This is question set #39 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.
Questions for Answer Writing – Selections for today:
- Essay Paper: Animal rights. (1500 words)
- GS 1 Paper: [Indian society/Walmarting] – India has experienced a similar phenomenon of Wal-Martization to the United States, with significant negative ramifications for its economy. Critically analyze. (200 words)
- GS 2 Paper: [Development /Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana] Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana is a scheme of village development, but it’s a deviation from the conventional supply driven model to a a new, demand driven model. Examine. – (200 words)
- GS 3 Paper: [Indian Economy/Online retailing] Everyone including big companies to lakhs of small retailers are unsatisfied with online retailing in India, except consumers. Critically analyze. (200 words)
- GS 4 Paper: [Great leaders/administrators] Compare the working style, ethics and contributions of Verghese Kurein (man behind Amul) and E. Sreedharan (man behind Delhi metro). What values do you find as reasons for their success? (200 words)
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Note from Clear IAS Team
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Please note: Last year the toppers’ marks for General Studies varied from 300-400 out of 1000. (2013 CSE AIR 1, Gaurav Agrawal scored 338/1000 for GS). This means, 4 marks out of 10 for every answer in UPSC exam was excellent performance as far as 2013 mains GS was concerned. So our marking scheme too would be keeping those figures in mind. Please have a look at our marking scheme for coming days:
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- 2.0-2.4/10 – Average.
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Amrit says
October 11, 2014 at 8:42 pmGS 4 Paper: [Great leaders/administrators] Compare the working style, ethics and contributions of Verghese Kurein (man behind Amul) and E. Sreedharan (man behind Delhi metro). What values do you find as reasons for their success? (200 words)
Ans.
Working Style: Both Kurian and Sreedharan were task oriented and visionary. Kurian made common people realize their power of togetherness, MR Sreedharan, realizing the lack of government resources, achieved maximum out of minimum and in quick time. He single handedly got grant from World Bank for Delhi Metro. Both were known for breaking status quo. Sreedharan reduced project completion time of tender from 9 months to 4 weeks in case of Delhi Metro. While Kurian worked from Gujarat mainly for whole country, Sreedharan worked all over the India by relocating from Konkan,Tamil Nadu, Hyderabad, Delhi and even North East. Kurian gave up government job to achieve his objectives where as Sreedharan was required by government to work even after his retirement. They both were master planner and good at execution.
Ethics: Both cared for the safety of the people. Both followed excellent work ethics by completing projects in time and within resources. Both were against unethical practices like corruption,absenteeism and red-tapism. Sreedharan even predicted fraud by Mytas in Hyderabad well in advance. Both gave up personal gains and lucrative career abroad to work for the betterment of the nation and society. Both emphasized the team spirit in work and displayed perseverance. Both give credit of their success to their team. Believed in enabling people.
Contribution: Dr. E Sreedharan: Kurian is called Milk Man of India for pioneering Operation Flood and due to him today India produces 17% of world’s milk (largest) and Amul is best Asian brand. Sreedharan is known as Metro Man of India mainly for World Class Delhi Metro but his other contributions are the famous Konkan Railway running across Western Ghat terrain, Restoring of Pamban Bridges in short time, designing first merchant vessel,predicted India’s biggest corporate fraud (stayam/mytas).
Lessons from them-
* Empathy for the people and society
* Fairness in work
* Optimum utilization of resources
* Synchronization in planning and execution
* Perseverance
* Espirit De Corps
ClearIAS.com says
October 13, 2014 at 4:22 pmMarks 4.0
Amrit says
October 11, 2014 at 9:22 pmGS 3 Paper: [Indian Economy/Online retailing] Everyone including big companies to lakhs of small retailers are unsatisfied with online retailing in India, except consumers. Critically analyze. (200 words)
Ans. The Online Retailing (OR) which works mainly on the principles of reducing roles of middlemen and earn through economy of scale with intense use of IT. The ORs are supplying almost everything which is impossible in any conventional sell be it big companies or small grocery shop. Due to absence of enough regulatory mechanism the ORs are selling much below MRP offering seasonal/regular/special discounts and consumer is benefited but they are distorting the competition and due to skewed IT presence the rural consumers are also at disadvantage. The ORs earn by economy of scale resulting in loss of sale by retailers and showrooms of big companies. When benefit to consumer is goal of the state at the same time ensuring livelihood of others is also duty of state. Huge sale by OR, reduces buying by retailers which reduces fragmented demand by retailers from manufacturers. The sale through ORs is also not free from complains as often sale of old outdated stocks, mis-selling or bad post sales services are reported. The manufacturing companies also sometimes refuse to service if items are bought through ORs. If unchecked, increasing urbanization and tele-density and reducing gap of Digital Divide and will further propel online retailing and reduce earning of small retailers and other big companies.
While India has not allowed FDI in multi brand retails the ORs are selling multi-brand global product to the consumers. Amazon,Snapdeal, Jabong,Flipkart etc all have large foreign funds involved. Therefore it is violation of rules of the land. The recent festival sale offer followed by crashing of their websites and stay on guaranteed delivery exposes their weakness and a warning bell for consumers also. Launching of sale of products by some companies like Apple/Motorola online only on one platform is against interest of both consumer and retailers as they got sold in no time leaving both consumers and retailer empty handed. CCI,Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Finance Ministry needs to intervene here.
Way Forward-
* Clear Cut guidelines for ORs.
* Interest of both retailers and consumers be taken care of
* Accountability of ORs in post sales services be ensured
* The online retailing must be in line with all Trade Policy/Regulations of India/States
* Their funding and channel of procurement and supply be monitored.
ClearIAS.com says
October 13, 2014 at 4:23 pmMarks 3.0
Amrit says
October 12, 2014 at 10:34 amGS 2 Paper: [Development /Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana] Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana is a scheme of village development, but it’s a deviation from the conventional supply driven model to a a new, demand driven model. Examine. – (200 words)
Ans. The Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) which aims to develop 1 and 2 villages as Model Villages by 2016 and 2019 respectively by MPs from both Upper and Lower Hoses from their states and constituencies respectively. The villages should not be MPs or villages of MP’s spouse. The villages should be of 3000-5000 and of 1000-3000 population in plain and hilly area respectively.
The SAGY is truly a demand driven model as the planning and execution of the plan has to be done by people’s participation and according to the needs of the people. The plan encompasses the ideas of both Gandhi (Suraaj) and JP (Jan Bhaagidari) and instead of being just a supply of MONEY, PLAN and TARGET from centre/State type of scheme, this scheme aims to bring socio-economic, infrastructure,spiritual and communal harmony It will be facilitated by MPs and plan formulation by PRI. It also aligns itself with the district development plans. The funds from MPLADS shall be used for this. This SAGY, with E-schools,e-library, Sanitations, Gender empowerment,environmental concerns, education etc as provisions, Digital India Mission and Smart Cities will reduce rurban divide.
As existing similar plans like PMAGY and states’ plans were on Top-down Approach, the SAGY is with Bottom-up Approach and taking development of one model village to entire block and then further. Half-yearly audit by GramSabha facilitated by Social Audit Unit of MGNREGA ensures accountability and transparency. However, the need is to check delay in releasing of funds, under-use and corruption in use of MPLADS. SAGY makes MPs more accountable to meet the demand of the people who elect them and augurs well for good politics.
ClearIAS.com says
October 13, 2014 at 4:25 pmMarks 3.5
Alpa says
October 12, 2014 at 12:16 pm1. GS 1 Paper: [Indian society/Walmarting] – India has experienced a similar phenomenon of Wal-Martization to the United States, with significant negative ramifications for its economy. Critically analyze. (200 words)
In the era of global competition, the activities are aimed at promoting MNCs and large Indian players in the field. Walmartization phenomenon is said to have positive impacts like improving supply chain, better infrastructure, FDI, reducing inflation and technology upgradation. But on the other hand the negative effects of supermarkets and mall culture has to be addressed before a retail colonization war starts.
The supermarkets had no doubt prevented the growth of small retailers. The supermarket chains like Big Bazaar, D-Mart has weaken the domestic manufacturing sector. They buy a large amount of products from few suppliers with contracts of payments after months of delivery and thereby passing risks to suppliers and farms. The temporary lowering of prices to drive out competitors through predatory pricing is of huge concern. It even has an adverse impact on service sector giving rise to an era of monopoly. The local food culture, haats and bazaars have been impacted the most which in turn would pave the way for poverty and unemployment. It will give a blow to small-scale entrepreneurship and cottage industries. After a certain time even the manufacturer will be at mercy of mall owners who will have a control on price fixation and a huge bargaining power. It even violates Art 14,21 and DPSP Art 38 and 39 which direct the state to minimize inequalities in income and welfare of people.
The mall culture, supermarkets cannot be weeded out from India but suitable laws and steps should be taken to alleviate fear of common man.
ClearIAS.com says
October 13, 2014 at 4:31 pmMarks 3.0
priya says
October 12, 2014 at 3:40 pmQuest – Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana is a scheme of village development, but it’s a deviation from the conventional supply driven model to a a new, demand driven model. Examine.
Ans – Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) is a recently launched rural development scheme. It aims at developing a ‘model village’ in terms of infrastructure and socio-economic development.
Usual demand driven model follows a demand driven model in which the Centre fixes the objectives, the selection criteria adn conditions of transferring the funds to the implementing authorities. In this sense, SAGY make a healthy departure from the usual practice.
It is designed as a demand driven model as against a demand driven model:
1. No selection criteria fixed by the Centre: the villages to be developed by a Member of Parliament will be selected by the MP.
2. Objectives of spending the fund will be decided as per the needs of the village by the MP with the public participation.
However, there are factors which may make it supply driven in actual implementation:
1. Release of funds: it has been seen in a similar sceheme MPLADS that funds are not released on time by the Centre defeating the purpose of the scheme itself.
2. No selection criteria for choosing the village may lead to unhealthy discretion by MP, increase unhealthy completion among the villages. Since most villages fall short on HDI indicators which differ only in weightage, an indiacative list may be prepared by the States to prevent abuse of funds
3. No accountability mechanism
4. No public participation mechanism: it is one of the cornerstones of this scheme which needs to ensured through institutionalizing public participation through social audits etc.
The scheme is forward looking and is a step in redressing the complaint of the States of too much interference by the Centre. However, principles of good governance need to be applied to ensure it achieves its stated objectives.
ClearIAS.com says
October 13, 2014 at 4:32 pmMarks 3.5
priya says
October 12, 2014 at 4:44 pmEveryone including big companies to lakhs of small retailers are unsatisfied with online retailing in India, except consumers. Critically analyze. (200 words)
Online retailing though constituting less than 1% of total retail segment in India is growing at a whopping rate of 50% annually.
It offers many advantages to consumers:
1. Cheap rates, huge discounts
2. Great variety
3. Saves time due to free home delivery
4. Return of the products in case of dissatisfaction
However, it is posing a huge problem to the brick and mortar retailers, big and small and forcing them to close branches and even shops in some cases:
1. Backdoor FDI: though FDI in retail is not allowed, online retailers are attracting huge FDIs by working around rules and calling themselves internet hosts and not retailers
2. Volume game: they are buying and selling in huge quantities taking advantage of the economies of scale
3. Since they do not pay excise duty or retail tax, they are offering products at cheaper rates
4. No state except Kerala has formulated tax laws for online retailers
Way forward:
1. Consumer protection: clear mechanism of after sales service, consumer redressal
2. FDI policy in online retailing needs to be in synchronization with FDI policy in physical retailing and enforce it effectively.
3. Legislative definition of online retailing needed and separate tax laws are needed for online retailers
4. Internet penetration to be increased
5. encourage physical retailers to use online retailing to effectively compete
please review:
ClearIAS.com says
October 13, 2014 at 4:33 pmMarks 2.5
jagan says
October 12, 2014 at 5:42 pmCompare the working style, ethics and contributions of Verghese Kurein (man behind Amul) and E. Sreedharan (man behind Delhi metro). What values do you find as reasons for their success?
Verghese Kurien famously called the” Milk man of India” is the responsible for the White revolution which made India top producer of milk in the world. He started his career in Amul ( Anand Milk union ltd) Driven by the vision of making India a record production in milk, he worked hard to achieve the success.
E.Sreedharan famously called the Railman of India responsible for the building of world class infrastructure – Delhi metro station.It remains as a model for other infrastructure projects in India.
1) WORKING STYLE:
– Such massive achievements is not possible without the leadership and organisation skills of both the personalities. Team work and commitment towards the goal are remarkable.
– Infact Verghese Kurian took the support of the local villagers in building his co-operative society.He also imported machines from foreign countries to process milk powder.
– E.Sreedharan co-operated with knowledge and expertise provided by many foreign players in building the metro.
2) ETHICS:
– Respecting the work and passion towards the development are the driving force. One has to respect his work to desired output.
– Well being of the society: They both followed the principle of uplifting the society towards betterment.
3) VALUES:
The following values which I believe is responsible for their success,
1) Commitment towards the goal
2) Being open to inputs.
3) Patience
4) Motivation to the team.
They changed the fate of the society . They should be considered for Bharat Ratna
ClearIAS.com says
October 13, 2014 at 4:38 pmMarks 3.5
jagan says
October 12, 2014 at 6:25 pmIndia has experienced a similar phenomenon of Wal-Martization to the United States, with significant negative ramifications for its economy. Critically analyse
Ans: Walmat is a big multi-brand retailer in America. The phenomenon “Wal –martisation” denotes,when a large chain of store moves into a region and devastates the local business driving displaced workers into low playing chain store jobs.India has liberalied its economy in 1991. Many corporate gaints has started big malls in different cities, where people can get the all products at discounted rates. With the FDI in multibrand retail sector, many foreign companies also start their retail stores affecting the indigenous traders
Ramification on the economy:
“ Mom and Pops stores” big retail malls are largely affected . As a result , they are displaced to outer region or closing of their business. Foreign brands are largely preferred in these showrooms. So indigenous traditional goods like handicrafts ,toys, clothes are economically devasted. Moreover they provide huge discounts which affects other shops.
People are transferred from being owner to the employees in these capitalist economy. In agriculture sector also Contract farming has been introduced. Farmers are made to produce what the market wants rather than what they prefer.
POSITIVES:
The buying capacity in the economy has increased.More over, people get lot of preferences in their shopping. Employment opportunities are being created. Infrastruture development with the introduction of multibrand retail(30% on back end infrastructure) Development of small scale industries by procurement of their products.
CONCLUSION:
Growth has lot of dimensions both positive and negatives. Economists need research and suggest measures to ensure the right balance.
ClearIAS.com says
October 13, 2014 at 4:37 pmMarks 3.0
jagan says
October 12, 2014 at 7:30 pmEveryone including big companies to lakhs of small retailers are unsatisfied with online retailing in India, except consumers. Critically analyze. (200 words
Ans:
E commerce is a booming market in India. Many companies like Flipkart, Snapdeal, Amazon, Ebay etc.. are involved in online retailing of trade, They link the customers tom the different products sellers at a single electronic medium. If the customer wishes to buy a watch , the retailer will provide the available options of different brands at the website .After confirmation of the order , the product will be delivered from the producer to the customer.
1) Unsatisfaction:
Recently the big companies to small companies have voiced their opinion against E-commerce because
1) The online retailers are providing huge discounts, which cannot be provided by the retail shops This results in the customer preference for on buying . Their profits are affected.
2) Small shops which do not have much retail capacity face the challenge in marketing their brand, They are charged heavily by these E- commerce web site.
3) Local shops business is largely affected . For instance, most students buy their books in Flipkart. Throughout India bookshops business are facing reduced profits due to online shopping.
2) Positives:
– Even the small manufactures can be able to reach their brand to large customer by marketing in these websites. Earlier they are very localised and less buying capacity.
– Foreign companies are also investing in these E-commerse which boost the business in India
– Good qualtity products at less prices are available to consumers due to the elimination of middlemen.
3) Mixed reactions fro consumers:
Even people face positives and negatives of online shopping,
– Wider options to different products are now available
– Discounted price with good quality
– Delivery at the door step
However large number of websites the credibility is questionable. There are certain dubious websites which are started to extract money from people. Moreover the discounts provided arealso a hoax. Recently Flipkart”Big Billion Day”received complaints about the pricing, stocks, delivery etc..
Conclusion:
E- commerce is inevitable in the globalisation era, that too with penetration of internet. We make sure the credibility and sustainability of the different sectors and customers choice.
ClearIAS.com says
October 13, 2014 at 4:36 pmMarks 3.0
dhillonz says
October 12, 2014 at 8:02 pmGS 2 Paper: [Development /Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana] Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana is a scheme of village development, but it’s a deviation from the conventional supply driven model to a a new, demand driven model. Examine. – (200 words)
Ans : PM Modi launched the scheme saansad adarsh gram yojana on the birth anniversary of J P Narayan . it is based on demand driven model of village development . here each MP will take the responsibility of developing physical and institutional infrastructure in 3 villages by 2019 . there will occur viral effect in the adjoining villages with the development of each village .
this program is a deviation from the traditional supply driven model where the funds , policy decisions , framework etc were dictated from New Delhi . hardly any flexibility was provided to the states / local government in the schemes .
this scheme is demand driven in the sense that the beneficiaries i.e. the people will be participating more or less directly in the process right from the framework to the implementation part of the scheme . the aspirations of the people will be taken into account . more flexibility is provided in the scheme by focusing on specific local conditions .
thee is only one criteria for MP to select village i.e. the village should neither be his / her village noe in laws .
this focuses on creating the model villages for transforming swaraj into su-raj i.e. self rule into good governance . this will ensure the holistic development of identified gram panchayats . this includes personal , human , social , economic and environmental development in line with Gandhi ‘s vision of model village .
it will be implemented through a village development plan that would be prepared by the gram panchayat . there would be national level committees for monitoring the implementation .
this scheme for rural development is a step forward in both the nature of it and the kind of integration it will be bringing among various schemes .
ClearIAS.com says
October 13, 2014 at 4:35 pmMarks 3.0
dhillonz says
October 13, 2014 at 6:14 pmthanku sir for review
madhu says
October 12, 2014 at 11:33 pmWhen God created man, he also created other living creatures and every living creature has their own right to be on this planet. Animals, like any other living creature also have the same feelings and experience the same depth of love and pain like we humans. Some people believe that animals should be treated in the same way humans are and have similar rights, whereas others think that it is more important to use them as we desire for food and medical research.
So what are animal rights?
Animal rights is the idea that animals have the same rights as humans, to live free of suffrage, just as important as living individuals, and with the same moral status as humans.
Through animal research and experimentations, humans are getting benefit and gains in the obscene inhumane ways; the poor animals are suffering through pain and distress, even though they have moral status and rights.
Most of the time, on seeing an animal, people are the thought of either harming them fearing the danger, or think of killing them. What does one gain when they do this kind of act? They are just being taken for granted and various acts are performed that in fact tortures the animals both physically and mentally.
In the name of research, animals are being tortured. It has been bought to light by many animal activists that animals also feel the same pain and agony when they are being caged for long and used for researches. Moreover the researches are mainly for cosmetic products and not medicinal purposes. So the reasoning stands invalid.
Animals have moral status and moral rights as much as humans does, however it might seem less important compared to humans, even though animals are not thought of as machines and property.Animals do not exist for humans and our uses, they have the same moral status as humans and are to be treated well with respect, for their own sake, because they have moral importance in their own right, not having relations with humans.
Animals, apart from all these reasons, which could be at least justified to some are acceptable, but killing animals to create luxurious products and show pieces is a crime. This is a crime and should be made punishable. Killing animals for human pleasure is never justifiable.
Man should understand and learn to respect and love animals, and he would see what he has in store for him from them. Just as we humans have the right to live in this planet, animals also have the equal right to live here.
To sum up, although some people argue killing animals for research and food is ethical, I would argue there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate that this is not the case, and, therefore, steps must be taken to improve the rights of animals.
ClearIAS.com says
October 13, 2014 at 4:34 pmMarks 80/250
madhu says
October 13, 2014 at 8:10 pmThan sir
madhu says
October 13, 2014 at 9:23 pmThanq sir