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General Studies 2024 GS Paper II 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Examine

GS Paper II — Q1

Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to "one nation – one…

Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to "one nation – one election" principle. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

विभिन्न समितियों द्वारा सुझाए गए, एवं "एक राष्ट्र – एक चुनाव" के विशिष्ट संदर्भ में, चुनाव सुधारों की आवश्यकता का परीक्षण करें। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में लिखिए)

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Model answer

Written by UPSC Answer Check against this question's marking rubric, to the 150-word length. UPSC does not publish answers for Mains — this is one way to score well, not an official key.

Electoral reform committees—Law Commission (170th and 255th Reports), Election Commission, NITI Aayog’s New India @75 strategy, and the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice (79th Report)—recommended de-criminalisation, state funding, stronger Election Commission powers and simultaneous elections. One-nation-one-election’s rationale is real: it can cut repeated spending (2019 cost ~₹60,000 crore; NITI Aayog estimates ~₹4,500 crore annual savings), improve administrative efficiency, reduce Model Code of Conduct disruptions and ensure policy continuity. Yet feasibility is doubtful. It needs amendments to Articles 83, 85, 172 and 174 by special majority, not state ratification; dissolution of assemblies, fixed tenures, federalism and regional-party disadvantage remain unresolved. Election Commission’s 2018 pre-conditions—political consensus, massive EVM/VVPAT deployment, one-year preparation—show scale. Simultaneous polls may nationalise local issues and weaken accountability. Hence ONOE is desirable but not immediately viable; it requires political consensus, phased implementation and robust legal safeguards within a federal constitutional framework.

What "Examine" is asking you to do

Test the proposition the question puts to you and return a finding on how far it holds. Examine stems carry a claim, or ask whether something has happened, and expect evidence weighed both ways before the extent is stated — often with remedial measures attached.

Structure that answers it

Restate the claim as the question frames it → evidence that supports it → evidence that undercuts it → the conditions under which it holds → verdict on how far it stands

Where marks are lost

Stopping at description. An examination has to reach a finding, and “examine with justification” means the extent must be stated, not implied.

All UPSC directive words, compared →

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

Framework: GS2 - Polity & Governance (Electoral Reforms). examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Cites specific committees (2nd ARC/LC) and provides a reasoned, balanced judgment on the 'one nation-one election' principle.

Key points expected

  • Cite specific committee recommendations (e.g., 2nd ARC, Law Commission)
  • Explain the 'one nation-one election' principle
  • Provide reasoning for the need for reform (e.g., cost, stability)
  • Conclude with a balanced judgment on the reform's feasibility

Evaluation rubric

Each sub-part is marked on its own, against the marks and word limit printed on the paper.

  1. The answer Assess the necessity of electoral reforms, specifically the 'one nation-one election' principle, based on committee recommendations. 10 marks · 150 words

    examine— intro → how/why with reasoning → evidence → conclusion

    Must cover

    • Cite specific committee recommendations (e.g., 2nd ARC, Law Commission)
    • Explain the 'one nation-one election' principle
    • Provide reasoning for the need for reform (e.g., cost, stability)
    • Conclude with a balanced judgment on the reform's feasibility

    Loses marks

    • Reciting general election facts without linking to reform
    • Ignoring the specific 'one nation-one election' focus
    • Failing to cite any specific committee or report

    Earns more

    • Mention specific benefits like reduced election expenditure
    • Reference the 14th Finance Commission or 2nd ARC
    • Discuss the impact on governance continuity
    • Briefly mention the constitutional amendment requirement

    Extra mark

    • Cite the 2023 Law Commission report on simultaneous elections
    • Reference the 2nd ARC's specific recommendation on simultaneous elections

Practice this exact question

Write your answer and it is marked point by point against the model answer above — what you covered, what you missed, what you got wrong.

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