Polity

The Second commission on Centre-State Relations was set-up by the Government of India in April 2007 under the Chairmanship of Madan Mohan Punchhi, former Chief Justice of India.It was required to look into the issues of Centre-State relations keeping in view the sea-changes that have taken place in the polity and economy of India since … Read more DMPQ- Discuss the recommandations of Punchhi commissions regarding Centre-State relations.

. India has the third largest military in the world and is the sixth biggest defence spender. India is also one of the largest importers of conventional defence equipment and spends around 30% of its total defense budget on capital acquisitions. 60% of defence related requirements are currently met through imports. The ‘Make in India’ … Read more DMPQ- Critically evaluate that how Make in India programme can be a milestone for India’s Defense sector.

The distribution of legislative powers between the Centre and the states is rigid. Consequently, the Centre cannot delegate its legislative powers to the states and a single state cannot request the Parliament to make a law on a state subject. The distribution of executive power in general follows the distribution of legislative powers. But, such … Read more DMPQ- Throw light on the constitutional provisions which enable the mutual delegation of power between Centre and states.

The Constitution defines the territorial limits of the legislative powers vested in the Centre and the states in the following way: The Parliament can make laws for the whole or any part of the territory of India. The territory of India includes the states, the union territories, and any other area for the time being … Read more DMPQ- Discuss the Constitutional provisions for territorial Extent of Central and State Legislation.

Besides the above federal features, the Indian Constitution also possesses the following unitary or non-federal features: Strong Centre The division of powers is in favour of the Centre and highly inequitable from the federal angle. Firstly, the Union List contains more subjects than the State List. Secondly, the more important subjects have been included in … Read more DMPQ- . Discuss the Unitary features enshrined in the Constitution of India.

The parliamentary system of government in India is largely based on the British parliamentary system. However, it never became a replica of the British system and differs in the following respects: India has a republican system in place of British monarchical system. In other words, the Head of the State in India (that is, President) … Read more DMPQ- . “Indian Parliamentary system is not a replica of British Parliament.” Explain the statement.

State police forces had 24% vacancies (about 5.5 lakh vacancies) in January 2016. Hence, while the sanctioned police strength was 181 police per lakh persons in 2016, the actual strength was 137 police. Note that the United Nations recommended standard is 222 police per lakh persons.  86% of the state police comprises of constabulary. Constables … Read more DMPQ- Describe how Indian Police is overburdened. Also mention the major lacks in police infrastructure in Indian police.

Tax on black money The most important way to view demonetisation is as a tax  administration measure, one designed to tax holdings of black money. Of course,  demonetisation of large denomination notes is not exactly the same as demonetisation  of black money. Some cash holdings were perfectly “white”, the fruit of income upon  which taxes … Read more DMPQ- How did Demonetisation helped to curb in tax related corruption ?

. A plea was made in favour of US presidential system of government in the Constituent Assembly4. But, the founding fathers preferred the British parliamentary system due to the following reasons: Familiarity with the System The Constitution-makers were somewhat familiar with the parliamentary system as it had been in operation in India during the British … Read more DMPQ- Discuss the reasons Why India adopted Parliamentary system instead of Presidential system .

The features or principles of parliamentary government in India are: Nominal and Real Executives The President is the nominal executive (de jure executive or titular executive) while the Prime Minister is the real executive (de facto executive). Thus, the President is head of the State, while the Prime Minister is head of the government. Article … Read more DMPQ- . What are important features of Parliamentary system of India’s democracy?

. In 1976, the Congress Party set up the Sardar Swaran Singh Committee to make recommendations about fundamental duties, the need and necessity of which was felt during the operation of the internal emergency (1975–1977). The committee recommended the inclusion of a separate chapter on fundamental duties in the Constitution. It stressed that the citizens … Read more DMPQ- Discuss the Swarn Singh committee and it’s recommendations vis-à-vis Fundamental duties.

Money laundering is the illegal process of making large amounts of money generated by a criminal activity, such as drug trafficking or terrorist funding, appear to have come from a legitimate source. The money from the criminal activity is considered dirty, and the process “launders” it to make it look clean. Money laundering is a … Read more DMPQ- What is money laundering ? How does it helps organized crime ?

. In spite of the above criticisms and shortcomings, the Directive Principles are not an unnecessary appendage to the Constitution. The Constitution itself declares that they are fundamental to the governance of the country. According to L M Singhvi, an eminent jurist and diplomat, ‘the Directives are the life giving provisions of the Constitution. They … Read more DMPQ- Explain why Directive principles of State policy are important and relevant in 21st century.

Paramilitary forces such as the Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Central Industrial Security Force and Sashastra Seema Bal brave the odds to fight enemies of the nation and to protect our borders. The paramilitary forces come under the union home ministry, while the three armed forces are ruled by the … Read more DMPQ- . “Paramilitary forces allege of step-motherly treatment meted by the government as compared to military.” Discuss.

These principles reflect the ideology of socialism. They lay down the framework of a democratic socialist state, aim at providing social and economic justice, and set the path towards welfare state. They direct the state: To promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order permeated by justice— social, economic and political—and to … Read more DMPQ- Throw light on Directive principles which are Socialistic in Nature.

The army, air force and navy began inducting women as short-service commission (SSC) officers in 1992. This was the first time women were allowed to join the military outside the medical stream. Initially, they could serve for five years, and their service could be extended by another five years. In 2006, a policy revision allowed … Read more DMPQ- Analyze the recent decision of induction of women for combat role in Indian Army.

The CISF came into existence in 1969 with a modest beginning, having three battalions, to provide integrated security cover to the Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) which, in those years, occupied the commanding heights of the economy. In a span of four decades, the Force has grown several folds to reach one lakh forty eight thousand … Read more DMPQ- What is central Industrial Security Force (CISF) ? Explain it’s mandate and objectives.

The Fundamental Rights enshrined in Part III of the Constitution have met with a wide and varied criticism. The arguments of the critics are: Excessive Limitations They are subjected to innumerable exceptions, restrictions, qualifications and explanations. Hence, the critics remarked that the Constitution grants Fundamental Rights with one hand and takes them away with the … Read more DMPQ- “There are many provisions which limit the reach and aceess of Fundamental rights.” Elucidate.

The defence ministry is in the process of implementing a slew of reforms suggested by the committee, headed by Lt Gen. D.B. Shekatkar (retd), which studied how to make the armed forces much leaner, cohesive and modern. Initially, the ministry had considered the report and sent 99 recommendations to the armed forces for making an … Read more DMPQ- . Government has started defence reforms based on Shekatkar Committee recommendations to enhance combat capability of the armed forces. Discuss.

Originally, the right to property was one of the seven fundamental rights under Part III of the Constitution. It was dealt by Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31. Article 19(1)(f) guaranteed to every citizen the right to acquire, hold and dispose of property. Article 31, on the other hand, guaranteed to every person, whether citizen or … Read more DMPQ- . Discuss the position of Right to property since independence.

Article 34 provides for the restrictions on fundamental rights while martial law is in force in any area within the territory of India. It empowers the Parliament to indemnify any government servant or any other person for any act done by him in connection with the maintenance or restoration of order in any area where … Read more DMPQ- Discuss the impact of Martial law on the status of Fundamental rights.

A mere declaration of fundamental rights in the Constitution is meaningless, useless and worthless without providing an effective machinery for their enforcement, if and when they are violated. Hence, Article 32 confers the right to remedies for the enforcement of the fundamental rights of an aggrieved citizen. In other words, the right to get the … Read more DMPQ- Explain how Article 32 is the soul of constitution of India.

. Article 29 provides that any section of the citizens residing in any part of India having a distinct language, script or culture of its own, shall have the right to conserve the same. Further, no citizen shall be denied admission into any educational institution maintained by the State or receiving aid out of State … Read more DMPQ- “Article 29 and article 30 provide protections to minorities.” Elucidate.

The rule of equality before law is not absolute and there are constitutional and other exceptions to it. These are mentioned below: The President of India and the Governor of States enjoy the following immunities (Article 361): The President or the Governor is not answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the … Read more DMPQ- Analyze the constitutional and other exceptions to the right to equality under Article 14.

.  One of the controversies about the Preamble is as to whether it is a part of the Constitution or not. In the Berubari Union16 case (1960), the Supreme Court said that the Preamble shows the general purposes behind the several provisions in the Constitution, and is thus a key to the minds of the … Read more DMPQ- Analyze the judicial debate about preamble being part of constitution.

Constitutions are classified into written, like the American Constitution, or unwritten, like the British Constitution. The Constitution of India is the lengthiest of all the written constitutions of the world. It is a very comprehensive, elaborate and detailed document. Originally (1949), the Constitution contained a Preamble, 395 Articles (divided into 22 Parts) and 8 Schedules. … Read more DMPQ- Explain why India’s constitution is lengthiest constitution in the world?

The Constituent Assembly was constituted in November 1946 under the scheme formulated by the Cabinet Mission Plan. The features of the scheme were: The total strength of the Constituent Assembly was to be 389. Of these, 296 seats were to be allotted to British India and 93 seats to the Princely States. Out of 296 … Read more DMPQ- Comment on the composition of constituent assembly and critically evaluate the role of constituent assembly.

The Government of Indian Act was passed by the British parliament in 1935 and came into effect in 1937. It was based on a report by a Joint Select Committee, led by Lord Linlithgow, set up the two houses of the British parliament. The report, in turn, was the result of the Joint Committee’s scrutiny … Read more DMPQ- “Government of India Act of 1935 became the precedent of Constitution of India.” Critically evaluate.

The Constituent Assembly was to have 389 members. Of these, 296 were to be from British India and 93 from the princely Indian states. Initially, however, the Constituent Assembly comprised only members from British India. Election of these were held in July– August 1946. Of the 210 seats in the general category, Congress won 199. … Read more DMPQ- Give a summary of organization and process of India’s constitution aseembly.

On December 13, 1946, Jawaharlal Nehru moved the historic ‘Objectives Resolution’ in the Assembly. It laid down the fundamentals and philosophy of the constitutional structure. It read: “This Constituent Assembly declares its firm and solemn resolve to proclaim India as an Independent Sovereign Republic and to draw up for her future governance a Constitution Wherein … Read more DMPQ- Briefly discuss the objective resolution of Constitution of India.

In most parts of the country, colonialism brought radical transformation of the tribals as their relative isolation was eroded by the penetration of market forces and they were integrated with the British and princely administrations. A large number of moneylenders, traders, revenue farmers and other middlemen and petty officials invaded the tribal areas and disrupted … Read more DMPQ- “The task of integrating the tribal people into the mainstream was extremely complex.” Explain the statement.

. Article 324 of the Constitution has made the following provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the Election Commission: The chief election commissioner is provided with the security of tenure. He cannot be removed from his office except in same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of … Read more DMPQ- Discuss the important constitutional provisions placed to ensure the independence of Election commission of India.

. By the beginning of 1973 Indira Gandhi’s popularity began to decline. People’s expectations were unfulfilled. Little dent was being made in rural or urban poverty or economic inequality, nor was there any lessening of caste and class oppression in the countryside. The immediate provocation for the rising discontent was the marked deterioration in the … Read more DMPQ- Throw a light on the origin of economic and political Crisis in pre emergency years.

Composition of national human rights commission The commission is a multi-member body consisting of a chairman and four members. The chairman should be a retired chief justice of India, and members should be serving or retired judges of the Supreme Court, a serving or retired chief justice of a high court and two persons having … Read more DMPQ- Write a brief description about the composition and functions of national human rights commission.

The reorganization of the states on the basis of language, a major aspect of national consolidation and integration, came to the fore almost immediately after independence. The boundaries of provinces in pre-1947 India had been drawn in a haphazard manner as the British conquest of India had proceeded for nearly a hundred years. No heed … Read more DMPQ- “The Linguistic Reorganization of the States became the base of reorganization of India after independence.” Elucidate.

. The Constitution has made the following provisions to safeguard and ensure the independence of CAG: He is provided with the security of tenure. He can be removed by the president only in accordance with the procedure mentioned in the Constitution. Thus, he does not hold his office till the pleasure of the president, though … Read more DMPQ- . Discuss the major provisions placed to ensure the independence of CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) of India.

Originally, the Constitution of India did not make any provision with respect to the Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities. Later, the States Reorganisation Commission (1953-55) made a recommendation in this regard. Accordingly, the Seventh Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956 inserted a new Article 350-B in Part XVII of the Constitution 2 . This article contains … Read more DMPQ- Explain the constitutional provisions associated with special officer for linguistic minorities.

The Finance Commission consists of a chairman and four other members to be appointed by the president. They hold office for such period as specified by the president in his order. They are eligible for reappointment. The Constitution authorises the Parliament to determine the qualifications of members of the commission and the manner in which … Read more DMPQ- Discuss the composition and functions of finance commission.

The scheduled areas are treated differently from the other areas in the country because they are inhabited by ‘aboriginals’ who are socially and economically rather backward, and special efforts need to be made to improve their condition. Therefore, the whole of the normal administrative machinery operating in a state is not extended to the scheduled … Read more DMPQ- Comment on the various features of administration contained in the 5th schedule of constitution of India.

In areas under Maoist domination, the absence of governance becomes a self- fulfilling prophecy since the delivery systems are extinguished through killings and intimidation. The objective of the CPI (Maoist) Party is the armed overthrow of the Indian State. They do not have any belief in parliamentary democracy. Many areas in the fringes of the … Read more DMPQ- . Why is left wing extremism (Maoism violence) is still persistence even after so many government efforts?

. This Act has added a new Part IX-A to the Constitution of India. It is entitled ‘The Municipalities’ and consists of provisions from Articles 243-P to 243-ZG. In addition, the act has also added a new Twelfth Schedule to the Constitution. This schedule contains eighteen functional items of municipalities. It deals with Article 243-W. … Read more DMPQ- 74th Constitutional amendment act is an important milestone in journey of evolution of urban bodies. Elucidate.

In January 1957, the Government of India appointed a committee to examine the working of the Community Development Programme (1952) and the National Extension Service (1953) and to suggest measures for their better working. The chairman of this committee was Balwant Rai G Mehta. The committee submitted its report in November 1957 and recommended the … Read more DMPQ- Comment on the important recommendations of Balwant Rai Mehta committee for Panchayati Raj system.

Articles 371 to 371-J in Part XXI of the constitution contain special provisions for eleven states  viz., Maharashtra, Gujarat, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa and Karnataka. The intention behind them is to meet the aspirations of the people of backward regions of the states or to protect the cultural and … Read more DMPQ- . Discuss the important provisions of article 371 of constitution for Maharashtra and Gujrat.

The independence of a high court is very essential for the effective discharge of the duties assigned to it. It should be free from the encroachments, pressures and interferences of the executive (council of ministers) and the legislature. It should be allowed to do justice without fear or favour. The Constitution has made the following … Read more DMPQ- . Discuss the constitutional provisions placed to ensure the independence of High courts in India.

. Parliamentary privileges can be classified into two broad categories: Those that are enjoyed by each House of Parliament collectively, and Those that are enjoyed by the members individually. Collective Privileges The privileges belonging to each House of Parliament collectively are: In has the right to publish its reports, debates and proceedings and also the … Read more DMPQ- categorize the different parliamentary privilages placed in constitution.

The efforts towards land reform are tardy and slow in India. Following reasons can be  attributed for poor progress of land reforms. Absence of Reliable Records The absence of reliable and updated land records is  the biggest hurdle for the slow progress of land reforms. The reporting system is weak  and irregular and there has … Read more DMPQ- Throw light on the hurdles of land reforms in India.

The Constitution of India provides for the following three kinds of funds for the Central government: Consolidated Fund of India (Article 266) Public Account of India (Article 266) Contingency Fund of India (Article 267) Consolidated Fund of India It is a fund to which all receipts are credited and all payments are debited. In other … Read more DMPQ- Describe the different types of Central govt. funds given in the constitution of India.

The fundamental principle underlying the working of parliamentary system of government is the principle of collective responsibility. Article 75 clearly states that the council of ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. This means that all the ministers own joint responsibility to the Lok Sabha for all their acts of ommission and commission. They … Read more DMPQ- Elucidate the concept of Collective responsibility in parliamentary democracy.

Good Governance is an approach to government that is committed to creating a system founded in justice and peace that protects individual’s human rights and civil liberties. According to the United Nations, Good Governance is measured by the eight factors of Participation, Rule of Law, Transparency, Responsiveness, Consensus Oriented, Equity and Inclusiveness, Effectiveness and Efficiency, … Read more DMPQ- Define the concept of Good governance and discuss various aspects of it.

Article 123 of the Constitution empowers the President to promulgate ordinances during the recess of Parliament. These ordinances have the same force and effect as an act of Parliament, but are in the nature of temporary laws. The ordinance-making power is the most important legislative power of the President. It has been vested in him … Read more DMPQ- Comment on the ordinance making power of president of India.