GS1 Weekly [26th – 31st Jan 2015] [The Undercover group] (Insightsonindia.com)

Topic: Salient features of the Indian Society;

Q) The changes which the British colonisation brought in the Indian Society were irreversible

and formed the basis of nationalism. Analyse what changes in Indian society occurred due to

colonisation and how it helped in growth of Indian nationalism. (200 Words)

Chapter 1

Ans:Nationalism is a people’s sense of belonging to a nation. Indian nationalism grew partly as a result of colonial policies and partly as a revolution to colonial policies.

1. Economic exploitation: Men like Dadabhai Naoroji and R. C. Dutt say that the poverty, economic backwardness and underdevelopment of India were direct consequences of British colonialism. The British discouraged cottage industries of India and dumped the Indian market with goods manufactured in England.

2. Unification of Country: By Civil Services, unified judiciary, codified laws throughout the length and breadth of country imposed a new dimension of political unity. Railways and telegraph brought masses very close to each other and strengthened the feeling of nationalism

3. Press and Literature: Unprecedented growth of Indian – owned English and vernacular newspapers, helped the spread of modern idea of self-government, democracy, civil rights and industrialization

4. Pride of India past: Scholars like Max Muller, Roth & Sasoon, and R.L. Mitra aroused nationals’ feelings and demolish colonial myths that Indian was inferior race and bound to servility.

5. Socio-religious movements: Arya Samaj, Brahmo Samaj, Ramakrishna Mission, Theosophical Society gave new awakening amongst Indian masses.

6. Ilbert Bill, decrease of eligibility in ICS from 21 to 19 years, and contribution of Christian Missionaries who spread lot of western ideas.

7. Rise of Middle class intelligentsia: Expanding English educated class formed the middle class intelligentsia who constituted the nucleus of newly arising political unrest.

“This new class though was minority played a vital role in igniting the minds of majority”.

Topic: Population and associated issues, Poverty and developmental issues;

Q) The history of India’s National Family Welfare Program teaches us that while the state can do

a lot to try and create the conditions for demographic change; most demographic variables are

ultimately matters of economic, social and cultural change. Critically analyse. (200 Words)

Chapter 2

Ans:

The history related to the NFWP and the subsequent results point towards an important dichotomy about prevailing historical conditions i.e., although the onus of planning rests on the state, the tenure of development is influenced by various conditions: socio-cultural and economic. This can be understood by looking at particular examples: family structure and health, economic conditions.

Firstly, family health and structure is complex amalgamation of prevailingsocio-cultural conditions.1. Access to education for women is hindered and influenced by prevailing conditionsof women’s private and public roles.2. This leads to economic conditions foregone, and illiteracy begets illiteracy. Missed opportunities in the previous generation transfer to the coming one.3. Women’s health is a taboo topic and allows for hindering of discussions in public spaces. Unhealthy lifestyles and lack of amenities leads to further cyclical conditions whether they be disease or sexual violence (eg. Badaun murder-rape).

Secondly, economic conditions are relevant on prevailing economic structures. An access to free market and micro-credit institutions does not guarantee equitable development:1. Informal credit institutions are preferred because the lender is aware of the lendee’s family and credit history.2. Lack of access to formal banking infrastructure further hinders any noticeable progress made by government efforts.3. These micro-credit institutions perpetuate cycles of poverty and debt for the economically marginalized, which is a significant portion of the population. Forced migration occurs with effects on gender composition and social effects on village functioning. Women are more prone to any quick, jarring economic displacement, and left unaided.

These are only a few cases, as prevailing socio-cultural norms are diverse across the country. This results in inhibiting concrete changes in such sectors with a poor assessment in national planning measures. Recent reports released on prevailing norms regarding gender preference and ineffectivity of micro-finance for women points to a deep-seated sociological problem that requires skill development and re-education.

Topic: Social empowerment

Q) It is a concern that the lowest child sex ratios are found in the most prosperous regions of

India. Discuss the causes for the low child sex ratio and its effects on the Indian society. (150

Words)

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/the-love-for-sons-and-appropriate-attire/

article6822320.ece

http://www.epw.in/system/files/

SA_L_1_030115_Sanchita_Bakshi_Arunish_Chawla_Mihir_Shah.pdf

Ans:

The child sex ratio of a society indicates the gender parity and the overall gender based discrimination. The falling sex ratios in India indicate the deep-rooted biased against women and clearly indicates that economic growth is not translating into gender parity for women.

The causes for this include-1. Patriarchal mindset of the Indian society2. misuse of technology for foetal sex determination3. The preference for male child due to various social and religious misconceptions4. Improper implementation of the PCPNDT and MTP act5. Bureaucratic failure to implement the various girl-child based schemes at grassroot level6. Due to less education among the females, they fail to stand for themselves7. In the Indian male-dominated families, females have almost no say in decisions of sex based abortions

Moreover this is a vicious cycle: low female literacy, social restrictions on females ----> females dependent on family/husband economically------> no say in family planning, improper implementation of laws---->sex selective abortions/neglect of girl child---->low female literacy, continuance of social restrictions

The most basic impact is that half of India’s population, cutting across castes, religions and social statuses are discriminated and taught to “live like girl” with many social, educational and other restrictions.

Also, we are failing to harness the potential of half of our population leading to increased poverty among the women & strengthening of patriarchal mindset in the country

For a holistic growth of the country and following the natural laws of justice, it is the duty of every Indian citizen to make the girl child equal to the male child and implement in spirit “Beti bachao, beti padhao”.

Topic: Salient features of the Indian Society;

Q ) With the rising literacy rates and urbanisation is it true to say that the caste system is dying?

Discuss in the context of political, social and economic spheres? (200 Words)

http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm?lesy1=3-7Ans: Caste is a kind of "social stratification" in India that is claiming its origin from roots of "religion". Rising literacy levels and rapid urbanization have tremendous impact on it.

Impact of literacy-The "modern values" like "equality" and certain other "protective measures" which are promised by our constitution are well known to literates over illiterates. Literacy, by promoting rationality, is sensitizing people to not to follow medieval beast instincts. caste is one among

such instincts. we can find a few links between literacy and "socio cultural movements" in India during 19 and 20th centuries.

Literacy made our vulnerable sections to be aware political opportunities that are provided by positive discrimination. Social equality is being demanded. In economic sphere, literacy is opening up many opportunities to oppressed castes. Thus "social mobility" is being encouraged towards positive end.

Impact of urbanization-"anonymity", "privacy" and "frequent mobility" in urban areas have significantly reduced the influence of caste system in their surroundings. High literacy levels here are also another factor. Politically caste's influence over vote bank is limited here.

Social discrimination on the lines of caste is considered to be a crime and redressal mechanism works efficiently over that in rural areas. Economic opportunities are also "distributed among all" as" industry and private sector" is well expanded in urban areas.

Nevertheless, it would be still be premature to assume that the caste system is dying. We see "caste related gatherings" even in urban literates. "Marriage classifieds are still mentioning about caste in urban areas". So we can say only that the caste's influence is being eroded among Urban- literates

Topic: Salient features of the Indian Society;

Q) “The early school of anthropologists tended to emphasise the cultural aspects of tribal

absorption into the mainstream, while the later writers have concentrated on the exploitative

and political nature of the incorporation.” Which of the views did the government of India and

its visionary leaders adopt for tribal development in post independence era and why? (200

Words)

http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm?lesy1=3-7Ans: Our national leaders saw three options for incorporating tribals-1. The policy of isolation, which was followed by the British policy of marking reserved areas for tribals thus pretending not to impinge on their culture, when in fact they did for their profit.2. The policy of assimilation- which they were afraid the civilization arrogance of assimilation, which the Christian missionaries tried to do, albeit in a religious sense.

So, they decided to follow a policy of integration, where tribal culture and customs will be respected, and they should grow according to their own geniuses and traditions, not make a second rate copy of us.

This was laid out in Nehru's Tribal Panchsheel policy:1. Non imposition- where tribals should be allowed to grow at their own pace and

understanding of the situation.2. Respect of tribal customs, esp. land ownership, forest resources etc.3. Development of tribal youth to grow leaders among them for development and social change4. Simplicity in administration, with voluntary agencies and local bodies playing a prominent role rather than bureaucracy. 5. Emphasis on human growth.

The aim was to protect the tribals from the onslaught of development, to protect their forest rights, and areas which are the most richly endowed. But unfortunately, as the present situation shows, much leaves to be desired.

Topic: Salient features of the Indian Society;

Q) Critically analyse the impact of globalisation on Indian villages and agrarian structures. (200

Words)

http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm?lesy1=4-7Ans: Globalization opened gates for" greater mobility and faster connectivity". This new trend brought significant changes in rural and agrarian sectors.

Impact on rural areas-1. Works and employment are being generated.2. Connectivity brought awareness regarding various issues. Modern values are being advocated now.3. Fuelling rural to urban migration. This in turn is increasing inward remittances. 4. Bringing up the culture of nuclear families in rural areas.5. caste conscious in rural areas has been declining over past few years due to new economic opportunities. Thus social stratification is being impacted.

Impact on agrarian structures-1. Aiding mechanization of agriculture due to improved productivity2. Reduction of disguised unemployment in agriculture sector by creating new opportunities in other sectors.3. Agricultural extension works are now spreading at faster paces due to new means in connectivity.4) Cropping patterns changed due to advent of Globalisation. Farmers shifted to more commercial crops thus leaving them under vagaries of market for getting food5) Globalisation created markets abroad. Thus increasing farmer's choices6) More banks, so more formal credit facilities. Saving them from money lenders7) Village as a Self sustaining unit is destroyed. (because of economic forces too)

Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India;

Q) Social stigma remains an obstacle to helping Indians cope with mental health illness. In this

backdrop how does the new mental health policy seek to reach out to people with mental

disabilities? (200 Words)

http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm?lesy1=5-7

http://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/the-right-of-persons-with-disabilities-bill-2014-3122/Ans: The disabled are rendered disabled not because they are biologically disabled but because society rendered them so. Even the recognition of disability is absent from the wider educational discourse. In this context, the announcement of a new policy on Mental Health comes as a progressive step in recognizing a comprehensive and co-ordinated response from the community as a whole.

The new policy seeks to promote mental health, enable recovery from the illness, promote de-stigmatization and ensure their participation in socio-economic matters by providingaccessible, affordable and quality health care within a right based framework. Some of the objectives include:- Increase access to mental health care especially the vulnerable section- Reduce risk and incidence of suicide and attempt to suicide- Ensure their rights are respected such as the right not to be institutionalized- Enhancing financial allocation.- ‘Mental Health Action Plan 365’ which spells out specific roles for the Center, States,local bodies and civil society organisations- Establishing more central institutes to cater to the needs- Admission of more students into branches of mental health education

However, despite the existence of a National Mental Health Program since 1982 there has been very little effort to provide mental health services, particularly in rural areas. Someof the present concerns are:- Prediction by WHO of about 20 percent mentally ill population in India by 2020- Lack of psychiatrist- Linkage between poverty and mental health

Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India;

Q ) “The women’s question arose in modern India as part of the nineteenth century middle class

social reform movements.” Critically analyse. (200 Words)

http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm?lesy1=5-7Ans: “Giving freedom to women was thought of as the precursor to doom”, this begin to change in 19th century. British were attracted to some social problems in India. They framed rules for infanticide, child marriage, the prohibition of widow remarriage and overall deplorable status of Indian women.

Laws like Bengal Regulation Act XXI termed female infanticide as a murder, Consummation of marriage age was increased to ten, then twelve and then to fourteen. Hindu Widow’s Remarriage Act was passed in 1856. Abolition of Sati Act 1829 was passed.

Raja Ram, Vidyasagar, and Ranade played vital Role in enactment of above laws and educating masses about their rights and responsibilities towards women.

There were also women’s movement organized by white-collar middle class women and social workers from upper class. Feminist publications such as Manushi, Mahila Andolan Patrika, Feminist Network were run by women to enlighten masses about women’s rights.

Social movements like Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj, with Theosophical society brought some change in conditions of women in 19th century.

But, these changes and movements are yet to succeed. Women’s literacy plays a major role in emancipation of rules into reality. From 19th century to 21st century laws and enlightenment have only help literate women to some extent in India.

Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India;

Q) “In the name of ‘national development’ and ‘economic growth’, government policies have

resulted in internal colonialism, subjugating tribes and alienating their land and forest resources

upon which they depend.”Elucidate. (200 Words)

http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm?lesy1=5-7

Ans: The economic development of India is often criticized by the scholars, for it's loop-sided

development, they argued that the development of the nation is just like the internal

colonialism. The held that just like in the British era the development of the nation and the

benefit of the resources not reached to the common Indian's and they only get exploited.

Similarly contemporary development and growth alienated the tribals and marginalized section

to reap the economic benefits. Government is only exploiting their forest resources but they are

not getting any adequate return for that.

The statement can be proved by the simple statics that the 8-9% of the tribal population is the

40% of the migrants due to the development projects. In which some of them witnessed the

multiple displacement 5 times in a single generation. Thus the urges of growth eliminated one of

the strata of the Indian society. Here it should to be noted that such marginalized growth

creates lots of predicaments for the nation.

On one side it hinders the political, social and economical justice obligations of the Preamble, on

other side it also creates a vulnerability for nation to tackle its internal security. Rise of Left Wing

Extremism is empirical evidence in this regard.

More on studies also shows that the role of these tribals in the other sphere is also negligible.

There is very minor percentage of the tribals engage in the public service delivery or in the apex

level administration which promotes the notion of insecurity and antagonism in the nation.

Here it should to be worth to mention that GOI itself realize the fact and the 11th five year plan

comprehensively deals with the inclusive growth which is aimed at growth of every strata of the

Indian society.

Furthermore GOI also passed several legislations in recent years maintain the sovereignty of the

tribals on their land, role of SC is also laudable in this regard.

So while considering all these it is very clear that although government is working on it, but still

an intensified effort is needed to get the full fledged results

Topic: Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism;

Q) “Communalism is more about politics and less about religion.” Discuss with a special

reference to the South Asian nations. (200 Words)

http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm?lesy1=6-7

Ans: No religion encourages enmity. Every religion gives a big stress on values that are common

with humanity. Thus, Christianity gives stress on Love, Islam and Sikhism stress on fraternity,

Hinduism on tolerance, Jainism on non violence and Buddhism on containing desire/greed.

All religions together give big stress on humanity. Hence when we see the comprehensive

meaning of religions we cannot impart the blame of communal-ism on to them. It is a few

people with vested interests, by propagandizing parochial understanding of religion, are

cultivating communal extremism.

This problem is more common in countries like south Asia as this region is full of religious

diversity and possesses immature law and order situation. To go with examples, our nation has

been facing communal riots since 1992, each time just before elections. in 1992- babri was

demolished. in 2002 gujarath riots, in 2014 mujaffarnagar riots. like wise Burma- rohingya

muslims and buddhists were facing similar kind of problems. Majority of nations here are facing

similar problems just before elections just to bet on their success.

Lack of right understanding among people, high levels of illiteracy and high stress on

employment opportunities are fueling factors behind such communal based politics. What ever

be the reason this is not at all good for any of us. We should note the fact that partition of

undivided India resulted due to such communal based politics only, after a massive bloodshed.

Hence we should discourage such elements both by individual and collective actions

Topic: Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism;

Q) Indian secularism is considered as pseudo-secularism by certain sections of the society.Do

you agree with this view? Critically analyse. (200 Words)

http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm?lesy1=6-7

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/let-nation-debate-the-preamble-ravi-shankar/

article6831215.ece?homepage=true

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/debates-show-why-preambles-original-text-left-out-

the-two-words/article6831694.ece?homepage=true&ref=relatedNews

http://www.newindianexpress.com/columns/Pseudo-secularism-Exposed/2014/05/31/

article2254474.ece

Ans: Indian Constitution included word Socialist and Secularism after 42nd Constitutional Amendment 1976, because it was felt that India as a nation of various religions and shown positive religious tolerance. It was also to make it clear in future that no particular religion can claim more share in policy implementation or declare herself as holier, representative than other.

In last 4 decades, India has set example in front of world by it’s positive secularism where state has no religion and it promotes every religion existence and prosperity equally as envisioned by our forefathers.

But certain section of society thinks otherwise and considers Indian secularism as pseudo-secularism because:

(a.) Secularism real meaning is zero favour to anyone, while in India all religions are promoted equally by government.

(b.) Minority religions are given extra advantages like Haj subsidy, subsidy for missionary buying lands and setting up schools, minority can set special guidelines for their schools and university and can deny anyone’s admission there based on religion. This is against the spirit of Secularism.

(c.) With continuous polarisation of religion as political agendas also degraded the value and essence of secularism.Hence, while constitution claims India as secular nation but as a society we have to cross the barrier of communalised feeling both at heart and action.

Topic: Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism;

Q) Do you agree with the view that in the emergence of modern nation state system, the

realities had come first before principles and ideals? (200 Words)

http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm?lesy1=6-7Ans: “When a nation abolishes aristocracy, centralization follows as a matter of course” – Tocqueville

Rise of India as an Independent nation was a laudable dream of masses from 1850s, but it became reality only in 1947. Several political realities change with the rise of freedom movements. Example. Establishment of INC, Muslim League, Communist Parties, Farmer and Labour Union in India.

British introduce some controversial reforms like Communal and Minority representation in Legislative council of Viceroy articulating that India was never a one nation as it is now.

British empire wished to provide federal structure to Independent India because they believe aspiration of all communities will be secured in decentralization of power. But Two-nation theory, Day of Direct Action, and Jinnah’s Communal stand brought constituent assembly to bring powerful union instead of powerful Federal nation.

So, when principally, independence was discuss before formation of constituent assembly of India, decentrailization was given more importance then other matters. But reality during last decade of freedom movement changed aspirations of makers of constitution.

When, British left India, it was believed aristocracy also left with them, but continuous rise of ethnic and communal issues since independence justified modern India as "Union of States" instead of Federation.

Thus, Indian nation state evolved on principles, but in reality it is yet to apply all the principles into socio-economic realism to bring ideals which glorified “Free India’s vision”

Topic: Population and associated issues;

Q) India is moving towards third stage of demographic transition i.e. replacement-level fertility.

Discuss. What measures can be adopted by government to stabilize the population at a faster

pace? What are the reasons behind difference in fertility rates across the states? (200 Words)

http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm?lesy1=2-7Ans: Replacement level of Fertility is total fertility rate at which women would be replacing herself and her partner in long term and thereby who nation’s women would be replacing nation’s population. Thereby leading to theoretically zero population growth. No. of children attaining 15 years of age only considered as fertility of women. Hence in most developed nation 2.1 is the Replacement level of fertility for adjusting child mortality rate.

Measures that can be adopted by government to stabilise population at faster pace:

(1.) Lower child mortality rate as fast as possible because in rural areas still people opt for larger family size as they belive some children will die before reaching teenage.

(2.) Better health care for mothers to decrease maternal mortality. Setting up better obstetric facilities.

(3.) Mechanising agriculture, increasing productivity of agriculture and shifting more people out of agriculture. Because in rural areas, poor family opt for larger family so as to get helping hand in agriculture. It also leads to disguised unemployment.

(4.) Spreading awareness about small family through Aagan badi, ASHA, ASHOK, panchayat. Encouraging people to go for tubectomy and vasectomy at right age. Making such surgery clean and efficient (in backdrop of CG mishap during sterlisation operation.)

Reasons for difference in Fertility rate across states:

(1.) Difference in culture, religion and economic engagement across state. Kerala has lesser farmers so smaller family.

(2.) Education difference. Education expansion leads to choice for smaller family.

(3.) Better medical facility leads to smaller family and lesser maternal/infant mortality.

(4.) Government intention to address population.

Population is vicious cycle which depends on awareness and medical facility. Better medical care leads to lesser mortality means family reaches desired size in lesser time which means better education for children and better money management for family and again it comes to smaller family. Absence of anyone leads to population growth at faster pace.

Topic: Poverty and associated issues;

Q) “Poverty is clearly not a reason for falling sex ratio.” Elucidate. (200 Words)

http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm?lesy1=2-7Ans: Had poverty been the reason for the falling sex ratio, then it wouldn't have been the lowest in the richest states. Punjab and Haryana can boast of one of the higest per capita income in the country and yet the sex ratio is continually dropping there.

Instead, what seems to be the major factor in the determining sex ratio is the education level of the population. More importantly, the level of education that is being given to girl is an indicative of the acceptacne of the girl child by the society. Since it is mostly a social construct, the gender sensitisation is linked more to the cultural aspects rather than economic.

Insipite of education and economic well being, the capital Chandigarh too has a horrific record in killing of girl child. Money and education have thus become a tool to attain their parochial aims. It seems that untill the mentality of the people is changed, education would continue to perpetuate the same stereotypes as the ones popular with the poorer citizens of the nation.

The root of the problem perhaps lies in the economic and political inequity systematically perpetuated by our society. Women have to have the right ot work as equal of their male co workers and paid equally too. Rural settings doesn't discriminate between the labroures but the modern industry prefers the male worker, seen as more responsible towards the company than the family. Strict laws need to be in place to ensure that maternity leaves, childcare etc. doesn’t come in way of a woman's career.

Topic: Population and associated issues;

Q) While the overall sex ratio has improved to 940 as compared to 933 in 2001, the child (0-6

years) sex ratio has shown an unabated decline since 1961. How do you explain this

contradiction? (200 Words)

http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm?lesy1=2-7Ans: As per the provisional data of Census 2011, while the overall sex ratio had gone up by seven points to touch 940, against 933 in Census 2001, the child sex ratio plummeted to 914 from 927.The increasing trend has been seen in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Mizoram and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while in all the remaining 27 States and Union

Territories, the ratio has shown a decline.This anomaly can be broadly attributed to biological and social reasons.

The decline in child sex ratio is due to the preference for male child in our patriarchial society. Pre natal diagnostic techniques lead to female foeticide, due to which the child sex ratio can be said to be declining. Also, at such an age, children are mostly dependent ontheir parents for nutrition, where males are again the preference, as they are more likely to be employed with the family as a child labourer. As the industrialisation of India picked up in the early 1960s, the demand for labour increased, supplementing the already high preference for male children.This coupled with the dawn of development in medical facilities in India since early 1960s, the child sex ratio has declined continually.

But as age increases, females are at an advantage to males in most of the ailments, due to following reasons:1. Women produce more antibodies and at a quicker rate than men, and have more whiteblood cells.2. Women have a lower blood pressure than men, and, at least prior to the menopause, areless likely to suffer from potentially deadly cardiovascular diseases.3. Females usually have a higher life expectancy then men, due to better psychological/cognitive efficiency which stimulates more brain cells.

So, if the effect of all social evils, leading to deaths of females at an early age, is eliminated at the later stage of life, females survive more then men, which explains the better sex ratio at the post dependency periods of children.

Topic: Social empowerment;

Q) When we take land away from tribals, we take their life spirit. Discuss this statement in the

light of forceful land acquisition in tribal areas since independence. Highlight the special

provisions made for STs in the recent land acquisition act to protect their interests. (200 Words)

http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm?lesy1=3-7Ans: Land acquisition in tribal areas in the name of development is alleged to have taken away the very life spirit of tribals.Traditionally tribals were isolated from mainstream society ,residing mostly forests.Their main source of livelihood has been forest products.Post independence need for development of heavy industries required exploitation of mines and minerals ,forest and forest products ,setting up large hydroelectric projects which mostly fall in tribal area.In the name of national development their land and rights over forest were taken in British times continued in Post Independence India also.They were driven off their traditional land.Private rights over forest land has been recognized which destroyed thier community based social system .They have been denied their share in minerals and forest products and profits have been mostly taken big corporations.

Also ,many projects have been granted without much of EIA and SIA which has put tribals at margin.In the process of interaction with mainstream society they have been marginalized and living under utter poverty and malnutrition.Corruption and government apathy have further aggravated the situation.Also tribal areas have seen continued in-migration of outsiders ,due to which the whole demography of some areas like Tripura has changed within a decade.Due their marginalization many tribals have resorted to violence and joined Naxalite groups.Last decade has seen formation of tribal specific states of Chattisgarh and Jharkhand.Having realized their problems government has taken following steps to protect their interests:

1. Forest Rights Act, 2006:It recognises customary rights of tribals over forest land permits them to use forest products.It also extends community based decision making system in the form of Gram Sabha which will collectively take decision regarding Land Acquisition.2. PESA, 1995:It extends Panchayati Raj system in tribal areas and grants them rights to manage their own affairs without much government intervention.3. Land Acquisition Act 2013 provides enough safeguards.4. Proper Social Impact Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment is necessary before any developmental activity in tribal areas. Before any major infrastructure project in tribal land proper compensation and rehabilitation is to be provided to the affected ones.5. Tribal welfare programs have been included in CSR activities.6. Dedicated Tribal Welfare ministries have been made at Center and in various states to deal with their problems.7. MNREGA has been effectively implemented in tribal areas with increased number working days.8. Programs like marketing of tribal tradition products have been taken in association e-retail companies like Flipkart.

Topic: World wars, Redrawl of national boundaries;

Q) ‘Extreme nationalism of fascist variety has various faces in various countries,but it has

everywhere in common characteristics.’ Critically analyse. (200 Words)

http://www.frontline.in/cover-story/soldiers-of-the-swastika/article6756605.eceAns: The origin of Fascism in Rome has a changed the political discourse of the world in 20th century. With its extreme nationalism, Mussolini tried to create an army of people where everything is viewed from the prism of nationalism and every act done is related to it. Over a period of time this spread to other countries and is still relevant in today's world after completion of 3 quarters of a century from its onset.

Hitler's acts of nurturing Nazis, killing jews, attacking communism etc show the extremeness of nationalism which other nations of the day could not match. Though Italy's version is in other

aspects like community to do agriculture, bringing rapid national development, Germany's version is of asserting its supremacy in racial and military aspects.

After the World War 2, the Bolsheviks have shown another form of nationalism with different ideological aspects which has workers as its national identity. From defeating Germany to building satellite states around them, the extreme form of nationalism is evident fuelled by the assertion of supremacy of the west, resulted in Cold War.

The Great Leap of Mao in China also a form of nationalism where the communes wanted to elevate the country's status and put it along with other powers and showed the aggressiveness in their work. This was an attempt using labour and in the process led to coercion and disastrous consequences.

The growth of RSS in post independent India is also an evidence of nationalism through religious aspirations.

Everywhere nationalism existed in extreme forms but its moderation to release the energies in a channelled way like a nuclear reactor will do greater benefit than sudden explosive activities like a nuclear bomb for the good of nations and the world at large.

Topic: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country;

Q) “The popular rise of the slogan for azaadi in Kashmir in the late 1990s was on the account of

religious fundamentalism which was left unchallenged and an Indian state which viewed a

community merely as pawns in their geostrategic game.” Critically comment. (200 Words)

http://www.epw.in/editorials/quarter-century-exile.html

Ans:

Fact of the matter:

Kashmir which remained highly disputed region of south Asia was always volatile since early 1930s. Earlier muslim majority was fighting for Hindu minority rule (Maharaja Hari Singh). Later a muslim elite emerged in the form of Shiekh Mohammed Abdullah, who in early 1950s along with Nehru eluded Kashmiri muslims of almost Kashmir independence within Indian framework. After defeating Pakistan in 1947 and UN mediated a ceasefire in 1948 Nehru retreated from his earlier promise of plebiscite in Kashmir so the deal b/w Shiekh and Nehru failed and Nehru even has to jail his close frnd sheikh.

Since then fundamentalism against Indian state aroused in valley which caught fire in late 1980s with the help of Pakistan.

The reasons of 1990s Uprising

1) Pak support and massive infiltration.

2) Fundamentalism was already growing since 1960s in Kashmiri muslims; parties like Hurriyat, JKLF, Peoples liberation front.

3) Arm and fighters from Afghanistan

4) US and PAK. supported uprising, even then US ambassador openly supported Kashmir independence.

5) Indian state: Indian state was also responsible, which has failed to meet aspirations of people. When we say aspirations it shd not be confused with developmental aspiration ( as Kashmir in 1980s was far more developed than NE or even central states like MP,UP as far as education, life style, income etc are concerned) rather Kashmiri people wanted more autonomy (more effective implementation of art. 370). Even what i think most of the Urban educated people of Kashmir (precisely 10 districts of valley) wanted independence.

6) Influence and motivation from USSR disintegration.

Solution to Kashmir problem: Being a nationalist, i stick to unilateral solution (means Pak shouldn't be involved) of Kashmir. As Kashmir being integral part of India, there is no point in talking about its independence.

Suggestion:

1) First deal more effectively with anti national elements. Severe Reprisal policy should be followed.

2) Along with this go for more development.

3) Also push for POK, a part of Kashmir we have forget (even we tried to give it to Pakistan in Shimla(1972)-LOC).