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
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.
De-listing of Political Parties
Context The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated steps to de-list 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) that have not contested elections in the last six years and whose offices could not be physically located. Political Party Registration in India Constitutional and Legal Basis:Article 19(1)(c) of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to form associations, which includes the formation of political parties. The Representation of the People Act, 1951, under Sect
Electoral Rolls for Bihar to be Prepared Afresh
Context The Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked for the electoral rolls for Bihar to be prepared afresh. About All electors must submit an enumeration form, and those registered after 2003 have to additionally provide documentation establishing their citizenship. This special intensive revision (SIV) of rolls will eventually cover all states and Union Territories.
Official Language
Context The Department of Official Language recently celebrated its golden jubilee, marking 50 years since its establishment in 1975. About Indian Languages India’s linguistic diversity is not just a cultural asset — it is a foundational pillar of its national identity, democratic ethos, and inclusive development. Cultural and Civilizational Heritage: Census 2011 recognised 121 languages and over 1,600 mother tongues are used throughout India.
Enabling Voting Rights for Migrants
For millions of internal migrants in India — workers who relocate for livelihood, education, or family — the right to vote remains a pressing concern for participatory governance in the world’s largest democracy.
10th WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic
In News WHO has released the 10th edition of its Global Tobacco Epidemic Report, assessing progress in tobacco control since the launch of the MPOWER strategy in 2008. Key Findings of the Report Widespread Impact: Since 2007, 155 countries have implemented at least one of the MPOWER policy prescriptions, collectively benefiting over 6.1 billion people. Most Progress: Among all MPOWER measures, large graphic health warnings on cigarette packages have seen the most widespread and consistent implem
Draft Registration Bill 2025
In News The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has invited suggestions on the new draft Registration Bill 2025. Issues and Challenges Concerns about the Bill include the need for stronger cybersecurity to protect digital records and e-signature data. Additionally, delegating registration tasks to Common Services Centres (CSCs), which handle legally sensitive processes like stamp duty valuation and title transfer, may lead to procedural gaps.
UK Assisted Dying Bill
Context The U.K. House of Commons passed the Assisted Dying Bill to allow terminally ill people in England and Wales to end their lives. About The bill will only apply to people in England and Wales who have less than six months to live.
Financing Maternity Rights in India
The recent landmark Supreme Court judgment on K Uma Devi vs State of Tamil Nadu pronounced is significant for recognising maternity rights as a Fundamental Right under Article 21 of the Constitution.