Polity and Governance: Top Areas for Prelims Open UPSC mock test series
Welcome everyone! In this article, you will discuss some of the most important topics from Polity and Governance that frequently appear in UPSC Prelims Open Mock Tests. Clearing the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination is the first step towards becoming an IAS officer. Polity and Governance is one of the high scoring sections in Prelims that tests your understanding of India's constitutional framework and system of governance. Let's look at some key topics that you must focus on in your preparations of UPSC mock test series.
1. Constitutional Bodies
The Constitution of India has established several important bodies that form the backbone of our democratic governance system. Parliament is the supreme legislative body comprising the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Lok Sabha has 545 members directly elected from single-member constituencies. Rajya Sabha has 245 members - 238 representing states, 12 nominated. Parliament has the power to enact laws, discuss issues of national importance, and scrutinize the functioning of the government through questions and debates.
The President of India is the head of state and first citizen but has largely ceremonial powers. He is elected by an electoral college comprising MPs and MLAs. His key roles include appointing the PM, dissolving Lok Sabha, promoting national unity and preserving the constitution. The Prime Minister is the head of government and exercises most executive powers. He is appointed by the President and leads the Council of Ministers. Key powers include deciding policy, guiding ministries, and taking major administrative decisions.
The Supreme Court is the highest court with the power of judicial review. The CJI and 30 other judges are appointed by the President in consultation with judges. It settles disputes between Centre-states and interprets the constitution. The Election Commission conducts free and fair elections to Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and state assemblies. It prepares electoral rolls and supervises model code of conduct. The CAG audits all expenditures from the Consolidated Fund of India and prepares audit reports for the President on central and state finances.
2. Federal Structure:
Federal structure is also an important part of mock test series for UPSC. India follows a quasi-federal structure as per the Constitution. Federalism means distribution of powers between the central and state governments. In India, both the Union and State governments can legislate on different subjects mentioned in the Union List, State List and Concurrent List. The Union List has subjects of national importance like defence, foreign affairs, banking etc. that only the Parliament can legislate on. The State List includes state subjects like public order, police, trade etc. The state assemblies have exclusive powers here.
The Concurrent List contains subjects of common interest to both like education, forest, weights and measures etc that will help you in mock test series for UPSC. Both the Union and States can legislate on these subjects. In case of a repugnancy between union and state laws on concurrent subjects, the union law will prevail. Emergency provisions allow the central government to take over certain powers of states during times of crisis. A National Emergency can be declared due to war, external aggression etc. It allows the suspension of fundamental rights. A State Emergency is imposed when a state fails to function properly. A Financial Emergency happens due to economic crisis.
Bodies like Inter-State Council and Zonal Councils have been set up to foster cooperation and coordination between states on various issues like boundaries, water disputes, infrastructure projects etc. This promotes a spirit of federalism. Overall, India follows a quasi-federal structure with a strong centre due to emergency provisions and nature of legislative lists. But states also enjoy significant autonomy through the state list and concurrent subjects.
3. Statutory Bodies:
Statutory bodies refer to organizations that are established through acts of Parliament or state legislatures. While constitutional bodies are outlined in the Constitution itself, statutory bodies are equally important for effective governance. Let me explain the role and functions of some of the prominent statutory bodies mentioned:
The UPSC or Union Public Service Commission is India's premier central recruiting agency for civil services. It conducts the annual civil services examination to select officers for the IAS, IFS and other central services. The UPSC also advises the government on various public appointments. The CBSE or Central Board of Secondary Education was established in 1929 and has standardised the system of education across the country. It frames curriculum and guidelines, and organizes important exams like 10th and 12th board exams for a vast number of schools. This ensures uniformity and quality in school level education.
The RBI or Reserve Bank of India is India's central banking institution responsible for monetary policy and financial system regulation. It manages currency circulation, controls money supply, operates monetary policy and acts as a 'lender of last resort' to maintain financial stability. NITI Aayog has replaced the erstwhile Planning Commission since 2015. It plays a key role in new economic thinking, involving states closely in the development process, and monitoring flagship programs of the government.
4. Central Government Schemes:
The central government schemes are also a crucial part of prelims open mock test 2023.The central government launches various welfare schemes to address different socio-economic needs of the citizens. Some of the most important schemes that are priorities of the current government are:
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) aims to provide affordable housing for all by 2022. Launched in 2015, it aims to build over 110 million houses for the homeless and those living in kutcha and dilapidated houses. It offers interest subsidy on home loans for eligible beneficiaries. Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) was launched in 2014 with the vision of a clean India by 2019. Its key objectives include eliminating open defecation through construction of individual, cluster and community toilets and establishing an effective solid waste management system. SBM has contributed significantly towards improving sanitation coverage and public health across India.
Ayushman Bharat is the world's largest government funded healthcare programme. So keep these in mind for prelims open mock test 2023. Launched in 2018, it has two components - creation of 1.5 lakh health and wellness centres and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) which provides a cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for medical treatment of serious illnesses at empanelled hospitals. This scheme aims to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) provides income support of Rs. 6000 per year in three equal installments to small and marginal farmer families having combined landholding of up to 2 hectares. Launched in 2019, it aims to supplement the financial needs of small farmers.
Conclusion
Polity and governance is a vast subject that forms the foundation of the Indian constitution and system of administration. However, focusing your preparation on the key topics discussed here such as constitutional bodies, federal structure, amendment process, statutory organizations and central schemes will help you gain a strong command over the subject. Keep practicing questions for UPSC 2023 mock test series from these areas regularly. With diligent preparation and the right approach, you can certainly score well in this section of the UPSC 2023 mock test series..
