Indian Constitution

• Historical underpinnings of the constitution

• Evolution of the Constitution

• Salient features

• Basic structure

• Amendments

• Significant provisions

• Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the states

• Issues and challenges related to the Federal Structure

• Devolution of powers and finances up to local government level

• Challenges in the devolution of power

• Separation of powers between various organs of the government

• Dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions

• Comparison of India’s constitutional scheme with other countries

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Governance & Polity

• Parliament and State Legislatures

  • Structure

  • Functioning

  • Conduct of Business

  • Powers & Privileges

  • Issues arising out of Powers & Privileges of legislative bodies

• Executive and Judiciary

  • Structure

  • Organization

  • Functioning

  • Ministries and departments of the government

• Pressure groups

• Formal & Informal associations and their role in the polity

• Salient features of the People’s Representation Act

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Governance

• Appointment to various constitutional posts

• Powers, functions, and responsibilities of various constitutional bodies

• Statutory, regulatory, and various quasi-judicial bodies

• Government policies and interventions for the development of various sectors

• Issues arising out of design and implementation of government intervention

• Development processes and the development of industry

• The role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders

• Important aspects of governance, transparency, and accountability

• e-governance

  • applications

  • models

  • successes

  • limitations and potential

  • citizens charters

  • transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.

• Role of Civil Services in a Democracy

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Social Justice

• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by centre and states

• The performance of welfare schemes

• Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections of the population

• Issues related to the development and management of the social sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

• Issues related to poverty and hunger

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International Relations

• India and its neighborhood

• Relations between India and neighbouring countries

• Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests

• Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

• Indian diaspora

• Important International institutions, agencies, and fora

  • Structure

  • Mandate