1.
Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizens
a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State
Policy.
2.
The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in
recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent
to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings.
3.
In absence of a well-educated and organized local level government system, Panchayats‘ and Samitis‘ have remained mainly political institutions and not
effective instruments of governance. Critically discuss.
4.
Khap Panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra-constitutional
authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human rights
violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive
and the judiciary to set the things right in this regard.
5.
Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of
separation of powers doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power
to promulgate ordinances, analyze whether the decisions of the Supreme Court on
the issue have further facilitated resorting to this power. Should the power to
promulgate ordinances be repealed?
6.
What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act,
1996 through the recent Ordinance promulgated by the President? How far it
improve India‘s dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss.
7.
Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulations on burning
crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of the Indian
Constitution and Judgement(s) of the Apex Court in this regard.
8.
Examine Critically the recent changes in the rules governing foreign funding of
NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976.
9.
The Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP), which is India‘s own
innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and
women empowerment programmes. Elucidate.
10.
How can the role of NGSs be strengthened in India for development work relating
to protection of the environment? Discuss throwing light on the major
constraints.
11. The
quality of higher education in India requires major improvements to make it
internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational
institutions would help improve the quality of higher and technical education
in the country? Discuss.
12.
Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do
you think that private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable
alternatives would you suggest?
13.
Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all
indicate reduction in poverty levels over time. Dou you agree? Critically
examine with reference to urban and rural indicators.
14.
In the light of the Systam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in
corporate governance to ensure transparency, accountability.
15.
―If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Act, 2011 tabled in the Parliament in
passed, there may be no one left to protect.‖ Critically evaluate.
16.
―For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the
regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous.‖ Discuss in the
light of the experiences in recent past.
17.
Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically
examine.
18.
Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN
Security Council.
19.
Project ‗Mausam‘ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of te Indian
Government to improve relationship with its neighbours. Does the project have a
strategic dimension? Discuss.
20.
Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations.
To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could
help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable
examples.
21.
Starting from inventing the ‗basic structure‘ doctrine, the judiciary has
played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving
democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played by judicial
activism in achieving the ideals of democracy.
22.
Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle
is one of its basic features, but it is equally true that federalism under the
Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that
militates against the concept of strong federalism. Discuss.
23.
The ‗Powers Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and its Members ‗ as
envisaged in Article 105 of the Constitution leave room for a large number of
un-codified and un-enumerated privileges to continue. Assess the reasons for
the absence of legal codification of the ‗parliamentary privileges‘. How can
this problem be addressed?
24. What do
you understand by the concept ―freedom of speech and expression‖? Does it cover
hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane
from other forms of expression? Discuss.
25.
Instances in President‘s delay in commuting death sentences has come under public
debate as denial of justice. Should there be a time limit specified for the
President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyse.
26.
The size of the cabinet should be as big as governmental work justifies and as
big as the Prime Minister can manage as a team. How far is the efficiency of a
government then inversely related to the size of the cabinet? Discuss.
27.
Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like a trade
publication and general entertainment channel, the Government is mulling over
the proposal for increased FDI in news media for quite some time. What
difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and
cons.
28.
The setting up of a Rail Tariff Authority to regulate fares will subject the
cash strapped Indian Railways to demand subsidy for obligation to operate
non-profitable routes and services. Taking into account the experience in the
power sector, discuss if the proposed reform is expected to benefit the
consumers, the Indian Railways or the private container operators.
29.
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its
tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the
accountability of a government. In light of the above observation assess the role
of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in
promoting and protecting human rights standards.
30.
The penetration of Self Help Groups (SHGS) in rural areas in promoting
participation in development programmes in facing socio-cultural hurdles.
Examine.
31.
Do government‘s schemes for up-lifting vulnerable and backward communities by
protecting required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in
establishing businesses in urban economies ?
32.
An athlete participates in Olympics for personal triumph and nation‘s glory;
victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return.
Discuss the merit of state sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against
the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement.
33.
Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier
status, allowed more academic independence in designing courses and also decide
mode/criteria of selection of students. Discuss in light of the growing challenges.
34.
Has the Cadre based Civil Services Organization been the cause of slow change
in India ? Critically examine.
35. Two
parallel run schemes of the Government, Viz. the Adhaar Card and NPR, one as
voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels
and also litigations. On merits, discuss whether or not both
schemes
need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve
developmental benefits and equitable growth.
36.
With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising
tension affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of
navigation and over flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the
bilateral issues between India and China.
37.
The aim of Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and
tariffs on information technology products by signatories to zero. What impact
would such agreements have on India‘s interests ?
38.
Some of the International funding agencies have special terms for economic
participation stipulating a substantial component of the aid to be used for
sourcing equipment from the leading countries. Discuss on merits of such terms
and if, there exists a strong case not to accept such conditions in the India
context.
39.
India has recently signed to become founding member of New Development Bank
(NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the
role of the two Banks be different ? Discuss the strategic significances of
these two Banks for India.
40.
WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect
countries in a profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are
their decisions ? Critically analyse India‘s stand on the latest round of talks
on Food security.
41.
The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the
years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not
usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law,
which was legislated but with a different intention?
42.
Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of
Article 19 of the Constitution.
43.
Recent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by
the `Nagas‘ as a threat to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the
State. Discuss in light of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution.
44.
The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament
in amending the Constitution.‘ Discuss critically.
45.
Many State Governments further bifurcate geographical administrative areas like
Districts and Talukas for better governance. In light of the above, can it also
be justified that more number of smaller States would bring in effective
governance at State level? Discuss.
46.
Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed
to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process
inadequacy or both? Discuss.
47.
Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a
departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government
finances.
48.
The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies,
resulting in overlapping of products and services strengthens the case for the
merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify.
49.
The concept of Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with
early beginnings in Madras Presidency in pre-independent India. The scheme has
again been given impetus in most states in the last two decades. Critically
examine its twin objectives, latest mandates and success.
50.
Pressure group politics is sometimes seen as the informal face of politics.
With regards to the above, assess the structure and functioning of pressure
groups in India.
51.
The legitimacy and accountability of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their patrons,
the micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for the
sustained success of the concept. Discuss.
52.
The Central Government frequently complains on the poor performance of the
State Governments in eradicating suffering of the vulnerable sections of the
society. Restructuring of Centrally sponsored schemes across the sectors for
ameliorating the cause of vulnerable sections of population aims at providing
flexibility to the States in better implementation. Critically evaluate.
53.
Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project
to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment.
54.
The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in
establishing connectivity. Comment.
55.
Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to
health.Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving
the same.
56.
Though Citizen‘s charters have been formulated by many public service delivery
organizations, there is no corresponding improvement in the level of citizens‘
satisfaction and quality of services being provided. Analyse.
57.
‗A national Lokpal,however strong it may be,cannot resolve the problems of
immorality in public affairs‘. Discuss.(200 words).
58.
The proposed withdrawal of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from
Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the
countries of the region. Examine in light of the fact that India is faced with
a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its own strategic interests.
59.
What do you understand by The String of Pearls‘? How does it impact India?
Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.
60. Economic
ties between India and Japan while growing in the recent years are still far
below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting
this growth.
61.
The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental
split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its
significance for India?
62.
Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should
they be of any cause of concern to India?
63.
In respect of India — Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors
influence foreign policy.
64.
What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss.
65.
The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods
Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure
of the world‘s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and
the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and
mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate.
66.
Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies,
if any, that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected
representatives and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the
administration of Delhi. Do you think this will give rise to a new trend in the
functioning of the Indian federal politics?
67.
To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note
―Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir‖ temporary?
Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity.
68.
―The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks
to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.‖ Discuss.
69.
Exercise of CAG‘s powers in relation to the accounts of the union and the
states is derived from article 149 of the Indian constitution. Discuss whether
audit of the Government‘s policy implementation could amount to overstepping
its own (CAG) jurisdiction.
70.
Discuss each adjective attached of the word ‗Republic‘ in the ‗Preamble‘. Are
they defendable in the present circumstances?
71.
What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial
review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the constitution?
72.
Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss.
73.
What is quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help on concrete examples?
74.
Professor Amartya sen has advocated important reforms in the realm of primary
education and primary health care. What are your suggestion to improve their
status and performance?
75. ―In the
Indian governance system. The role of non-state actors has been only marginal.‖
Critically examine this statement.
76.
―Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people‘s
participation in the governance system are inter-dependent.‖ Discuss their
relationship in the context of India.
77.
In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss
briefly the legal, political, economic, social and cultural factors that have
caused the decline of public morality in India.
78.
Has the Indian government system responded adequately to the demands of
Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization started in 1991? What can the
government do to be responsive to this important change?
79.
―Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of
socio-economic development in India.‖ Comment.
80.
Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the
status of its implementation.
81.
―Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower
becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.‖ What measures have been
taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more
productive and employable?
82.
―The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international
trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seem
doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.‖
Discuss in the Indian perspective.
83.
Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India‘s Look East Policy in
the context of the post cold War international scenario.
84.
Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in
the internal affairs of several member-states by Pakistan are not conductive
for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).‖
Explain with suitable examples.
85. What are
the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is
India‘s position on these?