E-Governance is a tool to empower citizens by transforming governance and increasing people’s participation in the democratic process. Discuss in context of India.

E-governance refers to the use of ICT in ensuring better public service/goods delivery to the masses at large. Advantages: Civil servants made accountable. Continuous review and feedback. Two-way interaction & responsibility. Prevents leakage, pilferage & ensures high quality. Reduction in paper work leads to increase in transparency and decrease in red-tapism. Government initiatives: NIC has ..

Topics: 050 - Important Aspects of Governance Transparency and Accountability Citizen Charters • 051 - E Governance Applications Models Successes Limitations Potential

There is a paradoxical relationship between Bureaucracy and Democracy, yet an effective democracy require a well-functioning bureaucracy. Comment.

The bureaucracy is an instrument of the executive branch of government that helps in executing policies of the state. In this role, constant interaction with the public is unavoidable. Paradoxical nature of relationship: Colonial mindset and apathy. Mindset of status-quoism and silo mentality with attitude of superiority. Lack of compassion and culture of red-tapism. Rules ..

Topics: 051 - E Governance Applications Models Successes Limitations Potential • 052 - Role of Civil Services in Democracy

Have ‘Alternate Mechanisms’ been effective in improving the decision making process of the governance in India? Justify.

Governance is indeed a complex, cumbersome, involved and time-taking process. However, certain decisions are time bound; so need for ‘Alternate Mechanisms’ has arisen. ‘Alternate Mechanisms’ have been used in governance for quite some time, such as empowered committee to decide on disinvestment of government companies in past have resulted into reduction of fiscal deficit of ..

Topics: 050 - Important Aspects of Governance Transparency and Accountability Citizen Charters • 052 - Role of Civil Services in Democracy

Throw some light on the problems that creates hurdles in effective functioning of the Gram Nyayalayas.

As per several reports, over 3.5 crore cases are pending in the judiciary, out of which more than 75% are civil cases. Thus, judicial reforms, Alternate Dispute Resolution & Gram Nyayalayas are needed to prevent “Matsyanyaya” where big fish eats the small fish. Features of Gram Nyayalayas: Both civil and criminal cases are handled. Headquartered ..

Topics: 039 - Various Issues Related to Executive Judiciary in India • 041 - Constitutional Statutory Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

Reforms in the Representation of People’s Act is necessary to prevent criminalization of politics in India. Analyze.

The constitution of India contains detailed provisions for the enacting laws related to elections by the legislature. Hence, Parliament has enacted RPA, 1950 and RPA, 1951. Challenges associated with current RPAs: The language in the laws is vague and mechanisms are very limited. Inefficiency of the judiciary and legal loopholes have further compounded the problems. ..

Topics: 042 - Salient Features of the Representation of Peoples Act

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has played an important role in tackling the issues faced by scheduled castes in India, but there is a need to strengthen it for the betterment of Scheduled Castes. Elaborate.

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) was established under Article 338 of the constitution. It earlier dealt with Scheduled Tribes too but after the 89th constitutional amendment, it has been relieved. Yet, it still looks after Anglo-Indians too. Need for strengthening: According to People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), the present organization is a ..

Topics: 015 - Important Social Institutions Issues • 030 - Salient Features Significant Provisions of Constitution • 046 - Mechanisms Laws for Protection of Vulnerable Sections