Question Q.5GS2GS2

Secularism ensures socio-economic democracy and democratic socialism. Best of both worlds.

Open scan (p.11)

Answer Strengths Gaps Keywords

Introduction

Secularism ensures socio-economic democracy and democratic socialism.

7 words

Main Body

Secularisma) Indian model of secularism (Rajeer Bhargava)

b) Equal distance vs principled distanceIndia provides one

c) State can intervene in religion for reforms (eg Hindu code bill

d) Positive secularismequal respect to all religion

e) Celebration of religious diversity

f) State holidays on festivals

g) different from 'laïcité'State & religion not rigid separat

g) Romayans (Article 25-28) for rights based on approach

They reject welfare oriented and diverse nature of India.

Finance Commission is formed under A 280 and State Finance Commissions are formed under A 243 clauses as they were established by 73rd 97.74-4H AA of 1992.

State Finance Commissions & their role in regional equity & federalism

1Ensure principles to govern division of taxes pool, be based on needs of local government

2Tasked with recommending principles to govern grant-in aids to ensure regional development

3Federal strengthening by utilizing funds recommended by Centre RC

4Strengthen fiscal devolution & local government.

Underutilized:

1Recommendatory nature → SFCs are not binding. Their recommendations not implemented

2Reports not tabled or discussed timely in SLAs → Comprise their utility

3SFC formation depends upon state's will → Further reduce autonomy in federalism

4Funds transfers by states even when SFC recommendation → weaker equity

5Not prioritized in state's fund. Transfer scheme

6Remain mere defective with less importance & powers compared to Centre FC.

Ways to Improve:

a) Ensure SFCs are enabled

b) Federal input between Union to & by SFC

252 words2 paragraphs

clear structure on constitutional provisions
specific reference to amendments
addresses federalism aspects
identifies specific gaps and weaknesses
proposes improvements

Open original scan

Page 11

Topper

ASTHA JAIN

AIR 92025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Indian Constitution - Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure

Secularism

Significant Provisions

Writing Stats

259

Total words

Paragraphs

structured, constitutional

Tone