Forest ServicesPolity
Government Policy
Welcome to the dedicated section on Government Policy, a cornerstone of your UPSC Civil Services Examination preparation, falling under the broader umbrella of Polity and Governance. In the Indian administrative context
361 articles in this topic
Articles on Government Policy
Ladakh: Demand For Statehood & Sixth Schedule
Context Recently, renowned climate activist and Ramon Magsaysay Award winner Sonam Wangchuk joined a protest, demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Historical Background Historically, Ladakh was part of the erstwhile state of Jammu Kashmir. For decades, Ladakhis felt politically marginalized, with decisions being made in Srinagar that often overlooked the region’s unique cultural and ecological needs.
Supreme Court Examines Screening Process in Corruption Probes Against Public Servants
Context the Supreme Court heard a petition challenging the constitutional validity of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, balancing protection of honest officers and ensuring accountability in corruption probes. What is Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act? Introduced via the 2018 Amendment, Section 17A prohibits any police inquiry or investigation into public servants without prior approval from the competent authority (Central or State Government) if the act was d
15th Indian Organ Donation Day Ceremony
Context The Union Health Minister has addressed the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day Ceremony. About The 15th edition of Indian Organ Donation Day was held under the year-long national campaign Angdaan- Jeevan Sanjeevani Abhiyan, which seeks to promote organ and tissue donation across the country. The campaign emphasizes the need for increased public participation, dispelling myths and misconceptions, and motivating citizens to pledge for organ donation.
6 Years of Abrogation of Article 370
Context August 5th 2025, marks the sixth year for the abrogation of Article 370. What was Article 370? Article 370 was drafted as a temporary provision under Part XXI and came into effect in 1952.
POSH and Political Parties
Context The Supreme Court allowed a petitioner to withdraw her plea challenging the exclusion of women political workers from the ambit of protection under the POSH Act. About The plea mentioned that the definitions of ‘workplace’ and ‘employer’ under the 2013 Act must be expanded to include the political spectrum. It sought a declaration from the court that “political parties are bound to follow the procedure for protection of women in the workplace under the POSH Act”.
Linguistic Reorganisation of States in India
Context The Tamil Nadu Governor recently criticised the linguistic division of states in India, calling it a factor in the creation of second-class citizens. The States Reorganisation Act, 1956 The Act abolished the existing classification of states into Part A, B, C, and D, establishing a unified system of 14 states and 6 union territories. It led to the formation of states like Kerala, Karnataka, and enlarged existing states by merging territories based on linguistic majority.
Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021
Context The Supreme Court reserved its verdict on petitions challenging the age cap for couples seeking to have a child through surrogacy. Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 Surrogacy: The Act defines surrogacy as a practice where a woman gives birth to a child for an intending couple with the intention to hand it over to them after the birth. It is permitted only for altruistic purposes or for couples who suffer proven infertility or disease.
Supreme Court on Anti-Defection Law
In News The Supreme Court urged Parliament to reconsider its reliance on Assembly Speakers and Chairmen to fairly and promptly handle disqualification cases under the anti-defection law. What is the Anti-defection law? Aaya Ram Gaya Ram was a phrase that became popular in Indian politics after a Haryana MLA Gaya Lal changed his party thrice within the same day in 1967.
Police Reforms in India: From a Culture of Coercion to a Rights-Based Framework
It is time for a policing reset in India where human dignity and professionalism replace fear, coercion and the illusion of quick justice.
Single-window System for Appointing State DGPs
Context The Union Government has notified a Single Window System for appointing State Director-General of Police/Head of Police Force. About The new policy effective April 22, 2025, comes against the backdrop of several States not following the Supreme Court orders in the Prakash Singh case (2006) and the Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines as regards appointment of DGP/HoPF. Objective: Streamline and standardize the DGP empanelment process by States.
Lok Sabha Approved Extension of President’s Rule in Manipur
In News The Lok Sabha has given its approval to the statutory resolution regarding the extension of President’s rule in Manipur for a further period of six months with effect from 13th of August 2025. Background Manipur was placed under President’s Rule in February 2025 after erstwhile Chief Minister N. Biren Singh stepped down, nearly two years after the ethnic conflict began in the State between the valley-based Meitei community and the hills-based Scheduled Tribe Kuki-Zo group of communities.
Boosting the Capacity of Legal Aid Systems
India’s legal aid infrastructure remains underpowered and underfunded, despite being mandated to serve nearly 80% of India’s population.
Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill
Context The Maharashtra Legislature passed the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill to provide for effective prevention of certain unlawful activities of Left Wing Extremist organisations or similar organisations’. Key Provisions of the Bill Declaration of Organisations as ‘Unlawful’: The State Government can ban organisations it deems unlawful without public notification or due process safeguards. Criminalisation of Expression: Section 2(f) criminalises speech, gestures, or signs that “tend
NITI Aayog Presents India’s Third Voluntary National Review (VNR)
Context NITI Aayog presented India’s Third Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report on SDGs at the Ministerial Segment of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on SDGs, convened by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. About The VNR 2025, prepared under the stewardship of NITI Aayog and was developed through a wide-ranging consultative process involving state and Union Territory governments, civil society organisations, development partners, and the private sector. The re
Shall India Move Beyond Minimum Wage to Living Wage Framework?
Context The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment is considering a shift from the conventional “minimum wage” to a more comprehensive “living wage” framework, covering essential social expenditures. Living Wage vs Minimum Wage A minimum wage is the legally mandated lowest amount an employer must pay a worker, irrespective of the cost of living. It is typically based on factors such as labor productivity, occupation, industry type, and skill level.
Five years of National Education Policy
In News The National Education Policy 2020, marked the first comprehensive education policy completed five years since adoption. Key Features of NEP 2020 Structural Reform: Shift from the 10+2 system to a 5+3+3+4 curricular structure—covering ages 3–18 across foundational, preparatory, middle, and secondary stages. Foundational Literacy Numeracy: Emphasis on basic reading and arithmetic skills through initiatives like NIPUN Bharat for all children by Grade 3.
Centre Blocks 25 OTT Platforms over Obscene Content
Context The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed the blocking of websites and apps of at least 25 OTT platforms for allegedly providing obscene and vulgar content. Factors causing rise in Obscenity Rapid Growth of Digital Platforms: The proliferation of OTTs, social media, and video-sharing sites has enabled easy access and dissemination of objectionable content. Lack of Pre-Screening on OTT Platforms: Unlike films, OTT content is not subject to prior certification, allowing cre
National Sports Governance Bill, 2025
Context Recently, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports introduced the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha. Key Objectives of the Bill RTI Compliance: All recognized sports bodies, including the BCCI, will be subject to the Right to Information Act, enhancing public accountability. Athlete Representation: At least 10% of voting members in NSFs need to be sportspersons of outstanding merit, with gender balance mandated in executive committees.
National Cooperative Policy, 2025
Context The Union Ministry of Cooperation unveiled the National Cooperation Policy – 2025, marking a transformative moment in the history of India’s cooperative movement. What are Cooperatives? A cooperative (or co-op) is an organization or business that is owned and operated by a group of individuals who share a common interest, goal, or need.
National Sports Policy 2025
Context India, a country with immense talent and growing ambitions in the global sporting arena, is poised for a strategic transformation with the introduction of the National Sports Policy 2025. Strategic Framework: Governance: Establish a robust regulatory framework for sports governance, including legal framework. Private Sector Funding support: Develop innovative financing mechanisms and engage private sector participation through PPPs and CSR.