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
Parliamentary Panel on Income Tax Bill Provisions
Context Recently, the Select Committee of Parliament (31-Member) tabled its report on the new Income Tax Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha. Key Recommendations of the Parliamentary Panel TDS Refunds: Proposed removal of strict penalty clauses against late refund claims when the taxpayer is otherwise compliant. Trust Taxation: Relief for religious-cum-charitable trusts from flat 30% tax on anonymous donations.
India’s Criminal Justice System: Key Concerns & Road Ahead
Recently, the Bombay High Court has acquitted all 12 men previously convicted in the Mumbai Train Blast Case (2006), citing a complete failure by the prosecution to prove their guilt.
Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Rankings
In News The Swachh Survekshan Awards 2024-25 were presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Swachh Survekshan (SS) It is a flagship initiative under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) and has played a pivotal role in driving cleanliness in urban India—engaging communities, changing mindsets, and motivating action for the past nine years. Beginning with just 73 urban local bodies in 2016, the latest edition now covers over
Constitutional Validity of UAPA Upheld by Bombay High Court
In News The Bombay High Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, dismissing a petition that challenged the law as being ultra vires and violative of fundamental rights. What is UAPA? Enactment: Brought into force in 1967, being amended several times—most notably in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2019—to include terror-related offences and empower the government with wider discretionary powers.
Cabinet Approves Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Agriculture Scheme
Context The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana for a period of six years. PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana It is the first dedicated scheme focused on agriculture and allied sectors. It is inspired by the Aspirational Districts Programme of NITI Aayog.
New Chief Secretary Appointed in Manipur
Context Recently, the Union Government has appointed Puneet Kumar Goel as the new Chief Secretary of Manipur, amid ongoing ethnic tensions and political uncertainty in the State, which was placed under President’s Rule on February 13, 2025. Key Responsibilities Principal Advisor: Guides the Chief Minister on administrative and policy matters Secretary to the Cabinet: Coordinates cabinet meetings, agendas, and implementation of decisions Head of State Civil Services: Oversees postings, transfers,
Union Government Report on Protection of Civil Rights Act (PCR Act) 1955
Context The Union government’s 2022 annual report on the implementation of Protection of Civil Rights Act (PCR Act) 1955, has been made public by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Challenges Highlighted by the 2022 Report Underreporting: Low case numbers may reflect lack of awareness, fear of retaliation, reluctance to use the law, or preference for the SC/ST Act, rather than actual reduction in untouchability practices. High Pendency and Poor Conviction Rates: In 2022, 1,242 cases
Supreme Court on Free Speech on Social Media
In News The Supreme Court of India expressed concern over the increasing abuse of the right to free speech, particularly on social media, and stressed the need for self-restraint and regulation. SC Observations The Court reiterated that freedom of speech and expression is integral to a civilised society and cannot be “trampled upon on flimsy and fanciful grounds.” The Supreme Court has clearly stated that the right to freedom of speech (Article 19) must be balanced against the right to life and
Who is Qualified as ‘Ordinarily Resident’?
Context The Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar has reignited debate over the eligibility of migrant workers as ‘ordinarily resident’ for voter registration. Who is ‘ordinarily resident’? The term “ordinarily resident” is defined and interpreted through the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act), under Section 19 and Section 20.
UGC’s Anti-ragging System Has Utterly Failed: Delhi HC
Context The Delhi High Court has signalled that it may initiate a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) petition to address the recent surge in ragging incidents and student deaths across higher educational institutions. Supreme Court Observation in 2025 SC noted that UGC’s anti-ragging regulations remain mostly on paper. Institutions only follow formalities — like affidavits and posters — without real action.
SC To ECI: Consider Aadhaar, Voter ID & Ration Cards For Bihar Electoral Roll Revision
Context The Supreme Court (SC) told the Election Commission of India (ECI) to consider Aadhaar card, voter ID card and ration card also as acceptable documents for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, while leaving the final decision to the ECI. About As per the ECI, those who don’t figure in the 2003 electoral rolls of Bihar (when the poll panel says it did its last Special Intensive Revision) have to submit any of 11 documents to prove date and / or place of birth. Furth
Gujarat Bridge Collapse: Fragility of Public Infrastructure in India
Context The recent collapse of the Mujpur-Gambhira bridge over Gujarat’s Mahisagar (Mahi) river has once again exposed the alarming fragility of public infrastructure of India. Proposed Reform Structural Governance Reforms: Treat urban infrastructure as core national infrastructure to unlock long-term capital. Create unified, tech-enabled urban governance bodies for integrated planning.
Custodial Brutality in India and Criminal Justice Reform
The recent surge in custodial deaths across various Indian states has brought the spotlight back on a dark and persistent issue: the abuse of power by law enforcement authorities and the systemic failure of India’s criminal justice system.
Jal Jeevan Mission
Context The Jammu Kashmir Assembly’s House Committee is currently probing allegations of irregularities in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in the region. Way Forward Independent Social Audits: Engage NGOs, civil society, and citizen groups for real-time audits and grievance redress. Real-time Monitoring Dashboards: Enhance public access to performance data at the panchayat and block level.
Cooperatives: The Economic Backbone of India
Context The Union Cooperation Minister laid the foundation stone for India’s first national-level cooperative university, ‘Tribhuvan Sahkari University’ (TSU), in Anand, Gujarat. 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.
Concerns over IPS appointments in CAPFs
Context Despite a recent Supreme Court directive to reduce IPS deputations in CAPFs, the Ministry of Home Affairs continues such appointments, reigniting concerns about the autonomy of Group A CAPF officers. Concerns of IPS appointments in CAPFs Stagnation in Career Progression: Due to high reservation of senior ranks (e.g., 50% IG posts) for IPS officers, CAPF cadre officers face limited promotional opportunities. On average, a CAPF officer takes 25 years to reach the rank of Commandant, a posi
Phone Tapping and Right to Privacy
Context The Madras High Court refused to expand the scope of Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, and permit the Central and State governments to resort to phone tapping as a covert measure to detect crimes. Phone Tapping Phone tapping refers to the interception of telephone conversations by a third party, often by government agencies, to gather information. It is a form of surveillance and, if misused, can violate individual privacy and constitutional rights.
National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025
In News The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025. Historical Linkages : Timeline Sports in India have ancient roots, originating from survival skills like archery and wrestling that evolved into modern sports. After independence in 1947, sports received limited focus due to national priorities like poverty and education, although India hosted the first Asian Games in 1951 and formed the All-India Council of Sports in 1954.
Role of Anti-Defection Law in Protecting Democratic Integrity
In News Recently, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister highlighted the anti-defection law’s key role in protecting democracy during a 2024 political crisis. Anti-defection Law The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, commonly known as the anti-defection law introduced in India in 1985 through the 52nd Constitutional Amendment. It was aimed at curbing rampant party-switching by legislators that often destabilised elected governments and undermined democratic mandates.
Maharashtra Scraps Three-Language Policy
In News Maharashtra has withdrawn its plan to implement the three-language policy for Classes 1 to 5 in State government schools following strong opposition from academics, activists, and political parties. What is the three-language formula? The three-language formula was first proposed by the Kothari Commission (1964–66) and formally adopted in the 1968 National Policy on Education (NPE) under the Indira Gandhi government, aimed to promote linguistic diversity and national unity.