General Studies 2022 GS Paper II 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Discuss

Q5

Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body. (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

राष्ट्रीय पिछड़ा वर्ग आयोग के सांविधिक निकाय से संवैधानिक निकाय में रूपांतरण को ध्यान में रखते हुए इसकी भूमिका की विवेचना कीजिए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)

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Directive word: Discuss

This question asks you to discuss. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'discuss' requires a balanced examination of NCBC's role before and after constitutional status, weighing both continuity and transformation. Structure: brief intro contrasting 1993 Act vs 102nd CAA 2018 → body covering enhanced powers, autonomy, scope expansion → conclusion on whether transformation improved effectiveness.

Key points expected

Pre-2018 statutory limitations: advisory role, lack of suo motu powers, executive dependence
Constitutional status under Article 338B: parity with NCSC/NCST, enhanced autonomy
Expanded powers: suo motu inquiry, inclusion in creamy layer criteria, annual report to President
Functional continuity vs transformative potential: same mandate but stronger institutional backing
Critical assessment: whether constitutional status translated to substantive empowerment or remained symbolic

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Clearly distinguishes 'discuss' from mere description; presents balanced argument on transformation's impact with both continuity and change highlighted; addresses 'in the wake of' temporal dimension	Describes constitutional changes but lacks analytical balance; treats pre and post-2018 as separate lists without integration	Misreads directive as 'describe' or 'list'; ignores transformation aspect entirely; confuses NCBC with NCSC/NCST
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Accurately cites 102nd CAA 2018, Article 338B insertion, specific powers under new statute; correctly notes 1993 Act origins; mentions creamy layer jurisprudence evolution	Mentions constitutional status correctly but vague on specific powers; minor errors in Article number or year of amendment	Fundamental errors: calls it 104th CAA, confers judicial powers, or claims it became constitutional body in 1993
Structure & flow	20%	2	Tight 150-word structure with clear before-after contrast; seamless transition from statutory to constitutional phase; thematic rather than chronological organisation	Readable structure but either too descriptive or poorly paced; conclusion rushed or missing	Disorganised: jumps between time periods randomly; no logical progression; exceeds word limit significantly or far too brief
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	References Indra Sawhney (1992) establishing NCBC need; mentions Janhit Abhiyan (2022) on EWS quota interplay; cites specific recommendations like creamy layer threshold revision	Generic mention of 'Supreme Court judgments' without specificity; or no legal examples but mentions government notifications	No examples at all; irrelevant examples from NCSC/NCST; fabricated case law
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Nuanced conclusion: constitutional status strengthened institutional legitimacy but implementation gaps remain; suggests way forward on sub-categorisation or data-driven identification	Safe summary conclusion without critical insight; or unqualified celebration of constitutional status	No conclusion; abrupt ending; or purely normative statement unrelated to NCBC's actual functioning

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