UPSC_CS MAINS 2018 Paper II – Page 3

Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee.

Points to Remember: Committees enhance parliamentary efficiency and effectiveness. Committees allow for detailed scrutiny of legislation and government actions. The Estimates Committee plays a crucial role in financial oversight. Effective committees require adequate resources and political will. Introduction: Parliamentary committees are integral to the functioning of modern legislatures. They are essentially smaller groups of legislators … Read more

Indian and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based.

Points to Remember: Basic tenets of Indian democracy: Parliamentary system, federalism, secularism, social justice, fundamental rights, and directive principles. Basic tenets of US democracy: Presidential system, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, individual liberties, and representative government. Similarities and differences in their approaches to federalism, judicial review, and the role of the executive. Introduction: … Read more

Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing developmental projects?

Points to Remember: The importance of the Panchayat system in India’s decentralized governance. The role of Panchayats in rural development and poverty alleviation. Alternative financing mechanisms for Panchayat developmental projects beyond government grants. Introduction: The Panchayat Raj system, enshrined in Part IX of the Indian Constitution (73rd Amendment Act, 1992), forms the bedrock of India’s … Read more

Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force?

Points to Remember: Article 360 of the Indian Constitution: This article grants the President the power to proclaim a Financial Emergency. Conditions for Proclamation: The President can proclaim a Financial Emergency only if he/she is satisfied that a situation has arisen whereby the financial stability or credit of India is threatened. Consequences of Proclamation: The … Read more