Governance Topicwise PYQs
Syllabus Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. ©crackingcivilservices.com
- Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, couple with lack of Information and Communication Technology(ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. [UPSC-2021]
- “‘Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment. [UPSC-2021]
- “Besides being a moral imperative of Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary pre-condition for sustainable development.” Analyze. [UPSC-2021]
- In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. [UPSC-2020]
- National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. [UPSC-2020] ©crackingcivilservices.com
- ‘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. (‘विकास योजना के नव-उदारी प्रतिमान के संदर्भ में, आशा की जाती है की बहु-स्तरी योजनाकरण संक्रियाओं को लागत प्रभावी बना देगा और अनेक क्रियान्वयन रुकावटों को हटा देगा |’ चर्चा कीजिए | ) [UPSC-2019]
- Despite Consistent experience of High growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive. (उच्च संवृद्धि के लगातार अनुभव के बावजूद, भारत के मानव विकास के निम्नतम संकेतक चल रहे हैं | उन मुद्दों का परिक्षण कीजिए, जो संतुलित और समावेशी विकास को पकड़ में आने नहीं दे रहे हैं | ) [UPSC-2019]
- Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All ‘ in India. Explain. [UPSC-2018]
- “Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation’ to environment.” ” Comment with relevant illustration. [UPSC-2018]
- Explain the salient features of the constitution(One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016. Do you think it is efficacious enough ‘to remove cascading effect of taxes and provide for common national market for goods and services’? [UPSC-2017]
- ‘To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs, the identification of beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with the anticipated outcomes’ Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme. [UPSC-2017]
- Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation. [UPSC-2016]
- “Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable? [UPSC-2016]
- Professor Amartya Sen has advocated important reforms in the realms of primary education and primary health care. What are your suggestions to improve their status and performance? [UPSC-2016] ©crackingcivilservices.com
- Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization started in 1991? What can the government do to be responsive to this important change? [UPSC-2016]
- The quality of higher education in India requires major improvements to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of higher and technical education in the country? Discuss. [UPSC-2015]
- Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you suggest? [UPSC-2015]
- Two parallel run schemes of the Government viz. the Adhaar Card and NPR, one as voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits, discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve developmental benefits and equitable growth. [UPSC-2014]
- An athlete participates in Olympics for personal triumph and nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement. [UPSC-2014]
- Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, allowed more academic independence in designing courses and also decide mode/criteria of selection of students. Discuss in light of the growing challenges. [UPSC-2014]
- Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like a trade publication and general entertainment channel, the Government is mulling over the proposal for increased FDI in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons. [UPSC-2014] ©crackingcivilservices.com
- The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment. [UPSC-2013]
- The concept of Mid Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginnings in Madras Presidency in pre-independent India. The scheme has again been given impetus in most states in the last two decades. Critically examine its twin objectives, latest mandates and success. [UPSC-2013]
- Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health. Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same. [UPSC-2013]
Syllabus Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
- “Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? [UPSC-2021]
- Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process – Discuss. (सुभेद्य वर्गों के लिए क्रियान्वित की जाने वाली कल्याण योजनाओं का निष्पादन उनके बारे में जागरूकता के न होने और निति प्रक्रम की सभी अवस्थाओं पर उनके सक्रिय तौर पर सम्मिलित न होने के कारन प्रभावी नहीं होता है | – चर्चा कीजिए | ) [UPSC-2019]
- Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSCJ) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine. [UPSC-2018] ©crackingcivilservices.com
- 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. [UPSC-2018]
- Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss. [UPSC-2018]
- Do government’s schemes for up-lifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economics? [UPSC-2018]
- Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment. [UPSC-2013]
Syllabus Topic: Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
- “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyze the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. [UPSC-2020]
- There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on Non- Food essential items squeezing their food – budget.- Elucidate. (भारत में निर्धनता और भूख के बीच संबंध में एक बढ़ता हुआ अंतर है | सरकार द्वारा सामाजिक व्यय को संकुचित किए जाना, निर्धनों को अपने खाद्य बजट को निचोड़ते हुए खाद्येतर अत्यावश्यक मुद्दों पर अधिक व्यय करने के लिए मजबूर कर रहा है | स्पष्ट कीजिए | ) [UPSC-2019] ©crackingcivilservices.com
- How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack or availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India? [UPSC-2018]
- Hunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement. [UPSC-2017]
- ‘Poverty Alleviation Programmes in India remain mere show pieces until and unless they are backed by political will’. Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India. [UPSC-2017]
- Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty levels over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators. [UPSC-2015] ©crackingcivilservices.com
- The Central Government frequently complains on the poor performance of the State Governments in eradicating suffering of the vulnerable sections of the society. Restructuring of Centrally sponsored schemes across the sectors for ameliorating the cause of vulnerable sections of population aims at providing flexibility to the States in better implementation. Critically evaluate. [UPSC-2013]
Syllabus Topic: Important aspects of governance: e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential. citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
- “The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. [UPSC-2020]
- 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. (सुचना और संप्रेषण प्रौद्योगिकी (आई.सी.टी.) आधारित परियोजनाओं / कार्यक्रमों का कार्यान्वयन आम तौर पर विशेष महत्वपूर्ण कारकों की दृष्टी से ठीक नहीं रहता है | इन कारकों की पहचान कीजिए और उनके प्रभावी कार्यान्वयन के उपाय सुझाइए | ) [UPSC-2019]
- 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. [UPSC-2018]
- Citizens’ Charter is an ideal instrument of organizational transparency and accountability, but. it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness or the Citizens Charter. [UPSC-2018]
- Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people. [UPSC-2017]
- “Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are inter-dependent.” Discuss their relationship with each other in context of India. [UPSC-2016] ©crackingcivilservices.com
- In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, economic, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India. [UPSC-2016]
- In the light of the Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in corporate governance to ensure transparency, accountability. [UPSC-2015]
- “If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Act, 2011 tabled in the Parliament is passed, there may be no one left to protect.” Critically evaluate. [UPSC-2015]
- Though Citizen’s charters have been formulated by many public service delivery organizations, there is no corresponding improvement in the level of citizens’ satisfaction and quality of services being provided. Analyze. [UPSC-2013]
- ‘A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs’. Discuss. [UPSC-2013]
Syllabus Topic: Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
- 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. [UPSC-2021] ©crackingcivilservices.com
- Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. [UPSC-2021]
- “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. [UPSC-2020] ©crackingcivilservices.com
- The need for cooperation among various service sector has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges bring the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘Collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s Development process. (विभिन्न सेवा क्षेत्रकों के बीच सहयोग की आवश्यकता विकास प्रवचन का एक अन्तर्निहिति घटक रहा है | साझेदारी क्षेत्रकों के बीच पल बनती है | यह ‘सहयोग’ और ‘टीम भावना’ की संस्कृति को भी गति प्रदान कर देती है | उपरोक्त कथनों के प्रकाश में भारत के विकास प्रक्रम का परिक्षण कीजिए | ) [UPSC-2019]
- What are the methods used by the Farmers organizations to influence the policy- makers in India and how effective are these methods? (भारत में निति निर्माताओं को प्रभावित करने के लिए किसान संगठनों द्वारा क्या-क्या तरीके अपनाए जाते हैं और वे तरीके कितने प्रभावी हैं ? ) [UPSC-2019]
- ‘The emergence of Self Help Groups(SHGs) in contemporary times points to the slow but steady withdrawal of the state from developmental activities’. Examine the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs. [UPSC-2017]
- “In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal.” Critically examine this statement. [UPSC-2016]
- Examine critically the recent changes in the rules governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976. [UPSC-2015]
- The Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programmes. Elucidate. [UPSC-2015]
- How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of the environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints. [UPSC-2015]
- The penetration of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine. [UPSC-2014] ©crackingcivilservices.com
- The legitimacy and accountability of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, the micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for the sustained success of the concept. Discuss. [UPSC-2013]
Syllabus Topic: Role of civil services in a democracy.
- “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy. [UPSC-2020]
- Initially Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services. Comment. [UPSC-2017]
- “Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India.” Comment. [UPSC-2016]
- Has the Cadre based Civil Services Organisation been the cause of slow change in India? Critically examine. [UPSC-2014] ©crackingcivilservices.com
