GS2 · Topic
SC, ST and OBC
Reservation, atrocity law and the bodies that oversee them.
43 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on SC, ST and OBC that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has introduced a new dimension to the principle of affirmative action in India. Critically examine its implications for the broader goal of social justice.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureSC, ST and OBC
The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is more than a legal provision that empowers tribal regions with self-rule. How does the sixth schedule foster development while respecting their traditional governance systems and cultural practices?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 10 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureSC, ST and OBC
Assess the implications of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a ten per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), on the principle of social justice in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Constitution and Basic StructureSC, ST and OBC
Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
Constitutional BodiesSC, ST and OBC
'The Forest Rights Act, 2006 was a historic effort in doing justice to the tribal community.' Evaluate the status of its implementation and suggest measures for improvement.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Vulnerable SectionsWelfare Schemes
In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Welfare SchemesVulnerable Sections
How far do you think a caste census is a necessary step toward realising the goals of social justice and equitable development, despite the administrative challenges it poses?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Vulnerable SectionsWelfare Schemes
Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Vulnerable SectionsWelfare Schemes
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 demand for a caste census and the sub-categorization of castes reflects the failure of neoliberalism to address India's caste problem. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
SC, ST and OBCWelfare Schemes
Discuss the role of targeted welfare schemes for nomadic communities in achieving inclusive development. What are the implementation bottlenecks and how can they be resolved?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Welfare SchemesVulnerable Sections
How does the Sixth Schedule balance tribal autonomy with national integration? Evaluate its success and limitations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureFederalism
Judicial recognition of intra-caste inequality within Scheduled Castes opens new debates in affirmative action policies. Examine the challenges and opportunities this poses for social justice in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
SC, ST and OBCVulnerable Sections
The Union Government has recently announced that caste enumeration will be part of the upcoming census. Examine the opportunities and challenges associated with conducting a nationwide 'caste census'. Also, propose a framework for its seamless and effective conduct.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
SC, ST and OBCVulnerable Sections
Policy of reservation, started to provide equality of opportunities, has fallen victim to political opportunism. Critically examine the success of affirmative actions in the country.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
SC, ST and OBCWelfare Schemes
What are the key objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY)? How does the scheme contribute to the economic empowerment of tribal communities in India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers
Welfare SchemesVulnerable Sections
Comment on the constitutional validity of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act 2019 which aims to bring the economically weaker section to the mainstream of development, in the light of recent Supreme Court judgements
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureSC, ST and OBC
Do you believe that as of late, giving citizenship in India is moving from Jus Soli to Jus Sanguine? Examine the statement with respect to Citizenship Amendment Act 2019? Recently the govt extended reservation to the EWS section through 103rd Amendt. In this context, examine the tool of reservation as a measure towards social justice.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitution and Basic StructureVulnerable Sections
Sub categorization of the OBC (other backward classes) will be beneficial to the OBC communities. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
SC, ST and OBCVulnerable Sections
The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, provides an effective mechanism for empowerment of the intended beneficiaries in the society. Critically discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Welfare SchemesVulnerable Sections
Discuss the key provisions of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, and their role in addressing historical injustices. What are the major challenges in its implementation? Suggest measures to overcome these challenges for effective implementation of forest rights.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Welfare SchemesVulnerable Sections
Do you think that caste census is vital for taking necessary steps to achieve social equity and hence realising social justice? Critically examine
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Vulnerable SectionsSC, ST and OBC
Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
SC, ST and OBCConstitution and Basic Structure
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribe (NCST) has largely been confined to a monitoring and advisory role. What are the impediments in the functioning of NCST despite the constitutional status, also suggests reforms.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitutional BodiesSC, ST and OBC
"Affirmative action has achieved representation but not transformation". Critically analyze this statement in light of reservation policies and socio-economic data.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
SC, ST and OBCVulnerable Sections
It is often argued that the implementation of The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 has so far been tardy and ineffectual. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Vulnerable SectionsSC, ST and OBC
Strengthening the National Commission of Scheduled Tribes (NCST) through various complementary mechanisms can go a long way towards mainstreaming the welfare of the tribals. Explain.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitutional BodiesSC, ST and OBC
Extending Sixth Schedule status to Ladakh would impact its cultural preservation and regional autonomy. In this context, critically evaluate the benefits and challenges associated with this potential change.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismSC, ST and OBC
Explain how the Supreme Court's recent judgement on SC/ST sub-categorization affects the fairness of reservation benefits.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
SC, ST and OBCJudiciary
What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Welfare SchemesVulnerable Sections