Nov. 9, 2020
Mains Daily Question
Nov. 9, 2020
- What do you understand by “basic structure" doctrine? Explain the evolution of this doctrine in India.
Approach:
- Explain about basic structure.
- Write about evolution of it, with concerned SC verdicts
- Conclude accordingly.
"Basic Structure" consists of those essential pillars of the constitution which are considered as vital to its very existence, and which Parliament cannot amend or take away even by a constitutional amendment. The word "Basic Structure" is not mentioned in constitution, but was recognized for the first time in the historic Kesavananda Bharati case of 1973. The list of Basic structure includes supremacy of the constitution, judicial review, federalism, independence of judiciary etc.
The constitution under Article 368 empowers the Parliament to amend the constitution, but this power is not absolute. With the intention of preserving the original ideals envisioned by the constitution makers, the Supreme Court pronounced that Parliament could not distort or alter the basic features of the Constitution under the pretext of amending it. If the Supreme Court finds any law made by the Parliament inconsistent with the constitution, it has the power to declare that law to be invalid (Article 13 and 14). Ever since the Kesavananda Bharati case, Supreme Court has been the interpreter of the Constitution and the arbiter of all amendments made by Parliament.
Evolution of the Basic Structure
The evolution of Basic Structure doctrine can be traced from issue of right to property and first constitutional amendment bill 1951 itself.
- The First Constitution Amendment Act, 1951 was challenged in the Shankari Prasad vs. Union of India. But the Supreme Court held that the Parliament, under Article 368, has the power to amend any part of the constitution including fundamental rights.
- In Golak Nath vs State of Punjab case in 1967, the Supreme Court overturned Shankari Prasad judgement and ruled that Article 368 only lays down the procedure to amend the constitution and does not give absolute powers to the Parliament to amend any part of the constitution.
- To nullify Golak Nath judgement, the Parliament, in 1971, passed the 24th Constitution Amendment Act and gave the absolute power to Parliament to make any changes in the constitution including the fundamental rights.
- In 1973, in Kesavananda Bharti vs. State of Kerala case, the Supreme Court held that the Parliament has power to amend any provision of the constitution, but doing so, the basic structure of the constitution is to be maintained.
- Further in Minerva mills and Waman Rao cases, SC reaffirmed its position of Kesavananda Bharti judgment and mentioned that the basic structure doctrine is applicable post 1973.
Despite the larger number of amendments made to the Indian Constitution, the hopes and ideas of its framers remain intact and identifiable as the Constitution adopted in 1949. This is principally due to the Supreme Court’s decision in Kesavananda Bharati.
Mains Daily Question
Nov. 9, 2020
What are the various issues and challenges and faced by in regulatory mechanism of higher education in India? Discuss the reforms measures in the context of recent regulatory reforms suggested in Draft education policy 2019.
Approach:
- Briefly discuss about the current status of the higher education in India.
- Discuss the challenges faced by regulatory mechanism of higher education in India.
- Discuss the reforms needed in regulatory mechanism of higher education in the country in the context of recent regulatory reforms suggested in Draft education policy 2019.
FFFSSS
Mains Daily Question
Nov. 9, 2020
The Government of India, through the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has released a draft of the new Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) Policy. Discuss the objective of introducing SSR Policy and the benefits associated with it.
asd
Mains Daily Question
Nov. 9, 2020
Recently, the government has banned the use of single use plastic and has also launched a massive campaign against it, as part of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Critically analyse how effective could be the ban in thwarting the menace of plastic usage.
ddd
Mains Daily Question
Nov. 9, 2020
The Government of India, through the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has released a draft of the new Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) Policy. Discuss the objective of introducing SSR Policy and the benefits associated with it.
ddd
Mains Daily Question
Nov. 9, 2020
Women’s movement post-independence has covered a wide array of topics. In this background mention the issues covered by these movement and government response to the same.(External Only)
grg
Mains Daily Question
Nov. 9, 2020
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) “needs more teeth and greater transparency in its functioning”. In this regard, comment on the challenges in functioning of the PAC as an institution.
AAA
Mains Daily Question
Nov. 9, 2020
The First Constitution Amendment Act, 1951 was challenged in the Shankari Prasad vs. Union of India. But the Supreme Court held that the Parliament, under Article 368, has the power to amend any part of the constitution including fundamental rights.
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people or changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.
Mains Daily Question
Nov. 9, 2020
Discuss the role of Council of Ministers in the Parliamentary form of government.
DDD
Nov. 8, 2020
Mains Daily Question
Nov. 8, 2020
Highlighting the main characteristics of Indian Renaissance, analyze the contributions and limitations of socio-cultural reform movements in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Approach:
- Discuss the main features of Indian Renaissance.
- Analyze the contributions of the Social Reform Movement in the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Highlight the key limitations of the Social Reform Movement
GFG
Mains Daily Question
Nov. 8, 2020
Analyse the debate on no detention policy . Should government move towards continuous and comprehensive assessment (CCA) along with No detention policy? Suggest your views.
Approach:
- Analyse the debate on no detention policy by writing the views of critics and its supporters.
- Discuss the significance of moving towards continuous and comprehensive assessment (CCA) along with No detention policy(NDP).
FDD
Mains Daily Question
Nov. 8, 2020
India has moved forward by providing fundamental rights of basic education through Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009. Analyse the challenges faced at primary level of Education in India. Also discuss the major reforms suggested at primary level in the recent draft education policy 2019.
Approach:
- Briefly write about Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009 and its current status.
- Discuss the challenges faced at primary level of Education in India.
- Discuss the major reforms suggested at primary level in the recent draft education policy 2019.
GGGSS
Nov. 4, 2020
Mains Daily Question
Nov. 4, 2020
“Upper House of the Indian Parliament has lost its relevance in contemporary times". Comment.
Answer
Nov. 3, 2020
Mains Daily Question
Nov. 3, 2020
- What were the reasons for the introduction of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003? What were the shortcomings in the Act that undermined its effectiveness?
Approach:
- Briefly discuss FRBM in the introduction
- Explain the need of FRBM act
- Discuss the various shortcomings in the Act that made it less effective
- Conclude with suggestions
