This is question set #27 of ‘ClearIAS UPSC CSE 2016 Mains 30-day Answer Writing Program (AWP)’. AWP 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). Browse archives here.
Questions for Answer Writing – Selections for today:
- Essay Paper: Is India a soft state? (1000-1200 words – 125 marks)
- GS 1 Paper: What is the importance of Non Cooperation movement in Indian history? Looking back, analyse if it was a right decision to call of Non Cooperation movement? (200 words – 12.5 marks)
- GS 2 Paper: Compare the Indian constitutional scheme with United States of America. Is it time for India to adopt Presidential form of democracy? (200 words – 12.5 marks)
- GS 3 Paper: If there is one sector that needs the most of the punch line ‘minimum government, maximum governance’, it is aviation. Comment. (200 words – 12.5 marks)
- GS 4 Paper: The importance of the RTI Act can never be overstated. There are, however, some problems with the RTI Act and its implementation. Discuss. (150 words – 10 marks)
Marking Scheme
We have revised our marking scheme for our model tests, taking into account the latest trends in UPSC evaluation. Always keep in mind that content of the answer is more important than its length. Credit will be given to the grasp of the question, to the point answer, brevity, knowledge, clarity of expression etc.
Considering that toppers score 380-420 marks in GS papers out of 1000, we consider 40% marks for any answer as ‘above average’. The GS marks of AIR1 for last 3 years is: Gaurav Agrawal (2013) -338/1000; Ira Singhal (2014) – 455/1000; Tina Dabi (2015) – 424/1000. Please have a look at our marking scheme for the 30-day AWP for 2016 Mains.
- 0-19% – Not satisfactory.
- 20%-29% – Needs improvement.
- 30%-39% – Good answer.
- 40%-49% – Above Average Answer.
- 50%-59% – Excellent Answer.
- 60% and above – Exceptional Answer.
Note: Aspirants can select any question they wish to answer in the comment space provided below specifying the question. Please write the question first before you start answering, so that it would be easy for us and other readers. Though we encourage to type answers for better readability, if you prefer the ‘pen and paper way’ you need to scan your answers and upload it in a Google drive and share the link via comments. Please upload only one link (one answer) in one comment space. All the best!
Ayush Kumar says
October 28, 2016 at 12:59 pm2. What is the importance of Non Cooperation movement in Indian history? Looking back, analyse if it was a right decision to call of Non Cooperation movement?
The Non-Cooperation movement launched in 1920 was a seminal moment in Indian history, and has become part of the freedom struggle folklore. It has the following importance.
1. It was the first freedom movement led by GANDHI and on Gandhian values of non-violence and satyagraha.
2. Unlike previous movements which were only involving middle and upper classes, this was marked by MASS MOBILIZATION
3. The involvement of MUSLIMS was high due to integration with the Khilafat Movement.
4. It was an improvement on the HOME RULE AGITATION, adopting its spirit but making it more broadbased
5. It set the BLUEPRINT for future movements, and marked the success of the Gandhian method of non-violent resistance.
Even in hindsight, the decision to call off the movement in 1922 was the correct one. This was so for the following reasons:
1. The movement was unsustainable and losing momentum among common people
2. It instilled DISCIPLINE in the people and made it clear that non-violence was non-negotiable
3. It established trust in the British that the freedom movement would be non-violent
4. India was not ready for a prolonged and full-fledged movement, which needed greater political growth among the people
Thus the Non-Cooperation Movement served its purpose, and formally made Gandhi the spiritual and functional head of the freedom movement.
sanjiv says
October 28, 2016 at 10:10 pmur first part is gud…but u need to work for second part of ur answer…read others answer..and plz try to conclude with a broad perspective as it played a crucial role in giving direction to Indian national movement….however overall gud answer—30%
Ricky says
October 29, 2016 at 8:12 am@Ayush ..agreed with sanjiv but overall gud answer
Ayush Kumar says
October 28, 2016 at 1:08 pm3. Compare the Indian constitutional scheme with United States of America. Is it time for India to adopt Presidential form of democracy?
The Indian constitutional scheme and the American scheme have certain commonalities and differences.
1. Both are based on CONSTITUTIONAL SUPREMACY
2. Both follow principle of separation of powers between legislative, judiciary and executive, though to different degrees
3. Both follow a broadly FEDERAL SCHEME
DIFFERENCES
1. While the Presidential system focuses on stability of elected head of state, the Parliamentary system promotes responsibility of executive to legislature
2. The process of making AMENDMENTS to Constitution is much harder in the US than in India
3. The US has SEPARATION of legislative and executive, while India has INTEGRATION – executive is part of legislature
4. US law follows principle of ‘due process of law’ while Indian law follows ‘procedure established by law’ – substantive vs functional interpretation
5. In US, the de jure and de facto head of government is the same person – The President, while in India the President is de jure head and Prime Minister is de facto head
India is not ready for Presidential system because
1. Parliamentary system allows greater representation of all sections of society
2. Executive is held responsible to legislature, thus promoting accountability in actions
3. In a diverse society such as India, the Presidential system would concentrate too much power in the hands of one person.
While the Presidential system has its benefits, such as greater separation of powers and a more specialized and stable executive, the Parliamentary system has worked well for India and should continue to do so.
Blossom says
October 28, 2016 at 5:38 pmYou can also add familiarity of Indian public to parliamentary system due to GoI act, 1935, rest your answer covers most of the points. Nice attempt
Ayush Kumar says
October 28, 2016 at 9:38 pmThanks Blossom. I didn’t include that because the question asked if we should adopt the Presidential system now, as opposed to asking why we adopted Parliamentary system in 1950. So it wouldn’t have answered the question.
Saini says
October 29, 2016 at 8:56 amHello, after menaka v/s union of India 1978 case we do follow due process of law, correct me if wrong.
Ayush Kumar says
October 29, 2016 at 9:02 amWe do, but we are not constitutionally bound to. The Constitutional difference still exists.
saini says
October 29, 2016 at 9:15 amok
saini says
October 29, 2016 at 9:02 amhello Ayush, we do follow due process of law, after Menaka v/s union of India case 1978, if wrong let me know.
Ayush Kumar says
October 29, 2016 at 9:05 amI’ll make it a point to either omit the point altogether or clarify that I’m talking Constitutionally, and not by the expanded Supreme Court interpretation.
saini says
October 29, 2016 at 9:18 amas per my opinion better to leave this point.
saini says
October 29, 2016 at 9:16 amok thanks
Ayush Kumar says
October 28, 2016 at 1:15 pm4. If there is one sector that needs the most of the punch line ‘minimum government, maximum governance’, it is aviation. Comment.
Civil aviation in India has recently undergone some major changes with the new Civil Aviation Policy, and there is an argument to be made for reducing the role of government while streamlining the system
1. The 5/20 RULE has been amended to remove the 5 year lower limit, which will help new airlines fly internationally
2. The REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY SCHEME is a boon for inclusive growth, but may dampen private sector liberty
3. Promoting development of NO-FRILLS regional airports would require significant expenditure by the government and instructions to airlines
4. The rapid growth of the PRIVATE SECTOR and of consumer demand means that the sector is sufficiently diversified
However, there is still reason to believe that the government must continue to play an active role in civil aviation
1. The failure of Kingfisher Airlines and the impact of its NPAs on the economy shows that the sector may still require some handholding
2. FDI has not been enough in quantity, meaning that the government must take further steps to make sector attractive to foreign investors
3. INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT through rural connectivity still remains an important goal in achieving broadbased regional development.
The civil aviation sector is gradually developing deeper privatized roots and this must be encouraged with the government gradually taking a step back. But for now it is also important to use civil aviation to advance national goals for greater regional inclusion.
Ayush Kumar says
October 28, 2016 at 1:19 pm5. The importance of the RTI Act can never be overstated. There are, however, some problems with the RTI Act and its implementation. Discuss.
The RTI has been a seminal piece of legislation, promoting transparency and accountability, while empowering the common man. However, the implementation of the Act has certain lacunae, along with its formulation
1. The JUDICIARY has been kept outside its ambit, thus somewhat compromising its efficacy
2. The OFFICIAL SECRETS ACT, 1923 is still used to block certain RTI applications
3. SLOW RESPONSE TIME means that the effectiveness of the legislation is lost – justice delayed is justice denied
4. FRIVOLOUS APPLICATIONS are not adequately punished, thus clogging the system
5. The information provided is often incomplete due to faulty record-keeping and lack of centralized database
While the RTI Act has been revolutionary, certain structural changes are required to make it more effective and a tool for complete transparency.
alex says
October 28, 2016 at 9:23 pmnyc answer bro. however, the first part of the question ought to be catered.
KAWSHIK DUTTA says
October 28, 2016 at 2:53 pmCan any one tell me if the rumors about reducing the age limits to 26 is true?
i am going to turn 26 next month,so i am very tensed
sanjiv says
October 28, 2016 at 7:02 pmi would suggest u dont waste ur time ..thinking about rumours regardinf UPSC as the max age is still 32 for general..at it would not be implemented next year…and its very difficult in India at least where political resistence is at peak under BJP govt.. hence dont be tese and start ur prepararion for 2017.. All the best
sanjiv says
October 28, 2016 at 2:57 pm5) The importance of RTI can never be overstated . There are however some problems with RTI act.and implementation. Dicuss ?
Ans..”Democracy is the govt. of the people,by the people and for the people ” said by Abraham Lincoin
however after the revolutionary step of Parliament under the umbrella of RTI act 2005 it adds to transparency and accountability as additional pillars of Democracy.
Problems with RTI act and its implementation are :-
1) lack of awareness among masses
2) lack of infrastructure mainly in rural areas where administration is not equiped and skilled with modern technology to reply online.however their is a procedure of offline..
3) judiciary are exempted from the ambit of this Act
4) Red tapism in govt. departments
5) The official secret Act 1923. act as a major bramasthra to block certain RTI application
6) Inefficiency of govt. employees in data maintence and record keeping led to passage of faulty information
7) lack of adequate monitoring and reviewing machinery
8) Lack of initiative among PIO because of their inadequate training which create hinderance for them to understand the importance of RTI ACT 2005
9) constraints faced by common people in inspection of records provided however under the act the information should be provided as per the suitability or as per asked by aplicant..but this provision is rarely followed
10) constraints faced in filling of RTI application by common people
eventhough with certain impedients in RTI act 2005. it played a revolutionary role in empowering the masses . And strengthening the principle of rule by the people by their elected representative .
Blossom says
October 28, 2016 at 5:35 pmi guess if you give a brief about the RTI Act that would make the answer better IMO
sanjiv says
October 28, 2016 at 5:59 pm@blossom …as per my concern UPSC wants us to stick to question itself directly..however thanks for ur review i ill try to implement ur suggestions in my next answer
Ayush Kumar says
October 28, 2016 at 10:02 pmYou covered the points really well but I do agree with Blossom. Maybe add a couple of lines on the Act itself. But the actual content is very good.
40%
Ricky says
October 29, 2016 at 8:14 amvery gud answer/Above Average @sanjiv..really convincing points in limited points
James says
October 28, 2016 at 3:14 pmCompare the Indian constitutional scheme with United States of America. Is it time for India to adopt Presidential form of democracy? (200 words – 12.5 marks)
COMPARISON OF INDIAN CONSTITUTION WITH CONSTITUTION OF U.S.A
CONSTITUTIONAL SCHEME OF INDIA
1.) Indian Constitution is the lengthiest written constitution of the world with 365 Articles.
2.) Indian Constitution adopted Parliamentary form of Govt. like that of Britain.
3.) Here, the head of the state is President and the head of the Govt. is Prime Minister.
4.) India is a Union of States with states have no rights to sede from the Union i.e indestructible union with destructible states.
5.) India opts for single constitution and citizenship all over India except state of Jammu and Kashmir.
6.) Council of Ministers are responsible to the Parliament
7.) Executive are the members of both executive and legislative i.e dual membership.
8.) Representation of states in upper house of Parliament on the basis of population and therefore varies from state to state.
CONSTITUTIONAL SCHEME OF U.S.A
1.) Constitution of U.S.A is shortest written constitution with 55 Articles.
2.) U.S Constitution adopted Presidential form of Govt.
3.) Here, head of both states and govt. is President.
4.) U.S. Constitution is defined as Federation of States i.e states have right to secede from the Union. It is defined as indestructible union with indestructible states.
5.) In U.S.A the states have their own Constitution and citizenship
6.) President and its secretaries are not responsible to the Congress.
7.) Executive is only the member of executive and not legislature i.e single membership.
8.) All the states of U.S have equal representation in Senate with 2 members from each state.
Every form of Govt whether it is parliamentary or presidential has its own merits and demerits. Presidential form of govt. on the one hand offers stable govt., continuation of policies but on the other hand it has some demerits. It can lead to-
i) Conflicts between Executive and legislature
ii) Autocracy of President
India is a big country with huge diversity. The Presidential form of Govt. will not suit the country as in this people with different diversities will not get due representation in the Parliament, it also often leads to conflicts between executive and legislative. Our constitution makers want harmony between legislative and executive i.e why they opt this form of govt. Although parliamentary form of Govt is slow, has more chance of corruption but it can be minimized with appropriate policies making and implementation with transparency. Thus, India doesn’t need to adopt Presidential form of Govt.
James says
October 29, 2016 at 2:53 pmCorrection- 395 Articles in place of 365 articles
sanjiv says
October 28, 2016 at 3:25 pm@Ayush .ur answer no 4 is Good but more points could had been added their..basisly my analysis towards ur answer is that u have give gud points but try to bounden ur long statements in a word or short statement if possible..to increse the readibility of examiner
Ayush Kumar says
October 28, 2016 at 3:35 pm@Sanjiv, yeah I saw your answer and realized that could have been a better approach. Thanks though!
Your RTI answer is very good.
James says
October 28, 2016 at 4:25 pmWhat is the importance of Non Cooperation movement in Indian history? Looking back, analyse if it was a right decision to call of Non Cooperation movement? (200 words – 12.5 marks)
In the Nagur session of INC of 1920. The Congress had decided to adopt its massive non cooperation movement. The programme mainly include boycott of foregin goods and adoption of Swadeshi ones.
IMPORTANCE OF NON COOPERATION MOVEMENT IN INDIAN HISTORY
1.) Non Cooperation was the first movement which was massively participated by all categories of people-women, students, nationalists, lawyers, govt. officials etc.
2.) The programme include the boycotts of foreign goods and gave up the all those things, buildings which represent the Govt symbols. Due to this, the British economy was becsame handicapped and fall down rapidly.
3.) In 1921, India’s imports was fall down from Rs. 102 crore to Rs. 57 crore making huge losses to British Companies.
4.) The Use of Khadi instead of British Clothes leads to the boost in Indian Handloom Industries and therefore, startsgrowing rapidly.
5.) Khadi was seemed to be seen as a symbol of unity.
6.) It was the second time after the 1857 revolt that Muslims and Hindus came under one roof in such a massive numbers. against the British empire.
Decision to Call off the movement was absolutely correct as can be understood from the following reasons-
1.) Gandhiji knew that only with non-violence the independence could be won. Movement with violence can be easily suppressed by the Govt.
2.) Only with strikes, petitions, movements, Satyagraha and other moderate methods independence could be achieved.
3.) The momovement took a violent turn therefore the decision to call off the movement was correct.
By this movement, the British economy felled badly. Gandhi was emerged as a new and strong leader among the masses. The British understood the power of Indian masses and Satyagraha.
Blossom says
October 28, 2016 at 5:32 pmWhat is the importance of Non Cooperation movement in Indian history? Looking back, analyse if it was a right decision to call of Non Cooperation movement?
Ans: Non cooperation movement launched in 1920 by Mahatma Gandhi was a non-violent movement against the oppressive practices of British Raj and specially the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and Khilafat question. It involved non-cooperation with govt. over matters, picketing of liquor shops, boycott law courts etc. The importance of non-cooperation movement in the Indian history is:
1. It was the first mass movement launched at All India level by Gandhi ji.
2. It mobilised the masses and raised their political consciousness and self respect.
3.It saw great Hindu Muslim unity due to involvement of khilafat movement which was not visible in future movements such as Civil disobedience and Quit India movement due to Divide and Rule policy of Britishers
4. Students and women participated in large scale specially in picketing of liquor shops.
However, Following the Chauri chaura incident in 1922, the movement was called off unilaterally by Gandhian. This action was criticised by many including Nehru, CR Das etc. However, the decision was justified because:
1. Gandhi was a strategist. Through his experience in south Africa, he knew mass movements cannot survive for long as capacity of masses is limited. Chauri chaura provided an opportunity for respectful exit.
2. The weaknesses of movement were being visible as many students started joining college again, lawyers started practising etc.
3. Hindu Muslim unity was weakening and there were communal riots in many parts in country specially Malabar.
4. After the Chauri chaura incident, govt was legitimate to use violent methods to suppress the movement. this would have undermined the morale and self confidence of masses for future movements.
This strategy of Gandhi also known as Struggle-truce-struggle was the basis of almost all movements of Gandhi and was the reason he was one of the reasons that he was able to maintain the capacity and momentum of people to sacrifice and struggle for long.
Ayush Kumar says
October 28, 2016 at 9:36 pmNice, solid answer. Covered all the important points. I like your style of organization.
Ricky says
October 29, 2016 at 8:18 amgud answer…..excelent organization of ur answer
sanjiv says
October 28, 2016 at 5:49 pm2) What is the importance of non-coperation movement in Indian history? Looking back analyse if it was right decision to call off Non-coperation movement ?
ans) According to Dr Tarachand ” Non coperation was first movement without violence in the history of the world ” Broadly,speaking it gave a new complexion to people urge to freedom. It marked the begining of new phase in Indian national movement.
Importance of Non – coperation movement
1) Mass participation in indian history except 1857 rebellion.
2) Popularised the Gandhi bramasthra of Non – violence.
3) Congress gain sympathy & support from all section of society
4) Indian mill owners gained profit as British goods were boycotted. ( specially sugar )
5) Represented the communal harmony character of Indian society .Participation of muslims made it a mass and inclusive movement.
6) Played a pivotal role in awareing the masses of their political right
7) Fear of state repression & atrocity were reduced among the masses
8) Masses lost their sympathy and trust for British govt. .
The decision of calling off non -coperation movement was need of an hour as :-
1) It took a violent shape after chauri -chaura
2) continue of movement would had been led to comprimise with the principles of Non- violence.
3) Muslim population lost their motivation & energy due to fall of the caliph. ( the khilafat question was solved )
4) boycott of universities & schools by the students started to hamper the study and carrer of the students.
5) Failure of the method of boycott as the Marwari community imported goods breaking the promise in 1921.
6) Repressive actions taken by govt. to crush the movrment.
eventhough it was call off , it didn’t failled as its long term impact strengthen the struggle of independence. And gave the nation an alternative path of non-violence.
alex says
October 28, 2016 at 9:33 pmexcellent points. really liked it
Ayush Kumar says
October 28, 2016 at 9:41 pmSince ClearIAS might possibly not have the time to review our answers, what would the others say to us giving each other percentage scores along the percentage gradient given by ClearIAS? Our percentages won’t be as authoritative, but they could help.
Thoughts?
sanjiv says
October 28, 2016 at 9:53 pmoffcourse…agree with u …we can help each other enhancing aur answer by giving percentage as prescribed by clearias…however i would suggest to give reason as well for the suitable marks to each other..
Ayush Kumar says
October 28, 2016 at 9:57 pmOf course. I’d suggest the same pattern. Explanation followed by percentage. We could start with this set or tomorrow’s if people are on board.
sanjiv says
October 28, 2016 at 9:59 pmwe can start it with this set only if its comfortable by other participants as well.
Blossom says
October 29, 2016 at 12:18 pmI am in 🙂
Ganesh solanke says
October 28, 2016 at 10:05 pmThe importance of the RTI Act can never be overstated. There are, however, some problems with the RTI Act and its implementation. Discuss. (150 words – 10 marks)
Ans: RTI act is one of the very important act for comman public. But now a day it has some problems for implementation as below:
1. This act is not known to dead end persons especially rural public mostly.
2. Most people not know the procedure of RTI like appealing officer, time period to apeal etc.
3. Some pessimistic persons are making misuse of this act by blackmailing officers for bribe.
4.so officers are not interested to give information to public openly.
akku says
October 28, 2016 at 10:14 pmplz sm1 tell something about soft state