The issues surrounding Special Category Status in India highlight the complexities of federalism, regional development, and fiscal policy. Critically analyse.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
Topic: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
3. The issues surrounding Special Category Status in India highlight the complexities of federalism, regional development, and fiscal policy. Critically analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Indian Express , moneycontrol.com , Insights on India
Why the question: With Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) merging with the NDA at the Centre following the declaration of the 2024 Lok Sabha Election results, and pledging the party’s support to the BJP, the Special Category Status (SCS) issue for Andhra Pradesh has come to the spotlight again. Key Demand of the question: To write about performance of SCS and changes required in SCS. Directive word: Critically analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by mentioning the aims and objectives behind the grant of SCS. Body: First, mention the various criteria on which SCS is granted to states that face geographical and socio-economic disadvantages. Mention the various benefits associated with it. Next, analyse the performance of states granted SCS over the years. With facts and examples write as to what extent they befitted from the grant of SCS. Mention the drawbacks of grant of SCS. Next, write about the changes needed in the SCS categorisation and steps required for the same. Conclusion: Conclude by giving a balanced opinion about SCS.
Why the question:
With Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) merging with the NDA at the Centre following the declaration of the 2024 Lok Sabha Election results, and pledging the party’s support to the BJP, the Special Category Status (SCS) issue for Andhra Pradesh has come to the spotlight again.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about performance of SCS and changes required in SCS.
Directive word:
Critically analyse –
When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning the aims and objectives behind the grant of SCS.
First, mention the various criteria on which SCS is granted to states that face geographical and socio-economic disadvantages. Mention the various benefits associated with it.
Next, analyse the performance of states granted SCS over the years. With facts and examples write as to what extent they befitted from the grant of SCS. Mention the drawbacks of grant of SCS.
Next, write about the changes needed in the SCS categorisation and steps required for the same.
Conclusion:
Conclude by giving a balanced opinion about SCS.