Policy Design and Implementation

19 UPSC Mains GS II questions on Policy Design and Implementation, 2013 to 2026, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Policy Design and Implementation toppers answered.

1. 2026 Q6Does India’s tribal development policy reflect the aspirations for a socially grounded and equity-based governance ? Justify your answer.10 marks · 150 words
2. 2026 Q16“Transparency and accountability in governance are not about controlling corruption but about creating the trust of stakeholders in the policy process by following the Rule of Law and Participatory Governance.” Comment.15 marks · 250 words
3. 2025 Q17“In contemporary development models, decision-making and problem-solving responsibilities are not located close to the source of information and execution defeating the objectives of development.” Critically evaluate.15 marks · 250 words
4. 2022 Q6The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous coordination between the government and the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Discuss.10 marks · 150 words
5. 2022 Q7The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment.10 marks · 150 words
6. 2019 Q8Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based Projects/Programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors, and suggest measures for their effective implementation.10 marks · 150 words
7. 2019 Q16‘In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages.’ — Discuss.15 marks · 250 words
8. 2019 Q17The need for cooperation among various service sectors has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s development process.15 marks · 250 words
9. 2019 Q18Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process. — Discuss.15 marks · 250 words
10. 2018 Q6“Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation’ to environment.” Comment with relevant illustrations.10 marks · 150 words
11. 2017 Q6“To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs the identification of the beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with the anticipated outcomes.” Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme.10 marks · 150 words
12. 2016 Q11“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 marks · 200 words
13. 2016 Q13Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization started in 1991 ? What can the government do to be responsive to this important change ?12.5 marks · 200 words
14. 2016 Q15Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation.12.5 marks · 200 words
15. 2014 Q7Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like a trade publication and general entertainment channel, the Government is mulling over the proposal for increased FDI in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make ? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.12.5 marks · 200 words
16. 2014 Q8The setting up of a Rail Tariff Authority to regulate fares will subject the cash strapped Indian Railways to demand subsidy for obligation to operate non-profitable routes and services. Taking into account the experience in the power sector, discuss if the proposed reform is expected to benefit the consumers, the Indian Railways or the private container operators.12.5 marks · 200 words
17. 2014 Q12An athlete participates in Olympics for personal triumph and nation's glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement.12.5 marks · 200 words
18. 2013 Q14The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment.10 marks · 200 words
19. 2013 Q15Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health. Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same.10 marks · 200 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination question papers, upsc.gov.in. Topics are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.