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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 2: Questions on Right to Education and India-Canada relations (Week 108)
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. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Discuss how relying on Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) to implement fundamental rights, such as the Right to Education (Article 21A), can jeopardise cooperative federalism in India. Examine how India's invitation to the G7 conference in Canada marks a diplomatic reset in India-Canada relations. 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: Discuss how relying on Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) to implement fundamental rights, such as the Right to Education (Article 21A), can jeopardise cooperative federalism in India. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) play an important role in governance. They are Constitutional conditional grants that the Centre unilaterally designs and partially funds, with state governments implementing them. — The disbursement of the Centre's share under the CSS is subject to certain criteria and is governed by a set of procedures and compliance standards. For example, the Ministry of Education's Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan is a comprehensive school education program. It combines three CSS: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE), all of which seek to provide equitable quality school education from pre-school to senior secondary level in India, as well as support for teacher training and system strengthening. The fund-sharing ratio between the Centre and the states (excluding Northeastern states) is 60:40. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — CSS, in the lack of transparency and uniform enforcement, risks becoming a tool of budgetary coercion in the hands of the Centre rather than an instrument to promote cooperative government. This goes against the essence of federalism. — This is because the CSS financial mechanism is not governed by a specific statute, but rather by executive instructions under Article 282 of the Constitution. Article 282 empowers both the Union and the states to make discretionary grants for any 'public purpose' that falls outside of their respective legislative jurisdiction. Although Article 282 was never intended to be a regular channel for fiscal transfers from the Union to the states, over time, numerous 'one-size-fits-all' discretionary schemes have given the Centre influence over subjects outside of its legislative competence. — For example, the Centre has connected the distribution of funding for Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan to the states' compliance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the PM SHRI Schools program, which Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Kerala oppose. This has suspended admissions for the academic year 2025-26 under the Right to Education Act in Tamil Nadu, demonstrating how CSS, with their stringent criteria and lack of flexibility, can stymie state capability. — When CSS are used as a political tool rather than a policy tool, the fundamental goals of cooperative federalism deteriorate, with the poorest, particularly in this case, children, bearing the brunt of the consequences. The right to education is guaranteed by Article 21A of the Constitution, which declares free and compulsory education a fundamental right for all children aged 6 to 14. However, the fulfilment of the right to education is dependent on cooperative federalism, as education is on the Concurrent list. — When the Right to Education is implemented through various programs, access to fundamental rights becomes subject to political alignments between governments. This undermines both the notion of cooperative federalism and the fundamental right to education. Conclusion: — Because there is no clear constitutional or statutory framework governing the design and implementation of CSS, the ongoing standoff between TN and the Centre provides an important opportunity for the Supreme Court to consider whether certain rights-based entitlements (such as the fundamental right to education) should be protected from coercive tactics used by one level of government against another. — The Constitution prohibits a system in which executive discretion or ideological conformity governs the enforcement of rights that are intended to be universal and inalienable. The current case provides the Supreme Court with a rare chance to answer the above question by reconsidering its interpretation of Article 282 and establishing explicit constitutional boundaries on the use of CSS in order to restore balance in Centre-State relations and ensure that fundamental rights are not negotiable. (Source: Right to education is non-negotiable. It shouldn't depend on Centre-state relations) Points to Ponder Read about Article 21-A Read more about federalism Related Previous Year Questions The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment. (2022) Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at the local level and bring out the pros and cons of merging rural local bodies with urban local bodies. (2024) QUESTION 2: Examine how India's invitation to the G7 conference in Canada marks a diplomatic reset in India-Canada relations. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — India and Canada have now begun to turn a new page in their bilateral relationship. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Canada for the G7 conference yielded considerable favourable results. — The meeting was a 'foundational' step towards establishing India-Canada relations. Following the conference, Carney openly acknowledged India's 'natural' and 'consistent' role at the G7 table, demonstrating Canada's awareness of India's growing global status and the Carney administration's realistic resolve to fix deteriorating bilateral ties. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — The Prime Minister of Canada underlined India's significance, citing the 'size and dynamism of the Indian economy, Indian technology, and its role in a host of venues, G20 and beyond.' — This recognition is important to India's viewpoint. Carney, a proponent of Canada being an 'energy superpower,' praised India's involvement in the energy revolution. PM Modi reciprocated during the Outreach Session by emphasising the importance of global energy security through sustainable and green pathways. — India's activities include the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Global Biofuels Alliance. Modi's persistent advocacy for the Global South's concerns at such a high-profile gathering bolstered India's position as their primary voice. — The Indian Prime Minister also restated India's stance on terrorism, urging G7 leaders to galvanise global action and advocating for tough penalties against those who advocate and support it. The discussions also centred on technology and innovation, namely the AI-energy nexus and quantum-related challenges. — Carney's realistic and encouraging description of their encounter as a 'foundation and necessary first step' reflected a common desire to rebuild. PM Modi stated firmly that national security and the fight against terrorism are non-negotiable priorities in India. Conclusion: — The most tangible result is an agreement to re-establish the role of the high commissioners. Their absence had left a visible hole, hampering diplomatic functions and hurting interpersonal and corporate relationships. Restoring these critical diplomatic posts, together with restarting senior and working-level engagements, is more than just a formality; it reflects a clear intent to restore normalcy and important services. — India has regularly supplied proof and requested action against elements on Canadian soil that promote secessionism against India. A relationship based on 'mutual respect' requires Canada to address these basic Indian concerns seriously and with concrete action. (Source: One visit, many openings: At G7, a step forward in India-Canada ties) Points to Ponder Read more about India-Canada relations Read more about G7 Related Previous Year Questions Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation? (2022) Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss. (2020) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 108) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 107) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 106) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 107) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 106) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 107) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. 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Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
CB issues notice on CSS exemption plea
A constitutional bench (CB) of the Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the federation on a petition filed against induction of officers from armed forces in the civil bureaucracy without any written examination. A five-member CB led by Justice Aminuddin Khan took up a petition filed through Ali Azeem Afridi. During the hearing the lawyer contended that civilian candidates desirous of joining the Central Superior Services (CSS) are mandated to sit a written exam as well as an interview. However, officers from armed forces are exempted from the written exam. When Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, a member of the bench, asked the counsel as to which of his fundamental rights are violated by this provision, he replied that this provision was discriminatory. The CB issued notice to the federation under Section 3 of the Civil Services Rules, 1956 and adjourned the case for three weeks. The CSS refers to the elite civil service of Pakistan through which bureaucrats and government officers are recruited to various federal departments and ministries. Conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), the purpose of the CSS exam is to recruit officers for the Grade-17 posts in various federal government services. This exam includes written tests of compulsory and optional subjects, psychological assessment and a viva voce or interview. The bench, while hearing a petition regarding the inclusion of life skills education in schools, summoned the federal and provincial education secretaries. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked that the presence of all secretaries would help develop a joint strategy. The additional attorney general informed the court that life skills education is already being taught in Islamabad's schools. Justice Mazhar emphasized that all provinces must formulate a policy in coordination with the federal government. Salman Akram Raja pointed out that Punjab and the federal government have submitted their responses but copies have not been provided to them. The court expressed displeasure over the absence of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's representative. The court directed that copies of all provincial responses be shared with the petitioner's counsel and adjourned the hearing for an indefinite period. During the hearing of an appeal related to the appointment of vice-chancellors in universities, Justice Mazhar inquired whether the rector and president of Islamabad's International Islamic University had been appointed. The lawyer responded that the rector has not been permanently appointed and currently holds an acting charge. The university's lawyer informed the court that the president of the International Islamic University has been appointed but he has not yet taken charge due to being in Saudi Arabia.
Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Right to education is non-negotiable. It shouldn't depend on Centre-state relations
Written by Mayuri Gupta In a quiet yet telling move, last month Tamil Nadu moved the Supreme Court against the Centre for freezing educational funds. The Centre informed the Rajya Sabha during the 2025 Budget session that it allocated no funds to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal under the Centre's share for the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan for 2024–25. These states are not underperformers; rather, they have been long recognised for their robust education systems. Notably, this freeze isn't a clerical error or a mere budgetary oversight. It reflects a worrying trend of politicised fiscal federalism, one that not only threatens the constitutional promise of equality and cooperative governance but also strikes at the heart of the fundamental right to education. At the heart of this federal standoff is the Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) that play a pivotal (and sometimes outsized) role in governance. They are conditional grants under the Constitution that are unilaterally designed and partially funded by the Centre and implemented by the state governments. The disbursal of the Centre's share under the CSS depends on certain conditions and is tied to a set of procedural and compliance-related requirements. For instance, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan is an umbrella scheme for school education under the Ministry of Education. It integrates three CSS: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and Teacher Education (TE) aimed at equitable quality school education across India — from pre-school to senior secondary level — while also supporting teacher-training and system strengthening. The fund-sharing ratio between the Centre and the states (other than NE states) is 60:40. In the absence of transparency and uniform enforcement, CSS risks becoming a tool of fiscal coercion in the hands of the Centre rather than an instrument to further cooperative governance. This undermines the spirit of federalism. This is because, CSS funding framework is not governed by a dedicated statute, but by executive guidelines under Article 282 of the Constitution. Article 282 enables the Union as well as the states to make discretionary grants, even beyond their respective legislative competences, for any 'public purpose'. Although Article 282 was never intended to be a regular route for fiscal transfers from the Union to the states, over the years, several 'one-size-fits-all' discretionary schemes have allowed the Centre's control over matters beyond its legislative competence. This hampers the autonomy of states and, at times, leads to inefficient overlaps. For instance, the Centre has linked the release of funds for Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan to the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the PM SHRI Schools scheme by the states, which TN, West Bengal and Kerala are opposing. This has halted admissions for the academic year 2025-26 under the Right to Education Act in Tamil Nadu, illustrating how CSS, with their strict conditions and lack of flexibility, can hamper state capacity. When CSS are used as a political tool rather than a policy instrument, the foundational ideals of cooperative federalism begin to erode, with the poorest, and in this case, the children, paying the price. Right to education is guaranteed in Article 21A of the Constitution, which makes free and compulsory education a fundamental right for all children between 6 to 14 years of age. However, the realisation of the right to education depends on cooperative federalism as education comes under the Concurrent list. Yet, the top-down approach towards education through CSS can risk transforming a fundamental right into a bargaining chip, contrary to the spirit of the Constitution. As there is no clear constitutional or statutory framework governing the design and implementation of CSS, the ongoing standoff between TN and the Centre presents an important opportunity for the Supreme Court to examine whether certain rights-based entitlements (such as the fundamental right to education) should be protected from coercive tactics by one tier of government against another. When the implementation of the Right to Education is routed through other schemes, it risks making access to fundamental rights contingent upon political alignments between the governments. This weakens both the principle of cooperative federalism and the fundamental right to education. The current stand-off raises a deeper constitutional question: Can access to fundamental rights be made conditional on political conformity in a federal democracy? The Constitution does not permit a framework where executive discretion or ideological conformity dictates the enforcement of rights that are meant to be universal and inalienable. The current case offers the SC a rare opportunity to answer the above question by revisiting its interpretation of Article 282 and drawing clear constitutional limits on the use of CSS, to restore balance in Centre-State relations and ensure that fundamental rights remain non-negotiable. The writer is Milon K Banerji, Senior Resident Fellow at Charkha, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wesco Announces the Promotion of Dirk Naylor to Executive Vice President and General Manager of Communications and Security Solutions
PITTSBURGH, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wesco International (NYSE: WCC), a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions, announced today that effective June 30, 2025, Dirk Naylor is promoted to Executive Vice President and General Manager, Communications and Security Solutions (CSS). Mr. Naylor succeeds William C. Geary II, who has tendered his resignation from Wesco to become the chief executive officer of a large, private equity-backed company. Mr. Naylor has been a member of the Company's leadership team since 2005, demonstrating excellent strategic vision and operational expertise. During his tenure, Mr. Naylor supported many Communications and Security Solutions' key initiatives, including the Company's successful cross-selling program, the acquisition of Rahi Systems in 2022, and the formation of Wesco Data Center Solutions, as well as the acquisition of Ascent, LLC, in 2024. He most recently held the role of Senior Vice President and General Manager, USA and Global Accounts. "Wesco's commitment to excellence is reflected in our leadership and the depth of talent on our team. Bill and Dirk have successfully led the transformation of our global CSS organization contributing to its exceptional growth and performance. I would like to recognize them both for their contributions to our organization and congratulate them on their new roles," said Chairman, President and CEO John Engel. Mr. Engel concluded, "I am confident that Dirk's strong leadership, business acumen and track record of profitable sales growth will positively impact Wesco as we continue to take advantage of the secular growth trends in serving the complex needs of our global customers." About WescoWesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with approximately $22 billion in annual sales in 2024 and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry's premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, educational institutions, government agencies, technology companies, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates more than 700 sites, including distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and sales offices in approximately 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations. Contact Information: Scott Gaffner, CFASenior Vice President, Investor Relations980-346-2233 Jennifer SnidermanVice President, Corporate Communications 717-579-6603 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Wesco International Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
CM Naidu for zero tolerance structure against corruption
Vijayawada: Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to establish a governance system that ensures zero tolerance towards corruption across all departments. In a review meeting held at the Undavalli camp office, Naidu stressed that corruption, wherever detected, must be swiftly investigated and punished. The review focused on public feedback collected through IVRS and CSS surveys regarding various govt schemes. Officials informed the chief minister that the current coalition govt recorded the highest satisfaction ratings in one year. Naidu called for a technical audit of these surveys to identify service gaps and ensure improvements in areas of dissatisfaction. The chief minister emphasised ten critical public issues, including welfare, employment generation, road development, and healthcare. He announced that job fairs would be held in all 175 constituencies and that the Mana Mitra WhatsApp governance platform would be rolled out by August 15 to streamline service delivery. He also instructed officials to explore alternatives such as coupons, direct cash transfers, or home delivery of rations for the elderly and differently-abled. Public satisfaction reports showed encouraging trends in pensions, health services, temple amenities, municipal services, and transport. Naidu insisted that services with lower ratings must be improved urgently. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
