GS2 · Topic
Transparency and Accountability
RTI, audit, whistleblowing and the institutions that enforce answerability.
241 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Transparency and Accountability that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Pressure Groups and AssociationsTransparency and Accountability
Discuss how mechanisms like public consultations and Jan Sunwais in India impact governance outcomes.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Transparency and AccountabilityPolicy Design and Implementation
To what extent does the level of internal democracy within political parties impact the functioning and legitimacy of the Indian party system? What reforms can address the challenges of inadequate intraparty democracy in India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Elections and RepresentationPressure Groups and Associations
How do partnerships between Civil Society Organizations and Government Entities contribute to India's development goals?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyPolicy Design and Implementation
To what extent can the PIL system be held responsible for shifting the focus of the higher Courts from “constitutional matters” to day-to-day matters? What role can the trial Courts play in reducing the overall burden on higher Courts?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
JudiciaryTransparency and Accountability
Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiencies. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Elections and RepresentationCorruption and Probity
What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
ParliamentSeparation of Powers
“A democracy is only as strong as its Opposition.” In this light, examine the role of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of this institution in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability
How can the integration of technology into judicial processes enhance accessibility, capability, and efficiency in justice delivery?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
JudiciaryE-Governance
Executive accountability to the legislature through Parliamentary Committees has been the hallmark of the Indian political system. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability
What do you understand by interoperability in e-governance? What steps have been taken by the government to ensure interoperability and integration of various e-governance systems?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
E-GovernanceTransparency and Accountability
"Digital governance is emerging as a frontier of the global agenda, and India seeks to lead by example." Examine
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
E-GovernanceTransparency and Accountability
The Right to Information (RTI) Act is hailed for its transformative impact on the quest for transparency and accountability in Indian governance. However, multifaceted challenges and systemic limitations impede its effective implementation. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for its effective implementation.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Transparency and Accountability
How can India make Citizens' Charter a powerful tool for improving governance and empowering citizens?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
Citizen Charters and Grievance RedressTransparency and Accountability
Expression of dissent is central to the functioning of the Parliament. In light of this, discuss the role of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in India's parliamentary system.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability
Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability
What do you understand by India Stack? Discuss its role in good governance and improving ease of living.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
E-GovernanceTransparency and Accountability
'Without performance targets, the civil service degenerates into a closed priesthood with no accountability.' Discuss the statement with reference to the Mission Karmayogi.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Civil ServicesTransparency and Accountability
E-governance is not just about efficiency; it's about making governance accessible and inclusive for every citizen. Explain.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
E-GovernanceTransparency and Accountability
Do you agree that the Aspirational District Programme has emerged as a template for good governance? Substantiate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Policy Design and ImplementationTransparency and Accountability
Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Elections and RepresentationTransparency and Accountability
Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Transparency and AccountabilityFundamental Rights
'Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions.' Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013, to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Corruption and ProbityTransparency and Accountability
Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering "collective private action for the public good". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyTransparency and Accountability
Institutional autonomy of sectoral regulators is critical for ensuring credibility, transparency, and fair competition. In light of recent incidents, examine the issues pertaining to the independence and autonomy of regulatory bodies in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesTransparency and Accountability
An impartial and apolitical bureaucracy strengthens governance and contributes towards economic development and social transformation. Elaborate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022
Civil ServicesTransparency and Accountability
As a social safety-valve, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be the principal vehicles through which communities voice their concerns. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyTransparency and Accountability
'Lack of a binding framework for pre-legislative consultations in India limits citizen engagement in the lawmaking.' Propose measures to strengthen the role of public consultation in the legislative process.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability
"Department-related Standing Committees serve as the institutional backbone of legislative scrutiny, yet their potential remains underutilised." Critically analyse the challenges faced by Parliamentary Committees in ensuring executive accountability in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability
Though emerging technologies have aided the public welfare in India, they pose challenges to regulatory bodies as well. Substantiate. Also, suggest way forward to address these challenges.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022
E-GovernanceStatutory and Regulatory Bodies