Comment on the recent criticism of the Enforcement Directorate in India. What can be done to remove its shortcomings?

  The Enforcement Directorate’s callous style of operating was criticized harshly by a Mumbai special court recently, which is the most recent instance of how the political class abuses investigative institutions. The most recent critique of the ED demonstrates how ..

Topics: GS-II: Major Issues Pertaining to Federal Structure • GS-II: Constitutional Statutory Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies • GS-II: Important Aspects of Governance Transparency and Accountability Citizen Charters

Discuss the powers of the Governor with respect to the elected government in states. What are the challenges to the smooth functioning of this system?

Article 153 of the constitution establishes a governor. The Governor is supposed to act as a link between the Union and the State (federalism). The governor is the executive head of the state, who is appointed by the President and ..

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

The true federalism can only be achieved in India by adequately empowering third tier of Indian federal structure. Analyse.

The 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendment gave a constitutional backing to the three tier federal structure of Indian polity. Empowerment of third tier, key to strengthen federalism: Uphold principle of subsidiarity – decision making to be done at lowest level. ..

Topics: GS-II: Major Issues Pertaining to Federal Structure

While the political decentralization in India has been fairly successful, it faces several hurdles at fiscal and administrative fronts. Comment.

The constitution envisages decentralization through division of fiscal, political and administrative powers between different tiers of government. Political decentralization: The incursions by the centre, into the legislative domain of the states are quite less. The dismissal of elected state governments ..

Topics: GS-II: Major Issues Pertaining to Federal Structure • GS-II: Separation of Powers Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

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

Enumerate the provisions within the institutional architecture of India to resolve inter-state disputes. Assess their effectiveness.

The institutional architecture in India to settle inter-state disputes includes the interstate council, the NITI Aayog and the Supreme Court. Inter-State Council: It is a constitutional body established under article 263, thus well-placed to settle disputes. It has solved over ..

Topics: GS-II: Major Issues Pertaining to Federal Structure • GS-II: Separation of Powers Dispute Resolution Mechanisms