[Insights Secure – 2019] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 13 June 2019
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Tomorrow’s Static Topic: Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs,
various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other
stakeholders
General Studies – 2
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation.
Why this question:
The article discusses how Extending the right to education to younger children would be a welcome step. The recent draft National education policy has envisaged this step.
Demand of the question:
This question is to analyse the significance of such a step and discuss the importance of having right to education for younger children.
Directive word:
Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction
Start with brief introduction on what is early childhood care and education.
Body
Have the following points discussed in the answer:
Discuss what is meant by ECCE, its importance.What are the present provisions for ECCE?Role of RTE – present conditions, what will be the consequences of extending it to ECCE?Explain the provisions given in draft national policy.
Economic Growth: A good transportation system is an important selling point to communities that desire to attract development that provides for employment and growth of a city. If transport costs due to congestion increase, goods and services produced within that city tend to increase in costs thus losing competitiveness in international markets. Efficient transportation access is therefore a very important consideration as it has a direct impact on sound and sustainable economic growth and productivity. The cost of congestion in the Western Province of Sri Lanka is over Rs 20,000 million per year (around 2 percent of Regional GDP). This includes the cost of productive time and wastage of fuel.
Quality-of-Life: To some people, congested highways are a symptom of deteriorating quality-of-life-in a community. The amount of time that is spent on commuting to and from work is also in reality, time that is taken away from social interactions or pursuit of activities that have a personal value and satisfaction.
Conclusion
Conclude by appreciating the steps being taken by the government in this direction.
Topic: Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Indian polity by Lakshmikanth
Why this question:
The question is based on the static portions of the syllabus.
Key demands of the question:
Answer must discuss the role of NGOs in Indian society and the challenges that they face /issues involved in their functioning in detail along with suggestions as to how can we overcome and address such issues.
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
In a few introductory lines explain what are NGOs.
Body
Discuss the following :
- What are NGOs and their key features –
- As defined by the World Bank NGOs refers to not-for-profit organizations that pursue activities to relieve suffering, promote the interests of the poor, protect the environment, provide basic social services, or undertake community development.
- These organizations are not a part of the government, have a legal status and they are registered the specific Act under which they have to be registered.
- The term NGO in India denotes wide spectrum of organizations which may be non-governmental, quasi or semi-governmental, voluntary or non-voluntary etc.
- Then move on to discuss their classification.
- Explain their functioning and the challenges involved therein like – Accreditation remains a big challenge as it is very difficult to distinguish whether an organization wants to work for the cause or has been set up only for the purpose of receiving government grants.
- Over dependence on funds from the government dilutes the willingness of NGOs to speak out against the government.
- NGOs have acted as a cover for organized crime in past and are often seen as fronts for fundamentalist causes. Foreign funded NGOs have been responsible for organizing agitations and scuttling development projects in India.
- NGOs are often seen as encroaching on centuries-old tradition and culture of the people, and lead to mass protest at times. Ban of Jallikattu, after the PIL by PETA is one such example.
Conclusion
Reassert their significance and conclude with way forward.
Topic: Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Indian polity by Lakshmikanth
Why this question:
The question is about discussing self-help groups and their role in rural development.
Key demand of the question:
The question is straightforward and one must discuss the concept of self-help groups, their role in general and specific role in rural development in the country.
Directive:
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:
Begin with brief introduction on what are self- help groups.
Body:
Have the following dimensions covered in your answer –
- Self Help Groups are groups of 10-20 people in a locality formed for any social or economic purpose. Most of the SHGs are formed for the purpose of better financial security among its members. SHGs can exist with or without registration. SHGs in India often work in association with Banks (SHG – Bank Linkage Programme).
- The same is basis of Indian Micro finance Model too. SHG – Bank Linkage was started in India in 1992 under the guidelines of NABARD and Reserve Bank of India.
- Discuss their origin in brief.
- Role played by self-help groups in general, then move onto discussing their role in rural development.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Why this question:
The article captures the significance of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit for India.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must evaluate in detail Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and its significance for India in terms of global and regional interests.
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:
In a few introductory lines discuss the context of the question.
Body:
Answers must discuss the following aspects –
- What kind of a grouping is the SCO?
- Under what circumstances did India enter the SCO?
- How does membership of the SCO help India?
- How does global geopolitics play out for SCO and India?
- Significance to India.
Conclusion –
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources, issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes.
Why this question:
A meeting to review the status of National Programme for prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and strokes (NPCDCS) was held recently. Thus, it is important for us to analyse the program from the examination point of view.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss in detail the objectives and features of the NPCDCS.
Directive:
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:
In a few introductory lines discuss the context of the question.
Body:
- In brief discuss the following points:
- About the programme – National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) was launched in 2010 in 100 districts across 21 States, in order to prevent and control the major NCDs.
- The main focus of the programme is on health promotion, early diagnosis, management and referral of cases, besides strengthening the infrastructure and capacity building.
- Discuss in detail the key features.
Conclusion:
Conclude with what more needs to be done.
Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population 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.
Why this question:
The question intends to discuss the PVTGs and issues related to their protection of rights.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the concept of PVTGs, issues concerning them, challenges involved and suggest solutions to the same.
Directive:
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:
In a few introductory lines appreciate the need for classifying tribals into PVTGs.
Body:
- PVTGs are more vulnerable among the tribal groups. Due to this factor, more developed and assertive tribal groups take a major chunk of the tribal development funds, because of which PVTGs need more funds directed for their development.
- Discuss the significance of classifying them.
- What are the challenges posed by them?
- Explain the issues related to their protection and statutory rights given to them.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting significance of protecting them.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas
Why this question:
The article discuses about forging national security, what way Defense reforms should be a priority, the most vital being the creation of a Chief of Defense Staff.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must first discuss the current conditions of defense system in India, need for reforms and how the coming of minister of security is a positive step in the right direction.
Directive:
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:
In a few lines discuss the importance of national security.
Body:
The answer must discuss the following:
Explain the issues around India’s national security and defense, the measures taken to address them ranging from setting up of Defense Planning Committee (DPC) to creation of national security strategy, international defense engagement strategy.
Then move on to discuss the concerns in dealing with security issues.
Bring out the positives of having created a dedicated minister for security, its significance.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward as to how the country is in need of defense reforms and this is a right step in the right direction.
NOTE:
