💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (August Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Search results for: “”

  • Examine the pattern and trend of public expenditure on social services in the post-reforms period in India. To what extent this has been in consonance with achieving the objective of inclusive growth?

    Since the 1991 reforms, India shifted to a market-oriented growth model. Public expenditure on social services increased from 5% of GDP (1990s) to 8% (2024-25)

    Trend of Public Expenditure on Social Services in the Post-Reforms Period

    Early Post-Reform Phase (1991-2005)

    Low and stagnant spending around 5% of GDP due to fiscal consolidation.

    Prioritisation of basic education – expansion of SSA, mid-day meal.

    Health expenditure remained low at 1% of GDP, high OOPE.

    Rights-Based Expansion Phase (2005-2015)

    Public expenditure rose to 6-7% of GDP.

    Introduction of major rights-based entitlements: MGNREGA (2005), RTI, RTE (2009), NFSA (2013).

    Focus on rural livelihood missions, inclusion programmes. Eg- DAY-NRLM

    Post-2015 Period

    Social sector spending increased to 8% of GDP (2021-22).

    Health spending reforms – decline in OOPE from 65% to 40% (2014-2024).

    Women Specific schemes: Eg- Ujjwala (10 crore LPG connections)

    Emphasis on social security. Eg- e-Shram, PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.

    Increased focus on skill development, digital inclusion. Eg- JAM Trinity, PM-KVY

    In consonance with Inclusive Growth

    Extreme poverty fell from 16.2 % in 2011-12 to just 2.3 % in 2022-23

    MGNREGA, NFSA ensured income security and food security (67% population coverage).

    Human Capital Improvement – Life expectancy increased from 58 years (1990) to 73 years.

    Regional Inclusion – Aspirational Districts improved health, education, and infrastructure indicators in 112 lagging districts.

    Women Empowerment – Eg- 45% women representation in PRIs

    Limitations and Challenges

    Rural-Urban Divide Persists – Urban per capita income is 2x rural.

    Only 24-25% of the population has any formal social protection.

    Poor Learning Outcomes

    50% of Class 5 students cannot read Class 2 text (ASER).

    50% of graduates are employable only (India Skills Report).

    Low Public Health Spending – Still around 1.9% of GDP, below the global average of 6%.

    Inclusion-Exclusion errors and Leakages in PDS.

    High Inequality – Top 10% hold 77% of national wealth (Oxfam).

    Capability Approach (Amartya Sen) by increasing Education and health spending to 6% and 2.5% of GDP respectively is needed for ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’

  • What were the factors responsible for the successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country? Elaborate.

    Land reforms in India aimed to eliminate feudal structures, secure tenancy rights, redistribute surplus land, and modernise agrarian relations.

    Components of land reforms

    Abolition of Intermediaries

    Tenancy Reforms

    Ceiling on Land Holdings

    Land Consolidation

    Factors behind successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country

    Strong Political Will and Ideological Commitment to land redistribution and tenancy reforms

    Kerala – Communist government

    West Bengal – Left Front

    Decentralised and proactive bureaucracy, especially in West Bengal, where Block Development Offices played a central role in implementing Operation Barga.

    Robust Panchayati Raj Institutions ensured identification of beneficiaries, resolution of disputes, and monitoring of redistribution.

    Social Movements and Mass Mobilisation led by Kisan Sabhas, Bhoodan–Gramdan, and left-oriented peasant unions created strong grassroots pressure.

    Clear and Unambiguous Land Legislation such as J&K’s Big Landed Estates Abolition Act, 1950 – faced fewer legal loopholes

    States where landlord dominance in Governance was weaker (Kerala, West Bengal) had less resistance and fewer litigations compared to states like Bihar or UP.

    Kerala’s high literacy enabled better awareness of legal rights and reduced manipulation by landlords.

    Strong Monitoring – Periodic reviews, political oversight, and public reporting in TN ensured transparency and discouraged corruption or collusion with landowners.

    Major Challenges

    Land Reforms is ‘state subject’ – Lack of political will and uniformity in implementation

    Legal loopholes – In Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madras there was no limit on the size of the lands that could be declared to be under the ‘personal cultivation’ of the zamindar

    Fragmented Landholdings – Average operational holding has fallen to 0.74 ha (NABARD), making consolidation challenging.

    Inadequate Institutional Capacity – Revenue departments face deficits in manpower, technology, and coordination.

    Despite legal provisions, women hold only 11-13% of operational holdings due to inheritance barriers.

    High Land Litigation – Over two-thirds of civil cases in lower courts involve land disputes

    Land reform 2.0 based on modernisation of records (DILRMP), redistribution of land and land leasing reforms is essential to realise the objective of ‘Doubling Farmers Income’.

    Environment

    Conservation Efforts

  • What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation.

  • Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India’s maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition?

    The Maldives, located southwest of India in the central Indian Ocean, sits astride critical Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) that carry a major share of global oil and trade flows.

    Geopolitical and Geostrategic Importance of Maldives for India

    Strategic Location on Global Trade Routes through which over 80% of India’s crude oil and global container traffic transit.

    Energy Security Corridor- positions near the Eight Degree Channel are vital for the free flow of energy from the Persian Gulf to Indian and East Asian markets.

    As part of India’s SAGAR vision, Maldives strengthens India’s maritime domain awareness (MDA) through coastal radar systems integrated with India’s Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).

    Economic and Blue Economy Cooperation for trade connectivity and sustainable ocean management.

    Impact on India’s Maritime Security Amidst International Competition

    India’s partnership with Maldives enables real-time monitoring of sea lanes, joint patrols, and defense training, enhancing maritime security in the Arabian Sea-Central IOR belt.

    The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Chinese-funded infrastructure projects in Maldives (e.g., Sinamalé Bridge, port expansions) raise concerns of strategic encirclement (“String of Pearls”).

    Securing SLOCs Against Non-Traditional Threats like piracy, smuggling, terrorism, and illegal fishing.

    First-Responder Advantage- India’s humanitarian and disaster-relief operations (e.g., Operation NEER, COVID-19 aid) reinforce its role as the preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

    Impact on India’s Regional Stability Amidst International Competition

    Maintaining Balance of Power in the IOR- Maldives’ cooperation ensures that strategic outposts in the central Indian Ocean remain friendly to India and aligned with its Indo-Pacific vision.

    Shifts between pro-India and pro-China governments in Maldives (e.g., “India Out” campaigns) requires non-interference and developmental diplomacy to ensure long-term engagement.

    Regional Multilateralism and Cooperative Security through the Colombo Security Conclave and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

    India’s investments in infrastructure, tourism, and climate adaptation projects foster goodwill, ensuring Maldives remains a stable democratic partner in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific.

    Challenges

    India’s Panipat Syndrome – Reactive rather than proactive diplomacy

    Political Instability due to Chinese influence (Deep Pocket Diplomacy)

    India’s delivery deficit and Big Brother Syndrome

    Way Forward

    Expand joint naval patrols, intelligence sharing

    Gujaral Doctrine – non-intrusive, partnership-based approach

    Institutionalize Political and Strategic Dialogue- 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue

    Provide viable alternatives to Chinese Belt and Road projects via Neighbourhood First and SAGAR

    A stable, sovereign, and friendly Maldives is essential for India’s ambition of Net Security Provider in IOR.

  • The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples.

    The world order today is in ‘flux’ (M. K. Narayanan). In this context, “India is shaping up to be the trusted partner in a turbulent world.” (S. Jaishankar)

    China’s Dominance

    Political

    Alternative governance and development model of authoritarian capitalism

    Strategic assertion in South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and Indian Ocean. Eg- boiling frog strategy

    Dual-use infrastructure- Eg- BRI ports and bases (Djibouti, Gwadar).

    Economic

    Parallel institutional ecosystem- Creation of AIIB, NDB, and BRI

    Complex interdependence- 18% of world GDP, major supplier in 70% of global supply chains.

    Debt Trap diplomacy through BRI loans and surplus-deficit strategies. Eg- Sri Lanka

    Weaponisation of supply chains – Eg- export restrictions on rare earths

    India’s Emerging Role as an Alternative to China

    (A) Geoeconomic Dimension – Supply Chain Diversification

    “China+1” Strategy-

    Global firms (Apple, Foxconn, Dell, Samsung) shifting manufacturing to India.

    India’s PLI Scheme attracted global investment in electronics, semiconductors, and solar.

    Recent FTA with UK

    Resilient Supply Chain Initiative by India, Japan, and Australia to reduce dependence on Chinese manufacturing.

    US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET, 2023)- Cooperation in semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, and space.

    EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC, 2023)- Platform for technology, green energy, and digital infrastructure collaboration.

    (B) Strategic and Geopolitical Dimension

    Indo-Pacific Strategy-

    India is central to US-led Indo-Pacific vision ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    Participation in QUAD (India, US, Japan, Australia) to balance China’s maritime influence.

    Increasing defence trade and interoperability under COMCASA, BECA, LEMOA agreements.

    Critical Minerals Partnership (2022) to counter China’s monopoly in rare earth supply chains

    Infrastructure Connectivity- IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, 2023) launched at G20 to provide an alternative to China’s BRI.

    (C) Multilateral and Institutional Cooperation

    India’s G20 Presidency (2023) strengthened its global credibility as a bridge between Global North and South.

    Western nations back India’s UNSC reform demand, recognizing its role in a multipolar world.

    ASEAN Countries and CARs as well as Russia support India’s role in ASEAN and SCO respectively as a counterbalance to China

    As the centre of gravity of world politics is shifting towards Indo-Pacific, India’s role is going to be critical in shaping 21st century great power dynamics.

  • 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.

    The Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 38, 39, 42, and 47) mandate the State to ensure the health and well-being of all citizens. However, increasing marketisation of healthcare has led to inequality and exclusion, necessitating proactive state intervention.

    Adverse Impacts of Marketisation

    High OOPE: Nearly 47% of health expenditure in India is borne out-of-pocket (NHA 2023).

    Around 75% of private hospitals are located in urban areas, creating rural-urban disparities

    Profit Orientation: Commercial motives undermine equity and quality.

    Violation of Right to Health under Article 21 (Olga Tellis Case)

    Neglect of Preventive and Primary Care – Private sector prioritises curative and high-profit specialities

    Erosion of Equity and Ethics: Healthcare becomes a commodity

    Weak Regulation and Accountability leads to price inflation, quackery, and malpractice.

    Brain Drain from Public Sector due to better pay and infrastructure in private sector

    Role of the State

    As per Article 38 and 47, the State must promote public health and ensure equitable access.

    Ensuring Universal Health Coverage (UHC): State intervention is key to fulfilling SDG-3 (Good Health and Well-being) and ensuring healthcare equity.

    Correcting Market Failures: Government must act as a regulator and service provider, ensuring affordability, quality, and inclusivity.

    Measures to Enhance Reach of Public Healthcare at the Grassroots Level

    Upgrade Sub-Centres, PHCs, and CHCs under the Ayushman Bharat. Ensure diagnostic labs, maternity wards, and telemedicine facilities at PHC level.

    Raise public health spending to 2.5% of GDP (National Health Policy 2017). Prioritise spending on rural and preventive healthcare.

    Recruit and train ASHA, ANM, and community health officers with proper incentives and infrastructure.

    Implement transparent PPPs for tertiary healthcare in district hospitals (NITI Aayog)

    Expand Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras for affordable drugs. Mandate prescription of generic medicines.

    Decentralised Health Governance – Empower Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies for health planning, awareness, and monitoring. (Kerala Model)

    Preventive Health – Strengthen immunisation, sanitation, and nutrition programmes (e.g., POSHAN Abhiyaan, Swachh Bharat).

    Promote health literacy through ASHA-led campaigns.

    Expand telemedicine (eSanjeevani) to connect rural PHCs with urban specialists.

    Integrate AYUSH systems with allopathic care at PHC level for holistic wellness.

    By strengthening primary care, the State can transform healthcare into a rights-based, inclusive, and sustainable system, achieving the goal of “Swastha Bharat, Samriddh Bharat.”

    Issues Related to Poverty and Hunger

  • Critically analyse India’s evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics.

    The region of Central Asia is located in the heart of Eurasia and denoted as Heartland by Helford Mackinder. It connects Europe, West Asia, South Asia, and Russia.

    Significance of CARs in Regional and Global Geopolitics-

    Energy Hub- CARs hold 4% of global gas and 3% of oil reserves. Turkmenistan (gas), Kazakhstan (uranium, oil).

    Strategic Location- Land bridge between Europe, Russia, South Asia, and China, vital for Eurasian connectivity (BRI, INSTC, Ashgabat).

    Security Buffer- Acts as a buffer against terrorism and extremism from Afghanistan.

    Great Power Competition- Arena for China-Russia-US rivalry; China’s BRI investments exceed USD 60 billion.

    India’s Engagement-

    Diplomatic-

    Connect Central Asia Policy – based on 4 Cs-Commerce , Connectivity , Consular and Community.

    Institutionalized through India-Central Asia Summit (2022) and SCO membership (2017).

    Economic-

    Trade at USD 3 billion (2023);

    Focus on energy, IT, and pharma

    US$1 billion line of credit for development projects in infrastructure, IT, energy and agriculture in 2020.

    Joined Ashgabat Agreement (2018) and INSTC.

    Strategic-

    Cooperation on counterterrorism (SCO RATS)

    India operates Ayni Air Base (Tajikistan)

    Invests via ONGC Videsh in Kazakhstan.

    Challenges-

    Connectivity gaps due to lack of direct access (Pakistan barrier).

    China’s dominance under BRI and Russia’s influence in security.

    Instability in Afghanistan affecting corridors.

    Low trade volumes and implementation delays in projects like TAPI.

    US sanctions on Iran hinder Chabahar-INSTC route.

    Early finalization of FTA between India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and air corridors can help to realise India’s energy security, connectivity, and strategic depth.

  • Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle?

    Impact of poverty and malnutrition on Human Capital Formation

    World Bank (2024): India loses nearly 4% of GDP annually due to malnutrition-related productivity loss.

    Chronic malnutrition causes stunting and wasting among children, leading to weaker immunity and frequent illness.

    Impact on Cognitive Development – Poverty forces children into child labor or causes school dropouts. Malnourished children suffer from impaired brain development, lower IQ, and learning disabilities.

    High disease burden (anaemia, diarrhoea, TB) reduces life expectancy and working life span. Malnutrition contributes to 45% of child deaths (UNICEF, 2024).

    The International Labour Organization (ILO) notes that productivity losses due to undernutrition can reach up to 10% of lifetime earnings per individual.

    Women’s malnutrition (57% anaemic, NFHS-5) leads to poor maternal health and undernourished children.

    Expand NFSA and PMGKAY to include pulses, millets, and fortified foods, not just cereals.

    Steps to break the cycle

    Encourage local community kitchens and anganwadi-based feeding programs. Eg- TN Amma Canteens

    Strengthen Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) to ensure 1000-day nutrition support (pregnancy to age 2)

    Health and Sanitation Reforms

    Expand Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres to deliver preventive and curative services.

    Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Accelerate Jal Jeevan Mission for clean drinking water.

    Expand MGNREGA and link with climate-resilient livelihoods (water conservation, afforestation).

    Women Empowerment by adopting best practices like Kerala’s Kudumbshree Model

    Integrated Policy Framework: Ensure coordination across ministries. Gati Shakti Mission Model

    Adopt data-driven local interventions under Aspirational Districts Programme to target high-burden regions.

    Adopt Brazil’s Bolsa Família conditional cash transfer scheme

    This can ensure whole of government and life-cycle approach to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047

  • The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss.

    The Doctrine of Democratic Governance implies that governance derives its legitimacy from the will of the people.

    Under this doctrine, civil servants act as trustees of public interest, and hence, a positive public perception is vital for sustaining democratic legitimacy.

    Importance of Integrity and Commitment of Civil Servants

    Integrity ensures credibility of government institutions and strengthens citizen confidence in the administrative system. Eg- Swachh Bharat Mission, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.

    Moral Legitimacy of Governance – A bureaucracy perceived as honest, impartial, and service-oriented upholds the ethical foundation of democracy.

    Efficient Policy Implementation – Committed civil servants execute programs objectively and transparently, reducing corruption and leakages. Eg- DBT

    A professional and non-partisan service ensures policy continuity and institutional resilience across political transitions.

    Social Justice and Inclusivity – Ethical and empathetic administration safeguards equity, rights, and participation of marginalized citizens.

    Economic and Institutional Performance – Integrity-driven governance promotes predictable policies, fostering investment and sustainable development.

    Whole-of-Government Approach: Encourages coordination and accountability across departments. Eg- PM gati Shakti Mission.

    Participative Democracy: Strengthens transparency and accountability through RTI, Citizen’s Charter, and Social Audits.

    Challenges Affecting Public Perception

    Corruption and favouritism. (Vohra Committee)

    Politicisation and arbitrary transfers.

    Lack of transparency in decision-making processes.

    Weak grievance redressal.

    Poor accountability frameworks.

    Measures to Strengthen Integrity and Public Confidence

    Adopt a Civil Services Code of Ethics based on integrity, impartiality, and objectivity (as recommended by 2nd ARC).

    Expand Mission Karmayogi to include modules on public service values, empathy, and accountability.

    Ensure secure tenure and protect officers from political pressure through Civil Services Boards (T.S.R. Subramanian Case, 2013).

    Citizen-Centric Accountability – legal Backing to Citizen’s Charters, and social audits.

    Technological measures – CPGRAMS and e-Office to minimise discretion and enhance accountability

    An ethical, efficient, and citizen-centric bureaucracy upholds the Doctrine of Democratic Governance, ensuring that power is exercised with integrity, fairness, and public trust.

    E-Governance

  • 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.

    The World Bank defines e-governance as the use by government agencies of information technologies that can transform relations with citizens, businesses, and other arms of government.

    E-Governance – multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability.

    Government to Citizen (G2C)

    UMANG, DigiLocker – Online service access.

    CPGRAMS – Grievance redressal & feedback.

    MyGov, Jan Bhagidari – Citizen participation.

    Aadhaar-DBT, PM-KISAN – Direct benefit transfers.

    Government to Business (G2B)

    MCA21, GSTN, NSWS – Digital compliance & licensing.

    GeM Portal – Transparent procurement.

    Invest India, Ease of Doing Business Dashboard – Single-window clearance.

    Government to Government (G2G)

    PRAGATI, e-Office – Inter-departmental coordination.

    PFMS – Fund tracking & financial accountability.

    Government to Employee (G2E)

    SPARROW – Online performance appraisal.

    iGOT-Karmayogi – Capacity building & training.

    e-Office, HRMS – Paperless workflow.

    Interactive service model

    Role of the ‘Interactive Service Model’ of e-Governance

    Citizen-Centric Governance: Shifts from departmental silos to integrated, citizen-focused service delivery. Eg- Sakala (Karnataka) – time-bound, transparent service guarantee.

    Bridging Government-Citizen Gap: through digital and doorstep access to services. Eg- MPeSeva in Madhya Pradesh.

    Participative and Responsive Governance through two-way interaction between citizens and government. Eg- MyGov portal.

    Trust-Based Model of Governance through transparency and proactive disclosure of information. Eg- Jan Soochna Portal (Rajasthan) – real-time public data access.

    Transparency and Accountability in Service Delivery: Enables real-time grievance tracking and service feedback loops. Eg- CPGRAMS, UMANG, GeM Portal.

    Ensures zero tolerance to corruption through traceable digital transactions. Eg- DBT has saved

    Empowered and Informed Citizens to shape governance outcomes. Eg- Open Government Data Portal, NDAP.

    From Ad hoc to Whole-of-Government Approach: Promotes integrated and citizen-centric service delivery.

    Challenges in Implementing the Interactive Service Model

    Digital Divide: Only 43% of rural households have internet access (NFHS-5, 2021), limiting inclusivity.

    Digital Literacy: Merely 10% of rural population is digitally literate (NSSO data, 2022).

    Data Privacy and Security Risks: Eg- CoWIN data leak.

    Institutional Resistance to adopt open data and feedback-based systems.

    Multiple portals without integration and interoperability hinder seamless user experience.

    Exclusion and inclusion errors in digital systems reduce trust in e-services. Eg- authentication errors in Aadhaar-linked DBT or ration delivery.

    Weak Common Service Centre (CSC) Infrastructure: poor connectivity, limited equipment, and untrained staff

    Lack of People-Centric Governance: Most government websites are only in English, not in vernacular languages, excluding non-English users.

    Way Ahead

    Strengthening Digital Infrastructure: Extend optical fibre connectivity under BharatNet to all Gram Panchayats.

    Promote citizen digital engagement and training through PMGDISHA and Digital India initiatives.

    Embedding Digital Literacy in Education: Integrate e-literacy programmes like e-Kidz and IT Clubs in school curricula.

    Business Process Reengineering (2nd ARC): Simplify procedures, ensure platform integration, and promote seamless inter-departmental coordination.

    Leverage 4th Industrial Revolution Technologies: Use AI, IoT, and blockchain for predictive governance and smart delivery systems.

    This can transform e-Governance into a trust-based, citizen-driven, and participatory governance model.

More posts