Challenges to Democratic Governance and Accountability
Democratic governance faces challenges when governments are perceived as unresponsive, unaccountable, or authoritarian, leading to public disillusionment and...
All is not well: On the protests in Delhi
The article analyzes the July 20 protests in Delhi, where young demonstrators faced police action near Parliament. It argues that the government's failure to engage with civil society concerns, including those raised by activist Sonam Wangchuk, led to the escalation. While initially sparked by issues like examination paper leaks and NEET re-conducting, the protests have broadened to reflect wider discontent over joblessness, stagnant wages, and rising prices. The author criticizes the Narendra Modi-led BJP government's perceived authoritarian style and its tendency to address public disquiet only when elections are imminent, rather than through parliamentary processes or genuine engagement. The article calls for the Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, to resign due to failures in higher education administration, warning that continued disengagement will deepen youth disillusionment with the democratic system.
Syllabus mapping
Mains syllabus topics
Freedom Struggle
Indian Society Diversity
Globalization Indian Society
Parliament Legislatures
Government Policies Interventions
Prelims takeaways
- Understanding the dynamics of civil society protests and their triggers in India.
- The role and accountability of the Union Executive (Council of Ministers and individual Ministers).
- The interplay between public grievances, government response, and the functioning of the democratic system.
- Awareness of specific issues like examination paper leaks (e.g., NEET) as catalysts for broader social discontent.
- The concept of government engagement with civil society versus use of force in managing protests.
Elimination traps
- Misinterpreting 'Cockroach Janta Party' as a formal political party rather than a satirical name for a protesting group.
- Attributing the protests solely to education-related issues, overlooking the broader economic concerns like joblessness and inflation.
- Confusing the specific demands of the protesters with the underlying systemic issues of governance and accountability.
Static concepts
- Civil society mobilization
- Government accountability
- Democratic system
- Authoritarian rule
- Freedom of protest
- Ministerial responsibility
Probable question areas
Question areas
- Questions on the role of civil society in a democracy and its impact on governance.
Question areas
- Analysis of executive accountability and ministerial responsibility in the Indian parliamentary system.
Question areas
- Factors contributing to public discontent and large-scale protests in contemporary India.
Question areas
- The balance between the right to protest and maintaining public order, and the state's response to protests.
Question areas
- The implications of governance failures in sectors like education on social stability and youth disillusionment.
UPSC concepts in this story
Durable syllabus ideas for revision — not article memory.
State's Handling of Public Protests and Dissent
The state's approach to public protests involves balancing fundamental rights like freedom of assembly with the need to maintain public order, often leading ...
Previous year Prelims questions on overlapping themes and topics.
A Parliamentary System of Government is one in which
Explanation
Correct answer
B. the Government is responsible to the Parliament and can be removed by it
Option B is the correct answer. A parliamentary system of government is one in which the executive is responsible to the legislature. This responsibility means that the executive stays in power as long as it enjoys the confidence of the house. The moment the confidence is lost, it can be removed by Parliament by passing the no-confidence motion. This is the same feature which hampers the stability of the parliamentary system. Options A and C are incorrect. Parliamentary system functions irrespective of whether all parties have representation. The government is not directly elected by the people but indirectly through their representative in Parliament. Therefore, the instrument to remove the government through public vote is not available in the parliamentary system; this is a feature found in direct democracies. Option D is incorrect. It goes against the fundamental principle of parliamentary democracy which requires an executive responsible to the legislature. Therefore the correct answer is B.
Indian Polity & Governance
Parliamentary System & Procedures
Executive & Council Of Ministers
Out of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the principle underlying the Cabinet form of Government:
Explanation
Correct answer
C. A mechanism of parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective responsibility of the Government to the people.
The Cabinet form of Government is a fundamental feature of a parliamentary system, where the executive (Council of Ministers) is collectively responsible to the legislature. This principle is enshrined in Article 75(3) of the Indian Constitution, which states that the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. Key Aspects of Collective Responsibility: - Decisions of the Cabinet are binding on all ministers and even if they personally disagree, they must publicly support them. - If Parliament passes a vote of no confidence, the entire Council of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, must resign. - This ensures accountability, transparency, and democratic control, preventing arbitrary rule by the executive. Hence, the correct answer is option C.
Indian Polity & Governance
Parliamentary System & Procedures
Executive & Council Of Ministers
There is a Parliamentary System of Government in India because:
Explanation
Correct answer
D. the Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha
(A) is incorrect: Direct election of the lower house is a feature of Representative Democracy. Many Presidential systems (such as the USA) also have directly elected legislatures; therefore, this is not the distinguishing factor of a Parliamentary system. (B) is incorrect: The authority to amend the Constitution is a matter of Constitutional Sovereignty. This power exists in various forms of government, including both Parliamentary and Presidential models. (C) is incorrect: The fact that the Rajya Sabha is a permanent house is a Federal feature intended to maintain the representation of the States. It does not define the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature. (D) is correct: As per Article 75(3) of the Constitution, the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. This "Collective Responsibility" is the bedrock of the Parliamentary form of government, as the executive's survival depends on the support of the legislature.
Indian Polity & Governance
Parliamentary System & Procedures
Executive & Council Of Ministers
In the context of India, which of the following principles is/are implied institutionally in the parliamentary government?
1. Members of the Cabinet are Members of Parliament.
2. Ministers hold the office till they enjoy confidence in the Parliament.
3. Cabinet is headed by the Head of the State.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Explanation
Correct answer
A. 1 and 2 only
In the context of India's parliamentary government, the following principles are implied institutionally: Statement 1 is correct. Close Link Between Legislature and Executive: By requiring Cabinet members to be MPs, a close connection is established between the legislative and executive branches. This ensures the government is accountable to the legislature, which represents the people. Statement 2 is correct: Collective Responsibility The principle of collective responsibility implies that the Cabinet functions as a unified body. If the Parliament loses faith in the government through a no-confidence motion, the entire Cabinet, including the Prime Minister, is expected to resign. Statement 3 is incorrect: Cabinet is not headed by the Head of State. In India, the President is the Head of State, but the Prime Minister leads the Cabinet. The Prime Minister is the head of government and wields significant executive power.
Indian Polity & Governance
Parliamentary System & Procedures
Executive & Council Of Ministers
Consider the following statements:
1. The Council of Ministers at the Centre shall be collectively responsible to the Parliament.
2. The Union Ministers shall hold the office during the pleasure of the President of India.
3. The Prime Minister shall communicate to the President about the proposals for Legislation.
Which of the Statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Correct answer
C. 2 and 3 only
Statement 1 is not correct: The Council of Ministers in the Centre shall be collectively responsible to Lok Sabha, not parliament. Statement 2 is correct: The Union Ministers shall hold the office during the pleasure of the President of India. Statement 3 is correct: The Prime Minister shall communicate to the President about the proposals for legislation.
Indian Polity & Governance
Executive & Council Of Ministers
Parliamentary System & Procedures
The main advantage of the parliamentary form of government is that -
Explanation
Correct answer
C. The executive remains responsible to the legislature.
The main advantage of a parliamentary form of government is that c) the executive remains responsible to the legislature. [Article 75(c)] Here's why the other options are not the main advantage: a) The executive and legislature actually work closely together in a parliamentary system, as the executive is drawn from the legislature.
b) Continuity of policy can be a benefit, but it's not the main advantage. Parliamentary systems can still be efficient in passing laws.
d) The head of government (Prime Minister) can be changed through a vote of no confidence in the legislature.
Indian Polity & Governance
Parliamentary System & Procedures
Executive & Council Of Ministers
Separation Of Powers & Constitutional Ideals
Consider the following statements:
1. The President of India can summon a session of the Parliament at such place as he/she thinks fit.
2. The Constitution of India provides for three sessions of the Parliament in a year, but it is not mandatory to conduct all three sessions.
3. There is no minimum number of days that the Parliament is required to meet in a year.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Correct answer
C. 1 and 3 only
Article 85(1) of the Constitution empowers the President to summon each House of Parliament to meet at such time and place as he thinks fit, but six months shall not intervene between its last sitting in one Session and the date appointed for its first sitting in the next Session. So, the Constitution provides for the maximum gap between two sessions of Parliament, i.e. it cannot be more than six months. In other words, the Parliament should meet at least twice a year. Therefore the constitution prescribes a maximum gap but there is no minimum gap. So, statement 1 and 3 are correct, and 2 is not correct. Therefore the correct answer is (c).
Indian Polity & Governance
Parliamentary System & Procedures
Executive & Council Of Ministers
Who amongst the following are members of the Jury to select the recipient of 'Gandhi Peace Prize'?
I. The President of India
II. The Prime Minister of India
III. The Chief Justice of India
IV. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
Correct answer
C. II, III and IV
❌ Statement I: Incorrect
*The President of India is NOT a member of the Jury.* ✅ Statement II: Correct
*The Prime Minister of India is the Chairperson of the Jury.* ✅ Statement III: Correct
*The Chief Justice of India (or a Supreme Court Judge nominated by the CJI) is a Jury member.* ✅ Statement IV: Correct
*The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha (or leader of largest opposition party) is a Jury member.* Correct Answer: Statements II, III, and IV are correct.
Indian Polity & Governance
Executive & Council Of Ministers
Judiciary & Judicial Review
Parliamentary System & Procedures
With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following statements :
1. Prorogation of a House by the President of India does not require the advice of the Council of Ministers.
2. Prorogation of a House is generally done after the House is adjourned sine die but there is no bar to the President of India prorogating the House which is in session.
3. Dissolution of the Lok Sabha is done by the President of India who, save in exceptional circumstances, does so on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Correct answer
C. 2 and 3
Statement 1 is incorrect. Under Article 85(2) of the Constitution, the President has the authority to prorogue the Houses, or either House of Parliament, from time to time. The termination of a session of the House by an order from the President under this provision is referred to as 'prorogation.' The President exercises this power of prorogation only upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister or the Cabinet, i.e., the Council of Ministers. Statement 2 is correct. Typically, prorogation follows adjournment sine die, but technically, the President can prorogue a House even while it is in session. Statement 3 is correct. The President usually dissolves the Lok Sabha based on the advice of the Council of Ministers, except in exceptional circumstances such as a vote of no confidence or other political crises.
Indian Polity & Governance
Parliamentary System & Procedures
Executive & Council Of Ministers
Which of the following is/are the exclusive power(s) of Lok Sabha?
1. To ratify the declaration of Emergency
2. To pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers
3. To impeach the President of India
Select the correct answer using the code given ' below:
Explanation
Correct answer
B. 2 only
* Statement 1 is incorrect: If the President is satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby the security of India or of any part of the territory thereof is threatened, whether by war or external aggression or armed rebellion, he may, by Proclamation, make a declaration to that effect in respect of the whole of India or of such part of the territory. * Statement 2 is correct: According to Article 75 of the Indian constitution, the council of ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. It means that the ministry stays in office so long as it enjoys the confidence of the majority of the members of the Lok Sabha. * Statement 3 is incorrect: When a President is to be impeached for violation of the Constitution, the charge shall be preferred by either House of Parliament.
Indian Polity & Governance
Parliamentary System & Procedures
Executive & Council Of Ministers
Previous year Mains questions mapped to overlapping GS syllabus topics.
Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.
Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity
Women, population, poverty, urbanization and development
View Mains PYQ
Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.
Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity
Women, population, poverty, urbanization and development
View Mains PYQ
How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.
Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity
Women, population, poverty, urbanization and development
Effects of globalization on Indian society
View Mains PYQ
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has to address the challenges faced by children in the digital era. Examine the existing policies and suggest measures the Commission can initiate to tackle the issue.
Statutory, regulatory and quasi-judicial bodies
Government policies and interventions
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections
View Mains PYQ
"In contemporary development models, decision-making and problem-solving responsibilities are not located close to the source of information and execution defeating the objectives of development." Critically evaluate.
Governance, transparency, accountability and e-governance
Government policies and interventions
Development processes, NGOs, SHGs and stakeholders
View Mains PYQ
Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted the fiscal federalism in India?
Union and States — federal structure and devolution
Government policies and interventions
View Mains PYQ
The article discusses the immediate issues that sparked the July 20 protests in Delhi. Which of the following was NOT explicitly cited as an initial trigger for these protests?
Explanation
The article explicitly mentions 'Recurring paper leaks in entrance examinations, the re-conducting of NEET, and the friction over the three-language formula' as initial triggers. It does not mention demands for a Uniform Civil Code.
Beyond the immediate triggers, the article identifies several wider societal concerns that have fueled the protests. Which of the following best encapsulates these broader issues?
Explanation
The article states, 'Yet, it would be a mistake to read the anger as being about examinations alone. Increasingly, the protests have crystallised into a wider discontent over joblessness, stagnant wages and rising prices that weigh on the young across the country.'
The article criticizes the Narendra Modi-led BJP government's approach to public disquiet. Which of the following statements accurately reflects this criticism?
Explanation
The article states, 'Course corrections over the last 12-plus years have tended to be timed to the ballot rather than parliamentary sessions or to public disquiet, even as narrow electoral wins... are read as expansive mandates and a licence for an increasingly authoritarian style of rule.' It also mentions engagement with Sonam Wangchuk came 'too late'.
"Issue-driven mobilisation by civil society groups tends to remain orderly so long as the government of the day signals that it is willing to listen and engage with genuine concerns." In light of this statement, discuss how the government's approach to civil society protests and parliamentary processes impacts democratic health in India.
Approach: Introduce the role of civil society in a democracy, discuss the implications of government engagement and disengagement, analyze the role of parliamentary processes, and conclude with recommendations for strengthening democratic health.
Model Answer Framework
Introduction
Civil society acts as a vital bridge between citizens and the state, articulating public grievances and holding the government accountable. Proactive engagement with these groups is crucial for maintaining social order and strengthening democratic institutions.
Key Answer Dimensions
Importance of Government Engagement with Civil Society
- **Legitimacy and Trust:** Timely engagement validates public concerns, fostering trust in democratic processes and reducing the likelihood of protests escalating.
- **Early Resolution:** Dialogue can lead to early identification and resolution of issues, preventing widespread discontent and potential unrest.
- **Inclusive Policy-making:** Civil society often represents marginalized voices, and their input can lead to more inclusive and effective policies.
Impact of Government Disengagement and Authoritarian Style
- **Escalation of Protests:** As seen in the Delhi protests, a lack of engagement can lead to confrontations, police action, and deeper public anger.
- **Youth Disillusionment:** Persistent disengagement, especially on issues like joblessness and education, can alienate the youth from the democratic system itself.
- **Perception of Authoritarianism:** The article notes that 'narrow electoral wins... are read as expansive mandates and a licence for an increasingly authoritarian style of rule,' which can stifle dissent and democratic discourse.
- **International Parallels:** The article draws comparisons to Sri Lanka's Aragalaya and Nepal's Gen Z revolt, highlighting the global trend of youth-led movements against perceived authoritarianism.
Role of Parliamentary Processes and their Bypassing
- **Forum for Debate and Accountability:** Parliament is designed for robust debate, scrutiny of government actions, and policy formulation, providing a legitimate channel for addressing public disquiet.
- **'Ballot-timed' Corrections:** The article criticizes the tendency for 'course corrections... to be timed to the ballot rather than parliamentary sessions or to public disquiet,' indicating a reactive rather than proactive approach to governance.
- **Reduced Trust in Institutions:** Bypassing parliamentary mechanisms or failing to address concerns within them can erode public faith in legislative bodies and democratic governance.
Data, Articles & Case Studies
The July 20 Delhi protests, initially sparked by examination paper leaks and NEET re-conducting, exemplify the escalation due to perceived government disengagement.
The delayed meeting with activist Sonam Wangchuk, conceded only after thousands reached Parliament's doorstep, underscores the reactive approach.
The article's criticism of the Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, highlights accountability failures in higher education administration.
Conclusion / Way Forward
For a robust democracy, governments must foster a culture of proactive engagement with civil society and uphold parliamentary processes. This approach builds trust, addresses grievances effectively, and prevents disillusionment, ensuring the long-term health and stability of democratic institutions.
The recent protests in Delhi, while initially sparked by specific issues, have broadened to reflect wider discontent over joblessness, stagnant wages, and rising prices. Examine the socio-economic factors contributing to youth disillusionment and suggest measures the government can take to address these concerns effectively.
Approach: Begin by acknowledging the shift from specific to broader issues, detail the socio-economic factors causing disillusionment, and then propose actionable government measures.
Model Answer Framework
Introduction
The Delhi protests highlight a critical shift from specific grievances like exam irregularities to deeper socio-economic anxieties among the youth. This broadening discontent underscores significant challenges in India's development trajectory and governance.
Key Answer Dimensions
Socio-economic Factors Contributing to Youth Disillusionment
- **Joblessness and Underemployment:** Despite a large young population, the economy struggles to create sufficient quality jobs, leading to widespread unemployment and underemployment, especially among educated youth.
- **Stagnant Wages:** Even for those employed, wages have often failed to keep pace with inflation and rising aspirations, leading to a sense of economic insecurity and inability to improve living standards.
- **Rising Prices and Cost of Living:** Persistent inflation, particularly in essential goods and services, erodes purchasing power, making daily life challenging and future planning difficult for young individuals and families.
- **Education-Employment Mismatch:** Failures in higher education administration, including recurring paper leaks and issues like NEET re-conducting, expose systemic flaws and a disconnect between academic qualifications and industry demands.
- **Lack of Accountability:** Perceived lack of accountability in governance, as highlighted by the article regarding education administration, fuels distrust and frustration among those seeking fair opportunities.
Measures the Government Can Take to Address Concerns
- **Robust Job Creation Strategies:** Focus on boosting manufacturing, MSMEs, and sunrise sectors through targeted incentives, skill development, and ease of doing business to generate diverse employment opportunities.
- **Skill Development and Education Reforms:** Overhaul the education system to align with market demands, promote vocational training, and ensure transparency and accountability in examination and recruitment processes.
- **Inflation Control and Welfare Measures:** Implement effective monetary and fiscal policies to manage inflation, coupled with targeted welfare schemes to protect vulnerable sections from rising prices.
- **Proactive Governance and Engagement:** Establish transparent grievance redressal mechanisms, engage in regular dialogue with youth and civil society, and ensure accountability for administrative failures.
- **Investment in Human Capital:** Increase public spending on health, education, and social security to enhance the overall quality of life and future prospects for the youth.
Data, Articles & Case Studies
The article specifically mentions 'recurring paper leaks in entrance examinations' and 're-conducting of NEET' as examples of administrative failures contributing to youth anger.
The broadening of protests to include 'joblessness, stagnant wages and rising prices' indicates a systemic economic challenge impacting youth across the country.
Conclusion / Way Forward
Addressing youth disillusionment requires a multi-pronged approach combining economic reforms for job creation, educational accountability, and proactive governance. Failure to engage meaningfully risks deepening their alienation from the democratic system and hindering national progress.