AIR 384 · CSE 2023 · GS2 · 52 pages

Kshitij Aditya Sharma: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

Q1Discuss the role of the Department Related Standing Committee (DRSC) system in improving parliamentary effectiveness.10 marks
Q2Presence of multiple parastatals erodes the autonomy of Urban Local Bodies. Discuss.10 marks
Q3The provisions under Article 360 remain a dead letter even during the worst economic crisis. Analyse.10 marks
Q4'Unique blend of flexibility and rigidity distinguish Indian constitution from that of the US constitution.' Discuss.10 marks
Q5Discuss the role of microfinance institutions (MFI) in rural financial empowerment in India.10 marks
Q6Do you agree that the Aspirational District Programme has emerged as a template for good governance? Substantiate.10 marks
Q7Rising informality in employment raises the concern for social security. Discuss the statement with reference to platform workers.10 marks
Q8Demographic transition demands renewed focus on healthcare intervention patterns. Discuss the statement in the light of geriatric health in India.10 marks
Q9'Funding remains a major limitation for the effective functioning of multilateral organisations.' Discuss the statement with reference to the functioning of UNESCO.10 marks
Q10How will the BBIN grouping promote regional integration in South Asia? Discuss.10 marks
Q11'Financial resources of the centre are elastic and substantial while that of the states are inelastic and inadequate.' Examine.15 marks
Q12"Supremacy of the constitution requires all ordinary laws to conform to the constitutional law." Discuss the statement with reference to judicial review in India.15 marks
Q13'The delimitation process creates a wedge between representative democracy and federalism.' Examine. Also suggest measures to address the concerns of federal units.15 marks
Q14Examine the impact of recent changes to the election commissioners' appointment process on autonomy and independence of the election commission.15 marks
Q15'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
Q16'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
Q17What do you understand by India Stack? Discuss its role in good governance and improving ease of living.15 marks
Q18'You can change our friends but not neighbors.' In the light of the statement, examine the relevance of Gujral doctrine in India's Foreign Policy.15 marks
Q19Examine the objectives of the Indian Ocean Rim Association. What importance does it hold for India's strategic interest?15 marks
Q20What are the strategic challenges to the global economy in active decoupling from China? How will it benefit India's economic growth prospects?15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 110 words written

Discuss the role of the Department Related Standing Committee (DRSC) system in improving parliamentary effectiveness.

Opening · a date or context

Departmentally related standing committees were first instituted in 1993, and expanded from 17 to 24 in the year 2004.

Role of DRSCs in enhancing parliamentary effectiveness

Body · points and prose

scrutiny of demand for grants before they are tabled for approval.
Non-partisan nature allows deeper scrutiny.
Complement the role of the Houses through a deeper examination
can invite experts to provide inputs on policy proposals.
Through their reports they create a public conversation on issues.
Allow new parliamentarians to learn parliamentary procedure.

Diagram

- Some limitations - One year life of DRSCs - Dominated by ruling party - Recommendations are advisory in nature - Not always discussed by the Houses

Close · a way forward

Thus, DRSCs play a crucial role in enhancing scrutiny of bills. This role can be further augmented by making referrals of bills mandatory following UK practice.