in rural areas.

Role of NEP 2020 in Addressing These Challenges

NEP 2020 introduces several reforms to tackle these issues. Firstly, it emphasizes enhancing research and innovation by establishing the National Research Foundation to fund interdisciplinary projects. Secondly, it proposes measures for improving faculty quality through merit-based recruitment and continuous professional development.

To increase GER, NEP 2020 introduces flexible degree programs and vocational training options, aiming for a 50% GER by 2035. Strengthening industry-academia linkages through internships and co-developed curricula will ensure graduates are job-ready. Additionally, NEP 2020 advocates for governance reforms by proposing a Higher Education Commission to streamline regulation and enhance institutional autonomy.

Furthermore, the policy promotes digital learning initiatives to bridge the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to education across regions.

Way Forward

In conclusion, NEP 2020 presents a comprehensive framework to address the multifaceted challenges facing India’s higher education system. By implementing these reforms, India can not only enhance its educational landscape but also emerge as a global knowledge hub, fostering innovation and contributing to socio-economic development. The time for decisive action is imperative to realize these aspirations.

Model Answer

Introduction

Articles 355 and 356 of the Indian Constitution are crucial for maintaining the federal structure and ensuring governance stability. Article 356 allows the President to impose President’s Rule in a state when there is a failure of constitutional machinery, while Article 355 mandates the Union to protect states against external aggression and internal disturbances.

Explanation of Articles

Article 356 empowers the President to take over the administration of a state, effectively centralizing power. In contrast, Article 355 serves as a constitutional obligation for the Union to ensure that governance is maintained in all states, thus safeguarding their integrity.

Implications on Federal Structure

The invocation of these articles often leads to the centralization of authority, undermining the autonomy of state governments. This has been a contentious issue, as frequent imposition of President’s Rule can weaken elected state governments and diminish public trust in democratic processes. For instance, President’s Rule has been imposed 134 times since 1950, with states like Manipur facing it 11 times, indicating a trend of political instability and misuse.

Historical Context

Historical instances, such as the 48 impositions of President’s Rule between 1966 and 1977, illustrate the potential for misuse. The Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in the S.R. Bommai case (1994) emphasized that the use of Article 356 should be conditional and subject to judicial review, reinforcing the necessity for checks and balances.

Safeguards Against Misuse

To prevent misuse, several recommendations have been proposed. The Sarkaria and Punchhi Commissions recommend invoking Article 356 only in exceptional circumstances, after exhausting all alternatives. Judicial oversight should be strengthened, and clear definitions of “failure of constitutional machinery” should be established to prevent subjective interpretations.

Way Forward

In conclusion, while Articles 355 and 356 are essential for maintaining governance stability, their application must be carefully monitored to uphold the federal structure. A balanced approach that respects state autonomy while ensuring timely intervention in cases of genuine crisis is crucial for preserving the democratic integrity of India. Strengthening judicial scrutiny and ensuring clear guidelines will help mitigate the risks of misuse, fostering a robust federal framework.

Model Answer

Introduction

The ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative, launched in 2014, aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub by encouraging both domestic and foreign companies to manufacture their products in India. This initiative is significant for boosting economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing the country’s position in global supply chains.

Significance of the Initiative

The initiative seeks to increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP, currently at around 16%, to 25% by 2025. It promotes foreign direct investment (FDI) by simplifying regulations and enhancing ease of doing business. Key policy reforms, such as the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, have created a conducive environment for industries, leading to increased investments and job creation. Infrastructure projects like the Gati Shakti National Master Plan also aim to improve connectivity and logistics, crucial for manufacturing efficiency.

Key Challenges

Despite its ambitious goals, the initiative faces several challenges:

• High Logistics Costs: India’s logistics costs, ranging from 14-18% of GDP, are significantly higher than the global average of 8%, hampering export competitiveness.
• Rigid Labor Laws and Skill Gaps: Compliance burdens dissuade industries from hiring, and a lack of skilled labor in advanced manufacturing sectors limits growth.
• Dependence on China: Heavy reliance on China for critical components compromises supply chain resilience, especially in pharmaceuticals and electronics.
• Weak MSME Ecosystem: MSMEs face severe credit shortages, with only 20% having access to formal credit, limiting their growth potential.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Inconsistent power supply and inadequate facilities hinder manufacturing expansion.

Strategic Measures for Enhancement

To enhance the effectiveness of the initiative, India can adopt several strategic measures:

• Improve Logistics Efficiency: Implement the Gati Shakti National Master Plan to streamline transport networks and reduce logistics costs.
• Labor Law Reforms: Simplify labor laws to encourage hiring and promote skill development through targeted training programs.
• Strengthen MSME Support: Increase access to credit through digital platforms and support local component manufacturing initiatives.
• Invest in Infrastructure: Accelerate the development of industrial corridors and plug-and-play facilities to attract investments.
• Boost High-Tech Manufacturing: Increase R&D funding in critical sectors like semiconductors and biotechnology to foster innovation.

Way Forward

The ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative is crucial for positioning India as a global manufacturing powerhouse. By addressing the existing challenges and implementing strategic reforms, India can not only enhance its manufacturing capabilities but also ensure sustainable economic growth and job creation in the years to come.