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
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.
Corruption in the Governance of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
In News The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) recently blacklisted 178 Training Partners (TPs) and Training Centres (TCs) for large-scale irregularities under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). About PMKVY Launched: 2015 under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). Implementing Agency: National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
India & Its Quasi-Federal Model
As India approaches the 76th anniversary of the Constitution, there is renewed reflection on its core values and structural foundations. The Indian Federation continues to exemplify the balance between national unity and regional diversity.
An Amended Constitution Bill: Its Contentious Issues
The introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025 aiming to enhance governance and accountability, along with serious risks to democratic principles and civil liberties.
Freedom of Religion and Right to Privacy Interlinked: Supreme Court
Context The Supreme Court of India has recently held that the freedom of religion under Article 25 and the right to privacy under Article 21 are deeply interlinked. Supreme Court ruling The judgment arose in response to multiple petitions challenging provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, highlighting the constitutional balance between individual autonomy and state control. It stated that privacy is a “condition precedent” for exercising freedom of re
Contours of Constitutional Morality
In recent years, India’s constitutional courts have revived the concept of ‘constitutional morality’ for constitutional interpretation and judicial reasoning, and has become a litmus test for the constitutional validity of laws and a safeguard against the volatility of public morality.
Government Defends Forest Rights Act in Supreme Court
Context The Central Government has defended the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, before the Supreme Court, emphasizing that the legislation is restoring the dignity, livelihoods, and cultural identity of India’s forest-dependent communities. Background The FRA, was challenged in the Supreme Court in 2008 by Wildlife First, an NGO which called for the eviction of people whose FRA claims had been rejected. In February 2019, the court directed states to evict all claimants whose FRA claims had been r
India’s Urban Crisis Deepens as States Choke City-Level Governance
Urban India is buckling under the weight of rapid, unplanned growth, with dysfunctions ranging from clogged drains and toxic air to flooded streets and crumbling infrastructure — highlighting the urgent need for empowered city-level governance, often stifled by state control.
Can match-fixing be Legally Considered Cheating?
Context The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) approached the Supreme Court seeking to intervene in a criminal appeal related to alleged match-fixing in the Karnataka Premier League (KPL) in 2018-19. About The Karnataka High Court quashed the criminal proceedings, holding that while match-fixing was reprehensible, it did not amount to the offence of cheating as defined by Section 420 IPC. BCCI argues that match-fixing should be viewed as cheating as there is an implied promise to spect
Govt. Notifies Amendments to IT Rules, 2021 To Regulate AI-generated Content
Context The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has proposed amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 under powers granted by the Information Technology Act, 2000. Key Proposed Amendments Authorized Officers for Content Regulation: Only Joint Secretary-rank officers (or equivalent in Central Government) and Director General of Police-rank officers (for states) can issue takedown requests. This would preven
We Need a Law to Protect Domestic Workers
The Supreme Court of Indias directive to the Union government to enact a comprehensive law outlining the rights of domestic workers and to establish a committee for drafting the legislative framework remains shrouded in uncertainty, and progress remains slow.
Reservations in Local Bodies
Context The Supreme Court declined to interfere with a Telangana High Court order that had stayed two Government Orders enhancing the reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in municipalities and panchayats to 42%. About The Telangana High Court stayed the increase, citing the 50% ceiling set by Supreme Court precedents, but allowed elections to proceed with total reservations capped at 50%. Supreme Court’s Observations: Dismissed Telangana’s appeal; allowed elections to proceed without en
Draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2025
Context The Ministry of Power has released the Draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 to reform India’s power sector and strengthen distribution companies (discoms). What are the implications? Fiscal Transparency: By ending hidden cross-subsidies, the Bill promotes fiscal accountability though it may raise short-term deficits.