When considering the array of 51 optional subjects for the UPSC Mains Examination, Sociology consistently stands out as a top choice. Its inherent appeal lies in its accessibility and intriguing exploration of humanity and society, catering even to students from Science and Commerce backgrounds. With a well-defined UPSC sociology syllabus comprising only 13 units, Sociology can be comprehensively covered within 4 to 5 Month Comprehensive “Foundation to Finale” Classroom Programme, Many of Our Sociology Foundation Course Students have Cleared CSE 2023- Kajal Singh, First Attempt (Age 22) Mahi Sharma, First Mains (Age 23), Anand Sharma First Mains and Many Others. Previously also Many students like IAS Pradeep Singh, IAS Ashish, IPS Bindu Madhav, IPS Aparna Gautam, IPS Shahnaz Illyas got Success in CSE in First Attempt with Sociology Optional.

IAS Medha Anand, has get 310 marks in her optional subject sociology, 156 in paper – 1 & 154 marks in Paper-2 in CSE 2023. Notably, Sociology for UPSC has garnered a reputation as one of the Highest scoring optional subjects in the UPSC Main Examination, with numerous candidates consistently achieving 300+. Its popularity is evident in the fact that a significant proportion of top 100 rankers opt for Sociology as their optional subject, showcasing its high scoring potential, particularly for those not from sociology backgrounds. Moreover, relevance of Sociology Optional Syllabus for UPSC extends beyond the examination hall, enriching understanding across various aspects of life, from social and economic to political and cultural domains. In recent times, Sociology Optional has gained traction, aligning with the evolving trend of the UPSC Mains towards conceptual analysis. Unlike other optional subjects with unpredictable question patterns, Sociology offers stability and predictability, making it an attractive choice. This adaptability, coupled with its concise syllabus and relevance to both academic and social spheres, positions Sociology as the ideal optional subject for engineers as well as optional subject for commerce graduates and optional subject for  science graduates seeking success in the Civil Services Examination. For those pursuing Sociology as an optional subject, accessing comprehensive Sociology optional notes and few good Sociology optional books, and previous years’ UPSC sociology optional question papers is pivotal for thorough preparation. Additionally, for aspirants seeking guidance, renowned  educator Vikash Ranjan Sir at TRIUMPH IAS coaching institutes in Delhi, offer valuable support and resources. Vikash Ranjan Sir is the Best Sociology Teacher and Triumph IAS is the best sociology coaching in Delhi. If you are away from Old Rajendra Nagar, Delhi, you can still complete Journey of UPSC civil service preparation through online Sociology class The scientific nature of Sociology, coupled with its direct applicability to daily social interactions, renders it a subject that can be comprehended without extensive reference materials, distinguishing it from other optional subjects requiring extensive reading and research.

Role of Cooperatives in Strengthening Dalits and Preserving Commons

A cooperative society is an organization established to provide financial support to its members, who collectively raise capital to assist those in need. It primarily safeguards vulnerable sections of rural communities from exploitation by affluent individuals and corporations. For the rural economy to develop rapidly and sustainably, cooperative societies must play a proactive and constructive role in addressing the needs of the population.

Features of Cooperative Societies:

The key features of cooperative societies are as follows:

• Voluntary and Open Membership – Cooperatives are open to all members of the rural community, allowing individuals to join or leave the organization at their discretion. Members who wish to exit must provide notice before doing so. Cooperatives do not discriminate based on religion, caste, gender, creed, or language.
• Registration – Cooperatives must undergo a legal registration process to become a recognized entity. Only after registration can they enter into contracts or acquire property.
• Limited Liability – The liability of members is restricted to the amount of capital they have invested, ensuring the protection of their financial interests.
• Government Supervision – State governments regularly oversee cooperative societies to ensure the protection of members’ financial interests. These organizations are required to maintain accurate financial records, which are audited independently to prevent financial malpractice.
• Democratic Principles – Cooperative societies operate on democratic principles, granting voting rights to all members. Members elect a managing committee responsible for making key decisions regarding the organization’s operations.

A Case study

• In various parts of the country, village common lands have become prime targets for land grabs. In rural India, land, whether privately owned or communally used, remains a crucial asset. States like Punjab are no exception to this issue; common property resources such as land and groundwater have steadily declined.
• Despite having legal rights to village common land under the Punjab Village Common Lands (Regulation) Act of 1964, which reserves 33 percent of shamlat land for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Dalit farmers have been denied access by powerful landlords. These landlords use fraudulent tactics such as fielding dummy candidates during auctions, failing to announce auction dates, and tampering with village revenue records. Dalit farmers also face various forms of atrocities, including denial of access to drinking water, healthcare, and fodder, as well as social boycotts, violence, and even murder and rape.
• Women are particularly affected, as they rely heavily on common land for essential resources like food, fodder (barseen), and foliage. In response to these crises and injustices, Punjab is slowly witnessing the agrarian mobilization of small and marginal farmers across the state.
• A distinctive aspect of these mobilizations is the active involvement of Dalit women, which marks a significant shift from past movements. This growing movement is being led by farmer collectives like the Zamin Prapti Sangharsh Committee (ZPSC).
• Through such collectives, farmers pool resources like land, labor, irrigation infrastructure, and agricultural inputs, enabling them to overcome constraints and increase their bargaining power, especially for marginalized groups. Collective farming by Dalit communities emerges as both a result of their struggles and a potential solution to secure access to common agricultural land in a highly stratified social structure defined by caste and patriarchy.

Cooperative societies play a pivotal role in mobilizing Dalits and safeguarding village common lands.

The End of the Blog: Role of Cooperatives in Strengthening Dalits and Preserving Commons