AIR 1 · CSE 2018 · GS2 · 52 pages

Kanishak Kataria: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1It has been argued that over the years there has been a steady decline in the efficacy of Parliament as an institution of accountability. Analyse and also suggest appropriate measures to address the relevant concerns.10 marks
  2. Q2Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure, depending on the goalposts against which they are evaluated. Discuss.10 marks
  3. Q3The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is more than just the keeper of our national accounts; it is also a conscience-keeper and a watchdog. Examine the statement in light of making the auditing process more effective.10 marks
  4. Q4The concern for transparency in political funding is at odds with the Electoral Bond Scheme notified by the government. Critically discuss.10 marks
  5. Q5Lobbying in India exists in a perennially grey legal and policy arena. In this context, discuss the need to formally recognize and regulate lobbying in India.10 marks
  6. Q6More than a decade after it was passed, the implementation of the RTI Act leaves much to be desired. Comment. Also discuss the issues associated with the recent proposals to amend the RTI Act.10 marks
  7. Q7Critically 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
  8. Q8India produces enough food for its people, but not all people get enough food to eat. Discussing this paradox, highlight some of the major interventions taken in the past few years in this regard.10 marks
  9. Q9India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate.10 marks
  10. Q10In the context of India taking greater responsibility in management of the global commons, there has been a shift in India's climate change negotiation stance. In this context, analyze the evolution of India's climate policy.10 marks
  11. Q11Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission.15 marks
  12. Q12The spirit of the constitution of India represents a synthesis of Indian values, democratic and socialist movements in west and our independence movement. Elucidate.15 marks
  13. Q13What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary.15 marks
  14. Q14Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss.15 marks
  15. Q15The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss.15 marks
  16. Q16Identifying the various issues plaguing the voluntary sector in India, discuss the need for a national accreditation agency to overcome them. Discuss.15 marks
  17. Q17Given the importance of a teacher in affecting the learning outcomes of children, discuss the problems in the present system of teacher training in India. How can these be addressed?15 marks
  18. Q18The implementation of a scheme with such scale and benefit as Ayushman Bharat is likely to face many obstacles. Critically discuss.15 marks
  19. Q19Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss.15 marks
  20. Q20Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 158 words written

It has been argued that over the years there has been a steady decline in the efficacy of Parliament as an institution of accountability. Analyse and also suggest appropriate measures to address the relevant concerns.

Opening

Indian Parliament performs several functions like deliberating laws, exercising financial & political control over the Executive, etc.

However, many statistics point to a steady decline in the efficacy such as

Body · points

  • Parliament on an average works for only 66 days a year
  • Budget discussion is only for 35 hours a day & only 6% of demands are discussed.
  • Frequent disruptions & adjournments over political issues

Reasons:

  • Lack of political space to opposition
  • Politicisation of demands at the national stage
  • Anti-Defection Law & Whips merely ensure presence & do not promote healthy debates.

Measures

  • Check on Anti-Defection Law & Whips as suggested by NCRWC & Law Commission. Also include pre poll alliances.
  • Fixed calendar of sittings in advance to ensure minimum number of working days
  • Increased role of Parliamentary Committees to look into demands for grants.

Close · a summary

Accountability is the soul of democracy & it should not be compromised at any cost.