Governance and Policy PYQ | UPSC GS II

2026

1. · Paper Q6 · 2026 · 10 marks · Solution

Does India's tribal development policy reflect the aspirations for a socially grounded and equity-based governance? Justify your answer.

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2. · Paper Q12 · 2026 · 15 marks · Solution

What is meant by judicial legislation? In this context, discuss the verdicts of the apex court allowing "passive euthanasia" and a "living will".

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3. · Paper Q15 · 2026 · 15 marks · Solution

To what extent do pressure groups, social movements and corporate lobbies deepen pluralistic democracy in India by representing excluded interests? Analyse whether the growing convergence of corporate wealth and political power poses a threat to the autonomy of formal democratic institutions.

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2025

4. · Paper Q2 · 2025 · 10 marks · Solution

Comment on the need of administrative tribunals as compared to the court system. Assess the impact of the recent tribunal reforms through rationalization of tribunals made in 2021.

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5. · Paper Q4 · 2025 · 10 marks · Solution

Discuss the nature of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Briefly describe the powers and functions of the Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

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6. · Paper Q6 · 2025 · 10 marks · Solution

Women's social capital complements in advancing empowerment and gender equity. Explain.

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7. · Paper Q10 · 2025 · 10 marks · Solution

"With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism." Elucidate.

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8. · Paper Q15 · 2025 · 15 marks · Solution

What are environmental pressure groups? Discuss their role in raising awareness, influencing policies and advocating for environmental protection in India.

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9. · Paper Q17 · 2025 · 15 marks · Solution

"In contemporary development models, decision-making and problem-solving responsibilities are not located close to the source of information and execution defeating the objectives of development." Critically evaluate.

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10. · Paper Q18 · 2025 · 15 marks · Solution

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has to address the challenges faced by children in the digital era. Examine the existing policies and suggest measures the Commission can initiate to tackle the issue.

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2024

11. · Paper Q4 · 2024 · 10 marks · Solution

"The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety." Comment.

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12. · Paper Q5 · 2024 · 10 marks · Solution

Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons of merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies.

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13. · Paper Q6 · 2024 · 10 marks · Solution

Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India's development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment.

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14. · Paper Q8 · 2024 · 10 marks · Solution

The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss.

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2023

15. · Paper Q2 · 2023 · 10 marks · Solution

Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority(NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India.

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16. · Paper Q3 · 2023 · 10 marks · Solution

"The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially." Comment.

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17. · Paper Q5 · 2023 · 10 marks · Solution

Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices.

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18. · Paper Q7 · 2023 · 10 marks · Solution

Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by the Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer to the recent decisions.

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2022

19. · Paper Q3 · 2022 · 10 marks · Solution

To what extent, in your opinion, as the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots?

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20. · Paper Q6 · 2022 · 10 marks · Solution

The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous coordination between the government and the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Discuss.

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21. · Paper Q8 · 2022 · 10 marks · Solution

Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment.

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22. · Paper Q9 · 2022 · 10 marks · Solution

India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.' Discuss India's role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement.

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23. · Paper Q13 · 2022 · 15 marks · Solution

While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy." Comment.

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24. · Paper Q19 · 2022 · 15 marks · Solution

How will 12U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India's position in global politics?

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2021

25. · Paper Q3 · 2021 · 10 marks · Solution

How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the states to improve their fiscal position?

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26. · Paper Q5 · 2021 · 10 marks · Solution

"Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India." Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies.

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27. · Paper Q12 · 2021 · 15 marks · Solution

Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures.

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28. · Paper Q16 · 2021 · 15 marks · Solution

Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, couple with lack of Information and Communication Technology(ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification.

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2020

29. · Paper Q1 · 2020 · 10 marks · Solution

"There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of peoples Act" Comment.

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30. · Paper Q3 · 2020 · 10 marks · Solution

How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer.

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31. · Paper Q4 · 2020 · 10 marks · Solution

The judicial systems in India and UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in the recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices.

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32. · Paper Q13 · 2020 · 15 marks · Solution

The strength sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of 'Functions, Functionaries and Funs' to the contemporary stage of 'Functionality'. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times.

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33. · Paper Q14 · 2020 · 15 marks · Solution

Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a 'useless stepney tyre' to the most useful supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible.

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2019

34. · Paper Q2 · 2019 · 10 marks · Solution

"The Central Administration Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees, nowadays is exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority." Explain.

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35. · Paper Q3 · 2019 · 10 marks · Solution

What are the methods used by the Farmers organizations to influence the policy- makers in India and how effective are these methods?

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36. · Paper Q6 · 2019 · 10 marks · Solution

Despite Consistent experience of High growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive.

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37. · Paper Q8 · 2019 · 10 marks · Solution

Implementation of information and Communication Technology (ICT) based Projects / Programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors, and suggest measures for their effective implementation.

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38. · Paper Q9 · 2019 · 10 marks · Solution

'The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.' Comment.

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39. · Paper Q11 · 2019 · 15 marks · Solution

On what grounds a people's representative can be disqualified under the Representation of People Act, 1951? Also mention the remedies available to such person against his disqualification.(15).

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40. · Paper Q13 · 2019 · 15 marks · Solution

"The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self- government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process." Comment.(15).

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41. · Paper Q14 · 2019 · 15 marks · Solution

"The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India." Discuss.(15).

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42. · Paper Q16 · 2019 · 15 marks · Solution

'In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost effective and remove many implementation blockages.'-Discuss.(15).

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43. · Paper Q19 · 2019 · 15 marks · Solution

"The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order" Elaborate(15).

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44. · Paper Q20 · 2019 · 15 marks · Solution

"What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India's National self- esteem and ambitions" Explain with suitable examples.(15).

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2018

45. · Paper Q6 · 2018 · 10 marks · Solution

"Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate 'protection and prevention of degradation to environment." Comment with relevant illustrations.

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46. · Paper Q9 · 2018 · 10 marks · Solution

"India's relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back." Discuss. (10 ).

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47. · Paper Q10 · 2018 · 10 marks · Solution

A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India's joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018.

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48. · Paper Q13 · 2018 · 15 marks · Solution

Indian and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based. (15).

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49. · Paper Q14 · 2018 · 15 marks · Solution

How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss. (15).

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50. · Paper Q15 · 2018 · 15 marks · Solution

Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing developmental projects? (15).

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51. · Paper Q20 · 2018 · 15 marks · Solution

In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation? (15).

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2017

52. · Paper Q1 · 2017 · 10 marks · Solution

"The local self government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance". Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation.

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53. · Paper Q4 · 2017 · 10 marks · Solution

How do pressure groups influence Indian political process? Do you agree with this view that informal pressure groups have emerged as powerful than formal pressure groups in recent years?

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54. · Paper Q6 · 2017 · 10 marks · Solution

'To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs, the identification of beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with the anticipated outcomes' Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme.

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55. · Paper Q7 · 2017 · 10 marks · Solution

Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss.

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56. · Paper Q15 · 2017 · 15 marks · Solution

Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. (250 words).

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57. · Paper Q16 · 2017 · 15 marks · Solution

'The emergence of Self Help Groups(SHGs) in contemporary times points to the slow but steady withdrawal of the state from developmental activities'. Examine the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs. (250 words).

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2016

58. · Paper Q3 · 2016 · 12 marks · Solution

"The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes." Discuss.

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59. · Paper Q5 · 2016 · 12 marks · Solution

Discuss each adjective attached to the word 'Republic' in the 'Preamble'. Are they defendable in the present circumstances?

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60. · Paper Q8 · 2016 · 12 marks · Solution

What is quasi judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples.

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61. · Paper Q10 · 2016 · 12 marks · Solution

"In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal." Critically examine this statement.

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62. · Paper Q11 · 2016 · 12 marks · Solution

"Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people's participation in the governance system are inter-dependent" Discuss their relationship in the context of India.

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63. · Paper Q13 · 2016 · 12 marks · Solution

Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization started in 1991? What can the government do to be responsive to this important change?

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64. · Paper Q14 · 2016 · 12 marks · Solution

"Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India." Comment.

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65. · Paper Q15 · 2016 · 12 marks · Solution

Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation.

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66. · Paper Q16 · 2016 · 12 marks · Solution

"Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative." What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable?

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2015

67. · Paper Q3 · 2015 · 12 marks · Solution

In the absence of well - educated and organised local level government system, Panchayats and Samitis have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instrument of governance. Critically Discuss.

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68. · Paper Q10 · 2015 · 12 marks · Solution

How can be the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of the Environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints.

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69. · Paper Q16 · 2015 · 12 marks · Solution

For achieving the desired objectives,it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous. Discuss in the light of experiences in recent past.

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70. · Paper Q20 · 2015 · 12 marks · Solution

Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India - Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchange could help generate goodwill between the two countries. Discuss with suitable examples.

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