General Studies- II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations
Polity
- 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 that of other countries.
- Parliament and State legislatures—
- structure,
- functioning,
- conduct of business,
- powers & 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.
Governance
- 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.
- 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.
NGO Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Welfare Schemes
- 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.
- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
- Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
International Relations
- 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.