AIR 43 · CSE 2018 · GS2 · 52 pages

Akshay Agrawal: GS2 answer copy

20 answers by Akshay Agrawal, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1CAG can do justice to its role only if it is competent, independent and suitably empowered. Analyse, giving suitable arguments.10 marks
  2. Q2What do you understand by Tribunalization of Justice in India? Explain the significance of tribunals in India. Highlight their major limitations in the context of Indian justice delivery system.10 marks
  3. Q3In terms of fiscal independence or autonomy, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have certainly done better than their rural counterparts (RLBs). Examine.10 marks
  4. Q4Self-Help Groups have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as business enterprises, requires a different approach. Comment.10 marks
  5. Q5“In a constitutional scheme wedded to the concept of ‘Rule of Law,’ it is very difficult to accommodate a concept like preventive detention within its fold”. In light of the above statement examine the relevance of preventive detention with suitable examples.10 marks
  6. Q6"State impunity continues for acts of torture." Examine the statement in the background of India's stand on UN Convention against Torture'. Also, discuss various judicial and legislative steps taken to prevent torture in India.10 marks
  7. Q7Democratic ideals and its realization are hampered today due to the criminalization of politics. Analyse. Also, suggest how reforms related to political parties can correct the situation.10 marks
  8. Q8Critically examine the economic and strategic dimensions of INDIA-ASEAN relationship in the context of the growing significance of Indo-Pacific Region.10 marks
  9. Q9“Delivery of quality services cannot be ensured unless the accountability mechanism is strong and operative”. In this context, examine the lacunaes in existing citizen charter and the need for ‘Public Service Delivery Act’.10 marks
  10. Q10“Absoluteness of the Speaker’s decisions can also be an incentive for potential abuse of his/her powers and functions”. Discuss in light of recent controversies.10 marks
  11. Q11"Pressure groups are primarily a consequence of the inadequacies of the political parties". Do you agree? Justify. Also, highlight the limitations of pressure groups that have led to its restricted effectiveness.15 marks
  12. Q12“Most of the institutional architecture of Indian federalism focuses on relations between the Union and the states and there is far less space to settle inter-state frictions”. Analyse.15 marks
  13. Q13“Engaging the community in the implementation of projects/programmes is a useful way to generate higher levels of acceptance, trust and accountability, eventually resulting in the sustainability of the initiative”. Illustrate with suitable examples.15 marks
  14. Q14“The competence and quality of the lower judiciary are crucial for revitalizing the entire edifice of Indian judiciary”. Explain. Also, in brief, analyse as to how ‘All India Judicial Services’ (AIJS) can make Indian judicial system more effective and efficient.15 marks
  15. Q15Does the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015 ensure an effective mechanism for the empowerment of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss. How far the Supreme Court's decision 'No immediate arrest' would go along with the mentioned Act?15 marks
  16. Q16“It is impossible to run a 21st-century economy with a 20th-century bureaucracy using 19th-century rules”. In light of the above statement examine civil services reforms gaining significance lately.15 marks
  17. Q17The strategy for combating poverty in India has incorporated two approaches that is "sustained rapid growth and anti-poverty programs". Elaborate. How such programs can be improved to maximize their impact on poverty reduction.15 marks
  18. Q18“National Health Protection Scheme is innovative and path-breaking in the history of public health in India, which may have a transformative impact if implemented in an effective and coordinated manner”. Critically analyse with suitable arguments.15 marks
  19. Q19"While India's interests in Central Asia are visible; its relations with the region are marginal". Discuss. How far do you think India's admission into SCO as a permanent member would help in correcting the existing imbalances with our neighbours? Justify with suitable arguments.15 marks
  20. Q20What is the significance of UNHRC? What are its major limitations? In light of the growing instances of human rights violations across the globe, how far do you think US-withdrawal from UNHRC would affect its credibility and functioning?15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 229 words written

CAG can do justice to its role only if it is competent, independent and suitably empowered. Analyse, giving suitable arguments.

Opening · a constitutional or legal provision

Article 148 of the Constitution mentions the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). CAG is responsible to audit the accounts of the Central and the state governments, thereby ensuring financial accountability of the executive.

Only a fully competent, independent, and suitably empowered CAG can ensure financial democracy in the country.

Body · points

COMPETENCE

  • The CAG should have professional competence to be able to audit the accounts of the governments.

For this, a person with suitable background must be appointed, and not to be headed by just an IAS officer who may not have professional competence.

  • CAG must be competent to audit even the propriety of government spending. eg. 2G spectrum case.

INDEPENDENCE

  • CAG should be independent from undue influence of the executive.
  • For this, the appointment of CAG must be done by a collegium consisting of leader of opposition along with members from the executive is needed [panel of member committee]
  • CAG must be given autonomy in taking decisions with respect to hiring staff.

EMPOWERED

  • CAG must be empowered to audit not just financial accounts but also the propriety of the government spending.
  • CAG should be given power to be 'comptroller' and not simply 'auditor'.

Close · a summary

The position and responsibility of CAG is so important in a democracy that without it true democratic functioning is not possible. Hence, CAG must be empowered & autonomous.