Highlight the need to establish an effective and functional relationship between Gram Panchayats and Self Help Groups (SHGs). Also suggest some measures to achieve it.

Adequate development at village level can be ensured through proper convergence of all entities working there. SHGs and Gram Panchayats work in many mutually inclusive areas like skill development, education, health services, etc. Need for effective cooperation: Functioning of SHGs ..

Topics: GS-II: Devolution of Powers and Finances Up to Local Levels • GS-II: Pressure Groups and Formal Informal Associations

Lateral entry in civil services can help to address challenges faced by civil services in India by introducing domain specialists, but it has its own set of problems.

Lateral entry is defined as the introduction of government officials directly from industry and academia without going through a regular recruitment process. Pros: Will allow entry of new and fresh talent. Provide alternate viewpoints to government policy making. Technical expertise ..

Topics: GS-II: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in Various Sectors • GS-II: Role of Civil Services in Democracy

Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy and to ensure it, an Election commission free from any political pressure is of paramount importance. In this context, discuss the need to have a relook at the process of appointment and removal of election commissioners to the ECI.

Article 324 provides for an independent election commission to conduct free and fair elections. Recent allegations: Political influence in curtailing campaign period in West Bengal during 2019 elections. Lack of punitive action against the ruling party. Allegations of EVM malfunction ..

Topics: GS-II: Constitutional Statutory Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies • GS-II: Salient Features of the Representation of Peoples Act

India as a democracy needs democratically functioning political parties to deepen the democratic setup at grassroot level. Comment.

While India has a vibrant democracy at parliamentary level, intra-party democracy is not prevalent in India. Political parties – integral part: Give voice to all sections of society. Ensure accountability of the government. Enables ideologically inclined individuals to participate in ..

Topics: GS-I: Social Empowerment Communalism Regionalism Secularism • GS-II: Comparison of Indian Constitutional Scheme With Other Countries • GS-II: Constitutional Statutory Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

Indian polity is influenced by Westminster model of government, but it is also unique in its own way. In this context, discuss the commonalities and differences between the political system of India and UK.

Indian polity is heavily influenced by the Westminster system of government, prevalent in Great Britain adopted by our founding father for its simplicity and familiarity. Similarities: Real & nominal executive (Prime minister is head of government while Queen/President is Head ..

Topics: GS-II: Comparison of Indian Constitutional Scheme With Other Countries

Bring out arguments surrounding the debate of legalising lobbying in India to promote transparency.

Lobbying is defined as furtherance of a particular political/ economic agenda by directly dealing with political/ bureaucratic officers. Lobbying is often accompanied by exchange of monetary transactions often illegally causing corruption. Augusta westland case – Alleged corruption in purchase of ..

Topics: GS-II: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in Various Sectors • GS-III: Economic Growth Development