General Studies 2025 GS Paper II 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Discuss

Q4

Discuss the nature of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Briefly describe the powers and functions of the Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

जम्मू-कश्मीर पुनर्गठन अधिनियम, 2019 के बाद, जम्मू-कश्मीर विधान-सभा की प्रकृति का विवेचन कीजिए। केन्द्रशासित प्रदेश जम्मू-कश्मीर की विधान-सभा की शक्तियों तथा कार्यों का संक्षेप में वर्णन कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में 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 comprehensive examination of the transformed nature of J&K Legislative Assembly post-2019, followed by 'describe' for powers/functions. Structure: Brief intro on reorganization → Body: Nature of Assembly (downgraded status, Lieutenant Governor's enhanced role) → Powers/functions (law-making, financial, oversight with limitations) → Conclusion on democratic implications.

Key points expected

Downgrade from state legislature to Union Territory legislature with reduced autonomy under Article 239A
Bicameral to unicameral transition; loss of Legislative Council
Lieutenant Governor's expanded powers under Section 32 and 53 of the Act; 'aid and advice' vs 'in his discretion'
Restricted law-making: Police, public order, All India Services excluded; need for LG's assent
Financial powers: Passage of budget, taxation but limited compared to erstwhile state
Oversight functions: Questions, committees, but no control over subjects in Concurrent List where Parliament prevails

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Clearly distinguishes between 'discuss' (analytical treatment of transformed nature) and 'describe' (factual enumeration of powers); addresses both parts proportionately without conflating them	Addresses both parts but treats them similarly without clear directive differentiation; minor imbalance in coverage	Misses one part entirely or conflates both; fails to recognize the analytical requirement of 'discuss' versus descriptive 'describe'
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Precise constitutional references (Article 239A, Section 32/53 of Reorganization Act); accurate distinction between 'state' and 'UT' legislature powers; correct mention of 2024 restoration timeline if relevant	Generally accurate but vague on specific constitutional provisions; minor errors in LG powers or law-making scope	Confuses with Article 370/35A provisions; incorrect claims about Assembly composition or fundamental errors about UT status vs full statehood
Structure & flow	20%	2	Clear two-part structure with distinct sections for 'nature' and 'powers/functions'; logical progression from status change to operational constraints; effective 150-word economy	Basic structure present but parts overlap; some disorganization in presenting powers; word management issues	No discernible structure; random listing of facts; severe imbalance (one part dominates) or incomplete due to poor time management
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	Specific illustration: 2024 Assembly elections (first post-2019), Omar Abdullah government formation; reference to 'The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization (Amendment) Act, 2023' for 92 seats; comparison with Delhi/Puducherry Assemblies	Generic mention of 2019 reorganization without specific data; vague reference to other UTs without specificity	No examples or data; irrelevant examples from pre-2019 J&K or other states; factually incorrect dates or provisions
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Balanced assessment: acknowledges democratic restoration through 2024 elections while noting structural limitations; brief forward-looking note on statehood demand or comparative federalism insight	Descriptive conclusion summarizing points without analysis; or partisan stance without nuance	No conclusion; abrupt ending; or conclusion contradicting body content; extreme positions without substantiation

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