GS2 · Topic
Policy Design and Implementation
Government interventions and what goes wrong between intent and delivery.
277 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Policy Design and Implementation that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
"Universal basic services and targeted welfare are fiscally sound, but competitive populism may hinder productive investment." In this context, highlight the constitutional and legal perspectives on welfare provisioning and discuss the impacts of the rising freebie culture.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Directive Principles and DutiesPolicy Design and Implementation
PESA was enacted to deepen grass-root-level democracy in tribal areas. How far has the Act been successful in achieving the same? Critically evaluate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Local GovernmentSC, ST and OBC
The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesPolicy Design and Implementation
Have the NGOs acted as 'drivers of change' in the Indian democracy? Illustrate with examples, the barriers that impact the efficient functioning of NGOs in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyTransparency and Accountability
Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Policy Design and ImplementationPoverty and Hunger
Although the New Education Policy brings with itself a commendable vision, its success will depend on its ability to effectively integrate with the government's other policy initiatives. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
EducationPolicy Design and Implementation
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
E-GovernanceTransparency and Accountability
With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Pressure Groups and AssociationsPolicy Design and Implementation
Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
HealthSocial Sector Services
Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyPoverty and Hunger
Cooperative societies are integral to India's socio-economic development. Examine the governance and autonomy challenges faced by Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCSs) and discuss how the recent Multi State Cooperative Societies (Amendment Act, 2023) seeks to address these issues.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesPolicy Design and Implementation
Do you think that the cooperative sector has suffered due to a lack of democratic spirit and skewed geographical penetration? Argue your case with suitable examples.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Policy Design and Implementation
"Low alignment between educational outcomes and market needs can widen social and economic inequalities." Examine this statement in the context of India's skills ecosystem.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
EducationPoverty and Hunger
"To make skilling meaningful, programs like PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) must ensure not just participation but employability-linked outcomes." Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Policy Design and ImplementationEducation
State the reasons behind the poor performance of cooperatives in India. Also, discuss the reforms undertaken by the government to overcome the shortcomings.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesNGOs, SHGs and Civil Society
As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
ExecutivePolicy Design and Implementation
Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Policy Design and ImplementationNGOs, SHGs and Civil Society
An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Transparency and AccountabilityPolicy Design and Implementation
The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
EducationPolicy Design and Implementation
Mission Antyodaya has proved to be an important step towards alleviation of multi-dimensional poverty in India. Critically Analyze.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Policy Design and ImplementationPoverty and Hunger
Demographic dividend may become demographic liability in the absence of adequate skill development. In this context, discuss the importance of National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2020
Social Sector ServicesEducation
Social audit has a crucial role in effective implementation of social sector programmes. Comment. Also discuss its strengths and limitations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2020
Transparency and AccountabilityPolicy Design and Implementation
Gender budgeting can be a useful tool to mainstream gender-responsiveness in developmental policy formulation and resource allocation. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
Welfare SchemesWomen and Gender
Several issues related to adopting new technologies, transforming processes and improving implementation of NeGP need to be addressed. Discuss. Also, enumerate the sets of principles guiding the design and implementation of the e-Kranti Program (NeGP 2.0).
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2020
E-GovernancePolicy Design and Implementation
Delay in Population census has the potential to affect the efficacy and efficiency of developmental initiatives. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Policy Design and ImplementationWelfare Schemes
"Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a viable solution to eradicate extreme poverty in India." Critically discuss the statement.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Poverty and HungerWelfare Schemes
While various government initiatives and policies have created opportunities in the affordable housing segment, there are challenges that still persist. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2020
Policy Design and Implementation
Even as India experiences consistent economic growth and has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, hunger and food insecurity remain pressing concerns. Examine the factors responsible for this paradox and suggest steps to improve the situation.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
Poverty and HungerPolicy Design and Implementation
While many people have been able to rise above poverty line, India is still home to the largest number of poor. Discuss briefly the underlying factors responsible for the prevalence of poverty in India. What are the areas in which focussed efforts need to be made in order to accelerate poverty eradication in a sustainable manner?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2020
Poverty and HungerPolicy Design and Implementation
Defiance in the current regulatory system stem from deeper rooted problems in the regulatory structure. In this context, highlight the need of a principles based regulatory system in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesPolicy Design and Implementation