AJ

ASTHA JAINAIR 9· 2025

Question Q.5GS2GS2

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

Open scan (p.11)

Introduction

Secularism ensures socio-economic democracy and democratic socialism.

7 words

Main Body

Secularism → a) Indian model of secularism (Rajeer Bhargava)

b) Equal distance vs principled distance → India provides one

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

d) Positive secularism → equal 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

— ASTHA JAIN · AIR 9

252 words2 paragraphs
  • clear structure on constitutional provisions
  • specific reference to amendments
  • addresses federalism aspects
  • identifies specific gaps and weaknesses
  • proposes improvements
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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

2

Paragraphs

structured, constitutional

Tone