General Studies 2025 GS Paper II 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Examine

Q18

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has to address the challenges faced by children in the digital era. Examine the existing policies and suggest measures the Commission can initiate to tackle the issue. (Answer in 250 words) 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

राष्ट्रीय बाल अधिकार संरक्षण आयोग को डिजिटल युग में बच्चों के सामने आने वाली चुनौतियों का समाधान करना होगा। मौजूदा नीतियों की जाँच कीजिए और इस मुद्दे से निपटने के लिए आयोग द्वारा शुरू किए जा सकने वाले उपायों के सुझाव दीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)

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Directive word: Examine

This question asks you to examine. 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 'examine' requires a critical investigation of existing policies on child digital safety followed by evidence-based recommendations. Structure: brief introduction on digital risks to children → critical assessment of current policies (IT Act, POCSO, NCPCR guidelines) → specific measures for NCPCR → forward-looking conclusion.

Key points expected

  • Critical assessment of existing legal framework: IT Act 2000 (Section 67B), POCSO Act 2012, Juvenile Justice Act, and NCPCR's 2020 guidelines on online safety
  • Identification of key digital challenges: cyberbullying, online grooming, child sexual abuse material (CSAM), gaming addiction, data privacy violations, and algorithmic manipulation
  • Evaluation of institutional mechanisms: NCPCR's Cyber Crime Unit, POCSO e-Box, collaboration with MeitY and Ministry of Home Affairs
  • Specific measures for NCPCR: strengthening reporting mechanisms, mandatory age-verification protocols, digital literacy programmes, and coordination with social media intermediaries under IT Rules 2021
  • Multi-stakeholder approach involving parents, schools, platforms, and international cooperation (WePROTECT Global Alliance, INTERPOL)

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Demand-directive understanding20%3Demonstrates clear grasp that 'examine' requires critical investigation of existing policies (not mere listing) and 'suggest' demands actionable, Commission-specific measures; balances both components proportionallyAddresses both policy examination and suggestions but treats them descriptively rather than critically; may overemphasize one componentMisinterprets directive as 'describe' or 'list'; provides generic information without critical analysis or Commission-specific recommendations
Content depth & accuracy20%3Accurately cites specific provisions (IT Act Section 67B, POCSO Sections 11-13, IT Intermediary Rules 2021); correctly identifies NCPCR's statutory mandate under Section 13 of CPCR Act 2005; distinguishes between policy gaps and implementation failuresMentions relevant laws but with minor inaccuracies; conflates NCPCR's role with other agencies; covers challenges superficially without policy linkageSignificant legal inaccuracies; confuses NCPCR with NCSC or other bodies; irrelevant content on general child rights without digital focus
Structure & flow20%3Logical progression: digital context → critical policy examination → systemic gaps → NCPCR-specific measures → conclusion; smooth transitions between 'examine' and 'suggest' components; maintains 250-word disciplineRecognizable structure but uneven weightage; abrupt shifts between sections; minor redundancy or digressionDisorganized or fragmented; no clear separation between analysis and recommendations; severe imbalance in word allocation
Examples / case-law / data20%3References specific cases: Bachpan Bachao Andolan v. Union of India (2011) on child protection; cites NCPCR's 2020 'Guidelines for Eliminating Corporal Punishment in Schools' adaptation for digital space; mentions NCRB 2022 data on cyber crimes against children; refers to 'Baal Swaraj' portalGeneric reference to rising cyber crimes without specific data; mentions common platforms (Instagram, TikTok) without legal context; no case lawNo examples, data, or case references; relies on anecdotal observations; factually incorrect examples
Conclusion & analytical edge20%3Synthesizes recommendations into coherent strategy; acknowledges limitation of regulatory approach alone; emphasizes rights-based framework (Article 15(3), UNCRC Article 17); suggests innovative mechanisms like child-rights impact assessment for digital productsSummarizes points without synthesis; generic conclusion on 'need for awareness'; no forward-looking elementAbsent or abrupt conclusion; merely restates question; no analytical value-add

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