UPSC Mains Answer PYQ 2025: PSIR Paper 1 (Section- B)

Section- B

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (10×5=50)

Q5: (a) Explain briefly the role of Peasant Movements after 1857 and before independence. (10 marks)
Ans: Peasant movements after 1857 played a vital role in India's freedom struggle by highlighting colonial exploitation and integrating rural masses into the national movement.

Key movements include:

• Champaran Satyagraha (1917): Led by Gandhi, it addressed indigo planters' oppression, marking Gandhi's first major success in India.
• Kheda Movement (1918): Peasants demanded revenue remission due to crop failure; Gandhi and Patel led non-payment.
• Bardoli Satyagraha (1928): Under Vallabhbhai Patel, peasants resisted land revenue hike, earning Patel the title "Sardar".
• All India Kisan Sabha (1936): Mobilised peasants against zamindari system and high rents.

These movements weakened colonial economic policies, promoted non-violent resistance, and created awareness about rights. They provided mass base to Congress, eroded landlord power, and laid foundation for post-independence land reforms like zamindari abolition. Overall, they bridged agrarian grievances with nationalist goals.

(b) Write a note on the Dalit perspective of Indian National Movement. (10 marks)

Ans: 

• ​The Dalit perspective viewed the Indian National Movement as dominated by upper-caste Hindus, failing to address caste oppression and untouchability adequately.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the key Dalit leader, criticised Congress and Gandhi for not prioritising social equality. He argued that political freedom without ending caste hierarchy was meaningless for Dalits. Movements like Adi-Hindu in Uttar Pradesh asserted Dalits as original inhabitants, rejecting Brahmanical Hinduism.
• Ambedkar demanded separate electorates (Communal Award, 1932), leading to Poona Pact compromise. He saw nationalism as Hindu-majority driven, ignoring "Bahishkrit Bharat" (excluded India). Dalits sought annihilation of caste over mere swaraj.
• While some Dalits participated in Congress-led struggles, many remained aloof, focusing on self-respect and anti-untouchability campaigns. This perspective highlighted that true independence required social justice alongside political freedom.

(c) Land reforms programmes led to some constitutional amendments. Comment. (10 marks)
Ans: Post-independence land reforms aimed at abolishing zamindari, tenancy reforms, and ceiling on holdings faced legal challenges under fundamental rights to property and equality.

To protect these reforms:

• 1st Amendment (1951): Inserted Articles 31A and 31B, creating Ninth Schedule to shield land reform laws from judicial review.
• 4th Amendment (1955): Limited judicial scrutiny on compensation for acquired property.
• 17th Amendment (1964): Expanded Ninth Schedule and broadened "estate" definition to include ryotwari lands.

These amendments overcame court rulings striking down reform acts in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. They enabled zamindari abolition and redistribution, reducing inequalities. However, implementation varied, with loopholes allowing evasion.

Overall, constitutional changes were essential to implement Directive Principles (Article 39) over conflicting fundamental rights, facilitating agrarian restructuring.

(d) Delineate the key factors that have shaped the evolving political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir post 2019. (10 marks)
Ans: The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, bifurcation into Union Territories, and subsequent developments reshaped Jammu and Kashmir's politics.

Key factors:

• Centralisation of Power: Direct central rule via Lieutenant Governor reduced local autonomy; police and public order under Centre.
• Delimitation (2022): Increased Jammu seats (43 from 37), Kashmir (47 from 46); reserved seats for STs/SCs.
• Grassroots Democracy: Establishment of three-tier Panchayati Raj; DDC elections (2020) empowered locals.
• Assembly Elections (2024): First since 2014; NC-Congress alliance won majority, reflecting demand for statehood restoration.
• Security and Development: Reduced militancy, increased tourism/infrastructure, but lingering demands for autonomy.

Supreme Court upheld abrogation (2023), directing elections by 2024. Regional parties push for statehood; BJP focuses on integration. The landscape shifted from separatism to development-oriented politics with ongoing debates on rights.

(e) How far has the National Human Rights Commission been successful in achieving its objectives? Comment. (10 marks)
Ans: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), established in 1993, aims to protect and promote human rights through inquiries, recommendations, and awareness.

Achievements:

• Handled thousands of complaints annually on custodial deaths, police excesses, and violations.
• Interventions in cases like encounters, bonded labour, and rights of vulnerable groups.
• Promoted human rights education and reviewed laws.

However, limitations hinder full success:

• Recommendations non-binding: Governments often ignore or delay compliance.
• No prosecution powers: Cannot punish violators directly.
• Limited jurisdiction: Excludes armed forces complaints.
• Resource constraints: Overburdened with cases, dependent on government funding.
• Criticisms: Perceived lack of independence, dominance by former judges.

Despite maintaining 'A' status internationally, NHRC's impact is partial due to structural weaknesses. Reforms like binding powers and diverse composition are needed for greater effectiveness.

Q6: (a) Parliamentary committees are indispensable to the legislative process. It provides for the opportunity for cross-pollination between the two chambers of the Parliament. Discuss. (20 marks)
Ans: Parliamentary committees play a vital role in India's bicameral legislature, ensuring thorough scrutiny of bills and policies beyond the limited time available on the floor of the House. They are indispensable to the legislative process as they allow detailed examination, expert consultations, and stakeholder inputs, leading to better-crafted laws.

Key functions include:

• Detailed Scrutiny: Committees like Department-Related Standing Committees review bills clause-by-clause, suggest amendments, and prevent hasty legislation.
• Expert Opinion: They invite inputs from specialists, reducing flaws in complex laws.
• Oversight: Financial committees such as Public Accounts Committee ensure accountability in government spending.

In a bicameral system, Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) and certain standing committees comprise members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. This composition facilitates cross-pollination between the two chambers-exchange of ideas, perspectives, and expertise. Lok Sabha members bring electoral accountability, while Rajya Sabha members offer continuity and federal representation.

Examples:

• The JPC on the 2G spectrum case involved members from both Houses, leading to comprehensive recommendations.
• Department-Related Standing Committees are bicameral, enabling balanced views on subjects like finance or health.

However, challenges exist: recommendations are not binding, and governments sometimes bypass committees. Despite this, committees enhance legislative quality and promote inter-chamber harmony, strengthening bicameralism.

In conclusion, parliamentary committees are essential for effective law-making and foster collaboration between the two Houses, embodying the spirit of deliberative democracy. 

(b) Examine the constitutional provisions and nature of advisory jurisdiction of Supreme Court of India. Evaluate your answer with relevant examples. (15 marks)
Ans: The advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is provided under Article 143 of the Constitution. It empowers the President to refer questions of law or fact of public importance to the Court for its opinion.

Constitutional Provisions:

• Article 143(1): If a question of law or fact has arisen or is likely to arise, and it is of public importance, the President may refer it. The Court may report its opinion (discretionary).
• Article 143(2): For disputes under pre-Constitution treaties or agreements, reference is mandatory, and the Court shall report.

Nature:

• It is consultative and non-adversarial-no parties or litigation.
• Opinion is not binding on the President, though it carries high persuasive value.
• Not "law declared" under Article 141, hence not binding on lower courts.
• Heard by a Constitution Bench (minimum five judges).

Examples:

• In re Delhi Laws Act (1951): First reference; Court opined on legislative delegation limits.
• In re Berubari Opinion (1960): On territory transfer to Pakistan; led to constitutional amendment.
• In re Cauvery Water Dispute (1991): On tribunal jurisdiction.
• Recent: President referred questions on timelines for Governors/President assenting to state bills (post-2023 Tamil Nadu case).

This jurisdiction aids executive decision-making on complex issues without judicial confrontation. However, rare use (about 16 times) and non-binding nature limit its scope. It upholds separation of powers while providing expert guidance. 

(c) The recent developments in Indian Politics has not eroded the true spirit of federalism in India. Critically examine this statement with the help of appropriate examples. (15 marks)
Ans: Indian federalism embodies cooperative and competitive elements, balancing unity with diversity. Recent developments show a mixed impact-strengthening cooperation in some areas while raising concerns of centralization in others.

Strengthening Aspects:

• GST Council: A hallmark of cooperative federalism; consensus-based decisions on tax rates, with states having significant voice.
• NITI Aayog: Promotes competitive federalism through indices (e.g., Health Index, Aspirational Districts Programme) and state rankings, encouraging reforms.
• Finance Commission: 15th FC increased states' tax share, incentivizing performance.
• Initiatives like National Manufacturing Mission (2025) and Investment Friendliness Index foster state competition and Centre-state collaboration.

Challenges and Erosion Concerns:

• Governor's Role: Delays in assenting to state bills (e.g., Tamil Nadu cases) and perceived partisanship undermine state autonomy.
• One Nation One Election Proposal: Debated as potentially subordinating state electoral cycles to national ones, affecting regional priorities.
• Fiscal Issues: Delays in fund transfers and cess/surcharge retention reduce states' share.
• Delimitation Fears: Post-2026 exercise may shift seats to northern states, altering federal balance.

Critically, while institutions like GST Council and NITI Aayog reinforce cooperation, trends like gubernatorial overreach and "one nation" initiatives indicate central tilt. Judicial interventions (e.g., on Governors) and coalition dynamics help counter erosion.

Overall, the spirit of federalism endures through adaptive mechanisms, but sustained dialogue is needed to prevent further strains. 

Q7: (a) Enunciate the impediments to women's participation in local governance in the process of political decentralisation. (20 marks)
Ans: Political decentralisation in India, through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992), introduced one-third (and in many states now 50%) reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and urban local bodies to promote grassroots democracy and gender equality. Yet, despite over one million elected women representatives, their effective participation remains limited due to multiple impediments.

Key impediments include:

• Patriarchal social structure: Deep-rooted gender norms view women primarily as homemakers, discouraging their active leadership role in public spheres.
• Proxy representation (Sarpanch Pati syndrome): In many cases, elected women act as figureheads while male relatives (husbands/sons) exercise real power, undermining genuine participation.
• Lack of education and awareness: Low literacy and limited political knowledge restrict women's ability to understand procedures, assert rights, and perform duties confidently.
• Economic dependence: Financial reliance on male family members limits mobility, resources, and independent decision-making.
• Violence and intimidation: Women representatives often face threats, harassment, and moral policing, forcing many to withdraw from active governance.
• Inadequate capacity building: Insufficient training programmes and mentorship leave women unprepared for administrative and financial responsibilities.
• Political interference: Male-dominated party structures and bureaucratic resistance further marginalise women's voices.

These barriers defeat the spirit of decentralisation and inclusive governance. Sustained efforts-awareness campaigns, mandatory training, strict enforcement against proxy rule, and social reforms-are essential to translate numerical representation into substantive empowerment.

(b) Caste remains a vital axis for political mobilisation in India. How would the caste census address the aspirations of people? Discuss. (15 marks)
Ans: Caste continues to be a primary axis of political mobilisation in India, shaping vote banks, party strategies, and coalition politics. Parties like SP, RJD, BSP, and regional outfits heavily rely on caste identities, especially among OBCs, Dalits, and EBCs, to consolidate support.

A caste census-last comprehensively conducted in 1931-would provide updated socio-economic data on caste composition (absent in regular censuses since 1951, except SC/ST counts). It could address people's aspirations in the following ways:

• Equitable representation and policy-making: Accurate population data would enable proportional reservation in education, employment, and legislatures, fulfilling demands for social justice among backward castes.
• Sub-categorisation of OBCs: Identifying creamy layer and most backward groups would ensure benefits reach the truly disadvantaged, reducing intra-caste inequalities.
• Targeted welfare schemes: Evidence-based policies for poverty alleviation, health, and education could be designed for specific caste groups.
• Empowerment of marginalised communities: Groups like EBCs (as revealed in Bihar's 2023 caste survey showing OBC+EBC at 63%) could gain greater political visibility and bargaining power.

However, critics argue it may deepen caste divisions, intensify identity politics, and face administrative challenges. While a caste census promises data-driven inclusion, its success depends on responsible implementation without exacerbating social fragmentation.

(c) There is a debate on the procedure for appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners to the Election Commission of India. Analyse its various aspects. (15 marks)
Ans: The independence of the Election Commission of India (ECI) is crucial for free and fair elections. The procedure for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners has been contentious, especially after recent legislative changes.

Historically, appointments were made by the executive on the President's advice, leading to criticism of government influence. In Anoop Baranwal vs Union of India (2023), the Supreme Court mandated a three-member committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition (LoO), and Chief Justice of India (CJI) until Parliament enacted a law.

Subsequently, the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023 replaced the CJI with a Union Cabinet Minister (nominated by the PM), making the selection panel: PM (Chair), LoO, and Minister. This gives the government a 2:1 majority.

Key aspects of the debate:

• Executive dominance vs independence: Critics argue the new law undermines ECI's autonomy by allowing greater governmental control, especially when the ruling party enjoys majority.
• Transparency and collegium system: Inclusion of CJI (as per SC) was seen as a check against bias; its removal has raised concerns about partisan appointments.
• Recent controversies: The hurried appointment of two ECs in March 2024 (after Arun Goel's sudden resignation) and allegations of inadequate consultation with LoO highlighted opacity.
• Counter-view: Government defends the law as parliamentary sovereignty and faster decision-making.

To strengthen institutional credibility, a balanced, transparent mechanism-preferably reverting to CJI inclusion or a broader collegium-is widely advocated.

Q8: (a) The decision to conduct Population Census-2027 has reopened the debate on delimitation in India. Discuss its various aspects. (20 marks)
Ans:

• The announcement of the Population Census-2027 has revived the long-pending debate on delimitation of Lok Sabha and state assembly constituencies. Delimitation involves redrawing boundaries and reallocating seats based on population changes. The process has been frozen since 1976 through constitutional amendments to encourage population control and maintain regional balance.
• Constitutionally, Articles 82 and 170 provide for delimitation after every census. The 42nd Amendment (1976) froze it until 2001, later extended by the 84th Amendment (2002) until the first census after 2026. With Census-2027, delimitation becomes inevitable post-2030 (after data processing and commission formation).
• Demographically, India's uneven population growth is the core issue. Northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have shown higher growth rates, while southern states (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh) have achieved replacement-level fertility. If seats are reallocated proportionally, northern states will gain significantly (UP could gain 15-20 seats), while southern states may lose relative share.
• Politically, this raises fears of a north-south divide. Southern leaders argue it penalises states for successful family planning. Parties like DMK and Congress (in southern context) demand safeguards, while northern-based parties see it as fair representation.
• Federally, reduced southern influence in Parliament could strain Centre-state relations and fuel demands for greater fiscal autonomy or even revisiting statehood formulas.
• A linked aspect is women's reservation. The 128th Constitutional Amendment (2023) reserves 33% seats for women, but its implementation is tied to the next delimitation exercise. Delay in delimitation delays women's quota.
• Possible approaches include increasing total Lok Sabha seats beyond 543 to avoid absolute losses, or devising a weighted formula rewarding population control. A balanced delimitation is essential for preserving federal equilibrium, democratic fairness and gender justice.

(b) With reference to Nehruvian perspective of planning and economic development, examine how the early phase of economic planning in India has laid the foundation of modern India's economic growth. (15 marks)
Ans:

• Jawaharlal Nehru envisaged a mixed economy with the state playing a commanding role in building a self-reliant, socialist-pattern society. His vision emphasised planned development, heavy industries, infrastructure and scientific temper.
• The early phase (1951-1964) saw three Five-Year Plans. The First Plan (1951-56) focused on agriculture and community development. The Second Plan (1956-61), based on the Mahalanobis model, prioritised heavy industries and capital goods. Public sector undertakings were established in steel (Bhilai, Rourkela, Durgapur), machine building, power (Bhakra-Nangal dam) and mining.
• Nehru promoted scientific institutions (IITs, CSIR labs, atomic energy under Homi Bhabha) and laid the base for space research. Land reforms, cooperative farming and community development projects aimed at social justice and rural upliftment.
• These efforts created a robust industrial base, infrastructural backbone and human capital that later phases built upon. The public sector steel plants still contribute significantly to manufacturing. Dams and irrigation projects supported the Green Revolution of the 1960s. Scientific institutions produced skilled manpower that drives today's IT, pharmaceutical and space sectors.
• Though criticised for over-emphasis on heavy industry and licence raj, the Nehruvian foundation enabled India to industrialise independently. Post-1991 liberalisation, private enterprise flourished on the platform created by public investment. Modern India's status as the fifth-largest economy, its space achievements (Chandrayaan, Gaganyaan) and manufacturing push (Make in India, PLI schemes) trace roots to Nehru's long-term vision of self-reliance and planned growth.

(c) Illustrate with examples how political parties in India have played a crucial role in drawing the historically disadvantaged groups into the mainstream political system. (15 marks)
Ans: 

• ​Political parties in India have been instrumental in mobilising historically disadvantaged groups-Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and minorities-into the mainstream political process through reservation, leadership opportunities and social justice agendas.
• The Congress Party in the early post-independence decades implemented constitutional reservations for SCs/STs in legislatures and jobs, ensuring their representation. Leaders like Jagjivan Ram (Dalit) rose to become Deputy Prime Minister.
• The Mandal Commission (1990) implementation triggered the rise of OBC-centric parties. Samajwadi Party (SP) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) mobilised Yadavs and other backward castes in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, producing chief ministers like Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav and Lalu Prasad Yadav. This brought OBCs into power centres.
• The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), founded by Kanshi Ram and led by Mayawati, specifically championed Dalit assertion. Mayawati became Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister four times, symbolising Dalit empowerment and encouraging higher voter turnout among SCs.
• In southern India, Dravidian parties (DMK, AIADMK) mobilised non-Brahmin backward classes against upper-caste dominance since the 1950s, implementing 69% reservation in Tamil Nadu and producing leaders from intermediate castes.
• Even the BJP has pursued social engineering by promoting OBC and SC/ST leaders (e.g., Prime Minister Narendra Modi from OBC background). Presidents like Ram Nath Kovind (Dalit) and Droupadi Murmu (Tribal) reflect this inclusion.
• Through ticket distribution, caste-based alliances and welfare promises, parties have transformed disadvantaged groups from marginal voters to decisive political forces, deepening Indian democracy.