Paper II: Different Parts

Indian Constitution:

• • Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure.

• Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States:

  • Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels, and challenges therein.

• Separation of Powers:

  • Between various organs, dispute redressal mechanisms, and institutions.

• Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with Other Countries:

• Parliament and State Legislatures:

  • Structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers and privileges, and issues arising out of these.

• Structure, Organization, and Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary:

  • Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the polity.

• Salient Features of the Representation of People’s Act:

• Appointment to Various Constitutional Posts:

  • Powers, functions, and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

• Statutory, Regulatory, and Various Quasi-judicial Bodies:

• Government Policies and Interventions:

  • For development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

• Development Processes and the Development Industry:

  • The role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.

• Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections:

  • By the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

• Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services:

  • Health, Education, Human Resources.

• Issues Relating to Poverty and Hunger:

• Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency, and Accountability:

  • E-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability, and institutional and other measures.

• Role of Civil Services in a Democracy:

• India and Its Neighborhood Relations:

• Bilateral, Regional, and Global Groupings and Agreements:

  • Involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

• Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries:

  • On India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

• Important International Institutions, Agencies, and Fora:

  • Their structure, mandate.