UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions 2024: GS2 Indian Polity | Indian Polity for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Q1: Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation – one election” principle. (Answer in 150 words)
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Introduction
The concept of "One Nation – One Election" (ONOE) emphasizes holding simultaneous elections across the country to streamline governance and minimize the disruptions caused by recurring elections.
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Support for ONOE

• The Election Commission's First Annual Report (1983) highlighted the benefits of simultaneous elections, such as:
  • Decreasing government, party, and candidate expenditures.
  • Reducing the administrative and security burdens from frequent electoral duties.
  • Addressing governance challenges linked to short-term political priorities.
• The Law Commission's 170th Report recommended holding elections every five years to support this initiative.
• The Parliamentary Standing Committee (2015) advocated ONOE, emphasizing its potential for fostering "long-term good governance."

Challenges to ONOE

• Dominance of National Issues: Conducting concurrent elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies might overshadow regional or state-specific concerns.
• Federalism at Risk: National political parties could gain an unfair advantage over regional parties, which might undermine the federal structure.
• Legal and Procedural Changes Required: Implementing ONOE would necessitate extensive amendments to the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and procedural rules for both the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

Conclusion
While ONOE promises several advantages, its implementation demands constitutional amendments and significant procedural changes. Adopting a phased strategy, as recommended by the Kovind Panel Report (2023), offers a practical pathway. However, the initiative's success hinges on achieving broad consensus and meticulous execution.

Q2: Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases? (Answer in 150 words)
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Introduction
Lok Adalats are statutory institutions established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, serving as a vital component of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework. They aim to resolve disputes amicably. Arbitral Tribunals, on the other hand, are constituted under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, comprising arbitrators tasked with resolving disputes through legal adjudication outside traditional court settings.
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Key Differences Between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals

Conclusion
While Lok Adalats prioritize mutual settlements for civil and compoundable criminal disputes, Arbitration Tribunals specialize in adjudicating civil matters like commercial disagreements. Both mechanisms aim to provide speedy justice and alleviate the burden on conventional courts. However, enhanced institutional frameworks and resources are essential to optimize their functioning and reach.

Q3: "The growth of the cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy." Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)
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Introduction
The cabinet system in India has undergone substantial development, marked by collective responsibility and the Prime Minister’s role as "first among equals." While not explicitly outlined in the Constitution, this system’s growth has, at times, overshadowed the principle of parliamentary supremacy.
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• Executive Power Centralisation: The cabinet system consolidates power within the executive, particularly with the Prime Minister and select ministers. For instance, Justice Nagarathna’s 2023 dissent highlighted the unconstitutionality of implementing demonetisation without Parliament’s explicit consent.
• Diminished Parliamentary Oversight: The cabinet’s control over legislative priorities often limits thorough parliamentary scrutiny. The passage of the 2020 Farm Laws without adequate debate exemplifies this trend.
• Use of Ordinances: By leveraging ordinances, the cabinet can circumvent detailed legislative discussions. For example, the 2023 ordinance on administrative control in Delhi was enacted without significant parliamentary deliberation.
• Ineffectiveness of Parliamentary Committees: Despite their critical role, committee recommendations are non-binding, allowing the executive to disregard them. The 16th Lok Sabha referred only 25% of bills to committees, a notable decline from the 71% in the 15th Lok Sabha.

Conclusion
Although the cabinet system has influenced power dynamics, parliamentary supremacy remains enshrined in the Constitution, as seen in mechanisms like no-confidence motions (Article 75). Parliament’s repeal of the farm laws in 2021 underscores its ability to restrain executive overreach, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between effective governance and legislative oversight.

Q4: The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its proprietary? (Answer in 150 words)
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Introduction
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is a constitutional authority established under Article 148 of the Indian Constitution. The CAG is entrusted with auditing the accounts of the Union and State governments, ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently, legally, and in compliance with established norms.
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CAG’s Role in Ensuring the Legality of Expenditure

• The CAG ensures that all financial transactions adhere to the applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• It verifies that funds are utilized strictly for their designated purposes, preventing misappropriation or misuse.
• By certifying the accounts of both Union and State governments, the CAG ensures they present a fair and accurate depiction of the financial standing, a vital step in safeguarding legality and precision in financial reporting.

CAG’s Role in Ensuring Propriety

• Propriety audits conducted by the CAG examine whether government expenditures are prudent, justified, and ethical.
• These audits evaluate:
  • Justification: Whether the expenditure serves the public good or is unwarranted.
  • Efficiency: Whether resources are being utilized optimally without unnecessary wastage.
  • Public Interest: Whether expenditures align with societal needs and uphold principles of fairness and equity.
• High-profile audits, such as those related to the Commonwealth Games and coal block allocations, have uncovered major irregularities and financial losses, sparking public debate, legal scrutiny, and calls for accountability.

Conclusion
The CAG plays a critical role in promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of public finances. By ensuring both legality and propriety in expenditure, the CAG strengthens the integrity of governance and fosters public confidence in the management of the nation’s resources.

Q5: Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies. (Answer in 150 words)
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Introduction
The Constitution of India envisions local self-governance through the 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992), which established Panchayats for rural areas and Municipalities for urban regions. These provisions create a framework for local governance, including Village, Intermediate, and District Panchayats, as well as Municipal Corporations and Municipalities.
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The Role of Local Bodies in Good Governance: Local bodies play a critical role in fostering decentralized governance, as emphasized by committees such as the Balwant Rai Mehta (1957) and Ashok Mehta (1977). They are instrumental in planning and executing development projects tailored to the specific needs of local communities. Additionally, they benefit from financial resources provided by the 15th Finance Commission for services like water supply and sanitation, functioning as essential local public utilities. Local bodies also promote inclusivity by ensuring representation for marginalized groups through reserved seats and fostering participatory democracy via Gram Sabhas and Ward Committees.

Merging Rural and Urban Local Bodies

Conclusion
Merging local bodies can enhance efficiency and foster better coordination in development efforts. However, it is essential to safeguard the local identity of rural communities. A balanced approach that includes input from all stakeholders is vital for achieving equitable and effective governance.

Q6: Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India's development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)
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Introduction
Public charitable trusts (PCTs) are non-profit organizations established under the Indian Trusts Act of 1882, dedicated to promoting the welfare of the public. These trusts tackle a wide range of societal issues, including healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, disaster response, and environmental conservation.
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PCTs play a crucial role in fostering more inclusive development in India by:

• Addressing Gaps in Governance: PCTs complement the government's initiatives by tackling social challenges, such as improving education and healthcare, exemplified by organizations like Tata Trusts and the Azim Premji Foundation.
• Empowering Vulnerable Communities: PCTs focus on supporting marginalized groups to enhance their livelihoods, as seen in the work of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in areas like maternal health and gender equality.
• Conservation of the Environment: Organizations like the Bombay Natural History Society work towards preserving biodiversity and safeguarding wildlife.
• Advocacy and Raising Awareness: PCTs such as the All India Nethaji Social Welfare Movement advocate for policy reforms, particularly in gender equality and human rights.
• Providing Disaster Relief: In times of crisis, PCTs swiftly offer assistance, as demonstrated by the All India Doctor Abdul Kalam Welfare Trust, which facilitates immediate relief operations.

Conclusion
Despite their valuable contributions, PCTs face challenges like limited funding, bureaucratic red tape, and dependency on donations. To enhance their impact, improving regulations, ensuring greater transparency, and fostering stronger collaborations with the government can significantly increase their effectiveness in promoting inclusive growth and empowering marginalized communities.

Q7: The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
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Introduction 
The doctrine of democratic governance refers to a system where government institutions function according to democratic principles, processes, and rules, creating a relationship of trust between the government and the citizens.
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In a democratic governance system, certain standards must be met by civil servants to maintain a positive public perception:

• Accountability: Civil servants must be responsible for their actions and be answerable to the public. For example, the concept of social audits helps ensure accountability.
• Fairness: All citizens must be treated equally, without discrimination, ensuring justice in public service delivery. The principle of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas illustrates this commitment.
• Transparency: Providing the public with clear and accessible information regarding government processes, policies, and decisions. The Right to Information Act is an example of promoting transparency.
• Responsiveness: Civil servants should be quick to address citizens' concerns and needs. This is exemplified by the Citizen Charter, which outlines the commitment to prompt service.
• Ethical Conduct: Civil servants must adhere to high ethical standards, avoiding corruption and misuse of power. The Code of Conduct is a key tool in ensuring ethical behavior.
• Professionalism: Civil servants should demonstrate competence, dedication, and respect in their roles. The successful management of the COVID-19 vaccination drive is a notable example.
• Empathy: Understanding the diverse needs of the community and valuing their perspectives is crucial. For example, addressing the needs of people with disabilities reflects empathy in governance.
• Collaboration: Civil servants should work alongside various stakeholders, including citizens, to improve governance. Initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan showcase this collaborative approach.
• Commitment to Public Service: Civil servants must prioritize the welfare of the public and work toward improving society’s overall well-being.

However, challenges such as corruption, bureaucratic inertia, lack of transparency, and poor communication can undermine public trust in civil servants.
Conclusion
Creating a positive public perception of civil servants' integrity and dedication requires a comprehensive approach that tackles the underlying causes of public distrust while implementing strategies to improve transparency and accountability. By consistently upholding the principles of good governance, accountability, and transparency, governments can strengthen the legitimacy and efficiency of democratic institutions.

Q8: What are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act? (Answer in 250 words)
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Introduction
To address the growing incidents of question paper leaks and malpractice in public examinations, and to improve the overall credibility and transparency of the examination system across India, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, has been enacted by Parliament.
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Objectives of the Act

• The primary goal of the Act is to deter the use of unfair means in public examinations, particularly by targeting organized cheating and various malpractices. The Act defines practices like leaking question papers and possessing unauthorized OMR sheets as unfair methods. It also introduces strict penalties and guidelines to restore public trust in the examination process.
• Unfair practices, such as document tampering and the creation of fake websites, are classified as cognizable and non-bailable offenses under the Act. To instill confidence in the system, the legislation mandates penalties that include prison sentences of three to five years and fines up to Rs. 10 lakh. Investigations will be conducted by officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Commissioner.
• Additionally, the Act establishes a legal framework to address examination integrity offenses and ensures the development of protocols for securing digital platforms and strengthening IT security, overseen by a High-Level National Technical Committee.

Scope of Examinations Covered

• The Act broadly defines public examinations as those conducted by recognized authorities such as the UPSC, SSC, and others. While it does not explicitly list universities and state education board examinations, it allows the central government to notify additional authorities under the law. 
• Moreover, this legislation serves as a model for states to adopt, helping prevent criminal activities in state-level public examinations.

Conclusion
The Public Examinations Act, 2024, plays a crucial role in strengthening the integrity of public exams in India. By promoting transparency and accountability, it combats corruption and ensures fairness for all candidates.

Q9: Right to Privacy is intrinsic to life and liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the constitution. Explain. In this reference discuss the law relating to DNA testing of Child in the womb to establish its paternity. (Answer in 250 words)
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Introduction
The Right to Privacy is a fundamental aspect of life and personal liberty, protected under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
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The Right to Privacy as Integral to Life and Liberty

• The Right to Privacy, as outlined in Article 21, allows individuals to make personal decisions without interference from the state, thereby promoting freedom and personal autonomy. This right encompasses choices about one’s body, health, and reproductive matters, free from coercion. 
• It also safeguards the management of personal data, ensuring unauthorized access or misuse is prevented. Furthermore, it protects the confidentiality of communications like phone calls, emails, and letters, shielding individuals from unwarranted surveillance. This right is fundamental to upholding an individual's dignity and autonomy.

Laws Regarding DNA Testing for Paternity

• The Right to Privacy: The landmark Puttaswamy judgment (2017) reinforced that any intrusion into privacy, including DNA testing, must meet strict criteria of legality, necessity, and proportionality. Such procedures must respect the privacy of individuals, especially women and unborn children.
• Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (Section 116): This law presumes a child born within a marriage to be legitimate, but DNA testing may be ordered if there is substantial evidence questioning paternity, as illustrated in the 2014 Nandlal Wasudeo case, where DNA tests could challenge this presumption.
• Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994: This Act regulates prenatal diagnostic tests, including DNA tests, to prevent gender-based discrimination, allowing such procedures only for legitimate medical purposes.
• DNA Technology Regulation Bill, 2019: This bill mandates consent for DNA testing and permits court intervention in legal disputes. It protects privacy and imposes penalties for the misuse of DNA data.
• Judicial Observations: In the 2023 Aparna Ajinkya Firodia case, the court ruled that DNA testing in matrimonial disputes should only be ordered when there is sufficient prima facie evidence, taking into account the potential impact on children.

Conclusion
While DNA testing for paternity may be permitted, it must be done with due consideration of privacy rights, legal protections, and ethical standards. Courts must carefully balance these competing interests, ensuring that privacy and justice are upheld in each case.

Q10: What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State Relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States for strengthening federalism. (Answer in 250 words)
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Introduction
Centre-state relations in India refer to the distribution of authority and responsibilities between the central and state governments, which is a fundamental aspect of India's democratic structure. This division is enshrined in Part XI of the Indian Constitution.
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Recent Developments in Centre-State Relations:

• At the Administrative Level: In 2014, the Union government replaced the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog to foster cooperative federalism.
• At the Legislative Level: The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 allowed for the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir into India. In 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the "one nation, one election" proposal, which aims to hold synchronized elections across the country.
• At the Financial Level: The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) marked a significant shift in fiscal federalism. However, it has led to reduced fiscal autonomy for states, as tax rates are now decided by the GST Council.

Concerns

• Administrative Concerns: There are issues regarding the misuse of Article 356, the deployment of Central forces without state approval, and the role of Governors.
• Additionally, the rising number of Centrally Sponsored Schemes limits states’ ability to focus on their own priorities.
• Legislative Concerns: The Centre has been encroaching on state matters, particularly in relation to state-list subjects, and there are frequent delays in obtaining assent for state laws.
  For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centre invoked the Disaster Management Act, 2005, which imposed binding guidelines on states, despite public health being a state subject.
• Financial Concerns: There is an increasing centralization of power in resource allocation and economic decision-making, which affects states' financial independence.

Building Trust Between the Centre and States
To improve centre-state relations, fostering better communication and decision-making is crucial. This can be achieved by strengthening the role of the Inter-State Council, as recommended by the Sarkaria Commission in 1983.
Recommendations from the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (1969) for enhancing cooperative federalism include:

• Establishing an effective Inter-State Council.
• Delegating greater powers to states.
• Enhancing financial transfers from the Centre to the states.
• Appointing non-partisan, experienced individuals as Governors.
• Limiting the use of Articles 355 and 356 to avoid infringing on state autonomy.

Conclusion
For stronger federalism, it is essential to enhance dialogue through the Inter-State Council, ensure timely legislative processes, and provide states with greater financial independence.

Q11: Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world's most powerful judiciary? (Answer in 250 words).
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Introduction
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) refers to legal action initiated in court to protect public or group interests, rather than individual rights. The concept of PIL was pioneered by Justice Krishna Iyer in the 1976 case of Mumbai Kamgar Sabha v. Abdul Thai. Though PIL is not explicitly defined in any statute, it emerged in India from the power of judicial review.
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Factors Contributing to the Growth of PILs

• Constitutional Foundation: PILs have flourished due to the provisions in the Indian Constitution, particularly the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles, which emphasize social justice.
• Relaxation of Locus Standi: Indian courts relaxed the traditional rule of locus standi, allowing citizens or organizations to file PILs on behalf of marginalized groups, thus broadening access to justice.
• Judicial Activism: The judiciary has taken an active role in expanding PILs, especially when the executive has failed to deliver justice. The 1984 Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India case set a precedent for liberalizing access to the courts for social justice causes.
• Government Inaction: The failure of government agencies to address public grievances effectively, due to issues like corruption and bureaucratic delays, has led citizens to turn to the courts through PILs.

How PILs Have Elevated the Supreme Court to Global Prominence

• Power to Nullify Laws: In 2021, the Supreme Court struck down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act and the 99th Constitutional Amendment as unconstitutional, highlighting its power to invalidate laws through PILs.
• Government Inaction and Judicial Review: The M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1988) case saw the Court issuing directives to control pollution and improve the Ganga's water quality. Similarly, in the NEET 2024 paper leak case, the Court did not order a retest but expanded the scope of the investigation to include reforms in the National Testing Agency's functioning.
• Broader Interpretation of Rights: The Court has redefined rights under Article 21, such as declaring the right to privacy as fundamental in the Puttaswamy case (2017). It also recognized the dignity of sex workers in the Budhadev Karmaskar case (2022), further expanding the interpretation of the right to life and dignity.
• Suo Motu Powers: In 2024, following the mishandling of the Kolkata Murder-Rape case by the state government, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the matter, showing its proactive role in upholding justice.
• Judicial Activism and Overreach: The Court has overturned outdated colonial-era laws, such as decriminalizing homosexuality in the Navtej Singh Johar case and declaring triple talaq unconstitutional in the Shayara Bano case (2017). It has also issued directives like the 2017 ban on liquor sales within 500 meters of highways to curb road accidents.

While PILs have expanded the scope of judicial review and solidified the Supreme Court's position as one of the most powerful judiciaries in the world, the issue of judicial overreach remains a point of criticism. Some argue that the Court's intervention in legislative and executive matters goes beyond its constitutional remit, a practice that is less common in countries like the US and Australia. To preserve the balance of power in a democracy, it is essential to respect the principle of "separation of powers."
Conclusion

PILs have played a significant role in shaping India's legal landscape, enhancing public access to justice and empowering the Supreme Court to become one of the world's most influential judicial bodies. However, maintaining a balance between judicial activism and respect for the separation of powers is crucial to ensure that the judiciary does not overstep its constitutional boundaries.

Q12: The Citizen Charter has been a landmark initiative in ensuring citizen centric administration. But it is yet to reach its full potential. Identify the factors hindering the realisation of its promise and suggest measures to overcome them? (Answer in 250 words)
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Introduction
The Citizen's Charter is an important initiative designed to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the delivery of public services. Its formulation and implementation are overseen by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), which plays a key role in ensuring the Charter's success.
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Challenges Hindering the Effective Implementation of Citizen Charters:

• Lack of Awareness: Many citizens are unaware of the existence of the Citizen's Charter and the rights it grants, leading to a lack of accountability from public authorities.
• Weak Enforcement Mechanisms: Despite the Citizen's Charter outlining service standards, there are limited measures to penalize government officials who fail to meet these standards.
• Irregular Updates: Some departments fail to revise their charters regularly, resulting in inconsistencies and unequal service delivery across various sectors.
• Resistance from Officials: Many public officials view the Citizen's Charter as an additional burden and are reluctant to adhere to its standards.
• Inadequate Training: The lack of sufficient training for public officials on citizen-focused service delivery and a poor understanding of the Citizen's Charter hinders its successful implementation.

Proposed Solutions to Overcome These Challenges: The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) has suggested several steps to improve the effectiveness of Citizen’s Charters:

• Enforce Punitive Measures: Introducing penalties for non-compliance, such as financial fines or disciplinary actions against officials, can enhance accountability.
• Limit Commitments: Citizen Charters should focus on a few realistic and achievable commitments, rather than a long list of promises that may go unmet.
• Tailored Charters: A uniform approach to charters across different organizations may not be effective. Charters should be customized to suit the specific needs of local contexts and individual organizations.
• Accountability for Non-Compliance: Officials should be held responsible when the commitments outlined in the Citizen's Charter are not met, reinforcing the need for public trust and reliability.
• Regular Reviews: Citizen’s Charters must be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure they stay relevant, effective, and aligned with the evolving needs of the public.
• Reorganize Structure and Processes: Before implementing a charter, organizations should streamline their structures and processes to ensure that it can be effectively executed.

Conclusion
The Citizen's Charter holds great potential to transform governance by promoting transparency, accountability, and a citizen-centric approach. However, fully realizing its benefits requires addressing key implementation challenges, such as raising awareness, strengthening accountability, providing proper training, and fostering a culture that prioritizes the needs of citizens.

Q13: In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level. (Answer in 250 words)
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Introduction
India's healthcare sector was valued at USD 372 billion in 2023, with the private sector largely dominating secondary and tertiary care, especially in metropolitan, tier-I, and tier-II cities. This growing marketization of healthcare raises concerns, as it increasingly views health as a commodity, prioritizing profit over patient welfare. Such an approach risks compromising the quality of care and widening inequalities in access to healthcare services.
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The State's Role in Addressing the Negative Impact of Marketization in Healthcare:

• Right to Health: Under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, the right to health is guaranteed, which compels the state to safeguard this right, especially amidst the pressures of marketization that could lead to inequality and the deterioration of services.
• State as a Benefactor: The state ensures that healthcare services are accessible to all, particularly vulnerable groups, through public hospitals and subsidized programs such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). It also enforces quality standards and patient satisfaction measures to preserve the dignity and rights of individuals.
• State as a Regulator: Through regulations like the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations of 2002, the state establishes guidelines to prevent the degradation of services driven by profit motives and to protect the well-being of citizens.
• State as a Facilitator: The state plays a role in facilitating public-private partnerships (PPP) to improve healthcare delivery in underserved areas. It also works on mobilizing resources for equitable healthcare financing.

Initiatives to Improve Public Healthcare at the Grassroots Level

• The state should focus on training community health workers (such as ASHAs and ANMs) to serve as intermediaries between the healthcare system and local communities, promoting health education and early disease detection.
• Expanding the reach of Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres is crucial to providing comprehensive primary healthcare services, including preventive, promotive, and curative care.
• The 15th Finance Commission’s grants can be utilized to strengthen local health systems and implement community-specific health programs.
• Special initiatives, like the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyaan, can target regions with low immunization coverage, particularly in tribal and remote areas, ensuring more effective prevention.
• Furthermore, establishing new medical colleges in underserved districts, using data from Rural Health Statistics for decision-making, and integrating telemedicine services will further enhance accessibility and effectiveness of healthcare.

Conclusion
The state should leverage the forces of marketization to foster competition and make healthcare more affordable and accessible, ensuring the welfare of patients and improving access for marginalized groups.

Q14: e-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability. In this context evaluate the role of the ‘Interactive Service Model’ of e-governance. (Answer in 250 words)
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Introduction
E-governance refers to the application of digital technology by governments to deliver services to citizens. Examples include DigiLocker, Jeevan Pramaan, and Mobile Seva. The Interactive Service Model (ISM) in e-governance shifts from a one-way service delivery approach to a more interactive system, enabling citizens to express their concerns and actively participate in decision-making processes.
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The Role of the Interactive Service Model (ISM) in Promoting Transparency and Accountability

• Two-way Communication: Platforms like MyGov in India facilitate direct communication between citizens and the government, encouraging participation and feedback from the public.
• Access to Information: Portals such as the Right to Information (RTI) mechanism and the National Portal of India offer citizens a comprehensive source of updates and details about government actions.
• Grievance Redressal: The Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) enables citizens to lodge complaints and receive timely responses.
• Citizen Engagement: Programs like “Bhagidari” promote active citizen involvement in governance, fostering a cooperative relationship between the public and the government.
• Feedback Systems: Initiatives like Karnataka’s Bhoomi project allow citizens to provide real-time feedback on digitized land records, ensuring more responsive service delivery.
• Ensuring Transparency: Initiatives such as social audits, with Meghalaya as a pioneer in passing social audit legislation, improve government transparency and build public trust.

Despite the importance of the Interactive Service Model, there are challenges in its implementation, including unequal access to technology (with internet penetration at 67% in urban areas and only 31% in rural areas), bureaucratic resistance to new systems, and concerns over data privacy, which can hinder citizen participation.
Conclusion
To address the challenges facing the Interactive Service Model of e-governance, the government needs to close the digital divide by improving rural connectivity and promoting digital literacy. Ensuring data privacy and encouraging bureaucratic reform will also be crucial. These measures will enhance e-transparency and empower citizens by making electronic platforms and services more accessible and transparent for all.