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
India's Smart Cities Mission: Questions of Sustainability & Maintenance
Despite significant investments in Indias Smart Cities Mission, there are shortcomings particularly in terms of maintenance and sustainability, as recently observed severe flooding in cities like Bengaluru and Pune.
Centre Urges States to Implement Labour Codes
Context The Union Government has urged states and Union Territories (UTs) to align their existing labour laws with the spirit and provisions of new labour codes. Progress at the State Level Labour being on the Concurrent List, states must frame their own rules under the new codes. Many states have proactively begun amending their respective labour laws to reflect the intent and provisions of the new codes.
SC Mandates 3-Year Practice to Appear in Judicial Services Examinations
Context The Supreme Court restored the condition that a minimum of three years practice as an advocate is required for candidates applying to entry-level judicial service examinations. Background The issue dates back to the 14th Law Commission Report, 1958, which proposed 3–5 years of experience as a requirement for lower subordinate judges in every State. For higher judiciary, an All India Judicial Services (AIJS), a centralised recruitment system for judges, was proposed.
Getting the ‘Micropicture’ at the Panchayat Level in India
Grassroots governance in India often lacks accessible, detailed data which is difficult for panchayat leaders to assess their own communities effectively.
Disqualification of MPs
Context Karnataka MLA has been disqualified from the State Legislative Assembly following his conviction by the Principal Special Judge for CBI cases in Hyderabad. Disqualification of MPs MLAs The disqualification of a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in India is primarily governed by Article 191 of the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law). The disqualification of a Member of Parliament (MP) in India is governed primarily b
SC Rules Rohingya Refugees Subject to Foreigners Act
Context The Supreme Court observed that if Rohingya refugees are found to be ‘foreigners’ under the Foreigners Act, they will be dealt with as per the law. Who are the Rohingya refugees? The Rohingya are a Muslim minority ethnic group with their roots in the Arakan kingdom in Myanmar.
Public Health in India: Strained by Flawed Policy and Weak Training
Despite efforts to improve healthcare access, Indias public health system remains underfunded and poorly coordinated, leading to inefficiencies in disease prevention, healthcare delivery, and medical education.
Supreme Court Reviews PMLA Ruling, 2022
Context Recently, the Supreme Court of India has initiated a review of its 2022 ruling on the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which granted extensive powers to the Directorate of Enforcement (ED). About the PMLA 2002 It is India’s primary legislation to combat money laundering and financial crimes, enforced since July 1, 2005. It empowers authorities to investigate, prosecute, and confiscate assets linked to illicit financial activities.
Bureaucracy in India
Context Civil services are crucial in maintaining and strengthening democracy but there is a need for lateral entrants and greater transparency. About The concept of a merit based modern Civil Service in India was introduced in 1854. From 1922 onwards the Indian Civil Service Examination began to be held in India.
Power and Pitfalls of Digital Influence
Social media and digital platforms have transformed communication by enabling mass outreach, empowering individuals, and fueling the creator economy. However, they also amplify misinformation, manipulation, and ethical dilemmas, necessitating a balanced governance framework.
President Stresses On Mediation To Resolve Conflicts
In News Speaking at the launch of the first national mediation conference organised by the Mediation Association of India (MIA), the President stressed on mediation to resolve disputes and lower the burden of courts across the country. What is Mediation? Mediation is a voluntary, confidential, and non-adversarial process where a neutral third party helps disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable solution.
Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight in India
In India, the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight has often been questioned, while the Constitution provides a robust framework for legislative scrutiny.
Supreme Court Flags Concerns Over Free Ration Distribution
Context Recently, the Supreme Court of India has raised concerns over the free ration distribution system, questioning its long-term sustainability and impact on economic policies. Development Perspective: Economic Sustainability Supreme Court’s Concerns: It observed that while States procure food grains from the Centre and distribute them for free, the financial burdenultimately falls on taxpayers. It questioned whether India, in 2025, is still grappling with the same poverty levels as in 2011,
Reviving a Far-Sighted But Forgotten Bill Mechanism
Despite its potential to introduce progressive laws, India’s Private Member’s Bill mechanism has steadily eroded over the years because frequent disruptions, adjournments, and the prioritization of government business.
SC upholds courts’ power to modify arbitral awards under limited circumstances
In News The Supreme Court of India, in a majority 4:1 judgment, ruled that courts have the limited power to modify arbitral awards under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. Major Highlights of the Judgement Courts can modify awards to remove invalid portions or correct typographical, computational, or clerical errors. Courts can also adjust the interest post-award if necessary.
Right To Digital Access Part of Article 21
Context The Supreme court emphasized that digital access is a crucial component of the Right to Life under Article 21. Background The judgment was based on a petition filed by a group of acid attack survivors. They raised concerns about how disabled people, including acid attack victims, find it nearly impossible to successfully complete the digital KYC processes, which include visual tasks.
Cabinet Approves Caste Enumeration in Upcoming Census
Context Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), chaired by Prime Minister of India, has decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming Census exercise, marking a significant shift in India’s approach to demographic data collection. Caste Based Enumeration Historical Perspective: The last caste-based enumeration in India was carried out in 1931 under British rule, recording 4,147 distinct castes. Although caste details were gathered in 1941, they were never published du
India Justice Report 2025: A System Failing the Common Citizen
India Justice Report 2025: A System Failing the Common Citizen
Regulation of Explicit Content on OTT Platforms
Context Recently, the Supreme Court of India has taken a significant step by issuing notices to the Central Government and other stakeholders regarding a plea to regulate sexually explicit content on Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms and social media. Rapid Growth of OTT Platforms in India The rapid growth of Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms in India has revolutionized entertainment, offering diverse content to millions of viewers. With increasing internet penetration, affordable data, and a shift in con
JPSC ACF and FRO Test Series 2024: Most Probable Questions (सम्भावित प्रश्न)
Preparing for the JPSC ACF and FRO Exam 2024?If yes, you have already taken the first major step towards one of the most prestigious forestry and administrative careers in Jharkhand. However, the...