UPSC MAINS ANSWER WRITING

Approach to Answer: ​1. Introduction (approx. 30-40 words): ​Acknowledge the constitutional status of Parliament (Article 79) as the central institution of Indian democracy. ​Mention its multi-functional role: legislation, oversight of the executive, representation, and deliberation. ​2. Body - Part 1: Factors contributing to the decline/questioning of efficacy (approx. 100 words): ​Decline in sitting days: Parliament meets for fewer days annually compared to earlier decades. ​Bypassing Committees: A significant number of bills are not referred to Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRSCs) for scrutiny. ​Falling quality of debate: Rushed passage of important bills without adequate discussion (e.g., using the "guillotine"). ​Ordinance Raj: Re-promulgation of ordinances, which undermines Parliament's primary legislative role. ​Executive Dominance & Whipping: Anti-defection law often reduces legislators to voting as per party dictates, curbing independent deliberation. ​Disruptions: Frequent adjournments due to political deadlocks. ​3. Body - Part 2: Measures to restore efficacy (approx. 80 words): ​Mandatory Scrutiny: Make it mandatory to refer all major bills to committees. ​Calendar of Sittings: Fix a minimum number of working days per year. ​Strengthening the Opposition: Codify rights for the opposition (e.g., a 'Shadow Cabinet' concept or specific days for opposition-led debates). ​Effective use of tools: Revitalize Question Hour and Zero Hour. ​Speaker's role: Ensure the Speaker acts impartially to facilitate debate rather than just manage numbers. ​4. Conclusion (approx. 30-40 words): ​Summarize that a robust Parliament is essential for a healthy democracy. ​Conclude that structural and procedural reforms are needed to ensure it remains a vibrant forum for "Deliberation and Accountability."

Question: "While the Indian Parliament is constitutionally empowered as the supreme legislative body, its effectiveness as an instrument of accountability and deliberation has been increasingly questioned in recent years." In light of this statement, critically examine the factors contributing to the decline of Parliament's functional efficacy and suggest measures to restore its role as the 'Grand Inquest of the Nation'. (15 Marks, 250 words)

Model answer Mangrove forests are deteriorating due to over-exploitation, deforestation, land reclamation and pollution. Large areas of mangroves have been cleared due to various factors. Importance in maintaining coastal ecology: •Basis of a complex marine food chain. •Creation of breeding habitat for birds and water animals. •Filtering and assimilating pollutants from upland run-off. •Stabilization of bottom sediments. •Water quality improvements. Protection of shorelines from erosion. •Mangroves are the first line of defence for coastal communities. They stabilize shorelines by slowing erosion and provide natural barriers protecting coastal communities from increased storm surge, flooding, and hurricanes. Causes of depletion: Anthropogenic Causes: Over-exploitation and Illegal Forest Cutting: Over-exploitation of forests to meet the growing requirement of the people is one of the main problems facing the Sundarban. Shrimp Farming: The rapidly expanding shrimp farming industry possesses the crucial cause for deteriorating the mangrove forests in Bangladesh. Pollution: Industrial development, agriculture and aquaculture near the river basins has led to the production of huge amounts of garbage, wastewater, pollutants and other effluents. Management Failure: The mangrove forest is disappearing because of Lack of training and knowledge of coastal land use. Diseases: “Top dying” is the disease of the dominant Sundari trees (Heritiera fomes) one of the biggest causes for deteriorating the forest. Fire: Fire may have caused some of the most serious damage of the mangrove ecosystem in recent years. Natural Causes Natural Disasters, Climate Change and Sea Level Rise: Nutrient depletion: Especially phosphorus and nitrogen was found to be directly connected with the decline in forest cover. Thus it is imperative seeing their importance in maintaining coastal ecology to save them through local and national efforts.

Practice Question for today Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. (200 words)

Practice Question for today Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. (200 words)

Model answer Introduction: The doctrine of Separation of Power refers to the model of governance where the executive, legislative and judicial powers are not concentrated in one body but instead divided into different branches. The degree of separation varies. ‘Strict separation’ implies branches are independent of each other. On the other hand, ‘checks and balances’ implies that reasonable checks and balances are in place to check misuse of power. Articles in the Consitution facilitating Separation of Powers are as follows- Article 50: State shall take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive. Article 122 and 212: validity of proceedings in Parliament and the Legislatures cannot be called into question in any Court. Article 121 and 211 of the Constitution: Judicial conduct of a Judge of the Supreme Court and the High Courts cannot be discussed in the Parliament and the State Legislature. Articles 53 and 154: executive power of the Union and the State shall be vested with the President and the Governor and they enjoy immunity from civil and criminal liability. Article 361: the President or the Governor shall not be answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of his office. How SOP in India is based on the principles of Checks and Balances: Although prima facie it appears that the Constitution has based itself upon the doctrine of strict separation of powers. But, if studied carefully, it is clear that it is more inclined towards proper checks and balances. The doctrine has not been awarded Constitutional status. Secondly, the constitution divides power between the different branches of government – these are the ‘balances’. Balance aims to ensure that no individual or group of people in government is ‘all-powerful’. Power is shared and not concentrated in one branch. It’s quite evident that the Constitution of India does not accept the principle of strict separation of powers. Though it appears dilatory of the doctrine of separation of powers, it is essential in order to enable a just and equitable functioning and close coordination.

Practice Question for today Do you think that Constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on principle of checks and balances? Explain. (150 words)

Prelims Subject wise trends (2018 to 2024)

All important Acts passed during British rule: Indian Council Acts, Pitts India Acts, Regulating Act and Government of India Acts

Evaluated answer-Shubhanshi Singh AIR 298 (was student of daily answer writing program)

Dr Sashi Tharoor, Congress mp From Kerala, is speaking on the tragic death of students in ORN-Delhi

Shared by MCD

Live scene... Karol Bagh Metro...

Students protest: MCD offered 10 lakh compensation but students rejected

Shocking news from ORN: Water infiltrated the underground library, causing casualties (due to a short Circuit)