- Explain the concept of ‘asymmetrical federalism’ in India and analyse how special constitutional provisions for certain states strengthen the overall federal structure. (250 words)
Introduction:
Asymmetric federalism refers to a federal system where different regions have varying degrees of autonomy, often to address regional diversity and unique needs. It balances self-rule with shared governance, maintaining national unity while honouring diversity.
Body:
Constitutional Provisions for Asymmetric Federalism in India:
- Scheduled Areas and Autonomous Councils:
- Fifth Schedule: Provides self-governance for tribal areas, protecting cultural practices.
- Example: Tribal self-governance in
- Sixth Schedule: Allows for Autonomous District Councils in northeastern states for local governance.
- Example: Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council in Meghalaya.
- Special Representation and Autonomy:
- Unequal Rajya Sabha Representation: States have different representation based on population and size.
- Example: Uttar Pradesh has 31 seats, Arunachal Pradesh has 1.
- Special Provisions for Union Territories (Part VIII): Different administrative setups for Union Territories.
- Example: Delhi and Puducherry have legislative assemblies unlike other UTs.
- Special Provisions for Specific States:
- Articles 371A to 371J: Provide unique provisions for states with distinct needs.
- Example: Article 371A grants Nagaland autonomy over local customs and land ownership.
- Fiscal Asymmetry:
- Finance Commission (Article 280): Allocates funds between the center and states based on specific needs.
- Example: 15th Finance Commission recommended a 41% share of central taxes for states.
- Centrally Sponsored Schemes: Varied funding ratios for special category states.
- Example: Special category states receive 90% funding from the center.
Impact on Federal Structure:
- Accommodating Regional Diversity: Ensures representation and preservation of unique cultural and social identities.
- Example: Article 371B provides special representation for Assam’s tribal areas.
- Enhancing Local Governance: Grants autonomy to regions with specific needs, promoting responsive governance.
- Example: Bodoland Territorial Council in Assam.
- Promoting Balanced Development: Directs resources to underdeveloped regions, fostering balanced growth.
- Example: Article 371D supports development in Andhra Pradesh.
- Mitigating Secessionist Tendencies: Addresses regional aspirations, promoting national unity.
- Example: Article 370 (pre-abrogation) integrated Jammu and Kashmir.
- Protecting Tribal Rights: Safeguards tribal lands and cultures, ensuring integration without assimilation.
- Example: Fifth Schedule provisions in Chhattisgarh.
- Empowering Local Legislatures: Enhances legislative powers of local bodies, strengthening grassroots democracy.
- Example: Article 371F empowers the Sikkim Legislative Assembly.
- Balancing National and Regional Interests: Ensures regional interests are addressed within a national framework.
- Example: Asymmetric representation in Rajya Sabha balances state representation.
Conclusion:
Asymmetric federalism in India integrates regional diversity with national cohesion, enhancing governance and addressing specific regional needs. Strengthening these provisions will further bolster India’s federal structure and promote inclusive governance.
- Gender equality is not only a moral obligation of a Welfare State but also a crucial prerequisite for achieving sustainable development. Critically analyse. (150 words)
Introduction:
A welfare state actively promotes the social and economic well-being of its citizens, with gender equality as a fundamental goal. Empowering women and girls is crucial for achieving this equality, supporting both individual and societal development.
Body:
Welfare State’s Role in Promoting Gender Equality:
- Constitutional Rights: Articles 14, 15, and 16 guarantee equality, with Article 15(3) allowing affirmative action for women.
- Equal Pay: DPSP Article 39 mandates equal pay for equal work. Despite this, India ranks 127th in the Global Gender Gap Index 2023, highlighting ongoing disparities.
- Addressing Gender-Based Violence: Laws exist to protect women, but the NCRB reports an increase in crimes against women, rising from 56% in 2020 to 65% in 2021.
- Maternity Benefits: Article 42 provides paid maternity leave through the Maternity Benefit Act (2017), yet 81% of women in the unorganized sector remain uncovered.
- Political Representation: India ranks 149th globally for women in executive and parliamentary roles.
Situation of women in India:
- Education: Only 41% of girls aged 15-49 received over 10 years of schooling, impacting employment, decision-making, and social well-being.
- Child Marriage: India hosts 223 million child brides, leading to larger families and health issues among adolescent mothers.
- Land Ownership: Women constitute only 14% of landowners, owning 11% of agricultural land, limiting their economic independence.
- Labour Participation: Female labor participation is at around 24%, hindered by wage discrimination and limited opportunities.
- Child Sex Ratio: The child sex ratio stands at 929 girls per 1000 boys, reflecting ongoing gender biases and selection practices.
Way Forward to achieve gender equality:
- Education Access: Enhance access to education for girls to boost their participation in the workforce and overall societal benefits.
- Combat Violence: Strengthen laws and societal awareness to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
- Healthcare Equality: Ensure equal access to healthcare, including reproductive health services, for men and women.
- Shared Responsibility: Encourage private companies and society to actively participate in gender equality efforts.
- Support Women Entrepreneurs: Expand schemes like Mudra Yojana to boost women’s entrepreneurship.
- Policy and Legislation: Implement robust policies to empower women and enforce gender equality at all levels.
How gender equality leads to sustainable development in India:
- Increased Workforce Participation (SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth): Gender equality boosts economic growth by enabling women to participate fully in the workforce, which increases productivity and contributes to higher GDP growth.
- Equal Access to Education (SDG 4 – Quality Education): When girls have equal access to education, they achieve higher literacy rates, better employment opportunities, and improved life choices, contributing to societal progress.
- Access to Healthcare (SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being): Gender equality ensures women have access to healthcare services, including reproductive health, reducing maternal mortality and improving overall family health.
- Reduction in Child Marriages and Early Pregnancy: Gender equality helps reduce early marriages and adolescent pregnancies, leading to healthier outcomes for women and children.
- Economic Empowerment (SDG 1 – No Poverty & SDG 2 – Zero Hunger): Empowering women economically reduces poverty and food insecurity, as women are more likely to spend their income on family welfare.
- Inclusive Decision-Making (SDG 5 – Gender Equality & SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): When women participate in governance and decision-making, policies become more inclusive, addressing diverse societal needs and driving sustainable development.
- Sustainable Resource Management (SDG 13 – Climate Action & SDG 15 – Life on Land): Women play a vital role in managing natural resources and are key to implementing sustainable practices, such as water conservation and biodiversity protection.
- Social Inclusion (SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities): Promoting gender equality reduces social inequalities, fostering a more inclusive society where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources.
Conclusion:
Gender equality is essential for a welfare state and sustainable development. Empowering women elevates entire communities, enhancing economic productivity and fostering a better future for the next generation.
ETHICS
1Q. What do you understand by the following ethical philosophies:
- Confucianism
- Taoism
- Stoicism [10M, 150words]
Introduction:
Ethical philosophies are systems of thought that guide moral behavior and decision-making based on specific principles and values. They provide frameworks for understanding what is considered right or wrong, shaping how individuals and societies approach ethics.
Body:
- a) Confucianism:
- Definition: Confucianism is a Chinese ethical and philosophical system founded by Confucius in the 5th century BCE.
- Features and Principles: It emphasizes the importance of education, social order, and moral behavior. Key concepts include ren (benevolence), li (ritual propriety), and zhong (loyalty and honesty). Confucians believe in cultivating these virtues through continuous learning and practice, aiming to create a harmonious society.
- Significance: Confucianism has profoundly influenced Chinese culture and other East Asian societies, promoting social harmony, respect for elders, and the importance of family and education.
- b) Taoism:
- Definition: Taoism is a Chinese philosophical tradition that originated in the 6th century BCE, focusing on living in harmony with the Tao, the fundamental principle of the universe.
- Features and Principles: Taoism emphasizes the harmony of nature and inner peace through concepts like wuwei (non-action or effortless action) and the balance of yin and yang (complementary forces). It advocates for simplicity, meditation, and aligning oneself with the natural order.
- Significance: Taoism offers a unique perspective on living in harmony with nature and oneself, promoting a life of peace, balance, and minimalism. It has influenced Chinese culture, art, medicine, and governance.
- c) Stoicism:
- Definition: Stoicism is a philosophy that originated in ancient Greece and was founded by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BCE.
- Features and Principles: Stoicism teaches that individuals should live a life of virtue, rationality, and self-control. It emphasizes focusing on what we can control and accepting what we cannot, such as external circumstances or the opinions of others. Stoics value virtues like wisdom, courage, and justice.
- Significance: Stoicism provides practical guidance for maintaining inner peace and resilience in the face of adversity. It has influenced various fields, including psychology and modern self-help practices.
Conclusion:
Ethical philosophies like Confucianism, Taoism, and Stoicism offer valuable insights into leading a virtuous and balanced life. As the Stoic philosopher Epictetus said, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters,” reminding us of the enduring relevance of these philosophies in navigating the complexities of life.
