UPSC Mains PYQs: Governance

How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position?

Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen? Discuss the challenges of this alternative model.

The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India.

"Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission". Discuss.

"The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government". Discuss.

"Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance". In this context suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy.

Which steps are required for constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons.

"Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India". Evaluate the role of Self Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India.

Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based Projects / Programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors, and suggest measures for their effective implementation.

“The Central Administration Tribunal which was established for redressal of griev-ances and complaints by or against central government employees, nowadays is exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority.” Explain.

‘In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost effective and remove many implementation blockages.’-Discuss.

The need for cooperation among various service sector has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges the gap among various sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘Collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s Development process.

Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation’ to environment. Comment with relevant illustration.

Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections or the society leads to problems or overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case.

E-Governance is not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also much about critical importance of the 'use value' of information Explain.

How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India.

Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the imple-mentation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine.

How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss.

Citizens' Charter is an ideal instrument of organizational transparency and account-ability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizens Charter.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play. Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise.