MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. Examine the mechanisms and functions that contribute to the effective functioning of the Parliament.
GS II – Parliament related issues
Introduction:
- The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the Republic of India, and consists of two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The Parliament performs various functions and powers, such as legislative, executive, financial, electoral, and constitutional functions.
Mechanisms that contribute to the effective functioning of the Parliament:
- Questions: Questions are written or oral queries raised by the MPs to the ministers on matters related to their portfolios. Questions can be of different types, such as starred, unstarred, short notice, or supplementary. Questions help the MPs to seek information, clarify doubts, expose irregularities, and elicit commitments from the government.
- No confidence motion: It is a motion moved by the opposition to express their lack of trust in the government. If the motion is passed by a majority of the members present and voting, the government has to resign. This ensures that the government is accountable to the Parliament and the people.
- Cut motions: They are moved by the members to reduce the amount of a demand for grant proposed by the government. They are of three types: policy cut, economy cut, and token cut. They represent the disapproval of the policy, the economy, or the specific grievance underlying the demand. They also provide an opportunity for the members to raise issues of public importance and initiate legislative reforms.
- Parliamentary committees: These are groups of members from both Houses who examine various aspects of the functioning of the government, such as bills, demands for grants, annual reports, and long-term plans of ministries/departments. They also scrutinize the implementation of policies and programmes and suggest improvements. They facilitate inter-ministerial coordination and improve the quality of legislation and oversight.
- An effective Parliament thrives on a complex interplay of mechanisms, functions, and supporting factors. It requires constant vigilance, active engagement from all stakeholders, and a commitment to ethical and transparent practices. By strengthening these elements, Parliament can truly fulfill its role as the cornerstone of a healthy democracy, safeguarding the rights of citizens and shaping the nation’s future.
Q2. The Public Distribution System in India faces certain key challenges. Analyze. Also give some measures to improve its overall functionality.
GS II – Government Policies and Interventions
Introduction:
- The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a critical component of India’s efforts to ensure food security for its citizens. Over the years, technology has emerged as a powerful tool in addressing longstanding challenges and improving the overall functionality of the PDS.
Streamlining Supply Chain Management:
- One of the primary ways technology has contributed to the PDS is through the implementation of computerized systems in supply chain management. The end-to-end computerization of supply chain operations has significantly reduced manual interventions, minimizing errors, leakages, and inefficiencies.
Enhancing Transparency through Biometric Authentication and ePoS:
- The introduction of biometric authentication and electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices has been instrumental in enhancing transparency and accountability within the PDS. Biometric authentication eliminates duplicate and ghost beneficiaries, ensuring that subsidies reach the intended recipients.
Empowering Beneficiaries through Information Dissemination:
- Technology has facilitated the creation of online platforms for the dissemination of PDS-related information. Beneficiaries can access crucial details such as entitlements, prices, and distribution schedules through websites and mobile applications.
Data-Driven Decision-Making with Analytics:
- The adoption of data analytics and machine learning has revolutionized the decision-making process in the PDS. These technologies enable authorities to predict demand patterns, optimize stock levels, and identify areas susceptible to leakages or inefficiencies.
- Technology has become a cornerstone in the evolution of the Public Distribution System. From streamlining supply chain management to enhancing transparency and empowering beneficiaries, technology has significantly contributed to the efficiency and effectiveness of the PDS.
