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UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 2: Questions on interstate river water disputes and Finance Commission (Week 101)

By Aisha Sharma

kam sabdo me kahein to, this article offers strategic insights for UPSC aspirants on effectively tackling Mains General Studies Paper 2 questions related to the complex issues of interstate river water disputes and the pivotal role of the Finance Commission, especially as you gear up for Week 101 of your preparation.

The UPSC Civil Services Main examination, particularly General Studies Paper 2, tests a candidate's understanding of governance, polity, social justice, and international relations. For Week 101 of your rigorous preparation, focusing on intricate topics like interstate river water disputes and the functions of the Finance Commission is crucial. These areas are not just theoretically important but are also frequently in the news, making them prime candidates for analytical questions. Mastering answer writing for these topics can significantly boost your scores.

Understanding Interstate River Water Disputes for GS Paper 2

Interstate river water disputes are a persistent challenge in India's federal structure, impacting agriculture, industrial development, and regional harmony. A thorough understanding is essential for any UPSC aspirant aiming to score well in GS Paper 2.

Constitutional Backbone and Legislative Framework

When addressing questions on this topic, it's vital to ground your answer in constitutional provisions. Article 262 of the Constitution empowers Parliament to provide for the adjudication of any dispute or complaint with respect to the use, distribution, or control of the waters of, or in, any interstate river or river valley. Consequently, Parliament has enacted the River Boards Act, 1956, and the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956. Mentioning these acts and their objectives, such as the establishment of tribunals, will add weight to your answer. You should be aware of the mechanism for dispute resolution and its effectiveness, which is often a subject of critical examination in UPSC Mains GS2.

Common Contentions and Hurdles

Answers should also delve into the complexities that fuel these disputes. These often include historical factors, varying interpretations of water-sharing agreements, increasing water scarcity due to climate change and unsustainable practices, and political dimensions. The delays in tribunal awards and their subsequent implementation are significant hurdles. Highlighting these with contemporary examples, like the Cauvery or Mahanadi disputes, can make your answer more relevant and analytical. Effective water governance in India requires addressing these challenges comprehensively.

Crafting an Effective Answer

A well-structured answer on interstate river water disputes should typically include:

• An introduction defining the issue and its significance.
• Mention of constitutional and legal provisions (e.g., Article 262).
• Analysis of causes and consequences of such disputes.
• Discussion of the dispute resolution mechanisms and their limitations.
• Suggestions for improvement, such as data-driven decision-making, promoting water conservation, and fostering cooperative federalism.

Navigating Finance Commission Questions in GS Paper 2

The Finance Commission plays a pivotal role in India's fiscal federalism, determining the sharing of financial resources between the Union and the States. Questions on this body are a staple in GS Paper 2, testing your understanding of Centre-State financial relations.

The Constitutional Mandate: Article 280

Any discussion on the Finance Commission must begin with Article 280 of the Constitution, which provides for its establishment every five years, or earlier if deemed necessary by the President. The Commission's primary task is to make recommendations regarding the distribution of net proceeds of taxes between the Union and the States (vertical devolution) and the allocation between the States of their respective shares of such proceeds (horizontal devolution). It also suggests principles governing grants-in-aid to states. Understanding these core functions is key for UPSC preparation.

Key Areas to Focus On

When preparing for Finance Commission related questions, focus on:

• The terms of reference (ToR) of recent Finance Commissions (e.g., 15th Finance Commission).
• The criteria used for horizontal devolution (e.g., population, area, income distance, forest cover, demographic performance, tax effort).
• Major recommendations concerning tax devolution, grants-in-aid (revenue deficit grants, sector-specific grants, performance-based incentives), and disaster management financing.
• The impact of these recommendations on state finances and Centre-State relations.
• Challenges faced by Finance Commissions, such as balancing the needs of diverse states and aligning recommendations with national priorities.

Structuring Your Response on Finance Commission

For questions on the Finance Commission, a good structure would involve:

• An introduction outlining the constitutional basis and role of the Finance Commission in Indian fiscal federalism.
• Elaboration on its functions and the scope of its recommendations.
• Critical analysis of the recommendations of the latest or a specific Finance Commission, discussing both strengths and weaknesses.
• The implications for fiscal autonomy of states and the overall health of Centre-State financial relations in India.
• A forward-looking conclusion suggesting reforms or improvements if pertinent to the question.

General Tips for Mastering GS Paper 2 Answers

Beyond specific topic knowledge, how you present your answers in UPSC Mains GS2 significantly impacts your score. Consistent answer writing practice is non-negotiable.

The Art of Deconstructing Questions

Pay close attention to the directive words in the question – "discuss," "critically analyze," "examine," "elaborate," etc. Each directive requires a different approach to structuring your answer. Break down the question into sub-parts to ensure all aspects are covered comprehensively.

Presentation and Value Addition

A neat presentation with clear headings and subheadings improves readability. Where appropriate, use flowcharts or simple diagrams to illustrate complex processes or relationships. Quoting relevant articles of the Constitution, Supreme Court judgments, or recommendations from prominent committees (like Punchhi Commission or Sarkaria Commission for water disputes or fiscal federalism) adds immense value. Ensure your answer reflects a balanced viewpoint, especially for contentious issues. For more updates and study materials on similar topics, aspirants can always check reliable sources. For more updates, visit https://asarkari.com.

In conclusion, mastering topics like interstate river water disputes and the Finance Commission for GS Paper 2 requires a blend of conceptual clarity, factual knowledge, analytical ability, and consistent answer writing practice. By understanding the nuances and structuring your answers effectively, you can confidently tackle these challenging yet high-scoring areas of the UPSC syllabus. Keep practicing, stay updated, and strive for excellence.

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