Polity
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
373 articles in this topic
Articles on Government Policy
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.
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