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UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today’s answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-2 to check your progress.
Explain the concept of “Special Category Status” for states in India. What are the criteria for a state to be granted this status? Discuss the significance of Special Category Status in the context of fiscal federalism and regional development in India.
Discuss the evolving dynamics of Bangladesh’s foreign policy in the context of its relations with India and China.
Introduction
— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.
— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.
Body
— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.
— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.
— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.
— Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer.
— Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required.
Way forward/ conclusion
— The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction.
— You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers.
Self Evaluation
— It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers.
QUESTION 1: Explain the concept of “Special Category Status” for states in India. What are the criteria for a state to be granted this status? Discuss the significance of Special Category Status in the context of fiscal federalism and regional development in India.
Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.
Introduction:
— The Constitution makes no provision for categorising any state as a Special Category Status (SCS) State; however, given that some areas in India have historically been disadvantaged in comparison to others, the Centre has previously assisted states with funds allocated by the former Planning Commission body known as the National Development Council.
— The NITI Aayog, which has replaced the Planning Commission, has no power to allocate funds. Therefore, the discretion is with the Centre to provide special favours to states.
Body:
You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:
Criteria for a state to be granted Special Category Status
— The problem of Special Category Status (SCS) initially arose when the National Development Council approved the Gadgil Formula for cash allocation at its April 1969 meeting.
— Previously, the NDC examined characteristics such as tough and hilly terrain, low population density and/or a sizable tribal population, strategic location along borders, economic and infrastructure backwardness, and the non-viability of state finances.
Significance of Special Category Status
— The category into which a State fits (special category or non-special category) determines the loan-grant ratio applicable to the Normal Central Assistance (NCA) supplied to the States.
— The Centre pays 90 per cent of the funds required in a centrally-sponsored scheme to special category status category states as against 60 per cent in case of normal category states, while the remaining funds are provided by the state governments.
— Special Category States have also received special central assistance unrelated to projects due to their terrible financial circumstances.
Conclusion:
— The NDC first accorded SCS in 1969 to Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and Nagaland. Over the years, eight more states were added to the list — Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura and, finally, in 2010, Uttarakhand.
— Andhra Pradesh is demanding that special assistance funding should be in the 90:10 ratio (Centre: state) for both EAPs and centrally-sponsored schemes.
(Source: What is special category status?, sansad.in)
Points to Ponder
Functions of NITI Aayog
Benefits of Special Category Status
Related Previous Year Questions
‘‘The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.’’ Comment. (2023)
How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer. (2020)
QUESTION 2: Discuss the evolving dynamics of Bangladesh’s foreign policy in the context of its relations with India and China.
Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.
Introduction:
— Bangladesh’s foreign policy features a careful balancing act between the two regional powerhouses, India and China, which is aimed at maximising economic benefits while maintaining strategic interests.
— However, the outcomes of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent visit to China suggested that the balancing act may not be yielding the anticipated results, particularly in meeting expectations from Beijing.
— Economic cooperation has been the primary driver of Bangladesh-China relations, with China serving as Bangladesh’s major trading partner for the past 13 years running. By 2023, Chinese investments in Bangladesh will total $3.2 billion, making it the country’s second-largest source of foreign investment.
Body:
You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:
Bangladesh-China relations
— China has made major contributions to Bangladesh’s infrastructure development, including railway projects, bridges, highways, and power stations. This infrastructure development has strengthened Bangladesh’s economic growth.
— The recent visit of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister resulted in the signing of 21 instruments, including three renewed Memorandums of Understanding, elevating the relationship from a “strategic partnership” to a “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.”
— During the visit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang promised $1 billion in economic support, while Prime Minister Hasina encouraged further Chinese investment in Bangladesh’s special economic zones and the Bangabandhu Industrial Park, establishing an export-processing zone particularly for Chinese businessmen.
— China’s vow to extend zero-tariff treatment for 98% of Bangladeshi goods after 2026, support for Bangladesh’s development plans, and encouragement of Chinese investment in various sectors all point to an increasing economic connection.
— These developments, along with China’s involvement in the Rohingya refugee situation, illustrate the growing depth and breadth of China-Bangladesh relations, which may complicate Bangladesh’s efforts to maintain a balanced stance between China and India.
India-Bangladesh relations
— PM Hasina demonstrated a significant shift towards India with two visits to New Delhi in quick succession. Her attendance at Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony on June 9, followed by a two-day state visit in less than two weeks, demonstrates the increasing connections between the neighbours.
— The Teesta River project has emerged as a vital test of Bangladesh’s capacity to manage its geopolitical orientation with the two Asian superpowers. India’s new proposal to fund the Teesta River restoration and management project comes in the context of China’s existing offer of financial and technical assistance.
Conclusion:
— The distinction between India as a “political friend” and China as a “friend for development” captures the nuanced approach Bangladesh has strived to retain.
— Bangladesh’s Indo-China balancing act is increasingly facing unexpected hurdles. While economic cooperation with China has resulted in development gains, it has also prompted concerns about debt dependence and strategic vulnerability.
— The changing geopolitical situation in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific region has made Bangladesh’s neutral stance more difficult to maintain. The country is handling complex concerns such as regional security, water rights, and economic integration, which have the potential to strain relations with the two superpowers.
(Source: Why Bangladesh’s India-China balancing act is becoming increasingly difficult by Syed Munir Khasru)
Points to Ponder
Recent development between India and Bangladesh
What is a land boundary agreement?
Places in news (India-Bangladesh)
Teesta River – Its origin and its course
Related Previous Year Questions
‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (2022)
What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (2019)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 59)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 58)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 58)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 59)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 59)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 60)
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