This is question set #23 of ‘Clear IAS Mains High Value Answer Writing Test Series’. Mains High Value Answer Writing is a UPSC mains oriented program from ClearIAS.com that consists of 5 questions in each post, published around 8 pm every day. Each of the 5 questions are selected from 5 papers mentioned in UPSC Mains syllabus namely Essay, GS1, GS2, GS3 and GS4 (ethics). Selected questions of high probability to be asked UPSC mains are included in each of these mini tests. Aspirants can choose any question they wish to answer in the comment space provided below, specifying the question number and question topic.
Questions for Answer Writing – Selections for today:
- Essay Paper: India should claim its rightful place in tourism. (1500 words)
- GS 1 Paper: [India after independence/Mandal Commission] – What was the mandate of Mandal Commission? Critically analyze the impact of implementing the recommendations of Mandal commission in post-independent India. (200 words)
- GS 2 Paper: [Constitutional Reforms] – What were the key recommendations of National Commission to review the working of the Indian Constitution? Analyze the urgency in implementing the recommendation related to executive and legislature. (200 words)
- GS 3 Paper: [Environment/River Pollution] What are the major rivers in India facing the threat of river pollution? Examine the steps taken by the government to curb the human actions resulting in deterioration of the quality of river water. How successful were they? – (200 words)
- GS 4 Paper: [Intelligence] What are the nine types of intelligence according to Howard Gardner? In which type of intelligence, would you relate emotional intelligence? (200 words)
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PS: Aspirants can select any question they wish to answer in the comment space provided below specifying the question. Answering 3-4 questions, does not take much of your time. But for those who engage regularly in answer writing, the resultant score improvement in actual UPSC exam would be exponential.
reddwarrior says
September 25, 2014 at 9:07 pmmandal commission was formed in 1979 with a mandate to identify socially or educationally backward.its report in 1980 affirmed the affirmative action plan whereby members of lower caste were given exclusive access to government jobs and educational institutes.
Amrit says
September 25, 2014 at 10:33 pmGS 1 Paper: [India after independence/Mandal Commission] – What was the mandate of Mandal Commission? Critically analyze the impact of implementing the recommendations of Mandal commission in post-independent India. (200 words)
Ans. The mandate of the Mandal Commission were followings-
1.To determine the criteria for defining Socially and educationally backward classes
2. To recommend measures for up-liftment
3. To determine the desirability for making provisions for reservations for appointments and posts for them
4. To present a report stating out fact found by the commission
The Mandal Commission submitted its recommendations in 1981 and they could be partially implemented only in 1990. The implementation of reports has had mixed impact. When the report was based on Census 1931, used in 1981 and implemented in 1990, its impact could not have been proper. The partial implementation of report and neglect of other parts like land reforms, training and illiteracy,cooperatives for artisans, lack of drinking water etc were ignored. 52% OBC getting 27% reservation is not expected to deliver equitable justice. The formation of Creamy layer concept vindicates this problem although OBC above creamy layer are not covered under OBC reservation act, its misuse and under-projection of earning hampers the core purpose. Implementation has definitely helped economically and socially backward class of people occupy higher education,white collar jobs but reservation, against recommendation of the commission, is not provided in promotion. Of late different state governments are using this issue to provide reservation even to minorities, which is often stayed by courts. On the one hand some social gains have been made but the social divide has also become more clear and dangerous, on the other hand. The backward class in urban areas have benefited but in rural areas these people are still backward. The need of the hour is to have holistic view of all the recommendations of the commission and implement them with long term plan.
Alpa says
September 27, 2014 at 10:30 amgreat answer !!!
Amrit says
September 26, 2014 at 9:58 am@All friends writing regularly on ClearIAS.
1. Of late I have observed and understood that responses/answers written here are less, when the questions are asked from non-common issues,(even i respond less).However, as serious players, we need to write answers even on these issues with full vigor.
2.If we follow guidelines of ClearIAS, we can write answers on un-common topics also and increase our knowledge base.
3. Although ClearIAS is giving us feedback but their late feedback or say no even feedback must not dampen our spirit of writing answers here, as for those who can’t afford to joint other test series for whatsoever reasons, this is the good forum to write upon and learn upon.
4. We need to read/evaluate and response others answers/essays MORE so as to help each other and add value to our answers/thoughts.
Four Point Lecture 🙂
Alpa says
September 26, 2014 at 7:38 pmI totally agree with Amrit.
Regarding essay – its hard for us to write daily an essay but i think we can just list down points which we would write. This will help us to learn regarding the flow and content of essay.
Utkarsh says
September 26, 2014 at 9:54 pmI am also agree.
I too have the same issue and also kinda busy due to dusshera
Avi says
September 27, 2014 at 3:22 amWhat was the mandate of Mandal Commission? Critically analyze the impact of implementing the recommendations of Mandal commission in post-independent India. (200 words)
Ans.
Mandal commission was setup in 1978 under Prime minister Morarji Desai. Its mandate was-
– To identify socially and educationally backward casts.
– Identify measures to improve their conditions.
The commission considered 11 social, economic and educational criteria to identify the other backward casts. The report was presented in 1980 but no immediate steps were taken. It has suggested 27% reservations in government jobs and educational institutions for the OBCs.
In 1993, reservations regarding government jobs was implemented and in 2008 reservations in educational institutions was completed.
Following were its good outcomes-
– Representation to deprived sections of society.
– Move towards social equitability and socialist ideals.
– Bridging the under representation in educational institutions.
– Economic empowerment for more sustainable society of future.
– Concept of creamy layer helps the real beneficiaries.
Following were its shortcomings-
– Clubbing of a large population, with different needs.
– Different sections within OBC category are at different levels of social empowerment.
– Creation of an elite within the group; promote non-declaration of wealth and undue advantages.
– Rise to caste politics.
– Promotes caste identity and segregations.
– Doubts have been raised over different population estimates by different organisations.
Avi says
September 27, 2014 at 3:26 amerr! sorry the messages got muggled up. Well, what you say is right:) I feel this trouble with essay questions because a long typing session gets me dreary and I have not gone through ethics syllabus or books so it just baffles me 🙁 guess its time I took those two on!
Amrit says
September 26, 2014 at 12:12 pmGS 4 Paper: [Intelligence] What are the nine types of intelligence according to Howard Gardner? In which type of intelligence, would you relate emotional intelligence? (200 words)
Ans. The nine types of intelligence according to Howard Gardner are following-
1.Naturalist 2. Musical 3. Spatial 4. Bodily-Kinesthetic 5. Interpersonal 6. Intrapersonal 7. Linguistic 8. Logical Mathematical 9. existential
The emotional intelligence(EI) can not be limited to any one type as EI is multidimensional and encompasses many of them. The INTERPERSONAL and INTRA-PERSONAL intelligence are integral part of EI which enables the positive communication with others and thought process within ourselves respectively. Good logical mathematical intelligence enables us come to logical and quantitative decisions and same way Bodily Kinesthetic enables us understand the body language. Naturalist intelligence enables us have natural and empathy towards others. It also helps us have compassionate view towards weaker section and take ethical decisions. Linguistic intelligence enables us communicate better and it is good communication that brings emotional decisions.
Vikas Aswal says
September 26, 2014 at 12:52 pmEssay Paper: India should claim its rightful place in tourism. (1500 words)
“Tourism” is an activity of travelling other places in home country or foreign country for the purpose of recreation, pleasure, pilgrimage to religious place, business meetings, education and research, treatment etc. usually for a limited period of time. It is regarded as industry because it contributes immensely in the economy of a country. It is an industry which is an assemblage of various kinds of industry including primary to tertiary sector. It is an industry which has directly relation with nature, culture, literature, architecture, of a region. Tourism is also an ideology which do not consider any trans national boundary and have the potential to converge different cultures and society to keep peace and harmony worldwide.
India remained a hot spot for tourist from ancient times. There were so many travelers from foreign countries who came to India and studied the socio-cultural aspects and wrote their accounts to mention India’s society and culture. Most renowned example of such personalities are Hieun Tsang, Fa-Hien, Aristotle, Al-Beruni, etc. Geographical, cultural, social and many more diversities make India one of the best destination for tourist to visit and spend time here.
Different places of religious pilgrimage in India, architectural monuments of past, areas of rich flora and fauna, hill stations, sea beaches and many more points attract tourists. Along with these point of attraction, handicraft products which are indigenous identity of Indian cottage industry, hospitality industry like hotels,restaurants, transport services like rail, bus, airlines also get add up to the revenue and provide a means of livelihood to many people who are engaged in these activities. Tourism also adds up cultural exchanges between local population and tourists, so that both sides came to know about the traditions, folks, literature, art of each side. Recently developments in health industry and educational institutions in India also expanded the meaning of tourism. Now people from different countries are coming regularly for treatments which is cheaper as compared to other countries and qualified and specialist doctors are in good number which provide better treatment. Indian Universities are also offering courses and degree programs to the students of other countries. India is also one of the center for Eco-tourism and its rich flora and fauna also attracts the tourist.
To harness more and more benefit from the tourism industry Indian government should focus on a prudent tourism policy which can accommodate more number of tourist and proper safety and security should be provided to the tourists so that they can come India without fear and hesitation. Governments of states in India should work with Union Government so that tourism ca be developed in each and every part of the country. By providing better facilities of infrastructure and credit to the cottage industry and handicraft industry, dual benefits can be achieved. Provisions like “Visa on Arrivals” to international tourists should be more comprehensive and transparent. Air connectivity and modernization of railways and roadways can also contribute in increasing the reach-ability to those tourist places which are unnoticed. Cultural exchange program should be on the top priority, when top leaders signs any deal with other countries. Media and other agencies can also participate in campaigning to boost tourism. Public cooperation is also needed so that they can show a good picture of Indian culture to foreign nationals. Environmental protection should be there so that flora and fauna do not get adversely affected with tourist activity.
So, tourism in India has a great future ahead and to harness it Indian Government, civil societies, NGOs, public participation should work hand in hand. If Tourism is considered an ideology than it has full capacity to make this world a global village where people can live harmoniously and peacefully. It can be an answer to extreme radical ideology. Tourism has unification values and mostly need to develop as well as sustain.
Alpa says
September 26, 2014 at 6:40 pmGS 4 Paper: [Intelligence] What are the nine types of intelligence according to Howard Gardner? In which type of intelligence, would you relate emotional intelligence? (200 words)
The nine types of intelligence according to Howard Gardner are:
1. Naturalistic Intelligence
2. Musical Intelligence
3. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
4. Existential Intelligence
5. Existential Intelligence
6. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
7. Linguistic Intelligence
8. Intra-Personal Intelligence
9. Spatial Intelligence
The emotional intelligence could be related to interpersonal intelligence. Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand and interact effectively with others. Interpersonal intelligence makes it possible for a person to effectively communicate through verbal and nonverbal means, to distinguish among others, to sense the temperament and moods of people, and to consider various points of view. Same is the case with emotional intelligence where a person understands his and others emotions and discriminate between them. The person with emotional intelligence and interpersonal intelligence show leadership skills.
Alpa says
September 26, 2014 at 7:29 pmGS 2 Paper: [Constitutional Reforms] – What were the key recommendations of National Commission to review the working of the Indian Constitution? Analyze the urgency in implementing the recommendation related to executive and legislature. (200 words)
The National Commission to review the working of the Indian Constitution recommended:
1. DPSP – setting of National Education Commission and a body to review DPSP implementation.
2. Fundamental rights & duties – Rights to be guarded, duty to vote to be included in Art 51A
3. Executive -need for Political stability, no-confidence motion to be reformed, prohibiting oversized CoM; defectors to be debarred
4.Legislature – discontinue MPLAD scheme, review of Standing Committees, Parliamentary ombudsman
5. Judiciary – timely delivey of judgement, adequate training, effective compensation scheme to victims
6. Union-State relations – Establishment of Interstate Trade and Commerce Commission, invoking of Art 356
7. Elections – use of EVM, intra-state delimitation exercise
The defectors are lured for political offices or ministership which makes mockery of democracy. Such defectors should be asked to resign and contest fresh election. the system of constructive vote of no-confidence should be introduced accompanied by proposal of alternative leader to prevent defections and re-defections. The practice of creating number of political offices with perks and privileges should be done away with. In case of hung assembly, instead of involving President, the house itself should determine the majority support to leader to remove uncertainty.
The MPLAD scheme has to be discontinued as many MPs did not even bother to spend funds for development rather the sum could be diverted to opportunistic schemes. The prevailing corruption makes periodic review of standing committees essential. The parliamentarians should throw them open to public scrutiny by parliamentary ombudsman to ensure transparency and public accountability.
Amrit says
September 27, 2014 at 11:14 am@Alpa. Good answer and well structured..
Utkarsh says
September 26, 2014 at 10:46 pmThe key recommendations of national Commission are:
Review the DPSP, addright to be guarded as fundamental rights and duty to vote as fundamental duty.
Executive: Provision to make it more stability and reform the no-confidence motion.Also prohibit overburdened Council of Ministers.
Legislature: discontinue MPLAD scheme, review of Standing Committees, Parliamentary ombudsman
Judiciary – timely delivery of judgement, adequate training, effective compensation scheme to victims
The advantage of it will be:
• The parliament will be more unified and the government at centre will become more successful in taking various decisions and making policies.
• With less Council of Ministers the public money thus saved could be channelized in some constructive activities.
• The corruption will be controlled.
• MP will not be able to misuse the MPLAD fund anymore.
• Various laws and parliamentary bodies are very old some even of the time of British era and are thus obsolete and defective.
Disadvantage:
• The Centre may become more authoritarian.
• At present the government is trying to reduce the council of ministers and even more reduction that too constituently could be fatal to development a single minister will have to take multiple portfolios
• Without MPLAD, the government ambition to make various growth centres will get a blow.
The constitutional reform to make legislative and executive more effective is the need of the time. The possibility of central to become authoritarian could be countered by adding some provision. The number of council of members should be set at par with the requirement with some scope of flexibility. Moreover, the MPLAD scheme could easily be substituted by some other schemes.
Utkarsh says
September 26, 2014 at 11:17 pmGS 3 Paper: [Environment/River Pollution] What are the major rivers in India facing the threat of river pollution? Examine the steps taken by the government to curb the human actions resulting in deterioration of the quality of river water. How successful were they? – (200 words)
The major rivers which are under threat are Yamuna, Ganga and Brahmaputra (Damodar and Mahanadi also polluted severely).
The steps taken by government to curb the human actions resulting in deterioration the quality of rivers:
• The Ganga Action plan in 1986 had identified 27 cities and about 120 factories as points of pollution from Haridwar to Hooghly. Ganga action plan of phase II is currently under implemention.
• Namami ganga i.e. Integrated Ganga Development Project has been proposed recently in 2014.
• The Yamuna Action Plan has also been formulated.
• A survey was carried out at river Gomati long ago to determine the type of wastes in it.
• The Arunachal Government had planned to tackle the problem of the Brahmaputra river basin and its tributaries.
Although much have been proposed, but the result is not as such.
• In last five years 1000 crore was invested in Ganga Action Plan with not such return.
• They Yamuna Action Plan is still in theory.
• The Brahmaputra River has not got much attention.
• Although survey on various rivers have been done but its data till now remained unfruitful.
• Still most of wastes, sewage waste also, are discharged untreated into the river.
Avi says
September 27, 2014 at 3:23 amWhat was the mandate of Mandal Commission? Critically analyze the impact of implementing the recommendations of Mandal commission in post-independent India. (200 words)
Ans.
Mandal commission was setup in 1978 under Prime minister Morarji Desai. Its mandate was-
– To identify socially and educationally backward casts.
– Identify measures to improve their conditions.
The commission considered 11 social, economic and educational criteria to identify the other backward casts. The report was presented in 1980 but no immediate steps were taken. It has suggested 27% reservations in government jobs and educational institutions for the OBCs.
In 1993, reservations regarding government jobs was implemented and in 2008 reservations in educational institutions was completed.
Following were its good outcomes-
– Representation to deprived sections of society.
– Move towards social equitability and socialist ideals.
– Bridging the under representation in educational institutions.
– Economic empowerment for more sustainable society of future.
– Concept of creamy layer helps the real beneficiaries.
Following were its shortcomings-
– Clubbing of a large population, with different needs.
– Different sections within OBC category are at different levels of social empowerment.
– Creation of an elite within the group; promote non-declaration of wealth and undue advantages.
– Rise to caste politics.
– Promotes caste identity and segregations.
– Doubts have been raised over different population estimates by different organisations.
Avi says
September 27, 2014 at 5:32 amWhat were the key recommendations of National Commission to review the working of the Indian Constitution? Analyze the urgency in implementing the recommendation related to executive and legislature. (200 words)
Ans
The NCRWIC was set up in February 2000 to review our constitution under the experience of 50 years, to suggest suitable changes for smooth functioning, promote faith and transparency. President appointed former Chief Justice M.N. Venkatchaliah as the chairperson of the committee, the report of which was tabled in March 2002. Following were its major highlights-
– Reform of Executive.
– Reform to election procedure and political parties.
– More checks on political parties and reform to representation of people’s act.
– Reforms for efficiency of Judiciary.
– Decentralisation of power and devolution of responsibilities.
– Reform to Executive and Administration.
– Reform to Union-state relation.
– Changes to the speed of socio-economic change and development.
Urgency in implementing legislature and executive is due to-
– Need to redesign executive to utilise advances in Information and Technology.
– Sensitising and upgrading for information delivery and transparency wrt, Right to information act.
– Urgency in land reform and creating a national database.
– Stem corruption and nepotism
– Promote independent think tanks to advise government
– Promote speedy passage of some urgent economic reforms
– Empower and promote various committees in parliament for efficient functioning.
Avi says
September 27, 2014 at 7:04 amWhat are the major rivers in India facing the threat of river pollution? Examine the steps taken by the government to curb the human actions resulting in deterioration of the quality of river water. How successful were they?
Ans
The major rivers facing threat due to pollution in India are-
Ganga
Yamuna
Betwa
Kali
Mithi river (in Mumbai)
Buddha Nullah (in Malwa plateau)
The primary reasons for pollution of rivers, steps to control and success-
1) Untreated Sewage release to river- The faecal matter, dangerous metal and other polluting content in many Indian rivers is dangerously high.
Government has setup sewage treatment plants in many cities and setup national water quality monitoring network throughout the nation.
However the plants are often deficient or non-functional due to lack of maintenance.
2) Agricultural runoff and improper practices- Algae growth in most Indian rivers has adversely affected fisheries. It is due to presence of fertilisers which increase nutrient content.
Education of farmers is being promoted to avoid eutrophication of rivers.
The rivers in India are still high with fertilizer and biotic contents.
3) Industrial release- Pollutants from industries are released directly into the rivers, which are often poisonous and render the waters unfit for normal usage.
Government has tried to enforce better industrial waste treatment norms.
Though reducing, many factories still flout the norms.
Other reasons for pollutions-
– Creation of Dams
– Release of dead bodies
– Chocking of river courses
– Inadequate water in rivers due to diversion
Other policies-
-National River Policy
-National Ganga River Basin Authority
Despite the government much is desired, as the Supreme Court pointed out in its recent ruling snubbing the GOI to act urgently.
Utkarsh Deep says
September 27, 2014 at 10:14 amClear IAS your comments are necessary to improve our writing skill. Please help
ClearIAS.com says
September 27, 2014 at 1:50 pmSure Utkarsh. Keep writing.