This is question set #45 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 at the bottom portion of this page, specifying the question.
Questions for Answer Writing – Selections for today:
- Essay Paper: Dualism in Indian economy and society. (1500 words)
- GS 1 Paper: [World History/Colonialism] – What are the differences between imperialism and colonialism? Trace the reasons for the spread of colonialism. (200 words)
- GS 2 Paper: [Polity/ Removal of Governor] The mere reason that a Governor is at variance with the policies and ideologies of the central government, or that the central government has lost confidence in him or her, is not sufficient to remove a Governor. Analyze this statement in the backdrop of recommendations by three commissions – Sarkaria Commission (1988), Venkatachaliah Commission (2002) and Punchhi Commission (2010). (200 words)
- GS 3 Paper: [Science and Technology/Higgs field] Higgs field is not the universal giver of mass to everything in the universe. Substantiate this statement connecting standard particle model and recently discovered Higgs Boson particle. (200 words)
- GS 4 Paper: [Ethics Case Study]Raju, an ordinary citizen working in a small private company got transfer to a remote village. He wants to get a new electric connection in his house. He inquired about the new connection, but the officer in charge at the electricity office replied that it will take at-least one month for the same, if applied through proper channel.Raju felt disappointed, as living without electricity in such a hot place is very tough. Localities advised him to pay bribes to the corresponding officer to get a new connection in two days or less. They also hinted about the nexus between the officerandlocalgoondas and advised against any legal battle or police complaint.Theyareof the opinion that there is high corruption in the government circles, and this is the only way to get things done in that village. Considering this situations,
- What are the options available to Raju?
- Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which Raju should adopt, giving reasons.
(300 words)
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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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- 4.0+/10 – Exceptional.
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GS 2 Paper: [Polity/ Removal of Governor] The mere reason that a Governor is at variance with the policies and ideologies of the central government, or that the central government has lost confidence in him or her, is not sufficient to remove a Governor. Analyze this statement in the backdrop of recommendations by three commissions – Sarkaria Commission (1988), Venkatachaliah Commission (2002) and Punchhi Commission (2010). (200 words)
Answer : the change of guard at the center is often followed by the removal of governors who were appointed by the previous regime . various commissions had recommended against such practices . supreme court in 2010 , in B P Singhal vs Union of India case interpreted the provision of removal of governor made in article 155 and 156 of the constitution . supreme court came up with some binding principles such as compelling reasons need to be cited for removal , if removed in an arbitrary manner , decision can be challenged in court of law etc .
apart from this 3 commissions had recommended in this regard as follows
sarkaria commission – in 1988 ,
– governor not to be removed before 5 years except in rare circumstances
– this would ensure security of tenure and duties would be carried out without fear / favour
– governor to be given fair chance of being heard
– governor to be informed of grounds of removal
venkatachaliah commission – in 2002 ,
– 5 year tenure to be given to governor
– in case of the removal , chief minister to be consulted
punchhi commission – in 2010 ,
– the phrase during the pleasure of president needs to be amended
– the removal to be proceeded with the resolution of state legislature
these recommendations wee never made into law by the parliament .
therefore they are not binding on the central government
Imperialism refers to the dominance of a imperial power or a state on other regions, either by aggressive territorial possession or economic might or both. Japan since early 20th century to the end of world war-II followed imperialism.
Colonialism on the other hand refers to occupation of a foreign land by more powerful societies to reside along with subjugation and exploitation of the local inhabitants. European colonialism spread in many parts of Asia, Africa and America
After European renaissance in 15th century, there emerged a renewed vigor among European empires to adventure and sea voyages. Subsequently Portuguese, Dutch, French and English explorers discovered the sea routes to Asia, Africa and America. In Asia, their actual purpose was trade but increased rivalry among them led to militarization.They started mobilizing more military to secure their trade rights and engaged the local rulers for protection as well. Later they realized that local kings and rulers were narrow minded and they often fought with each other. The society was feudal, divided on caste and religion. Seeing this, they started interfering among the rulers, took side of one party to get the trade sanctions. English East India company pioneered this tactics. Gradually it became more wealthy and started demanding revenue and political rights. Victory in some key battles like Palasi, Buxor were important developments and gave the colonial power an upper hand in important areas. Since then the colonial rule expanded and lasted till about middle of 20th century.
Answer 1: Essay Paper: Dualism in Indian economy and society.
Amrtya Sen in his recent book India and its Contradiction has rightly described Indian growth story for creating “Islands of California in the sea of sub-Saharan Africa “.
India opted to be a secular, socialist,democracy where identity of an individual is his citizenship and not the caste,creed,color and religion he or she belongs to and where critical resources were to be owned by State to give it some elbow room to fulfill its social obligations towards poor and marginalized section.Conception of an egalitarian society in a democratic polity was not an easy job but our forefathers have the faith in people and their power in bringing transformation in India.In 67 years of our republic we have failed miserably to bridge the gap with the pace which we would have expected.In the essay we will try to trace the dualism in the society and economy, why it exists and will conclude by finding some way out of this predicament.
India has witnessed spectacular economic growth in last decade but could not brought people out of poverty in commensurate number and had widened the gap between lower and upper quintile of population. The reasons could be find in sorry state of resource allocation where 85 % people leaving in rural areas either does not have access to land or have land where they can practice only sustenance agriculture. Government interventions like New agricultural policy (green revolution) has only helped absentee landlords created by faulty land reforms and widened the regional imbalance.
In industrial arena we had chosen growth pole and growth centre strategy putting massive investment in backward regions which had anaemic infrastructure and lack backward and forward linkages. Moreover the objective of job creation for people in backwards received a blow because unavailability of skilled labour. Thus our industrial policy failed to uplift people out of the impoverished status. In addition to this, locating these industries and extraction of inputs from these areas has resulted in alienation of tribal population from national mainstream and naxal problems associated with it.
Recent economic growth has been led by Service sector industry with little scope for employment generation resulting in creation of “Californian islands”.
The biggest challenge for us was in the field of social reform in a secular set up where caste, religious and racial prejudices has resulted into strangulating un-freedoms. Legally and constitutionally we abolished slavery and untouchability but women remained slaves of modern times and are being treated as untouchables in workforce.
At a time when we are celebrating Nobel peace prize to Kailash Satyarthi we must also remember the sorry state in which our children are and our constitutional and moral responsibility towards them.
Modern economic development has increased rural-urban divide where best of amenities are available only to selected to a selected few and people are forced to migrate from their native places only to face racial, religious and linguistic barriers and discrimination and humiliation based on their identity. Recent killing of a North-east student Sido Tania is gruesome reminder to our deep-seated racial mind-set.
Everyone knows the difficulty of trying to walk on single feet but that as society we are trying to do by not giving adequate access to women in decision making quarters. World inequality adjusted-HDI and women empowerment index shame us every year by reflecting on pathetic situation of women.
Public health, sanitation and nutrition have also been largely ignored area which creates a vicious cycle which poor find difficult to break. Access to sanitation and potable drinking water affect an individual’s cognitive and physical abilities. Since a large section of people do not have access to these basic amenities their future subjugation is ensured by poor health and education. Best education and health facilities are provided at centres of excellence in privately owned profit motive driven institutions which only multiply our dualism.
We need an economic system which is sustainable and inclusive which will pave the way for an egalitarian society, in which ample focus must be given to agriculture and manufacturing for ensuring our food security and employment generation. In social sphere we need to move from community identity to individual identity where one is judged by his capabilities and not by the caste, creed, colour or religion he or she belong to.
.
GS 1: What are the differences between imperialism and colonialism ? Trace the reason for the spread of colonialism ?
Imperialism is a policy of extending a country’s power and influence through diplomacy or military force.while colonialism results in control over life of native in political ,economical ,cultural and social spheres.
Imperialism is done by state through government diplomacy to acquire territories, increase sphere of influence and to promote trade and investment.Colonialism may be done by companies who secure special trading privileges.
The main goal of colonialism is to extraction of economic benefits from the colony while imperialism includes political control.
Colonialism spread in Africa, Asia ,and America for 3 G- Gold ,Glory and God. with the advent of new technology in ship building people were able to trade with far country.these new country was full with resources and many had good harbor therefore merchant started to build their colony in new found land.
European countries (England,Spain,Dutch ,Portugal and France) were looking for Raw materials , new Market, Cheap labour ,Security for their trade route ,race superiority and Colonialism served all of them.
There might be some differences between Imperialism and Colonialism but colonialism is part of imperialism and imperialism is natural extension of colonialism.
GS 4:
The given situation is a typical example of a government office where officers demands bribes for fast service,some time directly ,some times indirectly.In this situation Raju has 6 option:
1. Give the bribe and get connection within 2-3 days.
2. Go for paper process and get Electricity in a month
3.Inform Private company about this problem and seek help
4. Request for transfer
5.Quit the job
6. make complain to Electricity Board and Police Department
Analysis of all the option:
1. this is the easy option for him as he will get electricity within 2- 3 days and can enjoy his life.but then he will support the corrupt practice by Officers which both morally and ethically wrong.
2. this is the only honest way by which he can get electricity but he has to suffer for a month .This is free from corruption and mean is as good as end.
3.Raju can inform private company to arrange an accommodation with electricity connectivity and explain his condition and impact on work.this is a median path by which he can escape through both part of corrupt practice and suffering.
4. If company could not arrange any other accommodation then he can apply for transfer to some other location.but this is not sure whether he will get transfer or not and new place would also had same problem.
5. Leaving the Job is other option for him but that may weaken his financial condition if other job is not nearer.and leaving the job will show his cowardice behaviour.
6. therefore the best option for him is to apply the electricity connection by actual process and collect information about corrupt officer and make a complain to electricity board and police secretly. In this process he has to enquire about honest officer in both Electricity Board and Police and inform only them.
in this way a major problem could be solve and people can get easy connection.
Today India is facing the same situation where a common man has to give bribe for Driving Licence,BPL card ,Electricity connection and other governments facilities. Right to Information ,Citizen Charter are some instrument through which people can know their rights and Whistler Blower Protection bill is one step to protect the whistler blower which is yet to pass.
Marks 112/250. Vinay, you can write well, and that is reflecting in this essay. If it’s a 250 mark essay, you should add more. The present one looks more like a 125 mark essay, which can be one case for this year. But still there is scope for improvement. There are plenty of points on this topic, including multi-billionaires in India, second fastest growing economy and so on. We are not listing everything now, as that would deter other participants to come up with their original thoughts. Any way, keep writing. All the best!
Marks 9/20. Interesting thought process.
Marks 3.5. You could have touched different dimensions – social, economic, politcal, military etc – in reasons part.
Marks 4.0. If the analysis part was properly concluded, you could have touched 5.0.
Marks 2.5. You could have touched different dimensions – social, economic, politcal, military etc – in reasons part.
The Mobile revolution
India is the home of world’s 2nd largest mobile users with lowest tariff rate, now a day’s everybody can been seen with a mobile phone, with active social media account, updates and RSS feed can be seen updated every second, mobile users carry out various actives related to their personal and professional life, with various antagonist statement it’s true that mobile made life easier.
India mobile history goes back to 80s when 1st telegraph was established during British era in between Kolkata and Diamond harbor. Telegraph at that time was a luxury and only a hand full of people get the privilege to use that, telegraph was established with the aim of better communication between the different British business units, these telegraph facility was extended to so that a better connectivity could be established. Telegraph facility was extended to Kolkata to madras as, up to that time India got it’s University and High court.
India got its first wireless telegram between Sandhead and Sarag island, Telegraph was liberalized during Congress administration under the leadership of Ms. Indira Gandhi. Only a hand full of people used this facility for its high cost and per word charge policy, a normal user have to pay per word, Kolkata archives still retain some telegraph conversation, which is unusual because of no punctuation marks and short line messages. In the year 2013 last Telegram message was sent from Kolkata, before it was made obsolete for use.
Landline phone’s came in the next generation which provided a same platform to communicate two person located in distant area, BSNL dominated the phone revolution, STD boot concept came in India where person don’t have to own a connection to make a call. This was the time when post office flourished at most; many post office branches were tie up with BSNL for new connection and making calls at lower cost.
Many other players started entering the market like Alcatel, MTLN, VSNL etc, mobile phone came in India in the form of walky talky (Motorola) which were given to the government officials in Army, Loco Pilots, Station masters, Forest rangers etc. for making connection for the smooth flow of work Mobile revolution 1st came with the help of Reliance when it launched first postpaid scheme. Rs 501 for mobile along with postpaid connection, it was recorded highest number of sale nationwide, but company faced a massive default in bill payments.
With time new players entered the market, Globus manpower proved to be the large untapped area for the mobile revolution, global companies like Nokia, Motorola, Samsung covered the market in a short span of time, with no age bar on the mobile users it spread like a web, cheap mobile manufactured of Mobile in China also targeted huge market of India and done a initial good business in India, at this time government made its intervention in import of China mobile as it hamper the emerging manufacturer of India mobile.
Following are the key changes that mobile addressed:
Re-incarnation of Radio in the form of FM
Internet user (India became 3rd largest internet user)
Banking Reform (Mobile)
Trading (Stock market)
Some negative aspects:
Setting up of Network tower among residential places that created a cloud of harmful diseases
Hamper natural habitat of small birds and insects
Many diseases come up with regular and high use of mobile phones.
Mobile users are increasing day by day India is witnessing a revolution in mobile users and it is expected to see some positive changes, few years back mobile market was dominated by foreign Brand (Nokia, Samsung, Motorola etc.) but now India is in its way to expand its wings, companies such as Micromax, Lava, Spice are capturing the Indian market and expected to provide global services.
Government use the miniature tool to resolve many complex issues, recently Jan Dhan Yojna is linked to thousands of customers and it is expected to enroll 7 cr new customer till the year end, a step towards Financial Inclusion, with new form of banking, that is sms banking (No Internet required) rural people are expected to avail the facility(Banking correspondent concept expected to evaporate ).
Free and scientific guidance to farmers through Kisan Call Centre expected to be bring boost in the Indian agriculture, government also expanding the scope this concept so that maximum benefit can availed by farmers across the country (Frequent Physical verification of land and vegetation ).
With Adhar card which can be linked to the bank account, people can receive subsidies directly into there bank account (all middle man are removed). Programs like MGNREGA are linked also with Adhar so that payments can be issued directly to bank account. Various awareness program also initiated in form of SMS ex- bank transaction, UAN account transaction, news, special alert etc.
TCS also came up with a mobile application MKrishi which is also inclined to farmers and there ferlizer use, TCS Lab rooted it’s deep research on Indian climate and agriculture to develop this software, government can implement small ticket size loans in the form of Micofinancing to the poor.
Mobile phones is a active and unique prospective that can be used to address complex social, economical problems, it’s the only device and connectivity which is deeply rooted to huge geographical area of India, a well-connected pollution with zeal to achieve prosperity and growth mobile revolution is yet to come.
I am working professional, given CSAT 2014 but coud’t able to clear this year (expected to get around 100 marks only), this was my first attempt, any advice with repect to preparation will be great.
Kindly reply, with great hope i am posting this.
Answer to GS-2:
Shila Dixit, a political veteran had to vacate the office of kerala governor in less than 7 months after her appointment, purely for political purpose. It made the mockery of the Punchhi commission recommendation that the government of the day should stop making the Governor a political football.
Similar in the context, Sharkaria Commission and other have recommended that the governor should be given fixed tenure, his/her appointment & removal should be done by consulting the state government. They further detailed that a governor should ideally be apolitical and should belong to other state among others. Yet the recommendation has not been accepted and governors are being appointed and removed at will.
The argument that the political ideology of the Governors are not consistent with the central government and this will undermine the states administration may have some truth but cannot be the basis at all for removal of a governor. It undermines the credibility of those who perform their work with utmost diligence, objectivity and are non partial.
Governors have some discretionary powers and authority which is crucial for states functioning and overall progress. However, their appointment is done by the president, in advice with the union cabinet. This precedent needs to be reviewed.The constitution makers perhaps could not foresee the multiplicity of political power. State and central government, now, may belong to different political parties; moral degeneration among politicians has led to misuse of Governors` power for political interest. Therefore the solution to come out of this situation is to do a constitutional amendment which enables an objective selection of Governors by establishing a selection committee comprising state and central executives and some eminent persons
Marks 100/250. Not a bad start Papu. But make sure you answer these questions in the corresponding test series set. And regarding guidance and preparation strategies, the best post to start is : https://www.clearias.com/upsc-exam-guidance/.
Marks 3.0
Thank you very much sir will strive for improvement in my next attempts.
Thank you, for your quick response, I will strive to be more constructive and improve my content.
thank you for review
GS PAPER 4
Ans : the given scenario is very much similar to the situation faced by ordinary citizen of India on day to day basis . raju having got transferred and engrossed in such a situation has following alternatives
1 – he can wait for the so called proper channel to operate
in the meanwhile he can
a – ask his company to put his transfer on hold for a month
b – ask his company to make suitable arrangements
c – he himself makes certain arrangements in the locality eg , paying guest
2 – he can grease the palms of the mediating officers to get his work done ( as suggested by the people of the locality )
3 – he finds out the reasons for such a delay and if there is intentional delay in the matter , he reports to appropriate authority such as , police or court
of the three main alternatives infront of him , raju should not go for option 2 i.e. giving bribe . though this route sounds somewhat time and cost effective and is followed by many , it is immoral . if done this way , nothing will change in the system ever . wrong precedent gets more and more established this way .
the option available for raju is number 3 i.e. he needs to find out the reasons for delay and report for any intentional delay . this option is not only a moral act but a moral duty of every citizen to report deficiencies in the system to the appropriate authority , as they may not be aware of it . here raju is not only solving his problem but of those in future need also and set a right precedent for the society .
when the delay is genuine , then the option 1 is to be considered . here also further options are available which needs to be taken into account . raju can here look for some paying guest for a month . this way company ‘s work will also be done . if not possible for raju , he can request his company for the same .
if the work of company is not urgent and can wait for a month then raju can ask for delaying his transfer for a month .
Answer 3: Removal of Governor
India’s federal structure was put to real test after 1967 Elections when many states have governments of different hues than one at the center.State government started opposing vehemently the role of governor as an agent of center.In our federal set up Governor has dual responsibility of ensuring that state government functions as envisaged in constitution and its policy are not in conflict with that of center.
Article 156(1) states that governor hold office “during the pleasure of president” which was used by government at the center to remove governors at its sweet will.Various committees and SC judgments has suggested improvements in process of removal of governments befitting a constitutional office.
Sarkaria Commission: Suggested that 5 year tenure of governors should be guaranteed and it should not be disturbed unless there are some compelling need although it declined a removal process similar to impeachment of judges.
venkatachaliah commission: It also accepted concurred with the recommendation of Sarkaria commission and also held that reasonable opportunities should be given to governors for his defense in case of removal for some compelling reasons.It also advocated a parliamentary submission by government stating the reasons of removal.
Punchhi Commission: Punchhi commission has also reiterated that governors should not be removed because of change of guard at center but there should be some compelling reasons.In addition to this it advocated power of state legislature to impeach a governor.
In B P Singhal vs Union of India in 2010 SC held that 156(1) “during pleasure of president” provision only dispenses with ascribing reasons for removal of governors but it does not dispense with fairness and reasonableness of the process and legal remedy will be available for an aggrieved governor if the decision is taken in arbitrary method.
There is need to re-look this whole provision of removal of governors which balances his function as a friend,philosopher and guide to state government at the same time ensuring that there is harmony and cooperation between union and its units.For fulfilling such overarching functions dignity of constitutional office of governor must be restored.We must also be alive to this fact no matter of constitutional/legal safeguard can achieve this unless there is political will to appoint non-partisan person and trust between center and states.
Anwer 5:
Since in current situation Raju is an ordinary employee of the private firm and transferred to a hot location his priority will be in getting electricity connection quickly and through simple process(devoting minimum time) so that he continue to fulfil his official duties. He has below possible options which have certain advantage but some legal/ethical concerns.
• Pay the bribe and get electricity connection:
This will secure him electricity connection at the earliest but he should have financial affordability to pay the bribe. But this act involves his involvement in an act of corruption will attract penalties and punishment under prevention of corruption act. It also shows his lack of faith in legal and justice system
• Wait for the process to take its due course:
This will prevent moral turpitude but delay the process and will affect his physical and mental efficiency. This will also reflect his belief in rule of law and fairness of the process which should be given a chance.
• Complaint to police/seek legal remedy
But since he is told about collusion of police and officer he might endanger his life and might engage in a lengthy legal process. But this will also show is endurance and courage to ensure application of rule of law in adverse situations. He might appeal to higher authority of the officer to seek redressal of grievance.
• Organise people and inform to media to build pressure
This will ensure that corruption is routed from the department by creating awareness of legal recourse available to common people and seek media attention to force department to play by the rule. This will need lot of time to organise a mass movement he might not be able to fulfil his official duties.
• Leaving the job
This is probably difficult for low paid ordinary employee unless he secure a better job.
From the above analysis we can conclude that he should complain to authority above the rank of officer and police and should give legal system a chance for his grievance redressal and should not believe the hearsay of people in first hand and if it failed he can organise people to raise his voice against corruption.
GS 1 Paper: [World History/Colonialism] – What are the differences between imperialism and colonialism? Trace the reasons for the spread of colonialism. (200 words)
Answer: Imperialism is extension of power,influence or rule beyond the boundaries of nation. Control is exercised for economic exploitation by mechanism of direct political control(colonialism) , sphere of influence and economic and political agreements.Imperialism doesn’t always involves military conquest and loss of sovereignty in all matters of subjugated state.
Colonialism is military conquest for economic and political exploitation in which subjugated country looses its sovereignty and is directly ruled by the metropolis(imperial power)
Below are the reasons for spread of colonialism:
1: Mercantilism needs trading centers for trade to flourish.
2. Capitalism and the need of raw material and market for finished product.
3.Proselytizing mission of christian missionaries.
4.Investment in resource rich countries and labor abundant countries and investment protection.
5. Efforts to evade protectionism prevailing in European economy.
6. National chauvinism where power is equated with acquisition of colony.
Many factors which fostered colonization of Africa and Asia are:
1. Better transport and communication system
2.Factionalism ridden decadent society
3.Low awareness of scientific and economic transformation taken place in Europe.
I wonder why clearIAS does not emphasize the importance of word limit. To answer 25 odd questions in three hours, we need to simplify answers rather than behave like a scholar.
GS 2 Paper: [Polity/ Removal of Governor] The mere reason that a Governor is at variance with the policies and ideologies of the central government, or that the central government has lost confidence in him or her, is not sufficient to remove a Governor. Analyze this statement in the backdrop of recommendations by three commissions – Sarkaria Commission (1988), Venkatachaliah Commission (2002) and Punchhi Commission (2010). (200 words)
Ans. Coming of a new government at Centre with different policies and ideologies or that the central government has lost confidence are not enough to remove a Governor. The Sarkaria Commission 1988, emphasized at security of tenure and fair and reasoned ground for removal where as the Venkatchilaiah Commission 2002 also asked for security of tenure and removal with CM’s consultation. These two commission ensure security of tenure and the constitution also prescribes a five year tenure for Governor, so he should not be removed prior to that. The Puchhi Commission 2010 has recommended resolution of state legislature and amending the “pleasure of President” clause. Considering this neither constitution has provided nor any of these three commissions have recommended for removal of Governor on change of guard. Citing the same reasons, the Governor of Uttarakhand has petitioned in SC where in the new Government stated that it has never asked for his resignation. The Punchhi Commission’s recommendations also disapprove his untimely removal.
A Governor is an agent of central government and although he can return to active politics after his tenure but till the time he is Governor he shall perform his constitutional duties and in adverse he can be removed as per constitutional provisions. However transferring and unofficial/indirect pressure for resignation are other ways to get rid of him. A Governor is a constitutional post and so ideological clash has no meaning. When President of different ideology continues to uphold constitution, Governor should also be trusted to do the same and be allowed to continue. Governor shall use discretionary powers, within the purview of Constitution only and if Centre’s directives are not followed then he can be removed but not just on change of Guard.
Thanks Rajeev for your review. Will keep in mind
GS 4 Paper: [Ethics Case Study]Raju, an ordinary citizen working in a small private company got transfer to a remote village. He wants to get a new electric connection in his house. He inquired about the new connection, but the officer in charge at the electricity office replied that it will take at-least one month for the same, if applied through proper channel. Raju felt disappointed, as living without electricity in such a hot place is very tough. Localities advised him to pay bribes to the corresponding officer to get a new connection in two days or less. They also hinted about the nexus between the officer and local goondas and advised against any legal battle or police complaint.They are of the opinion that there is high corruption in the government circles, and this is the only way to get things done in that village. Considering this situations,
What are the options available to Raju?
Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which Raju should adopt, giving reasons.
(300 words)
Ans. The options available with him are following-
Option 1: Pay bribe and get the connection: Relying on hints form localites, he can approach the officer to pay bribe and try to get early connection and enjoy the electricity. But his information about bribe is unfounded and only allegations. If the officer is not corrupt and there is systematic problem for delay in work, he may land in trouble for offering bribe. And even if bribe is taken by the officer he is only promoting the crime. The officer may ask for further bribe so there is no end to this. SO this option is not good.
Option 2: Apply through Proper Channel: He knows paying bribe is an offence and is also against his values so he will apply through proper channel. But he may ask for Citizen Charter to know the standard time required for completion of job. He will have to bear the hot weather but will stand by his principles.
Option 3: He can seek transfer or delay his transfer: He can ask his company to transfer him to another place or delay his transfer but this is not good option as he will be treated as risk-averseness or cowardliness by company and he may also loose his self confidence.
Option 4: Raise voice against corruption if existing: If the real corruption is happening, he can lodge anonymous complain to State Electricity Board and can write to CBI with request to not to reveal his names. Alternatively he can also take localites into confidence and unite them to raise voice against the malpractice. Convince them about the ill effects of such practices.
He should take Option 2 as it will keep his self esteem high. He will not be doing crime of bribe-giving and rather tolerate the weather conditions. If he is daring enough and can take on challenges he can take option 4 as well.
What are the differences between imperialism and colonialism? Trace the reasons for the spread of colonialism.
Ans
Imperialism is a much older concept where one nation tries to increase its influence over other nations. Empires have existed since earliest times with all the major world powers from Egypt and Rome to Mongols and Russia having empires, which they ruled either directly or indirectly through their military, economic or political clout.
Colonialism comparatively is a modern concept where one nation converts another into a colony through repopulation or subjugation of its economy. The essential characteristic which differentiates it is the conversion of the colonised nation’s economy into a primary produces to feed the secondary and tertiary industries of mother nation.
Colonialism started in 16th century with the spread of European powers to new lands, hitherto unknown or isolated. European powers colonised Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia and converted the native economies from self-sufficient ones to those providing raw material and consuming finished products of European powers.
The process got impetus with the advent of industrialisation which made consumption of large amounts of raw material possible, opened up hitherto un-accessible parts like inner Africa for exploitation and made large distance travels possible. Non-European powers like Japan and arguably USA too experimented with colonialism but the process finally ended with second world war and many modern nations were born on the lines of colonial boundaries.
The mere reason that a Governor is at variance with the policies and ideologies of the central government, or that the central government has lost confidence in him or her, is not sufficient to remove a Governor. Analyze this statement in the backdrop of recommendations by three commissions – Sarkaria Commission (1988), Venkatachaliah Commission (2002) and Punchhi Commission (2010). (200 words)
Ans
Governor is an important position, acting as agent of central government in the states and with real discretionary powers (as against the president). However, consecutive governments have made political appointments to the positions which the subsequent governments have un-ceremoniously removed.
This has led to considerable debate among the scholars and politicians and three committees have been setup in this regard.
Sarkaria commission; concluded that governors should be allowed reason for their removal and granted opportunity to defend themselves against the reasons.
Venkatachaliah commission; concluded that governors should be removed only after discussion with the CM of the respective state.
Punchhi commission; concluded that ‘during the pleasure of President’ should be removed from the constitution, regarding the tenure of Governors. He should be removed only with the consent of legislative assembly of respective state.
In the light of above committees, we can see that they have recommended rationalisation of the process of removal of Governors. Sadly however none of these have been followed.
The need is to standardise the process of both appointment and removal of Governors as pointed out by many observers. The Governor holds real powers and responsibilities in a state including imposition of President’s rule and the position demands treatment in proportion to its responsibilities.
Higgs field is not the universal giver of mass to everything in the universe. Substantiate this statement connecting standard particle model and recently discovered Higgs Boson particle. (200 words)
Ans
Higgs field is omnipresent field that interacts with particles and prevents them from travelling at speed of light. All particles that do not interact with it (photons, gravitons and gluons) travel at speed of light. It is interaction with this field that also gives them mass.
Higgs boson is the particle which proves the presence of higgs field because itself it is an concentration of the higgs field. Higgs fields and Bosons were known since 1962 from work of Dr. Higgs but was proven only in 2012 by Cern Hadron Collider by accelerating particles with enough energy to produce Higgs particles (this proving existence of Higgs field).
However it doesn’t give mass to all particles in the universe-
1) The mass of Protons is more than the mass of the constituent quarks. Rest of its mass comes from the energy between the constituent quarks.by the known equation e=mc2(m=e/c2)
2) The mass of black holes is not entirely from higgs field.
3) Dark matter doesn’t get its energy from Higgs field.
4) Mass of Higgs bosons itself isn’t (arguably) entirely due to Higgs field.
Thus Higgs field explains why the elementary particles have mass and not higher particles.
Marks 3.5. Appreciate the attempt.
Raju, an ordinary citizen working in a small private company got transfer to a remote village. He wants to get a new electric connection in his house. He inquired about the new connection, but the officer in charge at the electricity office replied that it will take at-least one month for the same, if applied through proper channel. Raju felt disappointed, as living without electricity in such a hot place is very tough. Localities advised him to pay bribes to the corresponding officer to get a new connection in two days or less. They also hinted about the nexus between the officer and local goondas and advised against any legal battle or police complaint. They are of the opinion that there is high corruption in the government circles, and this is the only way to get things done in that village. Considering this situations,
A. What are the options available to Raju?
B. Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which Raju should adopt, giving reasons.
(300 words)
Ans
Today with widespread corruption and criminalisation of governance people have deal with such situations often. The choice often is between getting involved in long and harassing procedures or get their way through a small act of bribing.
Under the given situation, Raju can choose from one of the following options with their evaluation.
1) Get in touch with the employer, explain the situation and ask them to solve the problem; the organisation sending you there has the responsibility to make arrangements for your stay, but you will be shirking your social responsibility by ignoring the issue.
2) Go through the process and hope to get the connection at the end of one month; will not be giving in to the temptation of your ease by illegal means but will not be risking your ease further by fighting the wrong. On the other hand you will cause problems for your professional and personal life.
3) Grease the palms of officers and get the connection early; will ensure you get what you want easily and can focus on your work again but the illegal system will be strengthened and will continue to misuse people with resources and deny people without it.
4) Put a complaint against the request for bribe to higher officials and inform them of the illegal activities while putting request for connection officially; you will not break the law and also ensure that attention is brought to the activity and a potential solution is brought to the problem but may put yourself at risk of physical or emotional harm.
5) Check and ensure that all the options of ensuring proper services (like civil society, RTI, anonymous complaint system) while maintaining his anonymity and file a request for proper connection and request your organization to provide you with alternate accommodation in light of the situation, in the meanwhile.
Raju’s objective here should be to avoid personal harm and ensure timely and quality service, while bringing the problem to light to avoid harm for other.
In my opinion, the fifth option is the best as it would hold his employer and government’s system responsible and bring to their attention the descerpancies while at the same time ensuring his personal safety and timely service he is entitled to.