Highlighting the grievances of states towards centrally sponsored scheme, enumerate the steps taken by government to redress them.

Centrally sponsored scheme involves sharing of costs between the Centre and the state. Grievances of the states: These schemes represent tied funds, reducing the fiscal space available for the states’ own priorities. Expansion in the number of centrally sponsored schemes ..

Topics: GS-II: Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States • GS-II: Major Issues Pertaining to Federal Structure

It is argued by some that the office of Governor needs to be abolished as it has outlived its relevance. Critically examine in the context of India.

The governor is the executive head of the state, who is appointed by the President and remains on his position during the pleasure of the President. The post has remained controversial since its inception, because of the involved politics. There ..

Topics: GS-II: Salient Features Significant Provisions of Constitution • GS-II: Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States

Social auditing can be used as an efficient tool for addressing the monitoring and implementation bottlenecks in success of government schemes in India. Enumerate the steps that have been taken by the government recently in this regard.

Implementation of government schemes have often been marred by monitoring and implementation challenges. Challenges: Lack of independent monitoring agencies. Lack of awareness among people about schemes and its modalities. Vast size and huge population of India makes monitoring a tough ..

Topics: GS-I: Social Empowerment Communalism Regionalism Secularism • GS-II: Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States • GS-III: Economic Growth Development

The primary reason behind local self government institutions failing to fulfill their envisaged objectives is the attitude of state governments towards them. Discuss in the context of constitutional provisions and recent experience of the working of these institutions in India.

Local self government has been a part of Indian polity since historical times (Rig vedic Sabha, Chola village assembly). Constitutionally, the 73rd and 74th amendment provides mandatory provisions for self government in states. Constitution of state election commission to ensure ..

Topics: GS-II: Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States • GS-II: Devolution of Powers and Finances Up to Local Levels

Despite various laws to prevent criminalization of politics in India, the entry of people with criminal antecedents in politics is still prevalent. In the light of several judicial pronouncements related to this, suggest some remedial measures.

Criminalization of politics is detrimental to national interest. Various statutory and legal permissions are enacted to prevent it. Representation of People Act (1951): Disqualification of elected legislators found guilty of electoral offences. Disqualification if convicted with imprisonment of more than ..

Topics: GS-II: Salient Features Significant Provisions of Constitution • GS-II: Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States • GS-II: Salient Features of the Representation of Peoples Act

Discuss the reasons for poor public service delivery in India. Also, suggest ways to make public service delivery more efficient.

Reasons for poor delivery outcomes: Lack of effective monetary mechanisms. Lack of grievance redressal mechanisms. Absence of standardized service delivery protocols. Jurisdictional overlap between implementing agencies. Corruption and misappropriation of funds. Lack of awareness among beneficiaries. Lack of effective citizen ..

Topics: GS-II: Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States • GS-II: Social Sector Services Health • GS-II: Social Sector Services Education Human Resources • GS-II: Important Aspects of Governance Transparency and Accountability Citizen Charters