Topic– Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
5) Our road safety laws are inadequate to deal with the problem of potholes. Discuss and suggest way forward.(250 words)
Why this question
Now with the monsoon session set to begin soon, the pending legislations become important news items. The Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill is one such legislation. The amendment related to pothole is quite important, particularly at this time of the year when monsoon aggravates the problem.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to explain why existing laws are insufficient to tackle with the problem of potholes. We also need to point out that merely changing law would not be sufficient and would require alacrity and transparency on the part of the municipal authorities. We need to end with way forward.
Directive word
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain why the problem of potholes is important – discuss statistics related to accidents in India in general and potholes in particular.
Body
- Discuss the problem in greater detail
- Highlight the gaps in the legal architecture. Mention other reasons why potholes abound. Mention about the standards of Indian road Congress related to standardization of road construction and how they are not being implemented.
- Discuss about the proposed amendments and how they can help address the issue
- Discuss the focus required on transparency, accountability etc to deal with the challenge
Conclusion – Discuss what should be the way forward as per you.
