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2016 SOLVED PAPER I Time Allowed: Three Hours Maximum Marks: 250
Instructions: There are TWENTY questions printed both in English and Hindi. All questions are compulsory. The number of marks carried by a question is indicated against it. Answers must be written in the medium authorised in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in medium other than the authorised one. Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to. Any page or portion of the page left blank in the
Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off. Answer all the questions in NOT MORE THAN 200 words each. Contents of the answer are more important than its length. All questions carry equal marks.
Q. 1 Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives, successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.12.5
Answer: Stupas were raised in various kingdoms in honour of Buddha after his death over relics. The Buddhist stupas depict Jataka stories and main incidents of Buddha’s life in pictorial format. The Jataka stories are depicted on torans of Stupas, teaching Buddhist lessons of karma, samsara and dharma. It also narrates the cycle of samsara that the Buddha had experienced before reaching to enlightenment. Main structure of the stupa consists of a flattened hemispherical dome, known as Anda. This Anda or Egg represents the latent creative power. It also replicates the infinite dome of heaven representing cycle of birth and death. The harmika, located at the summit of the anda, symbolizes the zenith beyond life and death and resembles a sacrificial altar of particular significance for the attainment of nirvana. The parasol is a distinguishing feature of stupa implying royalty and dignity, as well as symbolizing the sacred Tree of Life or enlightenment. The three elements of the chattra at Sanchi stupa represent the Three Jewels of Buddhism: The Buddha, The Dharma and The Sangha. Vedikas are repeated around stupa and on the terrace demarcating the boundries of the sacred precinct with the secular world. Thus, stupas are successful depiction of folk motifs and narratives expounding Buddhist ideals.
Q. 2 Krishnadeva Raya, the king of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss 12.5
Answer: Krishnadeva Raya ruled the kingdom of Vijayanagar from 1509 to 1529 as the third ruler of the Tuluva Dynasty. He is regarded as an icon, earning titles like Kannada Rajya Rama Ramana, Andhra Bhoja and Mooru Rayara Ganda. The rule of Krishna Deva Raya is known as the golden age of Telugu literature. His time also witnessed prolific growth of literature in many languages. Many Telugu, Sanskrit, Kannada and Tamil poets enjoyed patronage of the emperor. Eight poets known as Astadiggajalu (eight elephants in the eight cardinal points such as North, South etc.) were part of his court (known as Bhuvanavijayamu). He patronised Kannada poets Mallanarya who wrote Veera-saivamruta, Bhava-chinta- ratna and Satyendra Chola-kathe, Chatu Vittal-anatha who wrote Bhagavata, Timmanna Kavi who wrote a eulogy of his king in Krishna Raya Bharata. Allasani Peddana is considered to be the greatest and is given the title of Andhra Kavita Pitamaha. Dhurjati wrote Kalahasti Mahatyamu and Ayyal-raju Rama-bhadrudu wrote Rama- abhyuday-amu. Nandi Timmana wrote Paari-jaata-apaharan-amu. Bhattumurty alias Rama-raja-bhushanudu wrote Kavyalankara-sangrahamu, Vasu- charitramu, and Harischandra-nalopakhyanamu. Madayya-gari Mallana wrote Raja-sekhara Charitramu. Pingali Surana wrote the still remarkable Raghava-pandaveeyamu, a dual work with double meaning built into the text, describing both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Thus, Krishnadeva Raya not only was himself a scholar but also a great patron of learning and literature. Emperor Krishna Deva Raya was fluent in many languages.
Q. 3 Explain how the uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India.12.5
Answer: The uprising of 1857 was an important event in the history of India giving a big jolt to the British administration. The Government of India’s policies and structure changed significantly after it. By the Act of Parliament of 1858, the British Crown took over power to govern India from the East India Company. Henceforth, the Secretary of State for India aided by his Council would exercise authority over India. The Indian Council Act of 1861 again enlarged the Governor General’s Council for the purpose of making laws, which was known as the Imperial Legislative Council. The Presidencies, Bombay, Madras and Bengal, were administered by a Governor and his Executive Council of three, appointed by the Crown. European branch domination over the army started. Proportion of Europeans to Indians in the army was raised. Crucial branches were in the hands of Europeans only. Indians were excluded from higher posts. After the revolt, Muslims were suppressed; their lands and property were confiscated on large scale and the Hindus were declared to be favorite. After 1870s the policy was reversed to turn Muslims against the nationalist movement carried out by Hindus. Thus policy of divide and rule was followed after Revolt of 1857. Princely states had remained loyal to the Crown and their loyalty was rewarded. Thus, 1857 revolt marks an important phase in change of British government’s attitude and policy towards India.
Q. 4 Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase. 12.5
Answer: Annie Besant an Irish lady became the leader of the Theosophical Society. In 1902 while in London she criticized England for the conditions prevalent in India. In 1914 she joined the Indian National Congress and gave it a new direction. Kasturba Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi’s wife, was a leader of Women’s Satyagraha for which she was imprisoned. She helped her husband in the cause of Indigo workers in Champaran, Bihar and the No Tax Campaign in Kheda, Gujarat. She was arrested twice for picketing liquor and foreign cloth shops, and in 1939 for participating in the Rajkot Satyagraha. The remarkable woman elected to the presidentship of the Indian National Congress was Sarojini Naidu. She contributed to the freedom struggle actively. Aruna Asaf Ali became an active member of Congress Party after marriage and participated in public processions during the Salt Satyagraha. Aruna was dubbed the Heroine of the 1942 movement for her bravery in the face of danger and was called Grand Old Lady of the Independence movement in her later years. Indira Gandhi from her early years was active in the national liberation struggle. During the 1930 movement, she formed the ‘Vanar Sena’. She became a member of the Indian National Congress in 1938. Soon after her return to India in March 1941, she plunged into political activity. Apart from them, Sister Nivedita, Mridula Sarabhai, Kamla Nehru Gandhi, Vijya Laxmi Pandit, Madam Kama, Kamlaben, Sarlaben etc. played important roles in freedom struggle of India. Some ladies who participated in revolutionary movement were Kalpanadutta, Bina Das, Durga Bhabhi and Usha Mehta.
Q. 5 Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.12.5
Answer: Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi, two legendary leaders of Indian freedom struggle, were completely different in their approach towards the movement. Bose had revolutionary mindset and intended to launch all out struggle for freedom against British. Gandhi, on the other hand, believed in peaceful resistance method which involved non-cooperation struggle-truce-struggle method. Gandhi and other senior leaders demanded dominion status as first step while Bose and other young leaders of Indian National Congress were for Self-Rule and Purna Swaraj. Bose had revolutionary urge while Gandhi was propagator of ahimsa, nonviolence in freedom struggle. While Gandhi was completely against involving foreign powers in freedom struggle, Bose was keen to take help of any powerful country to secure freedom from British Rule. Bose formed Indian National Army with help of Japan and attacked British Indian frontiers. Bose was impressed with fascism and communism and intended to have strong political system in India while Gandhi did not believe in any extreme political system. Gandhian views of economic and political system were very liberal while Bose had ideas of strong governance based on planning and control. Even after having different views, both leaders contributed tremendously in the success of Indian freedom struggle by leading people in their own ways.
Q. 6 Has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity?12.5
Answer: The post-independence period saw the ascent of political movements for the creation of new states developed on linguistic lines. The demand for states on linguistic basis was developed even before India achieved independence from British rule. In 1948, the government appointed commission under S K Dhar, a judge of the Allahabad High Court, to examine the case for the reorganisation of states on the linguistic basis. It favoured reorganisation on the basis of administrative convenience rather than linguistic considerations. In December 1948, Congress appointed a committee under Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel and Pattabhi Sitaramayya (known as the JVP Committee) to examine the issue afresh. The committee, in a report submitted in April 1949, dismissed the idea of reorganisation of states on a linguistic basis. In 1953, the government was forced to create a separate state of Andhra Pradesh for Telugu-speaking people following the long-drawn agitation and death of Potti Sriramulu after a hunger strike for 56 days. In December 1953, Jawaharlal Nehru announced the appointment of a commission under Fazl Ali to consider this demand. The States Reorganisation Act, 1956 was a major reform of the boundaries of Indian states and territories, organising them along linguistic lines. Creation of states on linguistic basis is due to public demand than politically considered decision for national unity. However, creation of states on linguistic basis has not proved to be disastrous for India and it has rather created unity among people on the basis of language. But, there is no additional advantage arising out of interaction among different linguistic groups that could have resulted into removing linguistic, cultural and ethnic differences among people. The diversity of India has not intermixed to create a pan- India culture due to linguistic states.
Q. 7 The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western - educated Africans. Examine.12.5
Answer: Europeans had colonized western Africa in the later 19th and early 20th centuries. The political changes over the time turned out to be inadequate to accommodate African aspirations—which had been derived from social changes occasioned during the classical period of colonial rule and further whetted by the policies of active economic development. By the late 1940s both the French and the British territories possessed an educated, politicized class, which felt frustrated in its legitimate expectations; it had made no appreciable progress in securing any real participation in the system of political control. There was enough education to make European-style political activity possible in all the coastal colonies. In 1946 politicians in French West Africa organised a federationwide political association, the African Democratic Rally (RDA). Anti-colonial activity started in the 1890s in Gold Coast where professionals and some chiefs founded the Aborigines’ Rights Protection Society (ARPS) to prevent the wholesale expropriation of African lands by European entrepreneurs or officials. In 1947 the established politicians of the Gold Coast brought in Kwame Nkrumah, who had studied in the United States and Britain and had been active in the Pan-African movement, to organise a nationalist party with mass support. Similar examples can be traced in other Western African countries where anti-colonial struggles were led by the new elite of Western educated Africans.
Q. 8 To what extent globalisation has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain.12.5
Answer: India is a country of cultural diversity where language, food, clothing and way of life differ from region to region. This diversity is interwoven in Indian culture. Globalisation has merged traditional borders and reduced distances. Close contacts and frequent interaction among people have led to exchange of ideas, culture and values. This has impacted Indian cultural diversities in various methods and degrees. Caste system, a strong phenomenon of Indian society has been dying slow death due to globalisation and resultant mixing of people from different caste groups for economic and social purposes. Similarly, impact of globalisation is evident on family system. Joint family tradition of India is slowly and partially giving way to nuclear families. Rural people are migrating to urban areas for education and employment with immediate family members, leaving parents and siblings back home in villages. Role of women had been traditionally of a home maker and helping hand in agriculture and animal rearing activities. Due to impact of globalisation, women have found new perspective of contributing to the society in direct and more meaningful manner. Education and employment opportunities have increased for women in India due to globalisation. Lifestyle of people has changed across the diversity of culture, bringing them to follow or adopt international clothing style and lifestyle. Moreover, the most evident cultural factor of different languages are bridging gap through a common language of the world - English in day to day Indian life.
Q. 9 “An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from the process of deprivation.” Substantiate this statement with suitable examples. 7 + 5.5 = 12.5
Answer: Poverty arises out of lack of opportunity and ability to participate in the main stream of economic activities. Poverty leads to lack of education and vocational training which results into unskilled manpower. Unskilled people do not earn enough to come out of poverty. They are also not able to make beneficial use of available natural, social and economic resources. These situations of deprivation lead to poverty on a mass scale. To eradicate poverty, people should have access and utilisation of resources available in the country. Their deprivation has to be ended. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act of 2005 provides employment guarantee to an able bodied person on demand for minimum of 100 days. This ensures livelihood for poor. Similarly Right to Education makes provision for free and compulsory education for children in the age group of 6-14 years. Skill India Program will scale up skill development efforts in rural and urban areas which would generate more employment opportunities for skilled people. These programs are aimed at bringing an end to deprivation from society so that people come out of poverty. Make in India program will increase manufacturing activities in India, including in rural areas, and will provide more employment opportunities for people.
Q. 10 Why are the tribals in India referred to as ‘the Scheduled Tribes’? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment. 4.5 + 8 = 12.5
Answer: Tribal people in India are recognised by the Constitution as Scheduled Tribes which constitutes 8.6 percent of total population of India. The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 lists 744 tribes across 22 states in its First Schedule. A number of laws were enacted to implement the provisions in the Constitution like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe
(Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Several provisions have been incorporated in the Constitution for safeguarding and promoting the interests and rights of the Scheduled Tribes in various spheres so as to enable them to join the national mainstream. Article 46 of the Constitution provides that the State shall promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the society. Reservation in educational institution has been provided in Article 15(4) while reservation in posts and services has been provided in Article 16(4), 16(4A) and 16(4B) of the Constitution. Article 23 which prohibits traffic in human beings and beggar and other similar forms of forced labour has a special significance for Scheduled Tribes. In pursuance of this Article, Parliament has enacted the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. Article 24 which prohibits employment of Children below the age of 14 years in any factory or mine or in any other hazards activity is also significant for Scheduled Tribes as a substantial portion of child labour engaged in these jobs belong to Scheduled Tribes. Article 243D provides reservation of Seats for Scheduled Tribes in Panchayats. Article 330 provides reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People. Article 332 provides reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in Legislative Assemblies of the States. Article 334 provides that reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha and the State Vidhan Sabhas (and the representation of the Anglo-Indian Community in the Lok Sabha and the State Vidhan Sabhas by nomination) would continue up to January, 2020. Other specific safeguards have been provided in Article 244 read with the provisions contained in Fifth and Sixth Schedule to the Constitution. Article 371A has special provisions with respect to the State of Nagaland. Article 371B has special provisions with respect to the State of Assam. Article 371C has special provisions with respect to the State of Manipur. Article 371F has special provisions with respect to Sikkim.
Q. 11 With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the “Smart City Programme.”4 + 8.5 = 12.5
Answer: Some of the major problems of urbanization in India are Urban Sprawl, Overcrowding, Housing, Unemployment, Slums and Squatter Settlements, Transport, Water, Sewerage Problems, Trash Disposal, Urban Crimes and Problem of Urban Pollution. The Smart Cities Mission is an innovative and new initiative by the Government of India to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life of people by enabling local development and harnessing technology as a means to create smart outcomes for citizens. Smart Cities focus on their most pressing needs and on the greatest opportunities to improve lives. They tap a range of approaches - digital and information technologies, urban planning best practices, public-private partnerships, and policy change - to make a difference. The Union Ministry of Urban Development is responsible for implementing the mission in collaboration with the state governments of the respective cities. The Government has a vision of developing 100 smart cities as satellite towns of larger cities by modernizing the existing mid-sized cities. It will cover aspects like: Adequate water supply, Assured electricity supply, Sanitation, including solid waste management, Efficient urban mobility and public transport, Affordable housing, especially for the poor, Robust IT connectivity and digitalization, Good governance, especially e-Governance and citizen participation, Sustainable environment, Safety and security of citizens, particularly women, children and the elderly, and Health and education.
Q. 12 What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of development on regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer.3.5 + 9 = 12.5
Answer: Regionalism is a feeling of attachment to one particular region which results into preferences to region over national interest. Loyalty of people is focused on the region. Various factors can be responsible for regionalism. Geographical factor can lead population to identify itself with particular region. Historical and cultural factors which have played important role in growth and development of human society also results into regionalism. Caste and religion have played important role in India to grow regionalism. Economic factors like development or underdevelopment creates sense of being privileged or deprived in the people living in particular region. Political and administrative factors have been cultivated strongly resulting into polarization and regionalism. One important and strong factor responsible for promotion of regionalism is unequal distribution of economic benefits of development. Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh have abundance of natural resources which are being used for development of industries. Actual benefit of development has not resulted into better life standards for the people in these areas. This led to creation of new states. Telangana is recent example where people felt deprived of the benefit of economic development of Andhra Pradesh. All these factors, leading to strong feeling of regionalism, have to be tackled in national perspective. Without hurting regional identities and pride, national interest and ‘India First’ attitude should be developed among people.
Q. 13 Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macroclimatic changes.12.5
Answer: An air mass is a large uniform volume of air that has consistent properties of density, temperature, and humidity, compared to the air surrounding this air mass which may have different properties. The type of air mass at a location will determine the type of weather conditions the site experiences. The climates of most regions worldwide are affected by air masses. For example, maritime-tropical air sourced over warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, primarily between 10 and 30 degrees north of latitude, is the main contributor of precipitation for much of North America and east of the Rocky Mountains. Air mass also is the cause of the persistent humidity typical of that big region’s summer season. In the Pacific Northwest, maritime-polar air tracking inland from the Aleutian Low in the winter supplies the heavy mountain rain and snowfall that nourish vast temperate rainforests and extensive alpine glaciers. Such maritime air masses also contribute to a moderating climatic influence on coastal temperatures, as oceans heat up and cool down more slowly and less dramatically than landmasses. An air mass that forms over the Arctic in winter would be cold and dry, while an air mass that formed over a tropical ocean would be warm and moist. Air masses are pushed around the globe by wind and follow the pattern of the troughs and ridges in the flow of air around the earth.
Q. 14 “The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.”Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.12.5
Answer: Landslides are very common in the Himalayas especially during monsoon season. Himalayan landslides can be attributed to the fact that Himalayas lies at the convergence zone of two lithospheric plates, i.e., Indian plate in the south and Eurasian plate in the north. Mostly Himalayan landslides are of very shallow depth and minor. Recurring landslides are significantly more in Himalayas. These are noticed particularly in highly fractured and sheared rock-mass and also in soft-hard rock alterations. Though, monsoon rains begin in the month of June in the Himalaya, devastating landslides mostly take place in later part of the monsoon, i.e., August and September. Perhaps, this is because of the fact that initially the sub-soil accommodates lot of percolation, when the sub-soil becomes saturated after a few months; it cannot absorb abundant water. Many failures are known to occur due to slip along fractures during construction. Generally, these fractures are hidden under overburden or undergrowth. Landslide mitigation refers to construction and other man-made activities on slopes with the goal of lessening the effect of landslides. Landslide mitigation is difficult task but some techniques can be used to prevent or reduce occurrence of landslides. Treating vulnerable slopes in existing hazardous landslides are important. Restricting development in landslide-prone areas can be useful. Preparing codes for excavation, construction and grading should be included in the standard operating procedure of disaster management program. During the time of monsoon, disaster management team should be stationed in the landslide prone areas to respond urgently to any occurrence of landslide.
Q. 15 The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain.12.5
Answer: Human settlement depends on availability of land and water. Fertile land and potable water supply is essential for survival of human life in any area. Non-availability of land in urban areas, underutilisation of land in village areas, inability to convert barren land into arable and industrial area is mostly a result of mismanagement than actual shortage. Similarly, availability of water, its usage and conservation is also subject to effective management of water resources which is lacking. Both of these factors add to human miseries which can be solved by effectively managing these resources. Land use should be planned in a manner that allocation to agriculture, industry and human settlement are balanced according to requirement. Barren land should be converted into industrial zones rather than using arable and fertile area. Industrial areas can trigger development and growth of urbanisation which can be planned in advance in the barren land stretches. Water resources should be conserved and protected. Flowing rain water can be conserved through watersheds and other techniques. In agriculture, most effective micro-irrigation systems should be used. Water pollution is a big hazard which must be controlled by making effective policy. Industrial waste should not be allowed to pollute water and land. Managed properly, limited resources of water and land can result into abundance and efficient utilisation, bringing welfare to human society.
Q. 16 South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment.12.5
Answer: The South China Sea is a marginal sea that is part of the Pacific Ocean, encompassing an area of around 3,500,000 square kilometres. The area’s importance largely results from one-third of the world’s shipping sailing through its waters and that it is believed to hold huge oil and gas reserves beneath its seabed. The sea and its mostly uninhabited islands are subject to competing claims of sovereignty by several countries including Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Combodia and other regional countries. These claims are also reflected in the variety of names used for the islands and the sea to varying degrees. The South China Sea has become an important area for the implementation of China’s naval strategy, including blockading Taiwan, and power projection into the Indian and Pacific Oceans. America’s concern with the South China Sea is a result of China’s effort to secure control over the maritime territory and the resources it contains. In January 2013, the Philippines formally initiated arbitration proceedings against China. On July 12, 2016, the arbitral tribunal backed the Philippines, saying that there was no evidence that China had historically exercised exclusive control over the waters or resources, hence there was “no legal basis for China to claim historic rights” over the nine-dash line. India supports freedom of navigation in international waters, including in the South China Sea, and the right of passage in accordance with accepted principles of international law.
Q. 17 Major cities of India are becoming more vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss.12.5
Answer: Floods in urban area have become recurring phenomenon. In 2015 in Chennai; in 2014 in Srinagar; and in 2013 in Mumbai and Kolkata floods have resulted into devastation. Urban flooding has acquired extraordinary dimensions. Earlier, when cities received excessive rainfall, it would usually result in waterlogging in lowlying areas. Growing cities are creating excessive pressure on natural systems such as marshlands, wetlands, lakes and rivers and resultantly a high rainfall event leads to massive urban flooding, crippling urban life and the economy. Urban floods begin with an unanticipated high rainfall event which seriously disrupts public transport, electricity and communications and also plays havoc with the urban economy. Complex administrative set-up of cities, where multiple authorities and agencies function with competing jurisdiction, results into lack of coordination. Steering disaster management in urban areas through various stages - from early warning and response to relief and recovery - remains a huge challenge. The time has come to become proactive for urban floods are a certainty now, occurring on an annual basis. Starting from July 2011, Bangkok remained flooded for more than five months, indicating major warning. As more and more cities get affected by floods at regular intervals in India and elsewhere, climatic impacts attributed to the urban environment demand a closer scrutiny.
Q. 18 Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations.12.5
Answer: The Indus Waters Treaty is a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan. It was brokered by the World Bank in 1960. According to the treaty, India is given control over the three “eastern” rivers - the Beas, the Ravi and the Sutlej, while control over the three “western” rivets- the Indus, the Chenab and the Jhelum belongs to Pakistan. Currently India-Pakistan relations are marred by cross border terrorism issues. It makes the river sharing agreement critical. Pakistan’s rivers first flow through India. The treaty allowed India to use them for irrigation, transport and power generation, while laying down precise regulations for Indian building projects along the way. More controversial are the provisions on how the waters were to be shared. Ecological disturbance in the flow of water by India can create problem in Pakistan. As a result, Pakistani farmers and industry may lose source of water, causing a great loss. The Treaty can be a potential tool with India to use against Pakistan if India decides so. It is sometimes argued that since the rivers originate in the Indus basin in India, there is possibility of India creating droughts and famines in Pakistan, especially at times of war. But since the ratification of the treaty in 1960, India and Pakistan have not engaged in any water wars. However, disagreements and disputes have been settled via legal procedures, provided for within the framework of the treaty.
Q. 19 Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India. 12.5
Answer: India has numerous small and large rivers which can be used for inland waterway transportation. But due to various reasons, this possibility has not been utilized to its fullest extent. Peninsular Indian rivers receive mostly seasonal water level which can handle transportation and during summer season they become dry. North Indian Rivers have water throughout the year but other geographical conditions make their use for inland waterway transport system difficult. Many rivers like Bhagirathi-Hooghli face problem of silting. Some of the rivers like Narmada, Tapti are passing through difficult terrain and have waterfalls and cataracts which is not supportive for transportation. Salinity in coastal stretches also affects transport system. In India inland water transport has not been developed to more than 3% of its capacity and therefore it has bright prospects. Although India has 14,500 km of navigable inland waterways but due to silting problem they are not used for transportation except in monsoon season when draft is sufficient. Asian Development Bank figures show that India is trying to create waterways to handle 1500 tons vessels while EU and China can handle 40,000 tons of vessels in their inland waterways. Bangladesh is using inland waterways for more than 35% of its cargo movement.
Q. 20 In what way micro-watershed development projects help in water conservation in drought-prone and semi - arid regions of India?12.5
Answer: A watershed is an area of land that drains all the streams and rainfall to a common outlet such as the outflow of a reservoir, mouth of a bay, or any point along a stream channel. These water bodies supply our drinking water, water for agriculture and manufacturing, offer opportunities for recreation and provide habitat to numerous plants and animals. Watershed can be useful in scientific soil and water conservation in order to increase the biomass production. The aim is to develop primary resources of land and water to produce secondary resources of plants and animals for use in a manner which will not cause ecological imbalance. The process of creating and implementing plans, programs, and projects to sustain and enhance watershed functions that affect the plant, animal, and human communities within a watershed boundary. Micro-watershed development projects can be useful in prevention and accumulation of seasonally flowing rain water. The stored water can be useful for a period of time to mitigate impact of drought and provide water for the semi-arid region for drinking and agricultural purposes. Water conservation through micro-watershed can also increase ground water level which would be useful to the people in semi-arid and drought prone areas.
Instructions: There are TWENTY questions printed both in English and in Hindi. All questions are compulsory. The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it. Answers must be written in the medium authorised in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in medium other than the authorised one. Word limit in questions, where ver specified, should be adhered to. Answer the questions in not more than 200 words each. Contents of the answers are more important than their length.
Q. 1 Discuss the essentials of the 69lh Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies, if any, that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected representatives and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi. Do you think that this will give rise to a new trend in the functioning of the Indian federal politics?12.5
Answer: The 69th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1991 came into effect on T1 February 1992. It inserted Articles 238AA and 239AB, making provisions for a Legislative Assembly and Council of Ministers and designating Delhi as National Capital Territory. Earlier, as a Union Territory, Delhi was governed only by Lt Governor under Article 239. The Amendment has created special administrative structure in Delhi where Lt Governor is advised by Council of Ministers on all matters except those which are purely at his discretion. This has created ambiguity resulting into conflicts between Lt Governor and elected Government of Delhi. Recently conflicts have taken place regarding power of Lt Governor and role of Council of Ministers. Whether Lt Governor has discretionary power or he should abide by advice of Council of Minister. The question was also raised before High Court who ruled that even after 69th Amendment, Delhi does not acquire the status of a State but remains a Union Territory with Lt Governor as its administrative head. The special ccnstitutional provision of Article 239AA dealing with Delhi does not dilute the effect of Article 239 which relates to the Union territory and hence, concurrence of the LG in administrative issues is mandatory. Distribution of Power between Centre and States is clearly demarcated in the Constitution. Though such conflicts have kept arising time and again, they may not threaten or deviate the overall Federal Structure of India but may require more clarity with respect to administration of Delhi.
Q. 2 To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity.12.5
Answer: According to the Constitution of India, Article 370 provides temporary and transitional provisions to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, granting it special autonomy. Under Article 370 the Indian Parliament cannot increase or reduce the borders of the state. Except on external affairs, defence, communication and ancillary matters, Parliament has no power to make laws for the State of Jammu and Kashmir. On other matters listed in the Union and Concurrent List, Parliament can make laws only with the consent of the State. Clause 3 of Article 370 is clear. Article 370 can be revoked only if a new Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir is convened and is willing to recommend its revocation. The State Constituent Assembly was empowered to recommend abrogation of Article 370, but it was dissolved in 1957 without making such recommendation. Now, the State Legislative Assembly has to agree to convene a new Constituent Assembly. It seems the article has become permanent feature of Indian Constitution. Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution to change this provision. But this could be subject to a judicial review which may possibly find that the clause is a basic feature of the relationship between the State and the Centre and cannot, therefore, be amended.
Q. 3 ”The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss.12.5
Answer: India follows multi-party system of polity where Election Commission grants recognition to political parties at National, State and District level. Currently India has 7 National parties, 48 State parties and a number of other unrecognised parties. Indian party system, which started with Congress dominance, has progressively followed a trend of more and more localization and coalition based changing from election to election. The Congress, which strongly followed personality cult and family influence, has seen ups and downs in Indian polity, winning and losing Centre and States from time to time. It is mainly due to rise or fall of Congress that other regional and national political parties have filled the gap, except sometimes on the basis of strong electoral agenda. Regional parties have grown stronger and indispensable in Indian governance, not only at states but also at national level. Since 1980s they have been in coalition with one or more national political party in the Centre government. It is only in 2014 that a party has again managed strong majority at Centre. Regional parties have also been changing partners, compromising ideological stands frequently, to be part of ruling government. An analysis of Indian party system reveals that political parties have taken paradoxical stand which is many times contradictory to its own promises and ideology. Unlike other developed democracies, Indian parties have not followed issue based politics and have rarely fulfilled election promises.
Q. 4 Exercise of CAG’s powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States is derived from Article 149 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the Government’s policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own (CAG) jurisdiction.12.5
Answer: Article 149 of the Constitution makes provision for the office of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. The Comptroller and Auditor General’s (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971 provides for his powers and duties. To keep his office impartial and independent, Constitution makes provisions under Articles 148-151. CAG is guardian of public purse, traditionally an auditor for the Government of Union and States, keeping watch on expenses made from the Consolidated Fund of India under legislative approval. However, recently the CAG has widened its spectrum by starting performance audit of governmental schemes and expenditures related to them. A CAG report on issue of Licenses and Allocation of 2G Spectrum resulted in a huge controversy. The report estimated that there was a presumptive loss of Rs. 1,76,600 crores by the UPA government. A 2012 CAG report on Coal Mine Allocation received massive media and political reaction as well as public outrage. The scandal was first exposed due to the CAG report in the matter in December 1995. The report alleged of fraudulent withdrawal of government funds worth Rs. 9,500 crores in the Bihar animal husbandry department. The oil ministry imposed a fine of INR 7,000 crores on Mukesh Ambani’s company for the sharp drop in production of gas and violations mentioned in CAG’s 2011 report. In November 2009, the CAG requested the government to amend the 1971 Audit Act to bring all private-public partnerships (PPPs), Panchayti Raj Institutions and societies getting government funds within the ambit of the CAG.The amendment further proposes to enhance CAG’s powers to access information under the Audit Act. The claim of government regarding acting beyond authority by CAG has been rejected by the Supreme Court of India.
Q. 5 Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the ‘Preamble’. Are they defendable in the present circumstances?12.5
Answer: The Preamble to the Constitution of India describes India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic. Words Socialist and Secular were inserted by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976. Sovereignty of India lies in the fact that country conducts its affairs without interference of any other country or power. Even though India has accepted membership of Commonwealth but it is only ceremonial in nature and therefore sovereignty is not affected. Requirements arising out of membership of International Organisations also cannot be termed as limitation on sovereignty. India is a secular country which gives equal importance to all religions. Special protections and provisions in favour of minorities are not against the spirit of Secularism that India follows. Socialism is a philosophy of governance where resources are owned and shared commonly. But economic pattern of India has changed more towards a mixture of capitalism-socialism, with heavier tilt to capitalist economy, after LPG policy in 1991. Term Socialist, though true to the spirit of our constitutional system of governance, does not actually describe our economic pattern. Many supporting provisions in the constitution including Directive Principles of State Policy are in favour of socialism. Democracy is in the root of Indian polity. With universal adult franchise, India is the largest democracy in the world. Democratic institutions in India are maturing with time and experience.
Q. 6 What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution?12.5
Answer: The case of I R Coelho (dead) v State of Tamil Nadu was decided by a nine judges batch of the Supreme Court of India which delivered a unanimous verdict upholding the basic structure doctrine and authority of the judiciary to review any law that destroys or abrogates basic structure of the Constitution. A law, if violates basic structure, cannot be protected from Judicial Review even by putting in 9th Schedule after 24lh April, 1973. The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 tried to do away with limitation on its amending power and exclude Judicial Review of any amendment on the ground that it violates basic structure of the constitution. The Supreme Court decided that though Parliament has power to amend any provision of the Constitution but it cannot violate the Basic Structure of the Constitution. It also held that Court has power to review any legislation or amendment in case it violates the basic structure. Therefore, it was held, the Judicial Review is Basic Structure of the Constitution which cannot be excluded. It may be noted that Judicial Review safeguards important provisions of the Constitution from amending or legislative power of Parliament.
Q. 7 Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss.12.5
Answer: The Government of India Act 1935 provided for Diarchy at the Centre. The British Government, through the Governor-General of India - Viceroy of India, would continue to control India’s financial obligations, defence, foreign affairs and the British Indian Army. As per the Act, the British Government would make the key appointments to the Reserve Bank of India (exchange rates) and Railway Board. The Act stipulated that no finance bill could be placed in the Central Legislature without the consent of the Governor General. The funding for the British responsibilities and foreign obligations (e.g. loan repayments, pensions), at least 80 percent of the federal expenditures, would be non-votable and be taken off the top before any claims could be considered for social or economic development programs. The Viceroy, under the supervision of the Secretary of State for India, was provided with overriding and certifying powers that could, theoretically, have allowed him to rule autocratically. Federation would consist of Provinces and Princely States as units. The Act divided subjects between the Centre and Units into Federal List, Provincial List and Concurrent List. Unlike the provincial portion of the Act, the Federal portion was to go into effect only when half the States by weight agreed to federate. This never happened and the establishment of the Federation was indefinitely postponed after the outbreak of the Second World War.
Q. 8 What is quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples. 12.5
Answer: A quasi-judicial body is an entity such as an arbitrator or tribunal board which has powers and procedures resembling those of a court of law or judge. It is obliged to objectively determine facts and draw conclusions from them so as to provide the basis of an official action. Their powers are usually limited to a very specific area of expertise and authority, such as land use and zoning, financial markets, employment law, public standards, and/or a specific set of regulations of an agency. In India, National Human Rights Commission, National Commission for Women, National Commission for Minorities, National Commission for Backward Classes, National Law Commission, National Green Tribunal, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Armed Forces Tribunal etc. are examples of quasi-judicial bodies. For example, the basic functions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India is to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities market and for matters connected there with or incidental there to. SEBI has to be responsive to the needs of three groups, which constitute the market:the issuers of securities, the investors, the market intermediaries. SEBI has three functions rolled into one body: quasi-legislative, quasi-judicial and quasi-executive. It drafts regulations in its legislative capacity, it conducts investigation and enforcement action in its executive function and it passes rulings and orders in its judicial capacity.
Q. 9 Professor Amartya Sen has advocated important reforms in the realms of primary education and primary health care. What are your suggestions to improve their status and performance?12.5
Answer: Professor Amartya Sen said that India is the only country trying to get universally educated and universal healthcare through the private sector. Japan, US, Europe, China, Cuba, Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, all types of economies have felt importance of the state in making education and healthcare widely spread and universal. India spends less than 4% of GDP on education sector and less than 2% on healthcare sector. Both of these figures are less than world average and much below than even many Asian and African counties. Government needs to increase budgetary allocation in both the sectors of primary importance. In both the sectors, availability, affordability and quality, should be improved. More schools at village and hamlet levels with basic facilities and availability of good teachers have to be ensured. Education system, according to Prof Amartya Sen requires drastic change in curriculum and teaching method. Government can revisit the existing system of primary education and increase use of technology to make it better. In primary healthcare system, government has to take responsibility of providing Primary Health Centers at grass root level with availability of trained medical and paramedical staff. Availability and affordability of medicine and other medical services is also part of efficient healthcare system. India cannot dream of becoming a developed country only by economic growth, it has to ensure quality education, healthcare and other basic social facilities for everyone.
Q. 10 “In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal.” Critically examine this statement.12.5
Answer: Indian governance system is procedurally very complicated and skeptical of outsides’ interference. Elected governments and established bureaucracy has been reluctant to deviate from complex rules and accept participatory approach. This has kept role of non-state actors limited in governance system. However, non-state actors like Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Media, Caste- based organisations, Religious institutions, Professional Societies, Women’s groups, Trade Unions and Universities have been able to influence governance of the country by demanding reforms. Right to Information Act, National Food Security Act, Right to Education, MNREGA and some other social provisions are result of non-state actors persistence. Demand for more transparency in governance has also resulted in Citizens Charter in public offices. Industry Organisations have been influencing Economic policies and Foreign Trade policy of India for better economic growth of the country. Environmental NGOs have been creating awareness about poor standards in pollution and non-implementation of environmental laws. Health related groups have been able to keep Genetically Modified Crops out from Indian market by raising issues related to health and sustenance of poor farmers in competition of MNCs. Thus, even though political and bureaucratic system has not been welcoming to suggestions and participation, non-state actors have been persistently trying to make governance better by creating awareness in their fields.
Q. 11 “Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are inter-dependent.” Discuss their relationship in the context of India.12.5
Answer: In governance, especially in democracies, participation of people in the system improves effectiveness of government system. Participation of stakeholders and beneficiaries can guide implementation of governmental programs. In India, citizens’ participation in governance is very less for various reasons, including complex bureaucratic procedures, corruption and lack of transparency. To make governmental programs and services more effective, beneficiaries should be taken on the board. Wherever people have participation in policy making, result would be better. Right to Information Act, Citizens Charter, Panchayati Raj System, Gram Sabha, Lok Adalat etc. are some of the platforms where participation by citizens is possible. These platforms have actually helped in effective governance and efficient policy implementations. But unfortunately, in India, many times the beneficiaries are not aware of new schemes launched by government. Expecting people to take part in and support governmental policies is futile unless they are informed in appropriate manner. As it has been happening in India, people do not come to know about benefits available to them. This is because of lack of transparency in our system. Resultantly, most of the governmental policies are not able to achieve expected results. It may be noted that recently launched schemes like Swachch Bharat Abhiyan and Campaign to provide Toilets to every home need more participation to get effective result.
Q. 12 In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, economic/social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India.12.5
Answer: India ranks 76 among 168 countries with very low score of 38 out of 100 in the Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index of2015. Public morality in India has declined in every sphere for various reasons. Legal factors like lack of strict implementation of anti-corruption laws, complex procedures, lack of enthusiasm on parts of executives and judiciary to act strictly against corruption has finally resulted into disinterest in public to fight against corruption. Starting from opaque funding system of political parties to excessive use of muscle and money power during elections, buying of votes to buying of tickets, non-implementation of election promises, changing of parties and no ideology on the parts of politicians have affected trust of people over political system in India. Society has accepted corruption as a part of system even for smaller public services. There is no shunning against corrupt office holders. Public has rather, in absence of effective remedy, taken bribing as a measure for getting the work done urgently. Culturally there has been no strengthening of moral and value system in society in recent time. Society has accepted success and riches of people valid even if amassed through unethical means. Lack of moral education, systematization of corrupt practices, strengthening of corruption chain and social hierarchy has resulted into corruption in the society. Widening of economic gap amongst different classes of society is also a reason for increasing of corruption in Indian society.
Q. 13 Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalisation started in 1991? What can the government do to be responsive to this important change?12.5
Answer: Due to FOREX crisis, India had to change its economic policy and adopt Liberalisation, Privatisation, Globalisation (LPG) in 1991. As the name suggests, economic and commercial policies were made liberal to allow businesses to grow. Henceforth, the attitude of government was to curtain private sector by keeping majority of areas under license. The procedures were liberalized and made open for private sectors. Privatization of governmental PSUs started in phased manner to reduce direct stake in market. Government had shaken off the responsibility of fulfilling market demand by allowing private sectors to play major role. Except few important sectors, government decided to disinvest its stake from PSUs. Globalisation was demand of time that India had missed due to inward looking, import substitution policies. Now, by LPG, India allowed foreign companies and investors by opening its market. Initially the move was slow, so domestic industries can learn from experience, to compete with international players. It also helped in avoiding knee-jerk to Indian industries. Indian LPG has been slow, steady and constant movement that is still ongoing process. Not all PSUs have been privatized, not all required services are left on private sectors, not all licenses are done away with, and not all sectors are fully opened to investment by private and foreign companies. Government can expedite this process.
Q. 14 “Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socioeconomic development in India.” Comment.12.5
Answer: Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture, synonymous with inefficiency, corruption, red tappism and complex procedures, is widely considered unable to deliver on socioeconomic development agenda. Role of bureaucracy is to maintain law and order, collect revenues, and implement governmental projects and schemes. Identify problems at ground level and suggest policy inputs. However, due to delay in decision making, insensitivities towards problems of people and prevailing corruption bureaucracy has not been able to deliver. Given the lack of participatory approach, centralized decision making, strong hierarchy, complex rules and regulations, bureaucratic approach has been complete failure, in socio-economic development of India. Healthcare issues, primary education, poverty alleviation, women and minority empowerment, employment generation, infrastructure building and many other areas of relevance to common men have been lacking in progress. Political-Bureaucratic nexus, Mafia raj, inability of honest and efficient officers to deliver, inefficient administration are some more reasons in this regard. Initiatives like time bound service to people under Citizens Charter, transparency through Right to Information Act, participation through Panchayati Raj and overall attempt to make system accountable and answerable to the beneficiary has been useful and results are self-evident. Role of media, education and awareness in people is also helpful in changing the system. Socio - economic development requires bottoms-up approach and therefore sensitization of bureaucrats towards problems faced by people is very important.
Q. 15 Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation.12.5
Answer: The Government has adopted a new National Policy for Children, 2013 on 26th April, 2013. The Ministry also developed a Draft National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC). The Policy recognizes every person below the age of eighteen years as a child and covers all children within the territory and jurisdiction of the country. The Policy has identified four key priority areas: survival, health and nutrition; education and development; protection and participation, for focused attention. As per the Policy, government is required to take all necessary measures to:
(i) Provide universal and equitable access to quality Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) of all children below six years of age
(ii) Ensure that every child in the age group of 6-14 years is in school
(iii) Promote affordable and accessible quality education up to the secondary level for all children
(iv) Foster and support inter sectoral networks and linkages to provide vocational training options and enable career counseling and vocational guidance
(v) Ensure that all out of school children are tracked, rescued, rehabilitated and have access to their right to education
(vi) Address discrimination of all forms in schools and foster equal opportunity, treatment and participation
(vii) Prioritise education for disadvantaged groups by creating enabling environment
(viii) Ensure physical safety of the child and provide safe and secure learning environment
(ix) Ensure that all processes of teaching and learning are child friendly
(x) Ensure formulation and practice of pedagogy that engages and delights children In terms of implementation of the policy, still universal education, quality of education, physical safety, continuing child labour in the society, coordination in various government schemes related to children, amendment to various laws and establishment of implementing agency are major issues to be tackled by government.
Q. 16 “Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable?12.5
Answer: Demographic Dividend refers to the economic growth potential that can result from shifts in a population’s age structure, mainly when the share of the working-age population is larger than the non-working-age share of the population. Demographic dividend gives benefits like, increased labour supply, increase in national savings due to less number of dependents, human capital and increasing domestic demand brought about by the increasing GDP per capita and the decreasing dependency ratio. However, availability of labour supply in India cannot be absorbed productively unless they are educated, skilled and creative. Rather than saving in governmental and personal expenditure due to less dependency ratio, will be useless if the working age population is not able to contribute in national production. Human capital and increase in domestic demand also depend on employment and increase in PPP. Government has launched National Skill Development Corporation under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana to impart vocational and skill based education. Make in India, Digital India and Skill India programs are also relevant in utilisation of working age population of India. Programs related to increase of National Literacy, Right to Education, National Policy of Education and National Policy on Children are other important measures taken which can contribute in making the Demographic Dividend more meaningful. Increasing skill, productivity and employability of Indian youth is more important.
Q. 17 “The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalisation. But the Doha round of negotiations seem doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss in the Indian perspective.12.5
Answer: WTO aims to manage and promote international trade and make political boundaries irrelevant for the purpose of trade. After adopting globalisation in 1991, India has played important role in WTO. India providing a market of 1.2 billion people has also remained a great attraction for all global players. The Doha Development Round commenced in November 2001 with objectives to lower trade barriers around the world and facilitates increased global trade. Progress in negotiations stalled after the breakdown of the July 2008 negotiations over disagreements concerning agriculture, industrial tariffs and non-tariff barriers, services, and trade remedies. The most significant differences are between developed nations led by the European Union (EU), the United States (US), and Japan and the major developing countries led and represented mainly by India, Brazil, China, and South Africa. Since the breakdown of negotiations in 2008, there have been repeated attempts to revive the talks, so far without success. On agricultural front, Special Safeguard Mechanism for protecting the interests of poor farmers in developing countries is yet to be resolved. India and other developing countries do not want discussions on labour and environment related issues to be part of Doha Round. They can be discussed under ILO and UNFCCC. Terming them as Non- Trade Issues, India wants them to be negotiated separately.
Q. 18 Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post Cold War international scenario.12.5
Answer: India’s Look East policy, initiated in 1991 marked a strategic shift in India’s perspective of the world after end of Cold War. It is an effort to cultivate extensive economic and strategic relations with the nations of Southeast Asia in order to strengthen its standing as a regional power and a counterweight to the strategic influence of China. Sensing the shift of global economic trend toward South East Asian countries, India has entered into numerous free trade agreements with East Asian economies, including a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement with Singapore and an Early Harvest Scheme with Thailand, while it is negotiating agreements with Japan, South Korea, and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states. India signed trade agreements and increased its investments in Burma; although private sector activity remains low, India’s state corporations have landed lucrative contracts for industrial projects and the construction of major roads and highways, pipelines and upgrading of ports. Ties have been strengthened with Taiwan, Japan and South Korea over common emphasis on democracy, human rights and strategic interests. South Korea and Japan remain amongst the major sources of foreign investment in India. India signed free trade agreements with Sri Lanka and Thailand and stepped up its military cooperation with them as well. By engaging with South East Asian countries in frequent security and strategic dialogues, joint exercises, consultation and exchange of views on areas of global security, counter terrorism and security of the region, India has established strong commercial, cultural and military ties with them.
Q. 19 “Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of several member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples.12.5
Answer: SAARC was founded in Dhaka on 8th December, 1985. The organisation promotes development of economic and regional integration. It launched the South Asian Free Trade Area in 2006. Peace and prosperity in the Indian subcontinent is affected by various ongoing conflicts in the region. Political dialogue is often conducted on the margins of SAARC meetings which have refrained from interfering in the internal matters of its member states. Afghanistan has frequently alleged Pakistani interference in its internal affairs and active support to Taliban and causing deadly attacks. Afghanistan even warned to take Pakistan to UN. Pakistani meddling in Afghanistan dated before the 1979 Soviet invasion. Bangladesh strongly protested against the statement issued by Pakistan following the execution of Mir Quasem Ali, terming Islamabad’s remarks an interference in its internal affairs. On trade liberalisation and cross-border trade in energy during the last years, Pakistan pulled back when the agreements were ready for signature. Pakistan’s policy towards India has been making difficult for effective implementation of SAARC policy. The SAARC process has been in limbo since India-Pakistan tensions spiked after a terror attack on an Indian Army camp at Uri. September 2008 attack in Mumbai had also affected smooth functioning of SAARC. The 19th SAARC summit scheduled to be held in Pakistan was called off as India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan decided to boycott it. It was for the first time that four countries boycotted a SAARC summit.
Q. 20 What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India’s position on these?12.5
Answer: The MacBride report also known as Many Voices One World was a 1981 UNESCO publication written by the International Commission for the Study of Communication Problems. It was named after its chairman Sedn MacBride, an Irish Nobel laureate. Aim of the commission was to analyse communication problems in modern societies, particularly relating to mass media and news, consider the emergence of new technologies. It was also mandated to suggest a kind of communication order to diminish these problems to further peace and human development. It is called as New World Information and Communication Order. The report identified problems like concentration of the media, commercialisation of the media, and unequal access to information and communication. The commission proposed democratisation of communication and strengthening of national media to avoid dependence on external sources. Internet-based technologies considered in the work of the Commission, served as a means for furthering MacBride’s visions. While the report had strong international support, it was condemned by the United States and the United Kingdom as an attack on the freedom of the press, and both countries withdrew from UNESCO in protest in 1984 and 1985, respectively and later rejoined in 2003 and 1997, respectively. The Commission’s seminal session on new technologies to address the identified problems, was hosted by India at New Delhi in March 1979. Indian member of the Commission was Boobli George Verghese. India supported and accepted the reports finding.
Instructions: There are TWENTY questions printed both in English and in Hindi. All the questions are compulsory. The number of marks carried by a question is indicated against it. Answers must be written in the medium authorised in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in medium other than the authorised one. Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to. Answer the questions in not more than 200 words each. Contents of the answer is more important than its length.
Q. 1 How globalisation has led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the Indian economy? Is increased informalization detrimental to the development of the country?12.5
Answer: Formal sector of employment in India has mainly been in industrial and governmental sector. Globalisation opened Indian economy to foreign companies who brought technology and investment in India. With latest technology and heavy investment production pattern shifted from manual to mechanical. Labour intensive industries have shifted towards capital and technology intensive pattern of production. This required skill, which is lacking in Indian labour. In India skill development in labour force has been seriously neglected due to various reasons. Globalisation also encouraged government and private companies to outsource their work to contracting firms which reduced their operative cost and increased efficiency. This further reduced employment in formal sector. To match the competition of other countries, Indian industries had to adapt to the new trend of economic development. Some industries which could not compete to the demand of open economy have vanished. Given the trend of more informal economy, government cannot plan its policies effectively and sometimes loses revenue generation. In India tax to GDP ratio remains low due to very small formal sector economic activities. Many industries have shifted to service sector which are not regulated and do not come under tax net. Small industries have stopped production and turned to cheap import. Resultantly, government programs of social security and other benefits which are available to formal sectors are not implemented widely. This becomes detrimental to the development of the country.
Q. 2 Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? 12.5
Answer: Gender Budgeting is a practice that accounts budgetary measures to support gender commitments as a powerful tool for achieving gender mainstreaming so as to ensure that benefit of development reach women as much as men. Women form 48% of our population but their presence in mainstream economy is very less. In men dominated society, gender budgeting ensures that allocation of women are made properly. This will help in empowerment of women and help them contribute to the economy in more effective manner. Gender budgeting in India follows the following measures in accounting gender specific programmes:
(i) Specifically targeted expenditure to women and girls;
(ii) Pro-women allocations, which are the composite expenditure schemes with a significant women’s component; and
(iii) Residual public expenditures that have gender-differential impacts. Indian government introduced gender budgeting in 2005-06 as a budgetary practice and institutionalised it by introduction of a Gender Budget Statement since 2005-06. The Statement captures the total quantum of resources earmarked for women in a financial year. Budgetary resource allocation and the specific expenditure amount for women specific programs are separately mentioned as part of gender budgeting. In 2016-17 budget, Rs. 17,412 crores were allocated to 100% women specific programmes (Part A) while for 30% women specific programmes (Part B) total allocation was INR 73,212 crores. Thus total of Rs. 90,302 crores were reported as allocation in gender budget statement of 2016-17 budget.
Q. 3 Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing unbanked to the institutional finance fold. Do you agree with this for financial inclusion of the poor section of the Indian society? Give arguments to justify your opinion.12.5
Answer: Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) aims at ensuring access to various financial services like availability of basic savings bank account, access to need based credit, remittances facility, insurance and pension to the excluded sections i.e. weaker sections & low income groups. As a National Mission on Financial Inclusion PMJDY encompass an integrated approach to bring about comprehensive financial inclusion of all the households in the country. The beneficiaries would get RuPay Debit card having inbuilt accident insurance cover of one lakh rupees. PMJDY also envisages channeling all Government benefits (from Centre/State/Local Body) to the beneficiaries’ accounts and pushing the Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) scheme of the Union Government. With the proactive approach of opening zero balance account with minimum requirement of documentation, the scheme will be able to bring larger section of population under banking mechanism. Financial Inclusion of poor class people will allow government to increase their participation in governmental projects by ensuring benefits of governmental schemes. It will not only create direct link between government and people but will also remove bureaucratic hurdles, bring transparency in dealings, reduce corruption and delay in delivery mechanism. PMJDY has been implemented successfully in rural areas, especially given the compulsion of demonetisation scheme of government.
Q. 4 What are ‘Smart Cities’? Examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission.12.5
Answer: Smart Cities are not defined in Indian context by the Smart Cities Mission of government but it describes them as cities with better amenities as per requirement of dwellers. Ideally, any smart city should have basic facilities like availability of water and electricity, schools and colleges to provide quality education, hospitals to provide good healthcare, transportation facilities like bus, train, airport, metro etc. and other amenities like telephone and internet connectivity, governmental offices, courts, egovernance, industries to provide employment and better sanitation. These smart cities are required in India but actually 68% of Indian population is living in rural areas which also require better facilities which can be modelled as Smart Villages. Earlier concepts of Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas (PURA) and newly launched Rurban Mission are good steps in the direction of Smart Villages. Big numbers of city dwellers are also temporary migrants for employment and education purposes. If these facilities are created in rural areas, there will be no requirement for migration towards urban areas. If government does not think in terms of improving facilities in rural areas, burden will increase on cities. Due to lack of space and infrastructure, cities are becoming uninhabitable. This also increases gap in living standards of people in urban and rural areas.
Q. 5 Justify the need for FDI for the development of the Indian economy. Why there is gap between MOUs signed and actual FDIs? Suggest remedial steps to be taken for increasing actual FDIs in India.12.5
Answer: Foreign Direct Investment is required for any economy, especially in developing stage, to meet its requirement of infrastructure, industrialisation, increasing economic activities, creating employment and sometimes also to provide social sector infrastructure to the population. India, as a developing economy, does not have enough funds to finance all its requirement of the economy. This makes India looking for FDI. FDI also brings with itself expertise and technological know-how from developed countries. In India, there has been cases where MoUs are signed for intention to invest but actual realisation of FDI is much less than projected in MoUs. Many factors are responsible for this, including, complex bureaucratic system, delay in decision making, corruption as a hurdle in project implementation, environmental issues, local politics, allotment of land, lack of infrastructure, electricity and energy deficiency and skilled man power. Many projects have not taken off due to some of the above mentioned reasons. India also ranks very poorly, 130lh in the Ease of Doing Business Index of the World Bank. This shows why projects intended to attract FDI are not moving ahead and actual realisation of FDI remains low. To improve inflow of FDI, India needs to improve upon all the problems creating hurdles in business environment. Easing out the procedure for FDI, opening up of the economy for foreign investors, reducing complexity of procedures, streamlining policies and facilitating investors on fast track basis can help in increasing actual FDI in India.
Q. 6 Comment on the challenges for inclusive growth which include careless and useless manpower in the Indian context. Suggest measures to be taken for facing these challenges.12.5 Answer:Inclusive growth requires spreading out benefit of economic growth to everyone in the society, including those who are not able to contribute to the growth meaningfully. These classes of unskilled people who have become useless in the growth story are also to be taken care of to maintain inclusive growth. There is also a class of society which is careless towards own progress and growth of the nation as a whole. This section also cannot be neglected while distributing benefits of nation’s achievement. This requires a holistic approach on the side of the government to make and implement policies which covers the unskilled and unemployable persons by providing them with suitable jobs and activity. This is also essential to prevent them from entering into antisocial activities. As per a survey, only 2% of Indian labour force is certified skilled labour. This compares very poorly to 96% of the South Korea. Government can plan to impart skill training to the labour force. While making primary education universal, government can start providing technical and vocational training to the poor and weaker section of students who do not show interest or are not capable of studying further. Financial inclusion scheme of PMJDY can be utilised to provide them certain monetary and other incentives. Industries can be encouraged by giving them incentives to employ some of this class of manpower.
Q. 7 What is water - use efficiency? Describe the role of micro-irrigation in increasing the water - use efficiency.12.5
Answer: Water - use efficiency refers to the ratio of water used in plant metabolism to water lost by the plant through transpiration. Increase in wateruse efficiency is required in areas facing soil water deficit and drought problems. Micro - irrigation techniques like Sprinkle irrigation and Drip irrigation are very useful in increasing water-use efficiency. Rather than canal or open irrigation system as widely used in India, adapting to micro-irrigation will result into better yield in less water and less area. Pipeline network in the field sprinkles or drops water through nozzles at required interval in necessary quantity to reduce waste of water through evaporation and consumption by weed. This water is used by plants efficiency. As per reports, Drip Irrigation provides 90% water use efficiency in comparison to less than 40% resulting from surface method of irrigation. Reduction in amount of water also reduces consumption of electricity that is used to supply water. Countries like Israel have made excellent use of micro irrigation techniques. ‘More Crop Per Drop’ scheme of government also focuses on improving water use efficiency. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana is also a step forward in this direction. Vision of providing ‘Har Khet ko Pani’ can be successfully implemented by saving water through use of micro irrigation techniques. Areas with shortage of water and high sunlight must use micro irrigation system to increase water use efficiency.
Q. 8 What is allelopathy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of irrigated agriculture.12.5
Answer: Allelopathy is a biological phenomenon referring to capability of an organism to produce one or more bio-chemicals to influence the germination, growth, survival and reproduction of other organisms. These biochemicals are known as allelochemicals and have beneficial or detrimental effects on target organisms. Allelopathy is a chemical mechanism that provides plants with an advantage for competing for limited resources. The ability of plants to suppress weeds is thus determined by crop allelopathy and competitiveness. Allelopathic applications, such as straw mulching, provide sustainable weed management, further reducing the negative impact of agriculture on the environment. To ensure sustainable agricultural development, it is important to exploit cultivation systems that take advantage of the stimulatory/inhibitory influence of allelopathic plants to regulate plant growth and development and to avoid allelopathic autotoxicity. Allelopathy has been known and used in agriculture since ancient times but its recognition and use in modern agriculture are very limited. Allelopathy plays an important role in investigations of appropriate farming systems as well as in the control of weeds, diseases and insects, the alleviation of continuous cropping obstacles, and allelopathic cultivar breeding. Allelochemicals can act as environmentally friendly herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and plant growth regulators, and can have great value in sustainable agriculture. With increasing emphasis on organic agriculture and environmental protection, increasing attention has been paid to allelopathy research, and the physiological and ecological mechanisms of allelopathy are gradually being elucidated.
Q. 9 Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development. Identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India. 12.5
Answer: Land reforms in India started immediately after independence with dual objectives of effective utilisation of land and social justice. The system of Zamindari and Feudal System had left farmers landless. To end tyrannies of farmers, land reforms were advocated by many activists including Acharya Vinoba Bhave through his Bhoodan Movement. The most notable and successful example of land reforms are in the states of West Bengal and Kerala. After promising land reforms and elected to power in West Bengal in 1977, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) kept their word and initiated gradual land reforms, such as Operation Barga. The result was a more equitable distribution of land among the landless farmers, and enumeration of landless farmers. In land reform in Kerala, state administrations have actually carried out the most extensive land, tenancy and agrarian labour wage reforms in the non-socialist late- industrialising world. Another successful land reform program was launched in Jammu and Kashmir after 1947. Land reforms involved re-distribution of land ownership rights, re-sizing of agricultural land, reforms in wages and possessory rights, reforms in tenancy rights of arable land. Main reasons for success of land reforms were political will and desire of farmers to have ownership of land. Independence had created high mood in political sphere to implement land reforms in favour of poor farmers. However, actual and effective implementation happened much later and only in some areas.
Q. 10 Given the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).12.5
Answer: In India, crop failure due to lack or excess rainfall or other natural reason is very common and recurring problem in such condition, farmers require protection of insurance for their crop. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched with the objectives of providing insurance coverage and financial support to the farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crop as a result of natural calamities, pests & disease. It also aims to stabilise the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming. PMFBY will encourage farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices. It will ensure flow of credit to the agriculture sector. Under the PMFBY, the following risks will be covered: Yield Losses (standing crops, on notified area basis). Comprehensive risk insurance is provided to cover yield losses due to non-preventable risks, such as Natural Fire and Lightning, Storm, Hailstorm, Cyclone, Typhoon, Tempest, Hurricane, Tornado. Risks due to Flood, Inundation and Landslide, Drought, Dry spells, Pests/ Diseases also will be covered. In cases where majority of the insured farmers of a notified area, having intent to sow/ plant and incurred expenditure for the purpose, are prevented from sowing/planting the insured crop due to adverse weather conditions, shall be eligible for indemnity claims upto a maximum of 25 per cent of the sum-insured. In post-harvest losses, coverage will be available up to a maximum period of 14 days from harvesting for those crops which are kept in “cut & spread” condition to dry in the field. For certain localised problems, Loss/damage resulting from occurrence of identified localised risks like hailstorm, landslide, and Inundation affecting isolated farms in the notified area would also be covered. Thus, PMFBM will be useful in de-risking farmers from vagaries of nature.
Q. 11 Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in briefthe importance of National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes
(LEDs). 12.5
Answer: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy revised its target of renewable energy to have grid connected installed capacity of 1,75,000 MW by 2022 which will comprise of 1,00,000 MW solar energy, 60,000 MW wind energy, 10,000 MW biomass and 5,000 MW small hydro power projects. Currently the grid connected installed capacity of renewable energy stands at 50,000 MW of which wind energy is 28,700 MW, solar energy makes around 9,000 MW, Biomass less than 8,000 MW while small hydro power is approx. 4,400 MW. To increase renewable energy, government has decided to set up a trading platform for clean energy to help states to buy, sell and trade renewable energy. Government will also provide 10 years tax exemption for solar energy projects. Unproductive and non arable agricultural land may be used for solar power generation. Prime Minister launched the Prakash Path, a National Programme for LED based Home and Street Lighting on 5 January 2015. Government will replace 77 crore conventional bulbs and 3.5 crore conventional streetlights with LED bulbs. The change will save INR 45,500 crore and reduce electricity consumption by 21,500 MW. LED bulbs consume 90% less energy in comparison to incandescent bulbs, emits less C02, emits more light, they may last up to 20 years. The program will work towards the conservation of energy.
Q. 12 Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?12.5
Answer: Indian space technology journey started with the Aryabhata. Aryabhata spacecraft was country’s first satellite, which marked a milestone in India’s space programme because it was completely designed in the country and launched from a Russian facility in 1975. Indian National Satellite system is a network of satellites that facilitates communications and broadcasting across the south Asian region. The first satellite in the series was placed into orbit in 1983. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle was developed in the 1990s and has become the Indian space mission’s most reliable workhorse. The PSLV carried out its first mission in 1993 but its first successful outing was the next year. ISRO successfully tested Reusable Launch Vehicle — Technology Demonstrator (RLV- TD) in May 2016. Launching 104 satellites on a single mission, India has created history by successfully overtaking the previous record of 37 satellites launched by Russia in 2014. The Mars Orbiter Mission, Mangalyaan successfully entered the martian orbit in September 2014 in its maiden attempt. India became the first country to successfully complete maiden Mars mission and also the fourth country to successfully venture into Mars. Chandrayaan is Indian Lunar Exploration Programme. The first mission Chandrayaan- 1 was launched on October 2008 on board PSLV XL rocket. The Chandrayaan-1 mission carried Moon Impact Prob payload that made contact with the Moon and made the stunning discovery of water on Moon. India’s second lunar mission, Chandrayaan 2, is expected to be launched in2017. Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System IRNSS is an indigenously built constellation of seven satellites which has been now given an operational name of NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation). The satellites can provide accurate real-time positioning and timing services and extend its service to regions 1500 km. around India.
Q. 13 Why is nanotechnology one of the key technologies of the 21st century? Describe the salient features of Indian Government’s Mission on Nanoscience and Technology and the scope of its application in the development process of the country.12.5
Answer: Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter with at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nanometers. As applications of nanotechnology various nano materials are being used to create nano products. Titanium dioxide is used in sunscreen, cosmetics, surface coatings and some food products. Silver is used in food packaging, clothing, disinfectants and household appliances. Zinc oxide is used in sunscreens and cosmetics, surface coatings, paints and outdoor furniture varnishes. Cars are being manufactured with nano materials so they may need fewer metals and less fuel to operate in the future. Scientists are now turning to nanotechnology in an attempt to develop diesel engines with cleaner exhaust fumes. Government of India launched a Mission on Nano Science and Technology
(Nano Mission) in May 2007. The Nano Mission is an umbrella programme for capacity building which envisages the overall development of this field of research in the country and to tap some of its applied potential for nation’s development. The mission will help development of infrastructure for nano science and technology research. For optimal use of expensive and sophisticated facilities, it is proposed to establish a chain of shared facilities across the country. The Mission will also promote application- oriented R&D Projects, establish Nano Applications and Technology Development Centres, Nano-Technology Business Incubators etc. The Mission shall focus on providing effective education and training to researchers and professionals in diversified fields so that a genuine interdisciplinary culture for nanoscale science, engineering and technology can emerge.
Q. 14 Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts which always attracts controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the measures suggested for mitigation of this impact while proposing major developmental projects.12.5
Answer: To implement major projects, vast land is necessary, sometimes demanding rehabilitation of human settlement. Rehabilitation, especially in country like India where people develop emotional attachment with the land, is very difficult task. Cabinet has approved the National Policy on Rehabilitation and Resettlement, 2007, to replace the National Policy on Resettlement and Rehabilitation for Project Affected Families, 2003. Government has promoted policy of non-displacement or least displacing alternatives of human settlement. It also aims at ensuring adequate rehabilitation package and expeditious implementation of the rehabilitation process. The policy aims at striking a balance between the need for land for developmental activities and, at the same time, protecting the interests of the land owners, and others, such as the tenants, the landless, the agricultural and non-agricultural labourers, artisans, and others whose livelihood depends on the land involved. The benefits under the new Policy shall be available to all affected persons and families whose land, property or livelihood is adversely affected by land acquisition or by involuntary displacement of a permanent nature due to any other reason, such as natural calamities, etc. The Policy will be applicable to all these cases irrespective of the number of people involved. Right to fair compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill 2015 provides if private company acquires or purchases more than 50 acres of land in urban areas or 100 acres of land in rural areas, it will be required to rehabilitate and resettle affected families.
Q. 15 The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. 12.5
Answer: Recently India has witnessed frequently occurring urban floods e.g. in Gurugram, Mumbai and Srinagar. This is a new phenomenon which has alarmed city planners and administrators. Loss of life and property can be more in urban areas given the density of population. Reasons for Urban floods: Monsoon brings heavy rainfall in India, apart from some other seasonal rain. Storms at coastal areas can also cause floods. Urban areas have developed as islands of heat which has resulted in increased rainfall. This is changing weather pattern due to global climate change. Poor maintenance and lack of capacity increase in drainage system results into inability of absorbing higher volume of water. Encroachments on the banks of water flowing natural drains have reduced space for passing off water which results into flood. Improper disposal of solid waste and dumping of debris into drains also creates clogging of water. Mechanism for preparedness to reduce the risk: To reduce risk of flood, widening and de-silting of natural drains, declogging of water drainage system can help in smooth flow of water. Increasing water flow capacity in proportion to the increased population will be required. Protection and conservation of wetlands can help in reducing impact of coastal storms. Rain water harvesting will be useful in reducing load of excess rain water. Proper disposal of waste and regular maintenance of urban drainage system can be useful in absorbing water flow.
Q. 16 With reference to National Disaster Management Authority
(NDMA) guidelines, discuss the measures to be adopted to mitigate the impact of recent incidents of cloudbursts in many places of Uttarakhand.12.5
Answer: Cloudburst refers to a short-term extreme precipitation of 10 cm or more in an hour occurring over a small area. It causes heavy rain, flash floods and landslides resulting into loss of lives and property. It is difficult to detect or forecast cloudburst and therefore taking preventive measures will be difficult. National Disaster Management guidelines suggest taking holistic and integrated approach in case of disaster management events. It emphasises on building strategic partnerships at various levels. Community based disaster management, including last mile integration of policy, plans and execution will be required. Capacity development in all spheres has to be ensured in the impacted areas. Past initiatives taken as preparatory measures or responsive actions can be consolidated and best practices can be adopted to reduce calamities. National and international level agencies have to coordinate in such cases to bring out multi-sector synergy in response to such event. These guidelines can be adopted in response to the cloudbursts incidents that have happened in many places of Uttarakhand. In addition, Uttarakhan being hilly area, specific measures have to be taken to reduce impact of any disaster. This may include ban on haphazard and hazardous construction in hilly areas, prevention of encroachment in riverbeds, afforestation programs on the hill slops to prevent landslides, solidification of hill side rocks, alertrelay and early warning systems to warn evacuation. Alert medical and disaster rescue teams can be deployed in areas of frequent occasions of disasters to reduce delay in response.
Q. 17 The terms ‘Hot Pursuit’ and ‘Surgical Strikes’ are often used in connection with armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions.12.5
Answer: Recent Surgical Strike across the Line of Control has created debate on strategy to curtail terrorism. Hot Pursuit refers to the urgent and direct pursuit of a criminal suspect by law enforcement officers, or by belligerents under international rules of engagement for military forces. It grants more power to the officers in command than they ordinarily have. A surgical strike is a military attack which results in or is intended to result in damage to the intended legitimate military target only. It aims at no or minimal collateral damage to surrounding structures, vehicles, buildings, or the general public infrastructure and utilities. Hot Pursuit and Surgical Strike are armed actions which result mostly out of territory of the state. When a criminal or pirate or terrorist group or armed group is not located in the territory of the state carrying out such operation, it sends a team of officers/ soldiers to conduct hot pursuit or surgical strike to eliminate the threat. Hot pursuit is also used against ships and pirates in the sea, mainly carried out by Navy or Cost Guard officers. Such operations are strategically useful to end threat by having targeted attack. In case the target is situated in another country, surgical strike is a measure to avoid full scale war. However, this violates sovereignty and the state can decide to challenge it.
Q. 18 ‘Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades.” Analyse the above statement.12.5
Answer: Number of terrorist groups has increased and their ideologies, followers’ base, area of operation, modus operandi and purpose are different from each other. While A1 Qaeda under Osama bin Laden had been the terrorist group most infamous for its attack on Twin Towers, recently ISIS is in news for various deadly attacks. Earlier, terrorist groups had been operating as small organisations, recruiting fighters mainly from local base and depending on funding or some minor trade activities. But ISIS and some other terrorist groups now own their resources by controlling territory in Iraq and Syria. ISIS has started using social media for increasing followings and recruiting youth from all over the world. ISIS has promoted Lone Wolf attack strategy where a terrorist can carry out an attack at the local area where he is based. This does not require joining the camp to fight with the group. Such strategy has been effective in spreading terror in the territories which had remained secure till now. Terrorist groups are now competing with each other in attempt to establish themselves in the mindset of followers, gain more funding, spread its ideology. By making themselves different from others, they can create a space for themselves. Other groups like Taliban, Boko Haram, JeM are also following the path. It poses a challenge to the international security because terrorism becoming a competitive industry and their attempt to expand -influence can only lead to more and more bloodshed.
Q. 19 Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management.12.5 Answer:India shares border with Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, and small portion with Afghanistan, totalling around 15,106 km. To manage such a long border creates many challenges, especially due to hostile relations with some countries. Terrain is very difficult on the border between India and China, making supply and maintenance very costly and challenging affair. Climatic conditions in Himalayan area is harsh which poses challenge for soldiers posted at border. Hostile population and lack of trust on some of the border areas with Pakistan is another challenge in border management. Porous border with some countries makes it difficult to prevent illegal human trafficking, arms and drug smuggling. Some strategies, to manage the border can be suggested as following: Effective use of technology to monitor areas where access of human being is difficult. Coordination among various agencies at border can make the task easier. To improve border security, smart border management system can be implemented with facilities of internet, communication and identification process. Use of drone, night vision cameras, sensors and lasers to check illegal migration, terrorist movement can also help in effective border management. If possible, physical fencing of the border can also be done along the hostile neighbours to avoid risks to security. Effective coordination among security and border management agencies of neighbouring countries can help in joint efforts of border management.
Q. 20 Use of internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat. 12.5
Answer: Internet and social media are powerful tools which are being used by non-state organisations, terrorist groups for spread of their propaganda and recruitment of youth. ISIS used Facebook and other social media to post videos of atrocities committed and also for recruiting youth from all over the world. Radicalisation is being spread through social media. Cyber warfare is also a dangerous phenomenon which can affect damage system of countries. Stuxnet virus affected computers in many countries. Compromising of ATM cards data in India was recent example of misuse of internet by non-state actors. To curb threat arising out of use of social media by non-state actors and terrorist organisations, some guidelines can be as follow: Appointment of First Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) by India is a welcome step in the direction to protect cyber space. A comprehensive policy can be developed to fight cyber-crime and manage cyber security. A National Cyber Security Agency can help in improving India’s resilience and defence system. India’s National Cyber Security Policy of 2013 aims at protection of information infrastructure in cyber space, and reducing vulnerabilities. National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) will deal with cyber threats. A Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has been designated to act as Nodal agency for coordination of crisis management efforts.
Instructions: There are FOURTEEN questions divided in two Sections and printed both in Hindi and in English. All questions are compulsory. The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it. Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to. Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off. Answer questions in NOT MORE than the word limit specified for each in the parenthesis. Content of the answer is more important than its length.
Section–A
Q. 1 (a) Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being. (150 words) 10
Answer: Ethics are principles of value that guide human being in making decisions and choosing a way of life and behaviour among many. It is set of standards and beliefs influencing decisions of people. Anyone guided by ethics will not do anything harmful to the society and thus will remain away from anti-social activities. Ethics also prevent person from taking path of crime or violence in case of dissatisfaction. Ethics lead society towards more welfare activities resulting into larger good than personal gains or selfish motives. Individual preferences may be different from the societal ones, ethics encourage us to make decision and act on the path, which contributes better to social and human wellbeing. In business, science or politics, ethics contribute for the larger betterment over individual and narrow gains. Personal welfare should be sacrificed if in contravention of public good on the basis of ethical principles. Happiness, health, freedom, safety, security and other aspects of human wellbeing and society as a whole should be promoted by ethical thinking and way of life.
Q. 1 (b) Why should impartiality and non-partisanship be considered as foundational values in public services, especially in the present day sociopolitical context? Illustrate your answer with examples. (150 words)10
Answer: Current socio-political context has reduced to favouritism or bias on the basis of personal relations, castes, religion, region, race or colour. In such situation, especially in India, public service has to remain impartial and non-partitioned to perform public duties. Partiality may favour one particular class of persons but will create atmosphere of hatred in the society. Partition will result into polarisation and patronage. An example can be a public servant favouring personal relative for a vacancy in job ignoring other meritorious candidates. Another example can be giving priority to members of certain political group over others in public offices. It can be in terms of limiting access of public resources to one class of society. Partiality can be in maintaining law and order and not securing lives and liberties of one class of society by remaining bias. These incidents will result into feeling of hatred and people will lose faith from system.
Q. 2 (a) What do you understand by the terms ‘Governance’, ‘Good governance’ and ‘Ethical governance’. (150 words)10
Answer: Governance is manner or action of governing a state or organisation. It may refer to government, company, civil society, NGO, trusts or any other organisation. It is based on set of rules, incorporating standard operating procedures and guiding principles. Good governance means taking actions or using manner which results into better governance of the state or organisation. Making the system more efficient, making it transparent and accountable, more responsive to requirement of people, based on rule of law, providing effective and efficient system based aiming at inclusion and equity. Ethical governance can include all aspects of good governance in addition to focusing more on ethical values aiming at public welfare, integrity, honesty and selflessness. It may be guided by ethical values rather than standard operating procedure and rule based system. When welfare demands, dead letter printed in the rule books should be interpreted in most possible positive manners, guided by ethical values of the governance.
Q. 2 (b) Discuss Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of seven sins. (150 words)10
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi published Seven Social Sins in his weekly newspaper Young India in 1925. These are:1. Wealth without Work: Gandhi gave importance to parishram, hard work and considered wealth earned without parishram as a sin. He objected to the system of Zamindari, profiteering and capitalism.2. Pleasure without Conscience: Gandhi suggested enjoying the life with conscience. Any way of pleasure should not be against value system of society and conscience of the person. In this way he suggested celibacy and avoiding vyabhichar.3. Knowledge without Character: Knowledge, Gyan must be accompanied by Character, Charitra. In absence of strength and integrity of character, knowledge may lead to disaster. Intellectual development should commensurate with internal development.4. Commerce without Morality: Commercial activities must be guided by moral principles of restrain and welfare. Kalabazar and profiteering are considered sin. While earning profit and doing business, requirement of consumer should be kept in mind.5. Science without Humanity: Science can make progress but its final aim should be wellbeing of humanity. Every scientific development has to be for the ultimate purpose of human welfare. Green Revolution may be considered good scientific development but invention and use of atom bomb may not be.6. Religion without Sacrifice: Gandhi was a strict vegetarian and therefore by religious sacrifice he suggested personal sacrifice, not bali, animal sacrifice. Fasting, restraint on personal desires, sacrifice of personal comfort etc are important in religion.7. Politics without Principle: Politics should be for promotion of certain beliefs and ideology, based on strict principles, guided by ethics and morality. Unprincipled, violent, corrupt politics is considered a sin.
Q. 3 (a) Analyse John Rawls’s concept of social justice in the Indian Context. (150 word)10
Answer: John Rawls in his book “A Theory of Justice” attempts to solve problem of distributive justice - socially just distribution of goods in society. His theory, a variant of social contract, is known as Justice as Fairness. He gives two principles: Liberty principle and Difference principle. Principle of Liberty explains that each person has equal right to the most extensive basic liberty compatible with a similar liberty for others. The Difference principle talks of social and economic inequalities to be arranged so that:1. They are to be of the greatest benefit to the last advantaged members of society, consistent with the just saving principle.2. Offices and positions must be open to everyone under conditions to fair equality of opportunity. In Indian context, John Rawls theory can be interpreted as providing equal right to everyone which respects rights of others as well, and equal distribution of wealth among all members of the society. Indian constitution also aims at providing liberties enshrined in provisions of freedoms under article 19, limited by certain factors, respecting freedoms of the society at large. Inclusive growth and directive principles of state are other provisions incorporating the second principle of Rawls for fair distribution of economic benefits.
Q. 3 (b) Discuss the Public Services Code as recommended by the 2 Administrative Reforms Commission. (150 words)10
Answer: The Second Administrative Reforms Commission recommends preparation of Public Service Code for guiding public service employees and manages their conduct. It aims at promoting public service values and ethics in public servants. It requires public servants to discharge their duties with:1. Competence and Loyalty2. Care and diligence3. Responsibility4. Integrity5. Honesty6. Objectivity and Impartiality7. Without discrimination8. In accordance with the law ARC envisages a Public Service Authority to oversee the implementation of the code, incorporating punishment and penalties for violation. In absence of code of ethics for civil servants in India, this Public Service Code will serve as a set of guiding principles for public servants. The code aims to prevent misuse of official position or information.
Q. 4 (a) “Corruption causes misuse of government treasury, administrative inefficiency and obstruction in the path of national development.” Discuss Kautilya’s views. (150 words)10
Answer: Kautilya in his book Arthashastra mentions 40 kinds of embezzlements. It mentions that corruption can be in various manners by public servants and functionaries. Corrupt practices results in less revenue collection which costs loss to the government treasure. This type of corruption involves functionary and public both getting benefit but loss to government revenue. Corruption creates flaws in system resulting into inefficiency of administration. When the functionary does not follow rules and procedures but misuses them for personal or professional gains, it brings inefficiency. National development requires dedication and diligence by all who are part of nation building. Public functionaries play pivotal role in development. Corrupt practices divert them from performing their duties towards nation and finally hampering development of the nation. To reduce practices of corruption he favoured strict vigilance over functionaries and periodic transfer of government servants. Continuity in a place and function may allow the functionaries to pick holes in system and manipulate it to own advantage.
Q. 4 (b) How could social influence and persuasion contribute to the success of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan? (150 words)10
Answer: Launched on 2nd October 2014, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) is a campaign to clean streets, roads and infrastructure of the country. Government also aims to achieve an Open-Defecation Free India by 2nd October 2019, the 150th anniversary of birth of Mahatma Gandhi. Influence is a cognitive factor having an effect on person’s decisions without direct or apparent efforts. Social influence works on people to imitate action of others when they see it as becoming a trend or common habit. It can also be followed as fashion or new normal. Cleanliness drive can be used as a social influence on majority of people by making the affluent class follow it. Once the class which is taken as high regard starts following the trend of cleanliness, remaining people will be socially influenced. Persuasion means to create an opinion, sentiment, view or thought which can be an active process of explanation and discussion. Government can hold discussions; create opinions by media and social events to persuade people to adapt to cleanliness. This will result into success of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Q. 5 Law and ethics are considered to be the two tools for controlling human conduct so as to make it conducive to civilised social existence.
(a) Discuss how they achieve this objective. (150 words) 10
Answer: Law and Ethics are tools which shape human behaviour in a manner to make them conducive to civilised existence by setting up guidelines to follow. Law sets up rules and regulations which cannot be violated without attracting penalty or punishment. Ethics prescribe standards of behaviour which are followed by a set of individuals out of morality, social norm, professional customs or other persuasions. Both of them help in modifying behaviour of people to certain extent. Law has back up of legislation and legal machinery which creates compulsion to adhere to. Ethics gain strength from sources other than legislation or government. Organisations, society and personal belief create ethics. Law achieves the objective through prohibitive instructions like, doing this is prohibited, or this action is not allowed. While ethics guide by saying one should do this, or one should take such actions. Thus, negative and affirmative actions are attached with laws and ethics respectively.
(b) Giving examples, show how the two differ in their approaches. (150 words) 10
Answer: Approach of Law and Ethics is completely different in achieving objective of shaping human behaviour. In law, everyone is subject to the same machinery and it has wider application. It also has a force to compel obedience. Violation of law may result into judicial actions. Ethics are more of guiding nature and there is mostly no governmental punitive action. It may have organisational or societal prohibitive value. People not following certain standards of ethics may not be accepted in some organisation but legally they cannot be punished for failure to adhere to those ethics. Ethics have wider scope than law. Ethics guide daily life and wider range of actions. Law does not cover such a wide spectrum but limits itself to manage social interaction smoothly. For example, Law forbids causing harm to others, while ethics suggests doing good to others. Law says what is wrong to do; ethics say what is right to do.
Q. 6 Our attitudes towards life, work, other people and society are generally shaped unconsciously by the family and the social surroundings in which we grow up. Some of these unconsciously acquired attitudes and values are often undesirable in the citizens of a modern democratic and egalitarian society.
(a) Discuss such undesirable values prevalent in Today’s educated Indians.(150 words)10
Answer: Unconsciously we develop some values and attitude from society, family, work and other people which is undesirable in the citizens of a modern democratic and egalitarian society. Patriarchal mindset we acquire from family and society which is completely undesirable in modern time. This results into keeping difference between girl and boy in family, attitude of considering women inferior to men. Caste differences are still prevalent in our social system which must be avoided. Corruption has become a new norm accepted by our society and our mindset develops in a manner that bribing is acceptable if work can be expedited. Dowry, though legally banned, is still prevailing in milder and subtle form. Accepting sub-standard quality of services and goods is also one undesirable attitude that we have acquired due to social and historical circumstances of India. Uncleanliness has also become part of our social and cultural life. Use of offensive language and abusive words, discrimination on the basis of economic and social status of person, etc., are the factors crippling in our unconscious mind from our social interaction. Attitude of demeaning others for their shortcomings or limitations, not accepting physically or mentally challenged people as equals are also most undemocratic and inhuman attitudes acquired unconsciously.
(b) How can such undesirable attitudes be changed and socio-ethical values considered necessary in public services be cultivated in the aspiring and serving civil servants? (150 words)10
Answer: The undesirable attitudes developed and prevalent in the society has deep roots in history and cultural behaviour. To change them and cultivating desirable socio-ethical values is not only a task of utmost importance but ,also a challenge. Serving civil servants will be easy to train. They are subject to conduct rules which can be modified or new set of rules dealing with social and behavioural aspects can be implemented. They can be given trainings prior to or in middle of their career. Seminars, conferences , communications and other means can be utilised. Sensitisation will also play a big role. As they are already following certain service rules and are subject to scrutiny, their obedience will be possible through legal and ethical code. For aspiring civil servants, who are just like any other students in society, are subject to social pressure and influence of surroundings. It can be through ethical teaching, moral lessons and social change that such students can learn about faults in our social behaviour and habits. As educated young people, they will be open to change but conscious efforts and constant feedback will be required to make them realise problem and adopt solution. School and college curriculum can be modified to include lessons of ethical and social change. Evils like corruption, dowry, patriarchy, substandard of life or other undesirable social norms must be criticised strongly. Syllabus, Exams, Camps, Quizzes and other formats of education can be utilised to train students who would be aspiring civil servants.
Q. 7 Anger is a harmful negative emotion. It is injurious to both personal life and work life.
(a) Discuss how it leads to negative emotions and undesirable behaviours.
(150 words) 10
Answer: Anger is a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure or hostility. It is uncomfortable and emotional response to a perceived provocation, hurt or threat. Uncontrolled anger can lead to arguments, physical fights, physical abuse, assault and self-harm. Anger triggers the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response, including fear, excitement and anxiety. Heart rate, blood pressure and respiration increase, the body temperature rises and the skin perspires. Anger causes headache, digestion problems, abdominal pain, insomnia, increased anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, skin problems, eczema, heart attack and stroke. The external expression of anger can be found in facial expressions, body language, physiological responses, and at times public acts of aggression. In such situation, person cannot think logically, cannot stay calm and composed, behaves in unacceptable way. Responses that come from anger are haste which are lacking in proper application of mind and thoughtfulness. This creates negative emotions and undesirable behaviour.
(b) How can it be managed and controlled? (150 words)10
Answer: Anger management and control is very important for social interaction, personal comfort and professional success. As anger is a feeling and response it can be managed by controlling response towards particular feeling. Attitude to respond to a set of situation is mostly individual specific. One situation may make a person angry but no other. Therefore, one can analyse situations which make him uncomfortable, generate anger and affect his behaviour. Once identified, person can start taking control of his response in such situations. The way you typically express anger may take some time to modify. Suggestions to manage and control anger include: Keeping a diary of personal anger outbursts, to try and understand how and why one gets angry. Considering assertiveness training, or learning about techniques of conflict resolution. Learning relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga. Seeing a counsellor or psychologist if one still feels angry about events that occurred in the past. Exercising regularly is also important.
Q. 8 “Max Weber said that it is not wise to apply to public administration the sort of moral and ethical norms we apply to matters of personal conscience. It is important to realise that the state bureaucracy might possess its own independent bureaucratic morality.” Critically analyse this statement. (150 words)10
Answer: Max Weber was a German sociologist who propounded that bureaucracy constitutes the most efficient and rational way in which one can organise human activity. He believed that state bureaucracy required systematic processes and organised hierarchies to maintain order, maximise efficiency, and eliminate favouritism. As per him, most efficient and rational way of maintaining effective public administration as key part of the rational-legal authority was bureaucratisation. He recognised bureaucracy as the most efficient form of organisation and indispensable in the modern state. Weber considered that to keep the public administration and bureaucracy effective in it's functioning, human elements like personal ethics and conscience should be removed and strict procedure and rule based system should be established. As per him, bureaucracy has its own standards to flow to achieve order and efficiency. Ideal-typical bureaucracy is characterised by hierarchical organisation, delineated lines of authority in a fixed area of activity. Weber believed that both the public and private bureaucracy is based on specific competencies of various offices. These competencies are specified in various rules, laws, and administrative regulations. These rules and laws can be considered as independent bureaucratic morality. Therefore, bureaucracy does not need to be burdened with social, moral or ethical norms applicable to individual. However, Weber himself did not believe the bureaucracy to be the perfect organisation. Section–B
Q. 9 A fresh engineering graduate gets a job in a prestigious chemical industry. She likes the work. The salary is also good. However, after a few months she accidentally discovers that a highly toxic waste is being secretly discharged into a river nearby. This is causing health problems to the villagers downstream who depend on the river for their water needs. She is perturbed and mentions her concern to her colleagues who have been with the company for longer periods. They advise her to keep quite as anyone who mentions the topic is summarily dismissed. She cannot risk losing her job as she is the sole bread-winner for her family and has to support her ailing parents and siblings. At first, she thinks that if her seniors are keeping quiet, why should she stick out her neck. But her conscience pricks her to do something to save the river and the people who depend upon it. At heart she feels that the advice of silence given by her friends is not correct though she cannot give reasons for it. She thinks you are a wise person and seeks your advice.
(a) What arguments can you advance to show her that keeping quiet is not morally right?
Answer: Arguments in favour of not keeping quiet: Morality in business is essential and therefore she should made public the secretive discharge of toxic waste by company. As a fellow human being it is her duty to disclose the health hazard being caused by company so actions can be taken by authorities to stop it. Considering impact on health of poor villagers, she should think of some possible way to preventing company from releasing toxic waste in river. She may have to face consequences in the company which may even result into loss of job. But loss of self-respect and conscience is worse than loss of job. She may hope for another opportunity or alternative career if she loses the job but health problems to many villagers cannot be ignored. Her personal loss is not more than collective loss of the villagers. Company works for making profit. If the hazard can be proved, villagers will get reparation which will be useful in medical treatment.
(b) What course of action would you advise her to adopt and why? (250 words)20
Answer: Course of action suggested: Considering the moral responsibility to resolve the problem, she should once again meet her colleagues and try to persuade them to collectively bring the matter to Managerial Board. She may make the villagers aware of possible health hazard and create public opinion against the company. Villagers may be persuaded to organise a protest march against the company. She should collect samples of toxic wastes, manage to test the water in laboratory and assess health risks. She has to be ready for possibility of losing the job and therefore start looking for another job. She may consult some NGO for taking up the matter. District Authority may be reported of the problem being caused by release of toxic waste by the company. A Public Interest Litigation may be filed by her in High Court or Supreme Court. The court may be requested to set up an enquiry commission and set the machinery in motion.
Q. 10 Land needed for mining, dams and other large-scale projects is acquired mostly from Adivasis, hill dwellers and rural communities. The displaced persons are paid monetary compensation as per the legal provisions. However, the payment is often tardy. In any case, hit cannot sustain the displaced families for long. These people do not possess marketable skills to engage in some other accusation. They end up as low paid migrant labourers. Moreover, their traditional ways of community living are destroyed. Thus, the benefits of development go to industries, industrialists and urban communities whereas the costs are passed on to these poor helpless people. This unjust distribution of costs and benefits is unethical. Suppose you have been entrusted with the task of drafting a better compensation- cum-rehabilitation policy for such displaced persons, how would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your suggested policy? (250 words) 20
Answer: Mining, dams and other large scale projects need land which is acquired by displacing local habitants which mostly comprises of Adivasis, hill dwellers and rural communities settled in interior areas. My approach would include To ensure that least possible migration and rehabilitation is required for the project in question To ensure that rehabilitation of all families is done in timely and effective manner To make the compensation according to market price of the land To include cost of resettlement in compensation To calculate and include cost of displacement of the family and its impact in earning livelihood With this approach in mind, main elements in the bill would be: The project developer shall ensure minimum possible displacement of the local population. It shall be duty of the developer to provide employment to atleast one member of each family displaced at appropriate level in the project. Amount payable to each family for acquisition of land shall be at the market rate prevailing in similar areas. A rehabilitation fund specific to the project shall be constituted by the developer to meet unforeseen expenditure resulting out of rehabilitation and replacement. The developer shall also pay, as compensation, a lump sum amount to each family in proportion to the area of land acquired, for the future loss and inconvenience in rehabilitation and resettlement. The developer shall also make provisions for housing, schooling, hospital and other aspects related to rehabilitation. This can be done from a fund allocated for rehabilitation. A committee shall be set up, consisting of representatives of community, local administrative authorities, NGO and project developer to assess the compensation amount, ensure timely payment, employment to displaced people, resettlement provisions and related aspects.
Q. 11 Suppose you are an officer in-charge of implementing a social service scheme to provide support to old and destitute women. An old and illiterate woman comes to you to avail the benefits of the scheme. However, she has no documents to show that she fulfils the eligibility criteria. But after meeting her and listening to her you feel that she certainly needs support. Your enquirers also show that she is really destitute and living in a pitiable condition. You are in a dilemma as to what to do. Putting her under the scheme without necessary documents would clearly be violation of rules. But denying her the support would be cruel and inhuman.
(a) Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?
Answer: Being satisfied with the fact that visiting old and illiterate woman deserves benefit of the scheme, I would see if there is any discretionary power vested in competent authority to relax criteria of documents. I would ask an official colleague to help the old woman in arranging documentation formalities, if possible. Simultaneously I would bring the case to notice of my senior with positive recommendation to providing benefit of the scheme to her. I would also take help of some NGO working for old and destitute women in the locality to support her in fulfilling requirement of documentation. Considering this as a typical case, I would request competent authority to look into problems of documentation procedure and relax the same so deserving candidates may avail benefit of the scheme. In this manner, to avoid violation of rules set up for the scheme, I will explore possibility to providing her necessary benefits.
(b) Give your reasons for it. (250 words)20
Answer: This effort to make sure that deserving woman avails benefit of the scheme is necessary to fulfil purpose of the policy made by government. As the scheme is for old and destitute women, on being satisfied with the fact that visiting women comes under the category, I should help her in completing document. In case she cannot provide necessary documents, I should use discretionary power or ask for relaxation from superior officers to provide benefit to the woman. All schemes are launched with specific objective in mind. Each and every person who comes under the criteria must be given benefit to make the scheme successful. Only paper work does not bring result. Administration has to be sensitive to the fact that India has many illiterate people who are not aware of procedural requirements of government. Ethical and considerate administration can bring change in the society and create welfare for people. Bureaucratic inertia in the name of procedure would fail governmental policies.
Q. 12 You are a young, aspiring and sincere employee in a Government office working as an assistant to the director of your department. Since you have joined recently, you need to learn and progress. Luckily your superior is very kind and ready to train you for your job. He is a very intelligent and well-informed person having knowledge of various departments. In short, you respect your boss and are looking forward to lean a lot from him. Since you have good tuning with the boss, he started depending on you. One day due to ill health he invited you at his place for finishing some urgent work. You reached his house and before you could ring the bell you heard shouting noises. You waited for a while. After entering the house the boss greeted you and explained the work. But you were constantly disturbed by the crying of a woman. At last, you inquired with the boss but his answer did not satisfy you. Next day, you were compelled to inquire further in the office and found out that his behaviour is very bad at home with his wife. He also beats up his wife. His wife is not well educated and is a simple woman in comparison to her husband. You see that though your boss is a nice person in the office, he is engaged in domestic violence at home. In such a situation, you are left with the following options. Analyse each option with its consequences.
(a) Just ignore thinking about it because it is their personal matter.
(b) Report the case to the appropriate authority.
(c) Your own innovative approach towards the situation. (250 words)20
Answer: In this situation, an educated senior government officer is involved in domestic violence against a woman, which is legally wrong.
(a) Just ignoring to think about the incident because it is their personal matter may keep my conscience hurting continuously. Inner voice would keep reminding me of the wrong path I am following. This may prevent the course of uneasiness and probable problems that would arise in my new job in case I take some action against my boss. But keeping quiet is legally, morally and ethically wrong. This will also result into persistent violation of a woman’s rights and she will suffer the problem continually.
(b) Reposting the case to the appropriate authorities will result into harassment of my boss, but it will bring his sense into correct line. He would stop committing violence against his wife. The uneducated lady will be saved of daily torture and will live in peace. However, it may go against me in office as my boss would start creating problems and may also report negatively about me. He may also put adverse remarks in my annual report. But I can certainly inform higher authority in the company about the reasons for such reporting by my boss.
(c) My innovative approach would be to arrange a lady NGO representative to visit wife of my senior officer in private and explain her about legal rights available to her. The NGO can also offer to help in counselling my boss as a first measure. The NGO may, in presence of his wife, explain to my boss, at his house, that beating and torturing a woman is a crime and he may end up facing legal consequences. This may prevail over the bad temper of my boss and he may rectify his behaviour appropriately. This can save him from embarrassment, disrespect and public disapproval. The NGO may also take legal action, if required. It will also not bring me in confrontation with my boss.
Q. 13 ABC Ltd. Is a large transnational company having diversified business activities with a huge shareholder base. The company is continuously expanding the generating employment. The company, in its expansion and diversification programme, decides to establish a new plant at Vikaspuri, an area which is underdeveloped. The new plant is designed to use energy efficient technology that will help the company to save production cost by 20%. The company’s decision goes well with the Government policy of attracting investment to develop such underdeveloped regions. The government has also announced tax holiday for five years for the companies that invest in underdeveloped areas. However, the new plant may bring chaos for the inhabitants of Vikaspuri region, which is otherwise tranquil. The new plant may result in increased cost of living, aliens migrating to the region, disturbing the social and economic order. The company sensing the possible protest tried to educate the people of Vikaspuri region and public in general that how its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy would help overcome the likely difficulties of the residents of Vikaspuri region. In spite of this the protests begin and some of the residents decided to approach the judiciary as their plea before the Government did not yield any result.
(a) Identify the issues involved in the case
Answer: (a) In this case ABC Ltd is a large transnational company while residents are poor and less resourceful people. Trust deficit will be the first issue coming to the front. People would think of the company as a profit making entity which would ditch development of community. Increased cost of living would make life of villagers difficult due to less income and limited resources available to them. Entry of big project would bring large number of migrants creating pressure on ecology and infrastructure capability of the region. Tranquil place would be converted into a humming industrial area due to the project and ancillary facilities. It will result into a small township. The villagers who have lived a confined and less exposed life, preserving own culture and custom would not like it.
(b) What can be suggested to satisfy the company’s goal and to address the residents’ concerns? (300 words)25
Answer: The company’s goal is to diversify and expand its business. Vikaspuri is identified because of tax benefits provided by Government and other advantages attached with the area. The company has shown readiness to address concerns of local people through its Corporate Social Responsibilities policy. Residents of the area are concerned about actual implementation of CSR to their advantage. They would also not like migration of big number of people in their village where resources are limited. Any migration would bring outsider influence on their culture and custom. Environmental and ecological issues would be very serious and loss of land and possible displacement would disrupt order of life for villagers. These issues can be concerned by creating Environmental Impact Assessment through independent authorities. Bringing reputed local leaders, NGOs and local authorities will help in convincing people of benefits that would result from implementation of the new project. Company can also ensure fair compensation and more employment opportunities for the people. A monitoring committee and development fund can be established in advance to win trust of villagers.
Q. 14 Saraswati was a successful IT professional in USA. Moved by the patriotic sense of doing something for the country she returned to India. Together with some other like minded friends, she formed an NGO to build a school for a poor rural community. The objective of the school was to provide the best quality modern education at a nominal cost. She soon discovered that she has to seek permission from a number of Government agencies. The rules and procedures were quite confusing and cumbersome. What frustrated her most was the delays, callous attitude of officials and constant demand for bribes. Her experience and the experience of many others like her has deterred people from taking up social service projects. A measure of Government control over voluntary social work is necessary. But it should not be exercised in a coercive a corrupt manner. What measures can you suggest to ensure that due control is exercised but well meaning, honest NGO efforts are not thwarted? (300 words)25
Answer: Procedures in India are discouragingly complex. It may result into disappointing honest social efforts by good intending individuals and NGOs. There is requirement of regulation and control in every country. But over emphasise on procedure and corrupt system may actually prevent growth and development of nation and society. Here, Saraswati and her friends intended to bring positive change by their efforts which involved dedication and sacrifice. But due to corruption and cumbersome procedures resulting into delays discouraged them. In this case, even if government has provided for temporary license, subject to renewal, Saraswati and her friends could have happily started their noble activity. This would have resulted into great social change. On being satisfied of meeting all standards prescribed in rules, permanent license could have been granted to Saraswati and her friends. Government requires to ease out procedure and formalities in each sector, including governance. License and control system has to be relaxed to allow people to function well and contribute to the society. NGOs can be regulated by monitoring their activities but preventing them from starting activities is not fruitful. Corruption in social sector activities should be removed and only officers with strong ethical record should be posted in such departments. Sense of responsibility should be cultivated in such officers who feel responsible towards requirement of society. NGOs fund and their procedures can be monitored in manner which does not prevent them from working. Only those NGOs whose records are tainted should be subjected to strict control. NGOs performing functions as per government policies and promoting social development should be encouraged. Simplification of paper work, easy entry to social entrepreneurs, reduction in red- tapism and fast clearances from various departments should be progressively achieved in social sector of India. Of course, to discourage malpractices, fouling NGOs may be imposed with heavier fines, their license may be cancelled and people responsible may be punished severely.
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