GS2 Weekly [16th – 21st Feb 2015] [The Undercover group] (Insightsonindia.com)

Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.

Q) Assess how recent political developments in Sri Lanka can affect its economic

cooperation with India. Do you think these developments are favourable to India? Explain

why. (200 Words)

Business Standard

Ans- Srilanka is not only our closest nation separated by ocean but also share largest Indian

Population of Tamil citizen, hence having cooperative relations is imminent.

Recently, Maitripala Sirisena who was ex-partymember of Mahinda Rajpaksha who got

separated from party and formed party on secular, pro-minority and pro-India lines won

election and became President of island nation.

India’s economic cooperation with Srilanka will now improve definetly because of following

reasons:

(1.) India has NTPC coal based Thermal power plant project(2000 Crore), Underwater and

overwater power transmission project(1000 MW, 3000 Crore) pending in Srilanka since

2005 is expected to get necessary push.

(2.) Sirisena’s view of pro-India is win-win for India as it will strengthen India’s Look East

Policy on the other hand it will lower the China’s Expansionism threat in Indian Ocean.

Sirisena said, that he will not take any step against India’s territorial security. It is friendly

gesture toward India’s diplomacy. It will save defense expenditure and arm race in Indian

Ocean.

(3.) Now, India can push Srilanka for fair investigation on ethinic atrocities committed

toward Tamilian people, which was stalled for long time. Also International (UNHRC) can

pass more clear resolution and no threat for sanctions on Srilanka will be there. This will

again win-win for India as well as Srilanka.

(4.) India can broker now for fishermen releases and also come up with strict guideline on

cooperative fishing on disputed water of Kachatheevu island. Rise in Srilanka trade(45% of

SL trade is with India). Tourism boost.

(5.) Good gesture toward India from Srilanka will also motivate Maldives to cooperate with

India and not submit to China’s demand of airbase construction.

Hence, New political party accession to power is beneficial for India and India must look

Sirisena’s visit to Delhi as an major oppurtunity to even out past differences and come up

with comprehensive development plan.

Topic: Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

Q) According to a study, the level of malnourishment is high among children whose parents

migrate in search of livelihood. Critically examine why and suggest measures to address this

problem. (200 Words)

The Hindu

Ans- With india striving hard to achieve its MDG targets and reduce malnutrition, the

attention needs to be focussed on specially vulnerable groups to correct the bigger picture.

Migrants are one of these and mostlty come from the low socio-economic strata.

Most of the migration for livelihood is either cyclical or distress migration,the later being

most common.

The increased malnutrition among children of migrants basically stems from the fact that

they have to compromise and adjust in harsh,unhygenic conditions and temporary

settlements. The causes include

1. Poor socio-economic conditions hence affordability of food hampered

2. Temporary settlements leading to unhygenic conditions

3. Child labour ex: brick klins

4. Lack of sanitation and open defecation

5. Inadequate access to health facilities and immunization

6. Inadequate and improper breast-feeding and weaning

7. No access to pds facilities due to mirgation leading to poor nutrition in mother and

children.

8. Content of diet does not suffice for diverse nutritional requirement of children

9. small land holdings leading to inadequate production

The main solution lies in preventing migration and hence multiple problems related to it by

proper implementationn of schemes like MGNREGA, PURA etc. The others include:

1. increasing access to anganwadis

2. making pds facilities available for migrants

3. provision of proper houses and sanitation facilities

4. considering migrants as “vulnerable groups” and chalking out special programmes

5. identification of migrants and help from local PR institutions

6. regular health camps in identified areas

The complexity of the problems calls for a multi-pronged approach including the state,

NGOs and change in policy outlooks

Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.

Q) Analyse why having good relations with Sri Lanka is important for India from security

point of view. In this regard, examine what efforts have been made by India to forge strong

relationship with Sri Lanka in recent months. (200 Words)

The Hindu – 1

The Hindu – 2

Ans- India shares not only great civilisational linkage driven by buddhism but also strategic

partnership on diverse spheres of cooperation.

Fostering harmonious relation with island nation are crucial for protecting our strategic

interests in indian ocean region.. At times when chinese expansionist policy is being

manifested through naval bases in Maldives and other nations, countering security

challenges driven by 'String of pearls' of China is imperative for securing our security and

commercial interests. In order to prudently scrutinise negative intentions of 'Maritime silk

road ' project of china, constructive ties with Sri Lanka is needed.

In keeping line with such objectives, India is geared to strengthen trilateral defence linkages

involving Maldives and Sri Lanka. we have reached to succesful realisation of civilian nuclear

cooperation and signed MOU for cooperation in Nalanda university as well agricultral

cooperation. The much awaited NTPC power generating projects in lanka is expected to

achieve concrete realisation. Besides, it is expected that through consrtructive talks with

present pro-indian and pro- minority govt in sri lanka, we can evolve realisation of 13th

amendment for democratic stabilty and demillitarisation in northern province of island

nation.

Thus, considerable efforts are being made towards strengthening bilateral engagement in

diverse sphere. India should realise the potential offered through 'pro-indian' approach of

current govt in trade facilitation, tourism and people to people interaction

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s

interests,

Q) Critically analyse the objectives and intent of the Chinese Silk Road Economic Belt project

and its implications for India. (200 Words)

The Hindu

Ans- The "Silk Road Economic Belt" is a Chinese initiative to integrate

economies of Asia and Europe along the Eurasian corridor with Chinese economy; through

the development of transport infrastructure and communication networks involving

railways, roads & fiber optics highways that would connect South Asia,

South East Asia, Central Asia and Europe along an integrated land corridor.

Intent:

1. realize Chinese aspirations of playing an enhanced role at regional and global levels.

2. First step towards establishing Chinese hegemony at regional and global levels; instead of

US $ or Euro, the local currencies & Renminbi to be dominant means of economic deals.

Objectives:

1. development: of Chinese hinterland particularly Xinjiang province which is seeing a lot of

ethnic violence arising out of social problems like poverty, unemployment,

backwardness etc.

2. Economic Growth: enhanced connectivity will boost China's trade with entire Eurasian

continent; Chinese overcapacity in construction materials will be utilized; efficiency

improves.

3. Enhanced Regional & Global clout: China hopes to gain closer cultural and political ties

with countries along the silk Road.

4. Counter US: policy of "Pivot of Asia" and its trans-pacific partnership agreement which try

to contain China and consolidate American hegemony.

5. Showcase a softer side of China & gain an uppe r hand over regional powers such as India

& Japan.

Implications for India:

Security:

1. Chinese influence in Indian neighbors such as Nepal, Bhutan may increase.

2. encircling India via land corridor just like string of pearls in Indian Ocean.

Political:

1. India's clout at regional level might be reduced.

Economic: if India participates in the initiative then

1. its trade might be boosted with Eurasian economies.

2. China may fund infrastructure development in India too.

Conclusion: the need for India is to balance security concerns with economic

benefits to be derived; particularly in the context of Chinese assertiveness.

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues

arising out of their design and implementation.

Q) “Even before concrete work begins on the government’s ambitious smart-city project,

there seems to be increasing concern over the initiative turning into an elitist concept.”

Critically examine why such apprehension is expressed from some quarters. (200 Words)

Business Standard

Ans- Developing 100 smart city is flagship programme of NDA government. With India’s

economy and diplomacy developing at faster rate, many nations are more than eager to

cooperate in building smart cities. Huge investments, high expectation are pipelined, which

led to turning this initiative into an elitist concept i.e. out of reach of common public.

Cooperations are coming from nations like Japan, Germany, Singapore and US which have

already set benchmark in building smart city from scratch(Whitefield project) as well as

renewing existing cities (Brownfield project). A common perception is in everyone’s mind

that smart cities will be world class with lavish buildings, expensive infrastructures which is

not entirely true.

Some valid reasons why such skepticm and apprehensions coming are:

(1.) Right now smart cities in India are HiTec city of Hyderabad, Banglore Electronic city and

Mumbai financial district. This are build with huge investment and it is not possible for

common public to avail facilities of those place because of high rent, expensive outlets.

Hence, apprehension of cost and exclusivity of only elite are coming.

(2.) Wrong percpetion that, no small skilled job will be available there. Hence no place for

semi-skilled or small jobs.

(3.) Perception that everything will be mechanised and automated from automated waste

collection, retreating domestic water to automated buses. Such things invovles knowledge

transfer from developed nations.

(4.) Concept of Brownfield project which means same mediocre city will be transformed,

hence the apprehension that where will all existing settlement and jobs will go ?

Smart city is about managing the tasks/infrastructures to use optimum energy, green

energy, cleanliness and sustainability. It is wrong to think that such cities will lead to

widening gap between common people and elite people.

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s

interests,

Q) In recent months, the United States of America and South Africa are involved in a major

trade dispute between them over the trade of chicken between them. Critically analyse the

issue and examine what implications such similar issues can have on India. (200 Words)

The New York Times

Ans- Reason behind Trade Dispute

1. US prefer mainly chicken breast and remaining legs and thighs are dumped into African

nation at lower than market price of african market.

2. US chicken is infamous for its massive use, (misuse), of GMO's, growth hormones,

antibiotics, animal factory confinement, weed control chemicals, pesticides, bovine growth

hormones, anti-inflamatory drugs, etc, etc. Persistent toxic chemicals are a big problem in

the American food supply but most Americans do not seem to care by what method or

materials their food is grown and processed, so long as they can continue to gorge

themselves cheaply.

Even EU has cautioned over the import of US Food material. US need to consider over this

cultural purspective. In case of India, Similar reason of Banning ALPHONSO which caused

heavy loss in revenue. Every country has right to what to eat and from where to eat

.Although whole world's nations prefer FTA in bi/tri/multilateral agreement to serve their

citizens interest but not at cost of health .

If India at place of US, then surely need

1. Sharp teeth over food producing industry for adulteration

2. Increase Role of Food Ministry ..check over products

3. Notion of Prefer to serve quality along with quantity amoung producers

If India at place of SA,

Have full right to follow SA way , although it may counter effect from opposite country so

india can look for WTO and other organisation

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

Q) How effective has been United Nations Security Council in addressing some of pressing

security challenges faced by raising extremism across the world? In the light of its mandate,

critically comment. (200 Words)

The Hindu

Ans- The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is the most powerful body in the United

Nations, with primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and

security. It has five powerful countries (US, UK, France, Russia, and China) as permanent

members along with 10 non permanent members. Despite UN has been largely successful in

ending various conflicts, it is unable to address many challenges faced by raising extremism

across the world.

1) UNSC failed to enforce its resolution on Iraq, for cooperation and transparency regarding

various weapons. That led to the US invasion on Iraq in the name of weapons of Mass

Destruction.

2) In 2003, Sudan erupted into conflict as various extremist groups criticized and attacked

the government for oppressing the non-Arab. After three years, UN could dispatch its

soldiers in a limited manner. By 2010, an estimated 300,000 Sudanese civilian were killed.

3) In 2012, China and Russia used their veto power and the UNSC could not intervene in

Syria. Since the Syrian civil war began, an estimated 60,000 civilians have been killed.

4) UNSC is also unable to bring any resolution condemning Israel’s action against Palestine,

following US's veto power.

5) UNSC do not have any concrete plan to deal with tensions in East Jerusalem as well as the

activities of radicalised and extremist groups in Iraq, Syria, Ukrain etc.

Although UNSC can be credited for its peace-keeping missions in Haiti, Congo, etc. The big

issues of world peace – terrorism, extremism, nuclear proliferation can’t be entrusted upon

a body which is more often paralytic than effective.

Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.

Q) “There are at least five factors, which should make the ongoing sectarian war in Pakistan

different from its earlier avatars, and more difficult to combat.” Discuss these factors and

their possible implications on India – Pakistan relations. (200 Words)

The Hindu

Ans- ---Sectarian war refers to the violence against common citizens, due to their

association with a particular religious group.

---With time, the sectarian war in Pakistan has surely evolved and changed its course of

action while executing terrorist activities, This can be attributed to five factors:

1. Due to the increased geographic spread of the groups outside the few districts of Punjab,

extending to the regions of Karachi, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Baltistan regions.

2. The intensity and scale of violence has increased, with increase in the human and

material damage occuring in each of the terror strikes. This is due to the increased supply of

weaponry, due to the linkages between groups like TTP and sectarian groups of Punjab.

3. The new war is also related to its external linkages, as opposed to the fuelling by cold war

between Iran and Pakistan, in the 80s and 90s. This is due to their involvement in the larger

Shia-Sunni war and the rise of IS in the middle east countries. This may result in the

involvement of IS in Pakistan’s war too, in the future.

4. The scale of control of state on the sectarian groups, is also a factor. In the 80s and 90s,

the sectarian groups were supported by the state. But with the newly established linkages,

these groups no longer need the support of the establishments, and are therefore out of

their control.

5. The fear of targeting these groups also serves as a factor, as these groups have a large

civil support base. Also, as long as the war is confined to tribal border areas, external help in

the form of drones can be used. But in the heartland, the nation will be highly dependent on

the less trained police force.

---This can severely affect the future Indo Pak relations, as the insidious plans of these

terrorist groups against India, are no secret. If such terrorist groups team up with the

military, the bilateral relations can further strain.

---The democratic establishments in Pakistan have never been able to keep the military on a

leash, which may be the deciding factor in the future relations between the neighbours.

---The Pakistan govt needs to have a strong political will to counter such extremist forces

with the help of military, and establish a peaceful environment in the country, so as to

maintain good relations with all its neighbours and remove the tag of “Safe Haven for

Terrorist groups” currently imposed on it.

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues

arising out of their design and implementation.

Q) “Flagship development programmes in India have not been designed or modified based

on evidence from evaluations.” With examples, discuss why it is important to launch

development programmes after thorough evaluation of their feasibility and impact and how

the negligence of this aspect has affected development process in India. (200 Words)

The Hindu

Ans- India is a land of bold social welfare programmes but they share one common

disadvantage which is lack of empirical validity. Though all programmes are high in hopes

but fail to yield results because once launched they become political party flagship

programmes and ego image and hence resistive to change.

Some examples and reasons for pre-evaluations of programmes are:

(1.) India has vast populations and inequalities. Same programme doesn’t work for all

regions. Hence pre-evaluation is important to analyse region based needs and tailor made

programmes as per the region. For ex. Kerosene in PDS provided all over India, though in

95% area of India is electrified and doesn’t use kerosene for domestic purpose. Hence, all

kerosene ends in black market. Kerosene should only be provided in unelectrified homes

regions and not to all.

(2.) NREGA is extended to all over India, but it has shown negative impact in agricultural belt

where there was no unemployment earlier. Here, now all agricultural labour are using

NREGA for cash and Subsidised grain for food. No one is interested in farm labouring leading

to huge loss to plantations, orchards, and big farmers. NREGA should have been only

provided to high unemployment and poverty area.

(3.) Towns near to capital of state only get more attentions like Public health care,

functional PDS and all. But far flung areas are often avoided. Hence, near to capital area are

now well doing, but far areas are not. So, government should now focus in reverse.

This examples shows that, there is need for pre-evaluation and analysis before

implementing Policy in ground zero.

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

Q) Considering the ongoing geo-political developments in Afghanistan, do you think India

should be worried? Analyse why. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

Ans- India’s relations with Afghanistan has traditionally been warm primarily due to the

assistance accorded to Afghanistan in the form of humanitarian and reconstruction aid and

investments running upto $11 billion as of 2012. The primary objectives behind such aid

programmes were to improve connectivity and economic collaboration with the resource

rich countries of Central Asia and to diminish counter Pakistan’s influence in it.

However, the impending withdrawal of the US army is an issue of concern for India as the

geopolitical and military vacuum created in Afghanistan may be filled up by China and

Pakistan respectively, especially due to the continued prevalence of ethnic disharmony in

Afghanistan. The Chinese have already initiated a trilateral framework which includes

Pakistan and Afghanistan and have committed to construct a hydroelectric project in

eastern Afghanistan.

Such moves by China can potentially erode the goodwill created by India in Afghanistan in

addition to easing Pakistan’s desire to increase its influence in Afghanistan, which it believes

to be its strategic backyard. This will enable Pakistan to relocate its troops from its

western border to the east, alongwith possibly sabotaging India’s attempts to engage with

Central Asian countries(e.g. TAPI). Also, anti-India terrorist groups in Pakistan may be

encouraged to collaborate with terrorist groups in Afghanistan.

The solution to this problem is a strong and unified Afghanistan which is neutral to all

countries in addition to playing the role of a beneficiary to all stakeholders. This requires the

deepening of the democratic institutions in Afghanistan. Leveraging its goodwill in

Afghanistan and allying with Iran to counter Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan alongwith

continued aid and support seems to be the best course of action for India currently.

Topic:Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues

arising out of their design and implementation; Health related issues; Also paper-3 –

Infrastructure – Roads

Q) In absolute numbers, more people die in road crashes in India than anywhere else in the

world. Critically examine why and suggest what policy measures should India follow to

reduce deaths caused by road accidents. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

Ans- India shows a poor record in road safety and that too is worsening. Reasons for dismal

road safety in India:

1. Boom in automobile sector and parallel rise of the Indian middle class has increased

volume of vehicles on the road. On the other hand, road infrastructure and standards have

not improved accordingly.

2. Cases of drunk driving, rash driving, overtaking and disrespect of traffic rules have

increased.

3. Not following safety standards like lane driving, traffic lights, wearing helmets and

seatbelts, etc.

4. Rapid urbanization of cities and expanding of their limits.

All this has increased the vulnerability of people, specially bicycle and pedestrians, on the

road.

Various nations have lowered their road fatalities by different steps like Vision Zero in

Sweden. Various measures that can be adopted in India are:

1. Promote sustainable transport approach i.e. reduce number of kilometres travelled and

reduce volume of vehicles on the road

2. Avoid-shift-improve approach can be used to this end. We should

(A) create awareness amongst people to avoid private means of transport. This can be

achieved by higher road and toll taxes, sensitizing them over pollution issues.

(B) Shift the traffic onto public means of transport. Multi modal transport systems with

transit facilities are a good option.

(C) Improve existing infrastructure in terms of speed, time, accessibility and affordability.

Delhi Metro provides a great example that can be replicated.

3. Stricter norms of traffic rules specially on drunk driving, over speeding, helmets and

seatbelts. Strict challan system.

4. Identifying accident hotspots and re engineering them specially sharp curves, traffic

merging points. Building alternative expressways dedicated to particular traffic.

5. Preventing poor people from sleeping on roadsides.

6. Highway patrol units, cameras, repair shops and medical care units at fixed distances

along roads.

7. Tax incentives to manufacturers of vehicles with more safety features. But higher toll

taxes and road taxes from users.

8. Planners of cities should rationalise the proposed roads and lanes as per the population

demands.

9. Creating awareness amongst people towards overspeeding and tash driving by

campaigning with slogans like Better late than never.

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues

arising out of their design and implementation.

Q) “Academic governance in the country remains deeply vulnerable to the opinions of the

ruling government.” Do you agree with this opinion? If this is true, what measures need to

be taken by both the academics and politicians to protect the autonomy of academic

governance in the country? Critically examine. (200 Words)

The Hindu

The Indian Express

Ans- Academic governance in educational institutions of India has increasingly seen political

interference at behest of various matters which need not merit such actions. Though the

Governor mostly retains the Chancellor post in universities but administration is controlled

by vice-chancellor and directors. Though the act under which many institutions were

established did not envisage any political interference but encroachment in name of

welfare, greater good of the society,etc are seen. Cases where such administrators resigned,

took decisions or accepted clauses under duress and cases where close relatives of

influential people landed up in top notch institutions are coming to light these days. The

impact is negative in short and long run both as otcontinues to plague our educational

system.

To prevent such situation policy measures required:

1. Selection of vice-chancellor and directors of insitutions of national importance to be

made in a transparent process by a panel of experts.

2. Security of term amd allowances granted to admimistrators of educational insitutions.

3. No outside interference in administrative matters of institutions. But to prevent

concentration of power, board of governors should be established. Members of the board

should be eminent scholars, industry leaders and /or alumni but not present members of

political parties.

4. Avoiding any outside political interference in university students' elections and enforcing

Lyngdoh committee recommendations as far as possible.

5. Fixed financial allocations to institutions which cannot be decreased except on strong

grounds. This will minimise dependence on government.

6. Admimistrators should be as far as possible chosen from the existing faculties.

Besides, moral restrain on academic people will prevent them form making any political

remarks.

However, government control in matters of fees, admission procedures and reservation in

desirable. Regulations over private institutes are also required.

Topic: India and its neighbours

Q) India is Israel’s biggest purchaser of its defence equipments and both countries regard

each other as natural allies. Do you think Israel qualifies as India’s natural ally in the region?

Critically discuss. (200 Words)

Business Standard

Ans- Starting from 1991 with the break-up of Soviet Union and end of Cold War, Indo-Israel

relations have improved substantially.

1. Defence sector has been guiding light in the development of relations.

2. From Buyer-Seller relationship, today India and Israel are moving towards Joint

production of defense equipment, which dove tails well into India's 'Make in India' initiative

and attaining strategic independence in defense equipment.

3. Relations are diversified to also include agriculture, nano-technology, space research and

a understanding on counter-terrorism.

The above reasons and huge good will that India generates among Israeli population makes

one to call them 'Natural Allies'.

But India should continue its Multi-vectored approach towards its diplomacy and build

multiple alliances and resist the temptation to call Israel as its natural ally because of the

following reasons.

1. Iran, the Israel’s natural enemy is the only possible land route to India to reach the

resource rich Central Asia in case the situation in Afghanistan goes against Indian interests.

2. Presence of huge Muslim population in India requires it to maintain good relations with

Arab world, which opposes Israel.

3. India needs the help of Saudi Arabia as much as Israel to counter terrorism.

4. Human right violations of Israel in Gaza and west Bank might become a head ache for

India, which is so far a principled supporter of Palestine cause.

so for the above reasons, India's national interest is better served by building multiple

alliances and leverages than proclaiming Isreal as its natural ally.

Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance-

applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters,

Q) In your opinion, how much of public opinion is considered in formulating policies that

concern common man by the governments at the centre and states? Also examine how

information technology can be used to ‘listen’ to public opinion. (200 Words)

Business Standard

Ans- Legislative action or executive orders that concern common man are often done

without much thought process and little feedback is collected to assess its practicability.

Also mostly the schemes made so far were focussed on the supply side rather than first

evaluating their demand sides and little assessment was done of their value addition. This

mostly happened due to lack of a platform where lawmakers could properly gauge the

freely disclosed mood of the public, except their own intuition and political compulsions.

Certain politicians came up with an idea of JanSabha but it was insufficient to give a big

picture. Some acts like Right to Information was passed after popular agitation. Some like

Lokpal are hanging in the balance.

This is exactly where India's favourite sector, Information Technology, comes to the rescue.

Initiatives taken to help collect feedback are:

1. Incumbent government has set up a portal mygov.in for citizens to suggest and discuss

policy formulations.

2. Government is planning to gauge social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and some news

channel sites to get a grasp of public mood and collect their feedback. This will be done by

help of a digital platform that government is working on.

However, certain issues need to be addressed before this scheme takes off:

1. The volume of comments and content will be huge and so make it difficult for the

algorithms to sort out the better ones.

2. The views will be of the net-savvy people who are financially well off to own a

smartphone or laptop. So the views may not be coming from Bharat but only from India.

3. Privacy comcerns of users.

So this is a good initiative by the government to collect ideas, feedback and work them out

to give all stakeholders a chance of participation

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to

Health, Education, Human Resources

Q) In the light of increasing deaths caused by swine flu in the country, critically examine

what mechanism exists in the country to prevent the spread of epidemics like swine flu and

what measures need to be taken by common man to safeguard himself/herself against

swine flu. (200 Words)

The Hindu

Ans- Mechanisms existing in country to tackle epidemic crisis are:

1. Vaccination at all Govt. hospitals (Polio eradication is live example)

2. Provision of generic medicines (affordable, National List of Essential Medicines has been

expanded over time)

3. Assistance to crisis hit states (National Crisis Management Committee must reviews the

situation and offer States necessary central assistance.)

4. Skilled physicians in all Govt. hospitals (this measure needs consolidation)

5. Adequate PHCs, Laboratories, Detecting equipments and cutting-edge-technology to

diagnose the virus at the earliest with zero error (needs consolidation)

6. Chief Secretaries and medical heads of States ensures availability of drugs, testing kits,

diagnostic labs, personal protective equipment, masks etc., in their States (as various states

are doing regarding to Swine Flu)

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to

Health, Education, Human Resources.

Q) “The Draft National Health Policy 2015 fails to tackle head-on the core problem of the

Indian health system: its management, administration and overall governance structure.”

Critically examine. (200 Words)

The Hindu

Ans- The draft national health policy 2015 has a vision for the long term health strategy for

the country. This health policy covers wide variety of issues including-

1. low public health expenditure.

2. Inequity in access of health services.

3. Poor quality of care.

4. No proper reach to rural areas.

This policy also provides for the recommendations to solve these problems but the draft

policy had failed to tackle the core problems of Indian health system.

1. management- the management of the financial resources has been the problem of health

sector. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, even with the lower spending then India have resulted in

better outcomes and even in India, different states have different outcomes which have

been due to the handling of management. The proper management is key to revive health

sector.

2. administration- it has been found that the effectiveness of public health- child and infant

survival, attended births, immunization coverage and birth weight is negatively correlated

with the corruption in system.

The local health administration must be robust which also effect the nurse attendance and

workers.

3. governance- governance structures need to balance-

a. responsibility- responsibility shall be fixed for the particular services by govt for its better

functioning.

b. flexibility- managers/bureaucrats must have radical approach according to situation to be

flexible enough inside the regulations to provide better services.

c. accountability- an independent board of directors can be appointed which includes health

secretary for the expansion of public delivery in primary and preventive healthcare in India.

Thus, though a better move to provide sophisticated services in health sector by govt, these

basic structures must also be taken care of to provide make it much better.

Topic: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments,

significant provisions and basic structure.

Q) “The 42nd Amendment almost rewrote the Constitution, making Parliament the supreme

sovereign body.” Critically analyse. (200 Words)

Frontline

Ans- The 42nd amendment to the constitution was brought during the emergency, brought

some drastic changes in the constitution. These changes were :

-- Preamble : It changed the characterization of India to “sovereign, socialist secular

democratic republic” from “sovereign democratic republic” and the words ‘unity of the

nation’ was changed to ‘unity and integrity of the nation’.

-- Parliament: Raised the term of loksabha and vidhansabha from 5 to 6 years. The quorum

was left to be fixed by the rules of each house.

-- Judicial : Stating that the amendments cant be questioned by any court on any ground.

-- Executive: The amendment stated that the president shall act in accordance to the council

of ministers.

-- Federal : enable the centre to deploy armed forces for dealing with situations of law and

order in any state.

-- Emergency :authorizing the President to declare emergency in "a part" of the country.

The 42nd amendment changed the whole complexion of the constitution, making

parliament the supreme sovereign body, excluding courts entirely from election disputes,

strengthening central govt to rule as a unit NOT as a federal system, cutting down the

judiciary powers to challenge legislation abolishing democracy and devaluing fundamental

rights.

Topic: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments,

significant provisions and basic structure.

Q) In the light of rumours that the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ would be removed from the

preamble of Indian Constitution, critically examine the historical significance of the

amendment through which these words were added and what result these words has had

on Indian polity since their insertion into the preamble. (200 Words)

Frontline

Ans- The government advertisement of Preamble (earlier version) on this republic day has

caught up into a controversy in which different political leaders are providing their own

views on whether the two words should be retained or not.

Historical significance-

1. 42nd amendment act was brought in 1976 during the time of emergency

2. Amendment was done to make the Parliament the supreme sovereign body

3. To protect the government from legal challenges

4. Scholars says that the ‘secular’ word was added to secure the rights of minority during

the tough period of emergency

Views in support of the amendment-

1. Explicitly says that India is a secular country, which is one of the base on which our

democratic society lies

2. In contemporary India, progressive states are also not free from the taint of chauvinism

and communalism, as well as jeopardizing the interests of poor people in the hand of some

capitalist class. Thus, words acts as a check on mindless development and communalism

Views against the inclusion of words-

1. Both are part of the constitution even without the explicit use

2. Preamble explicitly spoke of securing to all the citizens Justice- social, economic and

political means socialist state while give Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and

worship. If we have this liberty then we are a secular state. Thus, there was no need for the

amendment

3. Art 25, 26 which is a fundament rights in which there can be no state interference, clearly

defines that we are

a secular state.

4. DPSP explicitly says that state should protect the interest of its subject, which is one of

the attributes of a socialist state

Topic: India and its neighbours

Q) “India has legitimate security interests in the region and legitimate concerns in the

welfare of the Tamil citizens of Sri Lanka. But neither the interests nor the concerns have

been served by the policies that India has followed, since 1983, to be precise.” Critically

comment. (200 Words)

Frontline

Ans- India's relations with Srilanka extend from economic, cultural to political aspects. The

foremost among them would be the security of Indian interests in Indian ocean and welfare

of the ethnic Tamils who hold a cultural nexus with Indian Tamils. India since 1983, persued

many activities to protect the legitimate interests and concerns but the success of them was

marginal.

1. When India made treaty with Srilanka in 1987 as Rajiv-jayawardene pact, The LTTE were

given no consideration which aggravated the situation causing immense damage to India

and one of them being death of PM of India.

2. India spent its energy, resources, time by sending Indian Peace keeping Forces which

fought with LTTE, causing apprehensions in Tamils of both countries who has a soft corner

for the terrorist organization.

3.After LTTE was removed by Srilankan forces, India working to reconstruct the lives of

Northern region of Jaffna, but the denying of land and police powers as promised earlier

made srilankan tamils restricted and no freedom.

4. From the beginning India was working for the betterment of relations with Srilanka as

both hold cultural relations too, but Its tilt towards China has created security concerns in

India. Recent docking a submarine in Srilankan port is a case for this.

5. China's String of Pearls and Maritime Silk Road projects have raised the question of

hegemony in the Indian Ocean impacting the goodwill that India earned so far by

coordinating in economic, environmental and cultural aspects in the region.

Despite the drawbacks of legitimate policies not serving full purpose, there are positives like

consensus on fishing grounds and fishermen releases, improving ties with sports like Cricket,

India's work through SAARC, cooperation like recent Civil Nuclear pact, coordination in

agriculture, education, new government first overseas visit to India recently. It is in the best

interests of both countries to establish a peaceful cooperation that would enhance their ties

along with growth

Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States

and the performance of these schemes; Can be included in Paper – 1 under ‘ Distribution of

key natural resources ‘

Q) In the face of fast depleting groundwater resources, a project by Telangana government

know as ‘Mission Kakatiya’ has been appreciated by one and all for its vision and mission.

Examine the objectives of this project and explain its importance. (200 Words)

Frontline

Ans- Water management is vital for the very existence of settlements and the Deccan had a

long history of prudent water usage before the precarious balance was upset by insensitive

British policies during the early 19th century. Management of this scarce resource had been

transformed into a fine art under the Kakatiya dynasty of Warangal.

As the plateau is located in the rain shadow region of both the Eastern and Western Ghats,

settlers realised early on the need to conserve water in this rocky landscape.

Interconnected rain-fed tanks, whose flow depended on gravity, were developed. Canals

were built from these lakes to supply water to the fields.

The need for revival of this system arises as In Telangana 85% of cultivated area is rainfed,

and only tank irrigation system is the main source for agriculture. It is critical for

• agricultural growth,

• generation of rural employment, poverty reduction,

• flood control, drought mitigation,

• livestock and domestic uses, contributes to soil and water conservation, microclimate and

protection of environment.

The importance of this lies in the geographical location and agro-climatic condition of

Telangana:

• Restoring the depleting water table

• Provide irrigation in the arid regions which form a major part of Telangana

• Would boost the agriculture and state economy

• Renewed green revolution can be brought in the state similar to BGREI

• Farmers suicides can be controlled with better agricultural yields

• Water intensive plants like paddy can be grown

• Reduce the use of tube well which are currently causing a water-stress

With no viable alternative having proved effective, acknowledgement by the irrigation

commission and keeping in view the repeated disasters perpetrated it is best that Telangana

reverts to its traditional system of water management.

Topic: issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and

finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

Q) Some argue that the newly formed Niti Aayog will in fact result in more centralisation of

power and will end even the small say states had in policy matters during the Planning

Commission era. Do you agree with this assessment? Critically examine. (200 Words)

EPW

Ans- Abolishing Planning Commission and formation of NITI Aayog was seen both hope and

despair. The reason of despair was, some believed it would lead to more centralization by:

1) Being only a think-tank, resource allocation will be handled by finance ministry, where no

say of states is present.

2) Abolition of National Development Council- where plan document used to passed by

consensus. The new aayog will only be a formal deliberative body.

3) Due to immense discretion in fund allocation, small states, backward states, conflict

ridden states or states ruled by parties other than central party may not get a fair deal.

But the repeated emphasis of the PM on decentralization and the outcome of first

meeting of this body should put some of these concerns to rest., such as:

1. Three sub-groups of CMs have been constituted to revamp CSS, for skill development

and for Swachh Bharat.

2. Discussion on reducing the number of CSS or even completely doing away with them.

3. Special task forces in each state to alleviate poverty and funding infrastructure

projects.

In addition to this centre has promised more funds to states based on the idea of

“competitive federalism”. Thus the decentralization, promise for more fund allocation to

states and assigning the CMs the duty of solving the issues of CSS, skill development etc

certainly generate hope. Continuance of this principle in future will help us realize

“cooperative federalism” in spirit

Topic: issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and

finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

Q) The two decades since have seen a considerable expansion of local self-government in

rural areas in India but it is still very far from Gandhi’s revolutionary conception of a village-

centred economy and polity. Examine Gandhiji’s concept of self reliant village republics and

if this concept is still applicable to present day India. (200 Words)

EPW

Ans- 70% GDP comes from urban ,However 70% people resides in the rural India.This was

grasped by Gandhi ji and observed that "India does not live in its town but in its villages".

Although 73/74th amendment are reformist in nature but they by nature not closer to any

revolutionary measure or Gandhian term of "oceanic circle system" ,where Gram sabha has

wide range of horizontal powers and is centre to all round development &people.

Our document of Constitution has mostly followed Western model of centralised

governance ,Which though has devolved power in federal structure but Gram sabha being

at periphery are still anaemic to power.

1 Our plans has most of feature of '44 Bombay plan of capitalist which led to exploitation of

the masses, poverty and depradation

2 Bureaucracy and Politicians lack of will to give power to Locals to decide what they need

and decide how much funds is still colonial feature in the Indian republic

3 Issue of tribal and socio economic condition for which they used peasants movements

[Naxalism] was seen as law and order problem and was brutally repressed

4 Recent Raj ordinance for min quail. by govt is another regressive to very spirit of of

73/74th A.A [PRI]

5 HLC on environmental law observation that public hearing shall be done away as "locals"

do not have understanding of benefits is also reminder of Single handed focus on growth

rather development

6 Recent LARR ordinance, coal ordinance without consultation to public , and events of

NFDB[lack of development] & digboi contentious issue are some other anti-People

examples

Also PESA and forest rights act, and recent Niyamgiri issue were only after violent protest of

grass roots organisation and people, which shows govt lack of will for people centric

development

Hence there are enough examples to cite, that consensus over Decentralisation has not

been materialised. Desire of Decentralisation to their level to be done away with is the

solution to the issue