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
Market Borrowing and Municipal Readiness in India
Context As India explores market-based urban financing through the Urban Challenge Fund, concerns have emerged over whether Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) possess the capacity required to manage debt responsibly. Urbanisation and the Financing Gap India’s urban population is expected to cross 600 million by 2030, increasing pressure on civic infrastructure. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) empowered Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to perform 18 functions listed in the 12th Schedule, including w
A Structural Reset For India’s Federalism
Published on: 17 February, 2026 Recently, a high-level committee on Union–State relations, submitted its first report to the Government of Tamil Nadu that deals with powers and responsibilities shared between the Union and the States.
A Structural Reset For India’s Federalism
Published on: 17 February, 2026 Recently, a high-level committee on Union–State relations, submitted its first report to the Government of Tamil Nadu that deals with powers and responsibilities shared between the Union and the States.
Bridging a Divide with an ‘Indian Scientific Service’
Context India’s generalist post-Independence service rules, once vital for nation-building, now hinder effective scientific governance in an era driven by technology and complex environmental challenges. The Core Issue Scientists entering government are governed by general civil service rules. Administrative systems prioritise hierarchy, uniformity, and procedural compliance.
Rural Transformation Through Decentralization
Context India’s rural development trajectory over the past decade indicates a structural transition from fragmented welfare provision towards an integrated, decentralised, and community-led development paradigm. Decentralisation in Governance The 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992) institutionalised Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as vehicles of grassroots democracy, enabling communities to participate directly in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of development initiatives. Parti
The Labour Codes Redefine Wages, Empower The Worker
Published on: 14 February, 2026 The implementation of India’s labour codes marks a decisive shift towards greater financial inclusion of the workforce by embedding social security, income protection, and long-term financial safeguards into the employment relationship.
Simultaneous Polls Do Not Violate Constitution’s Basic Structure
Context Former Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai said that the Simultaneous elections do not violate the basic structure of the Constitution or its federal framework. About He told this to the Parliament’s Joint Committee reviewing the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Centre–State Fiscal Relations in a Changing Fiscal Landscape
Context The finance minister has said the Union government transferred 41% of the divisible pool to the states and the share of no state has been reduced. What is Tax Devolution? Tax devolution refers to the distribution of tax revenues between the central government and the state governments.
SC Seeks Centre’s Report On Action Taken On Its SC/ST Sub-classification Verdict
Context Recently, the Supreme Court directed the Union Government to submit an affidavit along with an Action Taken Report detailing steps taken to implement its August 1, 2024 Constitution Bench judgment permitting sub-classification within Scheduled Castes (SCs) for reservation purposes and extending the creamy layer principle to SCs and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Background: State of Punjab v. Davinder Singh (2024) Issue Before the Supreme Court: Can states sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs)wit
Scope of the “right to be forgotten” (RTBF)
In News The Supreme Court issued notice on a plea challenging a December 2025 Delhi High Court ruling that ordered the removal of past news reports about a banker discharged in a money laundering case, raising questions on the scope of the “right to be forgotten” (RTBF). Background and Origin of Right to be Forgotten The Right to be Forgotten originated from a 2014 European Court of Justice ruling in the Google Spain case, where a Spanish man sought the removal of outdated information about his
Death Penalty in India
Context According to an annual report on capital punishment published by Square Circle Clinic at NALSAR University of Law, the Supreme Court of India has not confirmed a single death sentence in the past three years, reflecting a highly restrictive approach toward capital punishment. Key Findings of the Report Lower Courts Continue to Impose Death Sentences: Sessions Courts imposed 1,310 death sentences between 2016 and 2025, including 128 sentences in 2025 alone, despite growing skepticism at h
Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS)
In Context A recent controversy erupted over alleged misuse of MPLADS funds and critics demanding the scheme should be discontinued. Critical Arguments for Scrapping the Scheme Critics, including the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), have argued for its discontinuation based on: Breach of Separation of Powers: The scheme allows legislators (MPs) to perform executive functions (deciding on specific local projects). This blurs the line between the legislature and the executive.
Supreme Court Slams Meta, WhatsApp Over Privacy Policy
In Context The Supreme Court of India strongly cautioned WhatsApp and its parent company Meta for surveillance capitalism model and breaching the right to privacy of Indian users through data sharing and commercial exploitation. Background In 2021, WhatsApp updated its terms of service, mandating that users share metadata with its parent company, Meta (then Facebook). Unlike the European Union, where the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) prevented such a move, Indian users were given a t
Menstrual Health Fundamental Right under Article 21: SC
Context In Dr. Jaya Thakur v. Union of India, the Supreme Court has ruled that the right to menstrual hygiene is an integral part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
International Data Privacy Day
In News International Data Privacy Day is observed annually on 28th January to raise awareness about the importance of protecting personal data and privacy in the digital age. Importance of Data Privacy Data privacy is a foundational pillar of responsible digital governance. It protects and safeguards citizens’ personal information across large-scale digital public platforms.
Bombay High Court Quashes Detention of Adult Trafficking Victim
Context The Bombay High Court quashed a one-year detention order of an adult woman rescued during a police raid under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (PITA). The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (PITA) Section 17: PITA lays down strict timelines to ensure that rescue does not result in prolonged or arbitrary confinement. Immediately after rescue; A person may be kept in temporary safe custody for a maximum of 10 days if production before a magistrate is not immediately possible.
Freebies’ Different from Investing in Welfare for the Marginalised: SC
Context The SC has distinguished welfare schemes from freebies, stating that large-scale distribution of state money to individuals is different from investing in public welfare. About A batch of petitions seek a judicial declaration that irrational freebies offered by political parties to lure voters during poll time should be considered a “corrupt practice”. SC Observations: Welfare schemes like free healthcare and education are a constitutional obligation under the Directive Principles of Sta
UGC’s Circular Mandating the Teaching of a Third Language in Higher Education
In News The Tamil Nadu government strongly opposed the UGC’s circular mandating the teaching of a third language in higher education. Background The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 retains the three-language formula introduced in 1968 but offers more flexibility. Unlike the earlier policy, it does not make Hindi compulsory.
New Lancet Report Sets Citizen-Centred Healthcare Guidelines For India
Context The Lancet Commissions new report charts a rights-based, citizen-centred roadmap for Universal Health Coverage in India, aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047. About The reforms described in the report promote community participation, transparency and equity key principles of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aimed at ensuring high-quality, affordable care for all. It emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen Indias public healthcare by integrating services across primary, secondary, and tertiar
Ex-CAPF Officials Concerns over IPS Appointments in CAPFs
Context Retired Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) officers have moved the Supreme Court with a contempt petition alleging failure to implement the Court’s 2025 order directing a progressive reduction of IPS deputation in CAPF. Background In the case of Sanjay Prakash Others vs Union of India, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that: Group A officers of CAPFs are to be treated as “Organised Services” for all purposes. The deputation of IPS officers to Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) posts i.e., up t