GENERAL STUDIES– II
INDIAN CONSTITUTION& POLITY, GOVERNANCE AND
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Section-1: INDIAN CONSTITUTION& POLITY
1.1 Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
1.2 Functions and responsibilities of Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
1.3 Separation of powers between various organs; Dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
1.4 Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
1.5 Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
1.6 Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary; Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
1.7 Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
1.8
Section-2 GOVERNANCE:
2.1 Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
2.2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation; Development processes and the development organizations- the role of NGOs, SHGs, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
2.3 Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures; Role of civil services in a democracy; Changing trends in Governance
2.4 Values and Ethics in Governance- Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding. :
2.5 Probity in Governance Concept of Governance; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; corporate governance; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.
Section-3: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
3.1 India and its neighborhood- relations;
3.2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests;
3.3 Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora
3.4 Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure and mandate.
Note: The candidates are expected to be aware about the current developments related to the topics mentioned above.
Faqs on GENERAL STUDIES– II INDIAN CONSTITUTION& POLITY, GOVERNANCE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS of Punjab
What is the constitutional status of Punjab within the Indian Union?
Punjab is a state within the Indian Union, governed by the Constitution of India. It has its own state legislature, executive, and judiciary.
How is the state government structured in Punjab?
Punjab has a parliamentary system of government with a Governor as the constitutional head and a Chief Minister as the head of the government. The state legislature is unicameral, called the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly).
What are the key features of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966?
The Punjab Reorganisation Act led to the creation of the states of Punjab and Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. It defined the boundaries, allocated assets and liabilities, and addressed various administrative and legal issues arising from the reorganization.
What are the major challenges to governance in Punjab?
Punjab faces challenges such as drug abuse, farmer distress, unemployment, corruption, and environmental degradation. The government has taken various initiatives to address these issues, but more needs to be done to ensure effective governance and sustainable development.
What are the key initiatives taken by the Punjab government to improve governance?
The government has launched various initiatives like ‘Invest Punjab,’ ‘Start-up Punjab,’ and ‘Ghar Ghar Rozgar’ to promote investment, entrepreneurship, and employment. It has also implemented e-governance initiatives to improve service delivery and transparency.
What is the role of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Punjab’s governance?
PRIs, consisting of Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zila Parishads, play a crucial role in local self-governance in Punjab. They are responsible for planning and implementing development programs at the grassroots level.
What is Punjab’s significance in India’s international relations?
Punjab shares a border with Pakistan, making it strategically important for India’s national security. The state also has a large diaspora community, which plays a significant role in India’s economic and cultural ties with other countries.
What are the key challenges in Punjab’s international relations?
The key challenges include cross-border terrorism, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration from Pakistan. The state government works closely with the central government to address these issues.
How does Punjab contribute to India’s economic relations with other countries?
Punjab’s agricultural and industrial sectors contribute significantly to India’s exports. The state also attracts foreign investment in various sectors.