PAPER-V: GENERAL STUDIES-II (200 MARKS)

UNIT–I

SUB UNIT–1

 Constitution of India: Historical underpinning, evolution, salient features.

 Significant provisions including Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Fundamental Duties.

 Amending process and important Constitutional Amendments and theory of basic structure.

Suggested Readings: Indian Polity

SUB UNIT-2

 Parliament and State legislatures, Structure, Organization and functioning of the Union and State Executive and the Judiciary.

 Functions and responsibilities of Union and States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up-to local level and challenges therein.

 Salient features of the Representation of People's Act.

 Appointments to various constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various constitutional bodies in India.

Suggested Readings: Indian Polity

SUB UNIT-3

 Reorganization and politics of statehood.

 Development of political parties, major Political parties and their support base and performance in the Assembly and Parliamentary elections in Himachal Pradesh.

 Politics of sub-regionalism and pressure groups in the State.

 Structure, organization and functioning of Statutory, Regulatory and various QuasiJudicial bodies in Himachal Pradesh.

Note:— All the topics / subjects covered under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to the State of Himachal Pradesh.

UNIT-II

SUB UNIT-1

 Institutional framework, Policies and Interventions for development in various sectors in India.

 Governance, Good governance, Citizen Charters, effective public service delivery, transparency, accountability and ethics in governance in India.

 District Administration: Changing role of Deputy Commissioner.

 Local self-government in urban and rural areas in India.

Suggested Readings: Magbook Indian Polity & Governance

SUB-UNIT-2

 Role of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs),

 Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Civil Society in Governance in India.

 Bodies constituted, Policies, Programmes and Schemes for welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes,

 Women, Minorities, Backward classes, Differently-abled persons, and children in India.

 Issues relating to quality of life: livelihood, poverty, hunger, disease and social inclusiveness.

Suggested Readings: Social Issues & Institutions

SUB UNIT-3

 Governance in Himachal Pradesh:

 The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Guarantee Act 2011;

 Right to Information Act, 2005 and rules made thereunder by the Himachal Pradesh Government.

 Administrative reforms for effective public service delivery in Himachal Pradesh.

 Implementation of 73rd& 74th Constitutional amendments in Himachal Pradesh.

 Issues and Challenges. Programmes and policies for the welfare of differently-abled persons, women and children in Himachal Pradesh.

Note:— All the topics / subjects covered under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to the State of Himachal Pradesh.

UNIT-III

SUB UNIT-I

 Bilateral, Regional and Global groupings and agreements involving India and affecting India’s interests.

 India’s look east policy.  India’s relations with United States of America (U.S.A.), Russia, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Maldives and Middle East Countries.

Suggested Readings: International Relations

SUB UNIT-2

 Effects of the policies of developed and developing countries on India’s interest, Indian Diaspora.

 Important international Institutions, agencies and fora, their structure and mandate.

SUB UNIT-3

 Cyber crime and drug menace – mechanism to detect and control it in Himachal Pradesh.

 Enactments made by Himachal Pradesh Government to protect and promote the interests of agrarian society.

 Various policies framed by the Government of Himachal Pradesh for the socioeconomic development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of the State.

 Tribal welfare administration, Tribal sub plan and Single line administration in Himachal Pradesh.

Note:— All the topics / subjects covered under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to the State of Himachal Pradesh.