MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. Describe the idea of the separation of powers and how important it is to Indian democracy.
GS II – Parliament related issues
Introduction:
- A key tenet of democratic government is the division of powers, which is intended to maintain a system of checks and balances and prevent the accumulation of power in the hands of one party. The legislative, executive, and judicial departments of government, each with specific duties and responsibilities, are separated from one another by the principle of the separation of powers.
Importance of Indian Democracy:
- Tyranny and Abuse of Power: The division of powers serves as a check against the possibility of tyranny and the abuse of power by allocating authority across several branches. It makes sure that no branch abuses its authority or grows unduly dominant.
- Checks and Balances: Every branch has the power to keep the other branches’ actions under check and in balance. For instance, through discussions, votes, and inquiries, the legislature can closely examine and hold the executive branch responsible. The judiciary has the authority to assess whether laws and executive orders are constitutional.
- Accountability: The division of powers encourages government accountability. Each branch is responsible for carrying out its designated duties, and the judiciary’s independence guarantees that the legislative and executive branches will not interfere with the enforcement of the law.
- Democratic Governance: The division of powers is a reflection of the democratic ethos in a democracy such as India, where the people themselves own the power. It guarantees that choices are made through a system of accountability and representation, preventing the consolidation of power in the hands of a select few.
- Constitutional Framework: Several provisions of the Indian Constitution clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the legislative, executive, and judicial departments. The division of powers is upheld by this constitutional framework as a fundamental component of Indian democracy.
- An essential component of Indian democracy is the division of powers, which protects citizens’ rights and liberties while offering a framework for responsible and effective government. It demonstrates the dedication to upholding democratic principles, the rule of law, and the restriction of unbridled governmental power.
Q2. Examine the idea of social empowerment critically, outlining its various facets and their importance for attaining inclusive development in India.
GS I – Society related issues
Introduction:
- The process of granting marginalised and disadvantaged groups in society the ability to engage in social, economic, and political aspects of life is known as social empowerment. It seeks to lessen the injustices and discrimination they experience while enhancing their independence, dignity, and general well-being.
The following are a few aspects of social empowerment in India:
- Women’s empowerment is the process of improving women’s position and rights in a variety of areas, including work, health, education, decision-making, and legal protection. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Mahila Shakti Kendra, and other government programmes are aimed at empowering women.
- Empowerment of Scheduled Castes (SCs): SCs must be empowered in order to ensure that they have access to justice, land, work opportunities, and education, as well as to end caste-based violence, atrocities, and prejudice. The National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation, the Dr. Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship, the Venture Capital Fund for SCs, and other government initiatives are aimed at empowering the SCs.
- Empowerment of Scheduled Tribes (STs): Empowering STs is critical to maintaining their traditional knowledge, natural resources, and cultural identity as well as to improving their standard of living, governance, health, and education. Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India, and other government initiatives are aimed at empowering the Scheduled Tribes.
- Empowerment of people with disabilities (PwDs): PwDs empowerment is important for removing the obstacles and stigma they experience and for giving them access to social protection, work, education, and health care. The Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme, the National Trust, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, and other government programmes promote the empowerment of PwDs.
- Social empowerment has a number of disadvantages, such as:
- Opposition from dominant groups: Social empowerment frequently takes aim at the established norms and power structures that support the dominant groups in society, including men, higher castes, majority religions, and so forth.
- Lack of opportunities and resources: In order to achieve social empowerment, the underprivileged groups must have sufficient access to and use of these resources. But there are limited possibilities and resources, such land, work, healthcare, and education, in a developing nation like India.
- India is a country that exhibits both diversity and heterogeneity, as various social groups hold distinct identities, cultures, languages, religions, and other cultural practices. This could be problematic for social empowerment since it might be hard to meet the unique demands and goals of every group and make sure they are represented and included in the decision-making processes.
- Corruption and implementation gaps: Corruption and implementation gaps are common in the provision of public services and benefits, which may limit the effectiveness and scope of empowerment initiatives.
- For instance, when scholarships, pensions, subsidies, and other benefits are being paid out to the intended recipients, there can be leaks, delays, or anomalies.
- In India, achieving social empowerment necessitates a comprehensive plan that addresses issues of environmental sustainability, healthcare, tech access, gender parity, political engagement, education, and social inclusion. Policies that recognise and address the varied needs of all groups—leaving no one behind—are essential to inclusive growth. In order to promote a just and equitable society, social empowerment is not merely a means but also an objective in itself.
