[ Day 18 – July 20, 2024] 75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 – GS 1

75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 – GS 1

Q1. Evaluate whether the Indian Constitution embraces a strict separation of powers or operates on the principle of ‘checks and balances’. Support your arguments. (150 words, 10M)

Key Demand of the question: To evaluate whether the Indian Constitution follows strict separation of powers or the principle of checks and balances, supported by arguments. Directive: Evaluate – Provide a balanced assessment of whether the Indian Constitution follows a strict separation of powers or operates on checks and balances. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Briefly define strict separation of powers and checks and balances. Body: First Part: Strict Separation of Powers Mention the distinct roles of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary. Discuss how each branch is designed to perform specific functions independently. Second Part: Checks and Balances Explain how the branches influence and limit each other’s powers. Provide examples, such as the power of judicial review, legislative oversight, and executive orders. Conclusion: Emphasise that the Indian Constitution employs a mix of both principles, with a focus on checks and balances to ensure a functional and accountable governance system.

Key Demand of the question:

To evaluate whether the Indian Constitution follows strict separation of powers or the principle of checks and balances, supported by arguments.

Directive:

Evaluate – Provide a balanced assessment of whether the Indian Constitution follows a strict separation of powers or operates on checks and balances.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly define strict separation of powers and checks and balances.

Body:

First Part: Strict Separation of Powers

Mention the distinct roles of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.

Discuss how each branch is designed to perform specific functions independently.

Second Part: Checks and Balances

Explain how the branches influence and limit each other’s powers.

Provide examples, such as the power of judicial review, legislative oversight, and executive orders.

Conclusion:

Emphasise that the Indian Constitution employs a mix of both principles, with a focus on checks and balances to ensure a functional and accountable governance system.

Q2. Democratic decentralisation in India has not achieved the goals set by the Constitution. Discuss the issues and propose reforms to strengthen democratic decentralisation in the country.(250 words, 15M)

Key Demand of the question: To discuss the issues in democratic decentralisation and propose reforms to address these challenges. Directive: Discuss – Provide a detailed analysis of the issues and propose specific reforms to enhance democratic decentralisation. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Briefly introduce the concept of democratic decentralisation as envisioned by the Indian Constitution. Body: First Part: Importance of decentralisation of powers in brief. Second Part: Issues in Democratic Decentralisation Limited Powers- Funds, Functions, and Functionaries, Political Interference, Lack of Capacity, Financial Constraints Third Part: Proposed Reforms Autonomy and decision-making, Financial Devolution, Capacity Building, Institutional Support, Public Participation Conclusion: Emphasise the importance of addressing these issues to realise the goals of democratic decentralisation and ensure effective local governance.

Key Demand of the question:

To discuss the issues in democratic decentralisation and propose reforms to address these challenges.

Directive:

Discuss – Provide a detailed analysis of the issues and propose specific reforms to enhance democratic decentralisation.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the concept of democratic decentralisation as envisioned by the Indian Constitution.

Body:

First Part: Importance of decentralisation of powers in brief.

Second Part: Issues in Democratic Decentralisation

Limited Powers- Funds, Functions, and Functionaries,

Political Interference, Lack of Capacity, Financial Constraints

Third Part: Proposed Reforms

Autonomy and decision-making, Financial Devolution, Capacity Building, Institutional Support, Public Participation

Conclusion:

Emphasise the importance of addressing these issues to realise the goals of democratic decentralisation and ensure effective local governance.

ETHICS

Q3. What do you understand by moral attitude? Describe the characteristic of moral attitude. [10M, 150words]

Key Demand of question: To define about moral attitude and describe its characters. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start with the definition of moral attitude. Body:Write about the moral attitude. How it’s different from attitude. Then write about the characteristics of moral attitude and explain briefly. Conclusion: Conclude by highlighting its significance.

Key Demand of question: To define about moral attitude and describe its characters.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: Start with the definition of moral attitude.

Body:Write about the moral attitude. How it’s different from attitude.

• Then write about the characteristics of moral attitude and explain briefly.

Conclusion: Conclude by highlighting its significance.

Q4. Arun Kumar is a senior civil servant in a state government, known for his integrity and dedication to public service. He has always maintained a non-partisan approach in his professional duties, focusing solely on the welfare of the public and the rule of law. Recently, a new government has come into power with a different political ideology from the previous administration. This change has brought about a shift in policies and priorities, which has created a challenging environment for public servants like Arun. The new government has initiated a series of development projects in the state. One of the key projects is the construction of a large industrial park, which promises to bring economic growth and job opportunities. However, the project involves the acquisition of land that belongs to a marginalized community. This community has been vocal in its opposition, citing the loss of their homes, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. They have approached Arun, hoping he will advocate for their cause. Simultaneously, Arun’s superiors, who are closely aligned with the new political leadership, have instructed him to expedite the land acquisition process and ensure the project moves forward without delay. They emphasize the political and economic benefits of the project, suggesting that any opposition should be managed discreetly to avoid negative publicity.

In the context of the given case study,

• Identify the stakeholders in the case. Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by Arun Kumar. What ethical principles should guide Arun’s decision-making process? [20M]

• Identify the stakeholders in the case.

• Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by Arun Kumar.

• What ethical principles should guide Arun’s decision-making process? [20M]

Key Demand of the question: Identify the dilemmas in the case study and what principle should guide Arun’s decision-making. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start with the nuances of the case study. Body: The answer body must have the following aspects covered Identify the stakeholder involved in the case. Discuss the various ethical dilemmas involved in the case. List out the ethical principle that should guide Arun in the decision-making process. Conclusion: Conclude linking to political attitude.

Key Demand of the question: Identify the dilemmas in the case study and what principle should guide Arun’s decision-making.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: Start with the nuances of the case study.

The answer body must have the following aspects covered

• Identify the stakeholder involved in the case.

• Discuss the various ethical dilemmas involved in the case.

• List out the ethical principle that should guide Arun in the decision-making process.