AIR 21 · CSE 2025 · GS2 · 27 pages

Shubham Singh: GS2 answer copy

10 answers by Shubham Singh, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1"One of the mandates of NITI Aayog is to promote competitive and cooperative federalism among States and UTs." In this context, evaluate the role of NITI Aayog in strengthening cooperative federalism and encouraging innovation in policy making since 2015.10 marks
  2. Q2Examine the structure and jurisdiction of courts in the United States and India. How do the contempt powers of courts differ in both countries?10 marks
  3. Q3"Universal basic services and targeted welfare are fiscally sound, but competitive populism may hinder productive investment." In this context, highlight the constitutional and legal perspectives on welfare provisioning and discuss the impacts of the rising freebie culture.10 marks
  4. Q4The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India. Discuss.10 marks
  5. Q5"Lokpal is not a panacea, but a vital step towards ensuring accountability in public life." In this context, discuss the significance of the institution of Lokpal, along with the limitations it faces.10 marks
  6. Q6"Municipal corporations are key to urban governance, yet states often show reluctance to empower them functionally and financially". In this context, examine the key challenges faced by municipal corporations and suggest measures for a paradigm shift in urban local governance.15 marks
  7. Q7Discuss the constitutional provisions governing the imposition of President's Rule in India and its significance within the federal framework. Examine the challenges and criticisms related to its misuse. Mention key Supreme Court observations that have shaped the constitutional understanding of President's Rule.15 marks
  8. Q8"Delay in disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law weakens governance and undermines democratic stability." Discuss the provisions of the Anti-Defection Law and the role of the Speaker in its implementation. How does the delay in disqualification affect governance? Suggest reforms needed to strengthen the law.15 marks
  9. Q9Examine the key mechanisms available to the Indian Parliament to scrutinise the executive. What are the major gaps in these mechanisms, and how can they be strengthened to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability?15 marks
  10. Q10"The powers of the Governor, particularly with respect to state bills, have sparked recurring tensions between the Centre and the States." Discuss the constitutional powers of the Governor in this regard. Highlight the key concerns arising out of the Governor's role in the legislative process. What reforms can help address the Governor-State disputes? Refer to the case laws.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 169 words written

"One of the mandates of NITI Aayog is to promote competitive and cooperative federalism among States and UTs." In this context, evaluate the role of NITI Aayog in strengthening cooperative federalism and encouraging innovation in policy making since 2015.

Opening

NITI Aayog was established in 2015 to replace Planning Commission as premier policy think tank. It was created via executive order.

Body

Achievements in Cooperative federalism

  1. Culture of "Team India" in its governing council meetings
  2. Sub-committees of CMs to suggest policy suggestions. e.g. Chandrababu Naidu Committee on Agri-reforms
  3. Aspirational District programme: where state machinery worked with center => all districts surpassed their respective State average
  4. Sharing of best practices among States through SAATHI programme

Achievements in Competitive Federalism

  1. Ranking of states along various indices such as SDG Index, MPI Index etc.

  2. Competitive Sub-federalism through delta rankings in Aspirational Block Programme

  3. Engaged third parties in evaluating performances of states in various sectors

Challenges

  1. Ground level reach to district & block level
  2. Limited capacity to undertake bottom up planning
  3. Lacks mechanism to build capacities among States

Close

Vijay Kelkar Committee has given framework for Niti Aayog 2.0 which [suggests] 2.5% of GDP funding to undertake capacity building at ground level.