Question Q.12Discuss the short-term and long-term impactsGS2GS1
'Emergency' is one of the most controversial and widely debated events in Indian politics. How do you agree with the view that it was imposed to fulfil individual political goals rather than serve national interests? Also, discuss the short-term and long-term impacts of the Emergency. (15 marks, 250 words)
Introduction
'Emergency' was imposed by Indira Gandhi in 1975 using Article 352 citing 'Internal Disturbance'.
14 words
Main Body
Controversialuse of mass sterilisation
and widelycurtailing civil liberties.
DebatedCentralisation of power.
Curbing of dissent.
Emerging imposedto fulfill Individual Goals
1Raj Narain Judgement: invalidated election of Prime Minister.
2Losing of power: due to the rise of JP movement and Gujarat movements.
3Power Centralisation: use of 42 nd Amendment Act.
4To curb intra-party dissent: factions within Congress.
Emergency imposedto serve National Interest
1Rise of Anarchism: JP movement favored 'Total Revolution'.
2Riots and clashes: between protestors.
3Rising inflation: due to black marketing and after effect of Indo-Pakistan war (1971).
4Issues such as: population explosion required strong measures.
Short Term impacts of Emergency
1Formation of first non-congress government at centre - with Moranji Desai as PM.
2Indira Gandhi lost election.
3Widespread protests against the government for not curtailing civil liberties.
4First coalition government formed.
Long Term impacts of Emergency
144th Amendment Act: curbs an emergency power by installing safeguards.
2Institutionalised use of dissent in public by protest.
3Strengthen democracy and civil liberties by highlighting the issues of centralisation.
190 words9 paragraphs
Conclusion
Thus, Emergency was a mixed bag of impacts.
8 words
- Accurate historical facts about Emergency
- Clear identification of controversial aspects
- Reference to specific judgement and constitutional article
Topper
Gaurav Chopra
AIR 83
Subject & Paper
GS2GS1
Topic
Post-independence Consolidation and Reorganization within the country
Emergency 1975
Writing Stats
212
Total words
9
Paragraphs