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
Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025
Context Recently, the Assam government introduced the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025 in the State Assembly seeking to criminalize polygamy. Key Provisions of the Bill Jurisdiction and Applicability: The Bill, if become a law, is applicable across Assam, except in areas under the Sixth Schedule (the Bodoland Territorial Region and the hill districts of Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong) and among Scheduled Tribes under Article 342, who are governed by customary laws that
Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Context Recently, the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was unveiled to reform the electricity sector in India. Key Features of the Bill Structural Reforms: Bill aims to facilitate regulated competition in electricity distribution, allowing multiple licensees to operate in the same area using shared and optimized infrastructure. It mandates Universal Service Obligation (USO) for all licensees, ensuring non-discriminatory access and supply to all consumers, while enabling SERCs to make Distribut
Assam Accord (1985)
Context Recently, the Assam government has announced that a broad consensus has been reached on most of the recommendations made under Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, 1985. About the Assam Accord (1985) It was signed on August 15, 1985, between the Government of India, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP). It marked the end of a six-year-long anti-foreigner agitation in Assam (1979–1985), which was driven by concerns over large-scale illegal immigra
Centre-State Collaboration For Effective Labour Reforms
The effective implementation of the recently announced four Labour Codes need robust Centre-state collaboration, that depends on unified policy execution across all levels of government.
Pending Cases Before Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs)
Context The ‘Juvenile Justice and Children in Conflict with the Law: A Study of Capacity at the Frontlines’, released by the India Justice Report (IJR) revealed alarming gaps in India’s juvenile justice system. Key Findings of Study High Pendency Across Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs): About 55% of the cases before 362 Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) across the country remained pending. Pendency rates vary significantly — from 83% in Odisha to 35% in Karnataka, although 92% of India’s 765 district
PM Modi Urges 10-year National Pledge to Shed Colonial Mindset
Context Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged a national resolve to shed the Macaulay mindset, launching a 10-year mission to reverse the colonial-era impact of the 1835 education overhaul. About In every country people take pride in their historical heritage, while post-Independence India witnessed efforts to disown its own legacy. PM Modi noted that nations such as Japan and South Korea did adopt Western ideas but remained rooted in their own languages.
Supreme Court Prohibited Tiger Safaris in Core Tiger Habitats
Context The Supreme Court has issued directions to prohibit tiger safaris in the core or critical tiger habitat. Directions By SC Sensitive Zones: SC directed all states to notify the buffer and core areas of the tiger reserve within six months. Notify eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) around all tiger reserves, including buffer and fringe areas, no later than one year from the date of judgement.
The Trajectory of Anti-rape Laws in India
Context Chief Justice of India B. Gavai highlighted India’s evolving legal reforms aimed at better protecting sexual assault survivors and redefining consent. Evolution of Legal Reforms Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1983: Introduced custodial rape as a specific offence under Section 376 IPC.
India Notifies Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025
Context The Government of India has notified the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025, marking the full operationalisation of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023. Key Highlights of the Rule Phased Implementation: The DPDP Rules introduce an 18-month phased compliance timeline, allowing organisations especially startups and smaller firms time to adapt. Consent Managers, responsible for helping individuals manage data permissions, must be Indian companies, ensuring
Competitive Federalism
The recent announcement of Google’s largest AI data centre outside California being set up in Andhra Pradesh triggered Indias transition into a competitive federal economy, where States actively support global investment through policy, governance, and infrastructure advantages.
Discord Between Supreme Court and the Centre Over Tribunals
The ongoing friction between the Supreme Court of India and the central government over the administration and reform of tribunals as the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021 has been repeatedly challenged for allegedly undermining judicial independence.
Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules, 2025
In News The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has amended the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Rules, 2025 under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994. Key Highlights The amendment strengthens the National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP) and streamlines functioning of corneal transplantation centres, while facilitating wider accessibility to eye donation and transplantation services across the country. The amendment removes the mandatory req
National Legal Services Day
Context Every year, November 9 is celebrated as the National Legal Services Day to commemorate the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, which led to the establishment of organisations providing free legal aid to the needy. Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 It came into effect on November 9, 1995, led to the establishment of a nationwide framework to provide free and competent legal services to the marginalized and disadvantaged sections of society. The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 es
National Social Assistance Programme
Context The National Social Assistance Programme serves as a key pillar of Indias social security system, providing essential support to citizens in need. National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) Introduced: On 15 August 1995. It is a fully funded Centrally Sponsored Scheme that extends financial support to individuals living below poverty line (BPL).
SC Orders Removal of Stray Dogs From Public Places
In News The Supreme Court, in suo motu proceedings, issued nationwide directions to remove stray dogs and cattle from key public and institutional areas. Key Directions by the Supreme Court Non-release Clause: Dogs removed from such spaces cannot be returned to the same locality. Accountability: Held the Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs and the Chairperson, NHAI, personally accountable for enforcement.
SC Bats for Reform of Colonial-era Laws on Property Deals
Context The Supreme Court directed the Law Commission of India to prepare a report on restructuring century-old colonial-era laws governing property transactions. About Flagging systemic deficiencies in colonial-era property laws, the SC directed a nationwide reform by asking the Law Commission to examine using the Blockchain technology for restructuring property registration process. Blockchain technology creates a secure, transparent, and immutable digital ledger for all property transactions.
Contempt of Court in India
Context The recent controversy over alleged remarks against the Chief Justice of India and the Supreme Court has sparked concerns about undermining the court’s authority and obstructing the administration of justice, prompting calls for contempt proceedings. What Does Not Amount To Contempt? Fair and accurate reporting of court proceedings;.
India’s Electoral System: Why the Nomination Process Needs Reform?
Context There is a need for reforms in the nomination process in India’s electoral system that has become increasingly exclusionary, vulnerable, and convoluted to procedural misuse. Lapses Concerns in Current Nomination System Procedural Complexity vs. Substantive Justice: The process of verifying qualifications made under RPA, 1951 has become overly procedural.
Centre Says Right to Vote Different From Freedom of Voting
Context The Centre has argued in the Supreme Court that the ‘right to vote’ in an election is different from the ‘freedom of voting’. About The petition before the Supreme Court seeks to declare Section 53(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Rule 11 with Forms 21 and 21B of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 as unconstitutional.
Karnataka’s Menstrual Leave Policy
Context Karnataka has become the first State in the country to approve 12 days of paid menstrual leave per year (one day per month) for all women employees, covering both government and private sectors. Arguments in Favour Promotes Gender-Sensitive Workplaces: Recognises biological realities of women and promotes inclusivity and empathy in the workplace. Moves beyond gender-neutral policies to gender-responsive labour reforms.