G.S paper II: 2019: Solutions

Q. Despite Consistent experience of High growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive.(10)

Approach:

In the intro, you have to show the dichotomy between India’s GDP growth and its inclusive development indicators. You can come up with facts related to human development indicators in India – India’s rank in HDI (130) while showcasing recent GDP indicators which show higher growth trajectories.
In the main body, you need to identify those factors which are creating challenges to inclusive development and how it is impacting the nation.
Economic inequality, poverty, lack of awareness on government initiatives/schemes/welfare programs, jobless growth, patriarchy, uneven access to health and education etc are some of the issues which you can mention.
In the 2nd part, you need to discuss the way forward.
Conclude in an optimistic tone.

Answer:

India ranked 130 on UN’s Human Development Index of 2018. This is in stark contrast to India’s spot at 6th position in terms of GDP according to IMF. The low indicators on human development show our investment in social sectors have been meagre, combined with failure of GDP growth to ‘trickle down’, making inclusive development a far cry.

The various issues in this regard:

Policy failures: India’s spending on primary health and education is at 7.5 percent of GDP.

It is quite low compared to European countries which spend around one-fifth of GDP on social sector.

Governance failures: Existing schemes aimed at improving public health are also are suffering from implementation at the ground level.
Regional variations: Health and education being state subjects, the related indicators also vary widely across states. For instance, kerala has a high score on HDI with 0.78 and Bihar at low with 0.56. Such variations account for over all low score for India
Apathy of politicians: Health and education have not attracted the interest of politicians as much as other issues had been. Because investments in these sectors yield a long-term and indirect results which are not likely to translate into votes.
Quality of education: Apart from quantity aspect, education in India also suffering from quality issues due to lack of skilled teachers, failure of regulatory bodies in delivering their functions, syllabus that is not in consonance with current requirements.
Structural issues: India’ growth is termed as jobless growth. It is because of lack of expansion of labour intensive sectors like manufacturing sector and highest GDP share comes from service sector that employs less people. This resulted in developmental imbalances with large number of citizens unemployed.

Balanced and inclusive growth thus requires steps that address the above issues- investment in human capital, increasing citizens’ access to health and educational facilities, addressing quality issues and creating employment opportunities combined with governance reforms.

Q. There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on Non- Food essential items squeezing their food – budget.- Elucidate.(10)

Approach:

The demand of the question is that you should substantiate with examples and data to show how there is growing divergence between the poverty and hunger.

In the intro, mention the present condition of hunger in India despite on of the best GDP numbers in the world.

In the 1st part of the main body, you need to explain with examples about how the government’s expenditure of social sector is decreasing and thus leading to poor spending more on non-food essentials like Health, Medicines etc.
The demand of the question is that you should substantiate with examples and data to show how there is growing divergence between the poverty and hunger.
In the intro, mention the present condition of hunger in India despite on of the best GDP numbers in the world.
In the 1st part of the main body, you need to explain with examples about how the government’s expenditure of social sector is decreasing and thus leading to poor spending more on non-food essentials like Health, Medicines etc.

Model Answer

Why India is Unable to Mitigate Hunger When We Are Producing More Food than Ever?

Detailed analysis

Despite the fact that India’s score in the Global Hunger Index has fallen to 31.1 from 38.8 between 2000 and 2018, the issue of hunger is often relegated to the background. India’s rank in the Global Hunger Index has also fallen to 103 (ranked out of 119 countries).

In terms of policy, hunger, as an issue, is not dealt with directly, and with urgency. Instead, it is kept under the larger purview of economic development which expects that wealth will percolate to solve the problem of hunger. This formulation makes a number of incorrect assumptions about the relationship between hunger and other social structures. It is, at best, an indirect method that does nothing to immediately address the alarming issue of hunger that India is facing at present.

In this reading list, we look at the ways in which hunger has been conceptualised and dealt with in India.

Is Poverty the Primary Factor Responsible for Food Insecurity?

India is currently experiencing a “food-budget squeeze” owing to shrinking social expenditure by the government.

This makes the urban and rural poor dependent on private entities for essential services like education and transportation, which are likely to be more expensive. Consequently, the portion of income that can be spent on food also shrinks.

“The findings of study suggest that rather than being a matter of choice, the poor have been increasingly forced to spend more on non-food essential items such as education, healthcare, transportation, fuel and lighting.

The share of monthly expenditure devoted to these items has increased at such a pace that it has absorbed all the increase in real income over the past three decades.

This has led to a “food budget squeeze”, which has meant relatively stagnant real food expenditure over the last two decades. Several factors have led to or compounded the effects of the food budget squeeze.”

Who Suffers the Most Because of Hunger?

It is quite evident now that women are the worst affected by hunger because the patriarchal structures of families in India teach them to go hungry, when food is scarce.

From the case studies of two devastating famines in the 19th century, she found that female life chances are relatively better in South India as compared to North India.

Why Has India’s Rank Deteriorated in the Global Hunger Index?

Between 2008 and 2014, India’s position on the Global Hunger Index seemed to have been improving. Thereafter, India’s position began to deteriorate again.

Given that malnutrition is a multidimensional phenomenon (UNICEF 1994), the revised GHI formula is able to depict a relatively truer state of hunger in countries across the globe.

Inclusion of stunting ensures consideration of rigid cultural factors, while that of wasting represents aspects of diet quality as well. Also, stunting is an indicator of long-term growth failure, and therefore, must be accounted for in any analysis of potential threat a given level of child malnutrition poses for a country.

This is one of the key reasons the sustainable development agenda of the United Nations associate bodies display primary concern towards stunting.”

How Do We Address the Problem of Hunger? 

Despite the fact that the rate of global food production has been consistently higher than the rate of population growth, there is a persistent and pervasive crisis when it comes to food security.

Hunger can only be dealt with by, carrying out policies of income redistribution, which respond to objectives of social justice rather than economic efficiency as perceived by neo-liberalism.

A substantial push in public provisioning towards social protection might go a long way in ensuring food security.

In most developing countries one of the biggest issues, with respect to public provisioning towards social protection, to address hunger and food insecurity is organically connected with that of adequate “fiscal” or “expenditure” space. Contrary to the view that countries with low GDP cannot create such a space, we would argue that even at low levels of income it is possible to mobilise adequate resources for the provisioning of social protection.

Neither conceptually nor historically, there is no reason to believe that a country needs to wait to reach relatively high levels of per capita income before it can make adequate progress in this regard, even though, higher income of course helps in doing so.

While it is understood that primary cause of hunger in poverty, there is an increasing trend that shows the expenditure of poor constitutes more than food.

The concept of Multi-Dimensional Poverty shows that lack of education and living standards are as essential as food in understanding poverty.

The reasons for expenditure on non-food expenditure by poor:

Our failure to provide quality and free public health facilities resulted in poor spending more on private hospitals. Over 70% health expenditure are spent from out of pocket as per a survey report.
Majority of employment in India is under unorganized sector who are not covered by social security schemes like ESI and EPFO. Meeting unforeseen expenditures thus become a burden for poor.
Unhealthy practices like using polluting cooking fuels such as chullas make poor women vulnerable to pulmonary diseases.
Lack of accessibility and quality in government schools also forcing them to choose private options where fee are hefty.

Health and education expenditure, as a percent of overall income makes it highest for the poor.

As Amartya Sen states, government should adopt a capability approach to addressing poverty issue by increasing its spending on health and education. Without which, non- food expenditure is becoming a burden the poor cannot bear.

Q. Implementation of information and Communication Technology (ICT) based Projects / Programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors, and suggest measures for their effective implementation.(10)

Approach:

Its a direct question but asking about the issues and challenges of the ICT, rather than asking about its benefit. So you need to identify them, factors involved and suggest measures to address them.
Introduce ICT and e-governance in your intro.
In the 1st part of the main body, mention some of the programs in the areas of ICT like Digital India, Bharat Net, NeGP, Aadhaar, tech in PDS etc.
In the 2nd part, mention the steps that need to be taken for the improvement in these projects and effective implementation.

Model Answer:

Adaption of Information and Communication Technologies has proved to be a boon with its inherent advantages such as increased efficiency, transparency, and flexibility in operations. But their implementation also suffers due to certain shortcomings at the preparation level.

They are:

Infrastructure deficiencies: such as lack of broadband connectivity for internet access, lack of continuous electricity supply, non-availability of mobile coverage in rural areas.
Digital illiteracy: there are variations in rate of digital literacy with rural India faring low thus making ICT adoption difficult for projects aiming rural development.
Personnel shortage: implementation of ICT projects require skilled man power. Their availability is the major concern.
Language barrier: Mush of digital content is in English. Making it available in local languages is a huge challenge
Acceptance: due to factors like lack of awareness, apprehensions related to security, difficulty to break old habits etc, acceptance from people is also low.

Measures to address these factors

Programmes like PMGDISHA aimed at educating people with low digital literacy must be taken up
Projects like BharatNet aimed at connecting all gram panchayats with broadband must be taken up with faster pace.
Training employees on digital skills must be included in all government training modules and existing employees must be reskilled.
Designing content in local languages to attract non-English users.
Increasing awareness among public and also officials about the benefits of adopting ICTs

In order to reap the benefits ushered by ICTs, India must address the above factors and be prepared to embrace the revolution.

Q. The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment.(10)

Approach:

The key words of the question are: Global partnership and Strategic partnership.
So your main body should discuss these two aspects in a cohesive manner.

Introduce with the recent Indo-Japan relations.

Then in the 1st part of the main body, mention why these two nations need each other’s support.

Then discuss the prospect of India and Japan in global partnership and strategic partnership in Asia.

Model Answer

India and Japan have been one of the oldest partners, with their ties spanning across centuries. The contemporary issues have indeed modified the ties upto certain extent.

Aspects of India-Japan relationship

Trade
India and Japan are large trade partners with wide range of goods ranging from electronics to agriculture. The joint co-operation with Indian companies is one of the highlights of this relation.
Ex: Maruti-Suzuki and Hero-Honda
Defence and Infrastructure
Japan considers India as a reliable defence partner and altered its policy for the first time to sell US-2 amphibious aircrafts to India. India and Japan are part of the trilateral Malabar exercise for defence co-opertion. India and Japan are also trying to forge strong ties with other countries to tackle China.
Ex: India-Japan joint investments in Vietnam’s economy.
Economic co-operation
India and Japan have signed various ties wherein Japan will invest in Indian economy. It will also help India in its overseas ventures, where it requires technical proficiency.
Ex: Japan assisting India in India-Africa growth corridor and Chabahar port development.
Cultural
India and Japan share common cultural ties due to Buddhism. Japanese tourists regularly feature in largest overseas visitors to India. Japan is also assisting India in developing cultural tourism.
Ex: Varanasi-Kyoto sister city agreement.

Way ahead
There are greater opportunities for India to invest in Japanese economy as well. India’s expertise in IT services could help it in expanding its service to Japan as well as other Asian countries.

Thus, we can observe that the relation between India-japan has been elevated to the higher level through newer initiatives. Both the countries can also contribute towards growth in Asia and the world through their joint partnerships.

Q. Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’.(10)

Approach:

In the intro, link the issue of current events with the mandate of UNESCO and how it has been affected in recent times due to the politics of member nations.
In the 1st part, discuss the mandate and importance of UNESCO.

In the 2nd part, mention why US left and what are those allegations of UNESCO being anti-Israel.

Briefly mention what are the issues of politicisation of UNESCO mandates by various member countries that has also affected the world boy.

In the next part, mention the effect of US withdrawal and too much politicisation on the overall working of UNESCO.
In the conclusion, discuss what lies ahead for the world body

Model Answer

UNESCO is one of the most controversial bodies of the UNO. Its functions touch vital and sensitive aspects like cultural, educational, economic, and intellectual aspects of the member states.

Challenges faced by the UNESCO-

Financial: it is the most pressing of all issues. UNESCO mostly depends on contributions from its members. Recently US announced a cut of around 80 mn dollars.
Too much work burden: UNESO is involved in functions like designating world heritage sites, listing intangible world heritage, assessing global educational scenario, and sponsoring a range of cultural and intellectual activities. A lot of UNESCO’s work is pointless, as pointed out by an official.
Political controversies: During cold war era, its support to McBride report made the western countries criticize UNESCO as against freedom of press. Currently, its support to Palestinian claim on its heritage sites have antagonized both Israel and US, making them both withdraw their memberships.

UNESCO’s intention was to provide a platform for members to discuss freely on issues of science, culture, and education. It was felt, that it helps members coordinate better unlike in the General Assembly or UNSC where politics dominate. However, UNESCO could not shield itself from political controversies on one hand, and also unable to carry on non-political functions due to lack of funding.

Thus, streamlining it’s functions and rationalizing the number of activities the world body undertakes is the way forward.

Q. On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the Representation of People Act, 1951? Also mention the remedies available to such person against his disqualification.(15)

Approach:

The constitution of India provides various measures that prevents ineligible people from occupying representative offices. One among them is the Representation of People Act, 1951, which can be used to disqualify misfits, aiming for law making offices.

Grounds of disqualification

Conviction in offences
If a person is found to be guilty in any offence resulting in imprisonment for not less than two years, he/she is liable to be disqualified from his/her position and also cannot contest elections for subsequent 6 years.
Conflict of interest
A person fighting elections must not hold any profiteering offices under the government or its subsidaries. This can also be as a secretary, managing agent etc.
Corrupt practices
A person convicted in practices such as bribery or kickbacks is not allowed to contest elections.
Failure to file election expenses
An individual is expected to file his election expenses with the Election Commission of India within a certain period of time after his/her election, failing in which will result in his/her disqualification.
Practicing social evils
An individual practicing social evils like sati, dowry, untouchability or promoting enmity between social or religious groups can be disqualified.

Remedies available against disqualification

Judicial petition

The person in question can file a petition in high court and subsequently in Supreme court to challenge the verdict of disqualification.

Thus, the provisions act as balancing powers that ensures that unfit individuals do not enter the law making system. But there are certain loopholes that are being exploited to occupy these posts inspite of misdeeds.

Q. “Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution is a limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power.” In the light of this statement explain whether Parliament under Article 368 of the Constitution can destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution by expanding its amending power?(15)

Approach:

In the intro, discuss the need to amend the Constitution – to make it relevant to changing times. Parliament has been vested with amending power so as to make the Constitution a living and dynamic document.
In the 1st part of the main body, introduce the doctrine of basic structure and mention Kesavananda Bharati Case which gave the doctrine of Basic Structure.

Then in the 2nd part of the main body, discuss various judgements by SC which have made near impossible for the legislature to amend the basic structures mentioned by the judiciary.

Model Answer:

The doctrine of the basic structure of the Constitution was evolved by the Supreme Court in the case of Keshavananda Bharati as a way out to address the tussle between the power of parliament to amend the constitution and the scope of judicial review.

Article 368 of the Constitution Article 368 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Parliament to amend the constitution by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of this Constitution in accordance with the procedure laid down in the article 368.

Article 368 and Basic Structure The basic structure came into being after a long-drawn tussle between the judiciary and the parliament over the power of the parliament to amend the constitution. In the case of Keshavananda Bharati where the doctrine of basic structure was propounded the Supreme Court held that the constituent power of the parliament to amend the constitution does not enable it to alter the basic structure of the constitution.

Minerva Mills Case

Regarding the power of parliament to amend the constitution in the Minerva Mills case, the Supreme Court held that the constitution has conferred a limited amending power on the constitution. The parliament under this limited power cannot bestow itself an absolute power to amend the constitution. The limited amending power is the basic structure of the constitution and limitations cannot be destroyed .i.e Parliament under Article 368 cannot expand its amending power to acquire for itself the right to repeal or abrogate the constitution or to destroy its basic features.

Undefined

The Supreme Court while proposing the doctrine of basic structure did not clarify on what constitutes the basic structure. Maybe it was the wisdom of judiciary that it did not want to confine the ambit of the basic structure.

Drawing from the various judgments the components of basic structure can be defined to include Supremacy of the constitution, Federalism, Secularism, judicial review, independence of judiciary etc among others.

Synthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty and Judicial Supremacy

Synthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty and Judicial Supremacy is the characteristic feature of the Indian constitution. The doctrine of basic structure is a classic example of this and it upholds the supremacy of the constitution.

While Parliament can amend the constitution within the confines of basic structure, it cannot destroy the basic structure to expand its amending power.

Q. “The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self- government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment.(15)

Model Answer:

Approach:

In the intro discuss the current status of women representation in electoral politics and provide stats to show the stark difference between numbers in LSGs and other political forums like Parliament and state assemblies.
In the main body, provide both positive impacts as well as negatives of women reservation in India at the local governance level.

Give reasons as to why these high number of women representation in LSGs do not get reflected in higher representation in other forums.

The domination of male members in these local institutions coupled with inadequate capabilities of women (administrative and educational) has led to continuance of Patriarchy in higher political forums.
way forward.

Answer:

Even though a significantly large number of women vote in the country, yet only a few of them assume the reins of power. Gender inequality leading to deprivation of power among women continues to be a political reality in India today. Although the Constitution of India attempts to remove gender inequalities by interdicting discrimination based on sex and class, and enshrining fundamental rights for all citizens, women still have only de jure rather than de facto access to political representation. There is no denying the fact that greater participation of women in the political process would be a precondition for their economic and social emancipation.

How reservation of seats for women in the institutions of LSGs plays an important role in political empowerment of women:

LSG institutions are a watershed in India‘s democratic history as they not only percolated democratic decentralisation to the grass root level but also made a giant leap in women empowerment by granting them 33% reservation restoring its faith in women leadership.
The recent Economic Survey states that there were 13.72 lakh elected women representatives (EWRs) in LSGs, which constitute 44.2 per cent of total elected representatives (ERs) as on December 2017.
Women Sarpanchs accounted for 43 per cent of total gram panchayats (GPs) across the country by December 2018.
This is a testimony to active leadership of women in local government.
They are bringing their experience in the governance of civil society making the state sensitive to the issues of poverty, inequality and gender injustice, thus influencing the decision-making process, planning, implementation and evaluation of various developmental programs at the local level.
It also provided an opportunity to hitherto deprived low caste women to participate in mainstream political process. Its spiral effect boosted women confidence in their abilities and encouraged them to seek a meaningful role in society.

Why this reservation of seats for women has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process:

Nonetheless, this representation has been limited by the patriarchal norms. Also, women‘s representation at the level of LSGs has not translated to other levels of participation. For instance:

Lok Sabha had 11.8 percent and the Rajya Sabha 11 per women MPs.
In 2018, out of the total 4,118 MLAs across the country, only 9 percent were women. In the recent general election total of 78 women representatives have been elected which constitutes 14.6% of the total Lok Sabha strength. Out of 78 women representatives 46 have been elected for the first time.
Thus, in a country like India with around 49 per cent of women in the population, the political participation of women has been very low.
Factors such as domestic responsibilities, prevailing cultural attitudes regarding the roles of women in society and lack of support from family were among the main reasons that prevented them from entering politics.
In LSGs as well the real power was usurped by the husbands of elected women representatives colloquially known as the Sarpanch Pati depriving them of any meaningful gains.
Lack of political will by all parties to give tickets to women candidates.
For a common woman, it’s not that easy to raise the ladders of politics without a strong political background. Therefore, the elected women mostly come from the 3B brigade – beti, bahu, biwi.
108th Amendment Bill, calling for reservation for women in legislature, is languishing for 2 decades.
The empowerment of the women at the top has not trickled down while the achievements of 73rd and 74th CAA have not moved up towards state legislatures and parliaments.
Cultural environment puts maximum emphasis on men. Apart from that criminalization of politics and the political environment of instability and personality traits are the primary causes for marginal participation of women in politics.

However, the LSGs have provided the much needed opportunity to women. The need of the hour is to make women aware of their rights to better exercise their powers.

Way Forward to reverse the trend of less women participation in Indian politics:

Politics should be seen as a career rather than a muddy affair where only rogue elements participate. It will be a first and a much needed step.
Political parties should come forward to increase women representatives.
Gender stereotypes which perceive women as weak representatives should be changes through awareness and education.
Efforts need to be taken to enhance the participation of women in governance in large numbers.
108th CAA or Women’s Reservation Bill which reserves 33% of seats for Indian women at the legislatures has to be passed soon in the Parliament.
Women’s leadership and communication skills need to be enhanced by increasing female literacy, especially in rural areas. They should be empowered in order to break socio-cultural barriers and improve their status in the society.
Women LSGs members have to be trained to analyse and understand their roles and responsibilities given in the 73rd and 74th amendment act.
Thanks to the university and colleges elections, some from student politics have made their mark but their examples are miniscule and we need more like them.
Some form of political activity like elections for unions or head girl should be encouraged at the school level, so that girl children can have a taste of how democracy works and they should be realised that politics is not a bad thing after all.
Financial support for women candidates is an idea worth considering.
Promoting the idea of significance of women‘s role in decision making at educational institutions and homes.

Q. “The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.” Discuss.(15)

Approach:

In the intro, mention about Article 76 of the Constitution which has provided for the office of the Attorney General for India.

In the 1st part of the main body, elaborate on the appointment and terms of the office of Attorney-General.

In the 2nd part of the main body, expand on the duties performed by him/her.
Conclude the answer by highlighting the need for such office (Government is the biggest litigant in Indian courts)

Model Answer:

Article 76 of the constitution provides for the Attorney General of India. He is the highest law officer of the country.

As the chief legal advisor and the lawyer to the government of India he performs the following functions:

Advices to the government of India upon such legal matters brought to him by the president.
Other legal duties assigned to him by the president
Appears on behalf of the government in all cases in the Supreme Court to which GOI is a party
Represents government of India in any reference made by the president to the SC under article 143.
Appears in any high court in cases where the GOI is a party
He also is provided with the right to take part in proceedings of both houses of the parliament where he can discuss without the right to vote.
He can also be named as a member of any parliamentary committee.

In order to perform this duty as a chief legal advisor of the government smoothly, certain limitations are placed upon him:

He should not advice or hold brief against the GOI
He should not advice or hold brief in cases in which he is called upon to advice or appear fo GOI
He should not defend anyone accused in criminal cases without permission of the GOI
He resigns with the outgoing government as he is appointed by it.

Q. Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss.(15)

Approach:

The question needs to mention the reason for the decline of quality of debates and consequences of such trend.
In the intro, mention the declining capacity of parliament and state assemblies in scrutinizing various bills while the number of bills passed, more or less, remained the same, throughout the last 70 years. Link this phenomenon with the decreasing role of individual lawmakers
In the 1st part of the main body, mention the reasons for its decline.
Conclude by suggesting reforms to rectify the situation. Quote some ARC 2 recommendations to get better marks.

Answer:

Parliament is considered as a temple of Democracy where elected representatives arrive at decisions regarding governance after debates & deliberations. It is considered as the highest platform for holding the executive accountable for their actions. However, of late the great institution has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons such as devaluation of parliamentary authority, falling standards of debates, deterioration in the conduct and quality of Members, poor levels of participation and the like. This has led to a certain cynicism towards parliamentary institutions and an erosion in the credibility of parliamentarians and parliamentary processes.

Declining role of Individual parliamentarians and its effect on quality of debates and their outcome

Absenteeism: The problem of absenteeism in the houses has increased in proportion to an increase in the indifference of Politicians towards public issues.
Party politics and the politics of survival are also responsible for declining standards.
Regarding absenteeism it is said members cannot always be present in the house because attending the session is not their only function and they are responsible to their conscience, country, and constituency and to their party in whatever they do.
Frequent disruption and logjams: Moreover, disrupting parliamentary activity through walkouts, the staging of dharnas and gheraos of ministers without reasonable ceases are also indicating towards parliamentary decline.
Live broadcast: Live telecasting of Parliamentary proceedings incentivizing sensationalization of issues often neglecting meaningful discussions
Criminalization of politics: ADR reports that 34% of the MPs in the 2014 Lok Sabha faced criminal charges, as compared with 30% in 2009 and 24% in 2004. This results in unparliamentary behaviour.
Anti Defection Law and Instruments of Whip:Today, the parliamentarians and state legislators lack vision, commitment, quality and competence for nation-building.
They use parliament as a body of legitimization of personal and class dominance by the party.
The enactment of the anti-defection law in 1985, which allows parties to herd their members, weakens incentives of legislators to invest in developing their own viewpoints and express them freely as they cannot use their own stand on different issues to evolve or develop their own political careers.
The rigidity of party discipline has tied down party members to follow the dictates of party bosses once elected to the Legislature.
He or she votes according to the directions of the party whip even if larger social and national interests are being sacrificed to short-sighted policies for short-term political gains.
Majority of ruling parties: Ruling parties’ dominance was another factor, i.e., responsible for parliamentary decline.
The parties today enjoy a virtual monopoly in political power, and its decisions were pushed through the Parliament and state assemblies because of sheer majority.
Political instability and a divided Parliament—with the ruling coalition often a minority in the upper house—were the principal causes for the decline in the legislative output over the years.
Politicisation of role of speaker: The office of speaker is getting politicised. As a result there is lack of confidence towards the office of speaker.Hence there is more number of disruptions leading to declining role of parliament.
Live Telecast of the proceedings: The live coverage of the parliament sessions and increasing tendency to play to the gallery and media has led to deteriorating quality of parliament.

Way Forward:

A strict code of conduct should be implemented for regulating their good behaviour and attendance in the House.
The onus is on all political parties and parliamentary institutions to manage dissent in order to minimize disruptions.
The parties and their leaders should not be allowed to reverse roles on the basis of winning or losing elections.
Another possible solution, going by the global experiences, is reserving a day in the week for the Opposition to set the agenda for Parliament.
The advantages of this mechanism are evident– the government can’t shy away from discussing issues inconvenient to it; the Opposition won’t be smarting as it would get ample opportunities to vent its anger and raise issues.
Yet another solution could be to spread out the parliamentary proceedings to round-the-year, Monday to Friday, instead of the three sessions, as is the current practice.
Episodic meetings are bound to create episodes, so to speak. Parliamentarians want to appropriate time to raise issues dear to them.
Anti-defection law should be applied only to confidence and no-confidence motions (Dinesh Goswami Committee on electoral reforms, 1990) or only when the government is in danger (Law Commission 170th report, 1999).
Instead of making Speaker the authority for disqualification, the decision should be made by the president or the governor on the advice of the Election Commission.
This would make the process similar to the disqualification procedure as given in Representation of Peoples Act (RPA).
Individual MPs and MLAs need to be empowered to think independently.

Also, a parliamentary government is described as government by discussion. Therefore, by allowing for wider and more impactful participation in parliament, it is possible that some of the causes of disruptions would get addressed.

Q. The need for cooperation among various service sector has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges bring the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘Collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s Development process.(15)

Approach:

Answer wants you to discuss the significance of cooperation in service sectors, which plays an important role in a country’s development.
In the intro, discuss the importance of service sector in India.

In the 1st part of the main body, discuss the issues of the fragmented service sector in India and reason behind it.
Answer wants you to discuss the significance of cooperation in service sectors, which plays an important role in a country’s development.
In the intro, discuss the importance of service sector in India.
In the 1st part of the main body, discuss the issues of the fragmented service sector in India and reason behind it.

Model answer:

Service sector has been the growth engine of India’s development story post LPG, contributing more than 50 percent of India’s GDP.

How the cooperation among various service sectors help Indian development process:

India has a huge demographic dividend and it has to be leveraged fruitfully over the next few decades.
The potential of our youth has to be realized through education, skill development, elimination of gender bias, employment and good health.
The resultant issue of job loss due to the technological interventions can be tackled better in Indian development and growth context.
While India is among the top 10 World Trade Organization members in service exports and imports, the growth and export of services is less than that of the People’s Republic of China, and exports are competitive in only a few services and are concentrated in a few markets. Hence, the close cooperation and collaboration is the need of the hour.
Most of the poor in India do not have access to basic services such as healthcare and education, and infrastructure is weak so the cost of service delivery is high. If India needs to breach the gap between GDP growth and inclusive growth, then this cooperation is necessary.
Research and development and ICT can play key roles in inclusive growth by ensuring access to cheaper technology and by disseminating knowledge

Also, lack of cooperation among service sectors have dented India’s growth to some extent.

Disintegrated transport sector- Road and Rail transport are seen in vaccum by policy makers.Result is road development fail to take into account railways(frequent tussle between highway developers and railways for demand of highways of rail blocks by highway developers)
Education and healthcare especially for children have suffered due to this lack of cooperation.
SEBI IRDA conflict over ULIPs is a classic case of dent in regulation due to lack of cooperation among service regulators..
Fragmentation: Multiple ministries and central government departments regulate services such as energy and transport while others like construction and retail do not have nodal ministries.
Non-Homogenous: The services sector is a highly non‐homogeneous sector comprising a wide range of activities. There are differences within the services sector with regard to the contribution of different sub sectors to GDP and to employment. Services are inherently diverse; thus, it seems unreasonable to provide an integrated management framework that can apply to all industries.

However of late many integrative measures have bore rich dividends.

JAM trinity is a novel integration and cooperation between three services-Banking, Universal ID and mobile services..This lead to financial inclusion and inclusive development
Concept of integrated multimodal transport is a very good way to extract the best of all modes and provide a reliable and cheap mode of transportation system.
Merger of water resources and drinking water ministry would synergize efforts of both the ministries, as well as bring out a kind of team spirit among them.
Hence better cooperation must be sought after.Govt can devise a services council in line with GST council so as to cooperate among federal service sectors as well .

Way Forward:

There is an urgent need to focus on the service sector and to identify the key barriers faced by different types of services and then to undertake specific reforms. For instance, in road transport, reforms should focus on establishing a seamless supply chain by removing barriers to the interstate movement of goods.
In the case of industries like energy, various government departments should work together to design a policy that will facilitate equitable access at affordable prices.
Regulations should be transparent and non-discriminatory, should take into account the evolving nature of the service sector and its links with other service related sectors, and should support its growth.
The government can work with industry and with educational institutions in public–private partnerships to identify skill requirements and design appropriate courses and training programs to facilitate their better cooperation.
Focusing on vocational training and developing appropriate curricula will increase the employability of students in the service sector. The quality of education can be improved through proper collaboration with other service sectors at international standards.

The service sector will be able to contribute to inclusive growth by enhancing investment, creating employment and human capital, developing infrastructure and lastly, by better cooperation & assimilation among themselves. It is important for a developing country like India with a large, young population to generate quality employment and to move up the value chain. If the reforms suggested here are implemented, they will enable better cooperation among sectors which in turn will enhance the productivity and efficiency of the sector and lead to inclusive growth.

Q. In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost effective and remove many implementation blockages.’-Discuss.(15)

Approach:

In introduction mention the change in developmental planning in the context of the neo-liberal era.
In the main body, explain what is multi-level planning.
Briefly mention issues with MLP and what should be the way forward.

Model Answer:

Neoliberalism is a policy model—bridging politics, social studies, and economics—that seeks to transfer control of economic factors to the private sector from the public sector. It tends towards free-market capitalism and away from government spending, regulation, and public ownership.. In this change in the economic scenario where the government is supposed to be an enabler rather than a player or provider of first and last, multi level planning holds significance.

Multi Level Planning:

Multi-level Planning opposed to centralized planning is an exercise where local institutions are actively involved not only at the implementation level but MLP is a more integrative effort that seeks to involve all hierarchies of administrative, geographical, political and regional levels in planning process.
It seeks to involve active participation of the lower hierarchical levels in information generation, data collection, policy suggestions, plan implementation & monitoring of all developmental activities.
The various levels of multi-level planning in India are:
- Centre
- States
- Districts
- Blocks
- Villages.

How multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages:

Relevant policies: MLP involves involving decision makers at all spatial levels in the planning process through negotiations, deliberations, and consultations by way of communication through information flows and mutual partaking of perspectives which makes policies relevant and need based.
People’s participation: As a natural corollary to decentralisation of planning, mechanisms for peoples’ involvement need to be intensively explored for each level for more ‘relevant’ policy since interests cannot be adequately articulated without active participation of people who are the intended beneficiaries.
Articulation at local levels could then be factored in policy proposals.
Cost effective operations: Multi level planning is expected to make operations cost effective by providing better linkages between relevant sectors and ready access to required information, which would remove many implementation blockages.
Doing away of regional disparities and imbalances: By way of delayed decisions, Multi level planning is expected to reduce regional disparities and bring more equity in development, since the chief factor behind persistent regional imbalances has been diagnosed as unstudied application of the macro plan at micro levels without necessary modifications/detailing by the local development planners to address the particular requirements of an area/target group.
Fight against corruption: Corruption has been another persistent problem. For example, the main problem with poverty alleviation programmes has been identification of beneficiaries and articulation of their needs, which has been far from orderly. Omissions/commissions alleged/inadvertent have largely thwarted efforts.
Identification through local bodies can address the problem. Development planning is expected to simplify the implementation process by infusing role clarity, removing overlapping between sectors and establishing needed linkages for set output levels.
Local development planners can decide on the territorial level, viz. gram sabha, samiti or zilla parishad, where a function can be performed with maximum impact and economy.
Revival of local self governments: As per the MLP approach, establishment of local “self-government” would renew local administration, which would have positive spin- off effects on business generally. Improved investment climate is expected.

Issues with MLP in neo-liberal paradigm:

A major problem, widely recognized, is one that relates to the activities that should
An important issue of discussion for long has been whether the division of powers Multi-level Planning and functions between State and sub-State level should be nationally determined or left to individual States to decide.
In a given geographical area, there are various levels of government, such as Centre, state and district and several agencies at each level functioning in the same area.
The relationship in each category could vary in degree from superior-subordinate, equal, to semi-independent in nature.
The way the agencies are structured at each area level in terms of representation to area-levels, and the superior-subordinate, semi-equal or equal nature of relationship in access to resources and powers of decision making, constitutes the core of multilevel planning.
When the framework at sub-State level is varying and unclear, the functioning in reality can be very much at variance with formal structures (leading to accusation of hypocrisy or real centralization in the guise of decentralization).

Way Forward:

In determining appropriate area levels, there is need to take into account not only planning requirements in terms of techniques and processes, but also social, political and administrative structures.
There is a need to introduce Constitutional provisions to ensure continuity and authenticity to such arrangements, particularly in regard to elections for bodies at sub-state levels.
Since multi-level planning involves the sharing of policy and planning functions with the sub- national levels following six operational sing principles have been suggested for devising necessary mechanisms and procedures for effective flows of information for planning and for frequent interaction with the participating levels.

Q. Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to the absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of the policy process – Discuss. (15)

Approach:

In the intro, mention the constitutional backings for various schemes regarding vulnerable sections.
In the 1st part of the main body, mention some of the cases where government intervention for vulnerable did not yielded expected results and the schemes and programs suffered failure.

In the 2nd part of the ain body, discuss the reason behind such failure. Keep the focus on the main demand of the question here: absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of the policy process.
In the end, give way forwards keeping the main demand in mind.

Model Answer:

Public awareness and their participation are two most crucial aspects for every project/Scheme to be successful.

While India has been designing and developing a plethora of welfare schemes targeting its most vulnerable sections of population, their success had been limited due to failures on implementation front, lack of awareness and participation being the main hurdles.

The manifestation of the issue can be understood by the following arguments: ·

The first stage of policy is planning. While the PRI act has made decentralisation effective on paper, many subject matters are not transferred to local governments by the respective states.

This made designing of many welfare schemes in accordance with the priorities of higher level governments ignoring the voices at local level. · Decisions like making Aadhar mandatory for deliverance of services was taken by the central government without an idea of preparedness at the ground level. This resulted in benefits such as PDS grains not reaching the most vulnerable.

Many schemes failed to include publicity as an important aspect of designing schemes.

For instance, report showed that the Ujjwala scheme that aimed to provide clean cooking fuel at subsidized price was thought to be a completely free initiative.

Similarly, FRA 2006 that aimed at empowering tribals and other forest dwellers is suffering from implementation problems.

The cumbersome paperwork required as part of formalities related to working of the act is preventing less aware gram sabha members from exercising their rights.

Primary health care too is grappling with similar issues. Aashas and AMWs who are first point of contact in primary health care system are not part of decision making process.

Rogi Kalyan Samitis that allow people to manage affairs of hospital are not properly constituted everywhere.

The low numbers on human development indicators stand testimony for our shortcomings in delivering welfare schemes.

In order to overcome this, formulation of a governance model where public are involved from planning to delivery stage is the need of the hour.

Government must also utilise channels such as NGOs and media in order to increase people’s awareness of existing schemes and programmes.

Q. “The long sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate

Approach:

Discuss how modern India prefers to prioritize its own national interests over the collective interests of developing nation.
In the 1st part of the main body, discuss how and why India, was long been hailed as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations or least developed nations.
In the 2nd part of the main body, highlight how in post-economic liberalisation (especially in the 21st century) economic prosperity is seen as the key to a county’s attainment of great power status and has been the driving force in India’s current worldview.

Answer:

India has been taking an increasingly pragmatic stance in the conduct of its foreign affairs in recent times. This shows a gradual shift from conventional foreign policy that india had adopted.

Historically India was the leader of the oppressed and marginalized Nations

India took control of narratives regarding various developing and marginalized nations in the first 4 decades since independence.
Important among them were NAM and G-77.
G77 is a coalition of 134 developing nations (including China) at the United Nations.
Traditionally G77 speaks with a single voice before the 193-member General Assembly and also at all UN committee meetings and at international conferences.
The Non-Aligned Movement is a movement of countries representing the interests and priorities of developing and oppressed countries.
India was a founding member of this grouping.
India was at the forefront of these attempts to create a global space for developing nations and regions whose voices went unheard.
This policy continued throughout the Cold War, when India leaned toward the Soviet Union while deftly maintaining strategic autonomy and charting its own course in a bipolar international order.

India’s newfound role in the emerging global order:

This worldview began to evolve following the collapse of the Soviet Union and an economic crisis at home.
A newfound pragmatism began to emerge and by the late 1990s India was willing to place its own national interest – both economic and security – ahead of broader ideas of global justice and equity.
The high rates of economic growth ushered through domestic reforms attracted international investors and India quickly captured this opportunity.
Economic attractiveness gave the country space to engage the rest of the world on its own terms.
This meant that India would not give in easily on strategic issues, but it would at the same time be flexible and engage with the rest of the world to achieve win-win outcomes.
This shift, which is ongoing today, seeks to position India among the great powers by showcasing a willingness to take on more international responsibilities.
Today India is at the centre of the international security architecture, and key to the economic and technological debates of the age.
By virtue of its economic growth, its world- class space programme, and its contributions from medicine to IT, India has become indispensable to global needs and a shaper of the world economy, not just as a market, but also as an engine of growth and ideas.

How India is maintaining its current foreign policy using realpolitik:

India now prefers multi alignment rather than Non- alignment. Ex, SCO, BRICS, QUAD etc.
There is a growing convergence of views between India and the U.S. on the security and diplomatic architecture of the Asia- Pacific.
India deals with China with confidence and candour. This is the new normal in the relationship. India and China engage, cooperate and compete simultaneously
India is taking a dehyphenation stance on Israel and Palestine. That means India’s relationship with Israel would stand on its own merit and will be independent from her relationship with Palestine.
India has pursued a strong Indian Ocean policy and unveiled a vision framework for the Indian Ocean. India has announced a new initiative, SAGAR- Security And Growth for All in the Region- not only to safeguard India and its island territories, but to broaden economic and security cooperation in the region.
India has coupled diplomacy and development in a turn towards quantifiable outcomes. Prime Minister’s foreign visits have focussed on the search for technology, resources and best practice.
India is willing to shoulder the responsibility of securing the global commons.
This was demonstrated by humanitarian relief operations in Yemen, Nepal, South Sudan, Fiji, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and in India’s continuing lead in UN peacekeeping operations.
India stood in the frontlines in keeping the maritime commons safe and secure, and in global negotiations, such as on climate change.
Active engagement in development work across the globe. Ex. African nations, Afghanistan etc.
Focus on better suited regional groupings like BIMSTEC or ASEAN over SAARC.
Wooing foreign investments and at the same time investing big in other nations. Ex. Vankor Oil Field; Taas-Yuryakh; Lower Zakum Concession etc.
At the same time, Indian companies have become one of the biggest sources of FDIs in countries like Britain, Nigeria, South Africa etc.
So we can see that now India cooperates with other countries but on its own terms and defects when it is not able to do so

At the global level, we see a shift towards playing a leading world role, rather than a mere balancing one, with ambition, energy and confidence. There is a realisation in the government that, to become a true great power, India will need to set the agenda on the burning international issues of the day, rather than merely shaping outcomes. At the end of the Second World War, India was a passive witness to the creation of a new security architecture for the world, as decisions concerning India were made by the British. But India now is prepared to lead the negotiation of global covenants.

Q. “What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self- esteem and ambitions” Explain with suitable examples. (15)

Approach:

India aspires to be the leader of the emerging global order (Ambitions in terms of economic, political), but that does not perfectly fit in the US’s strategy which is leading to friction between India and the US.
In the first part of the main body, the theme of the discussion should be on the line of: “India cannot ensure its global rise without a stable global economic order”
Mention in the 2nd part, how the USA is distorting the global economic order.

Model Answer:

India is seeking for itself a larger role in the emerging global order than she had traditionally. It can be contended that the Washington’s failure to accommodate Indian ambitions into its own foreign policy is causing frictions in their bilateral relations.

Some instances that support this view point: ·

Iran- has emerged as a main point of tension. While USA wants to pressurize India into suspending oil imports from Iran, India made clear they are not bound by any sanctions other than those imposed by the UN.

USA clearly couldn’t accommodate India in its policy towards Iran. · Russia- The friction with respect to Russia came under focus with India’s decision to sign deal with S-400s.

India signed several technological interoperability agreements with the US.

But US is apprehensive that it gives Russia an opportunity to breach its security. US unable to find a balance between satisfying India’s strategic requirements with Russia and US’ own historical enmity with the country. ·

Afghanistan- US’s decision to hold talks with the Taliban and excluding the elected government of Afghanistan in this regard runs counter to Indian stand of “Afghan led peace process” is the only way forward in this matter.

China- US is engaged with a trade war with China resulting in mounting up barriers to free trade. This is against India’s insistence on WTO led free trade. US’s decision to reduce its fleet in the Indo-Pacific region also not in the Indian interest as it would mean leaving Chinese influence to run free.

Pakistan- India has been insisting from the beginning that US must not provide Pakistan any support unless the latter suspends all support to terrorism.

But USA is dependent on Pakistan to further its goals in Afghanistan. As India is clearly being ambitious in terms of attempting to carve for itself a greater role in the emerging areas of international relations, US with a not so complimentary foreign policy is struggling to accommodate the former in its own strategies.

While measures like renaming its pacific command into Indo-Pacific command signifies the symbolic acceptance of rising India’s role in the region, US has to go a long way in accommodation the ambitious India.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply