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General Studies 2026 GS Paper III 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Discuss

GS Paper III — Q10

Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border…

Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also discuss demand of promulgation of provision of the Sixth Schedule of constitution for Ladakh. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

लद्दाख रणनीतिक रूप से चीन और पाकिस्तान के मध्य स्थित है। स्थानीय लोगों का दिल और दिमाग जीतने के लिये, केन्द्र सरकार द्वारा सीमा क्षेत्र विकास कार्यक्रमों (बी ए डी पी) और सेना द्वारा नागरिक कार्यवाही की विवेचना कीजिए। लद्दाख के लिये संविधान की छठी अनुसूची के प्रावधान की घोषणा की मांग की भी विवेचना कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)

Q10 of the 2026 UPSC Mains General Studies GS Paper III, as printed
The question as printed in the 2026 General Studies paper
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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.

Ladakh’s strategic position between China and Pakistan necessitates robust civil-military synergy and border development to secure frontiers and win local trust.

Developmental and Civic Measures The Central Government’s Border Area Development Programme (BADP) funds vital infrastructure, including roads, schools, health centres, and drinking water facilities in border habitations. This is supplemented by the Vibrant Villages Programme (2022–23), which develops model border villages to improve living standards and curb out-migration. Complementing this, the Indian Army executes civic action under Operation Sadbhavana, operating Army Goodwill Schools, organizing free medical camps, and running skill development centres to build community goodwill.

Sixth Schedule Demand The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution applies specifically to specified tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. Demands for its promulgation in Ladakh gained momentum after its 2019 reorganization into a Union Territory without a legislature. While the Leh and Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Councils manage local governance, they lack the legislative, judicial, and land-protection powers conferred by the Sixth Schedule.

To address these socio-political aspirations, the Ministry of Home Affairs constituted a High-Powered Committee to examine constitutional safeguards, offering a constructive mechanism to harmonize regional identity with national strategic imperatives.

What "Discuss" is asking you to do

Lay the issue out from more than one side — how it arose, what is claimed for it, what is held against it, and where it now stands. UPSC attaches discuss to broad topics with several live dimensions, so coverage of the dimensions earns more than the strength of your opinion.

Structure that answers it

Set the issue up → the case as it is made → the case against → the dimension both sides leave out → where the balance now lies

Where marks are lost

Listing facts with no thread between them, or arguing one side throughout and calling it a discussion.

All UPSC directive words, compared →

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

Framework: GS3 Security & Governance. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise BADP/Army examples, clear constitutional analysis of 6th Schedule, strategic context integrated.

Key points expected

  • Define BADP's role in border area development
  • Cite specific Army civic actions (e.g., medical camps, schools)
  • Explain the constitutional basis of the Sixth Schedule
  • Assess the political/administrative implications of the Sixth Schedule demand

Evaluation rubric

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

  1. The answer Analyze BADP and Army civic actions for 'hearts and minds' and evaluate the Sixth Schedule demand. 10 marks · 150 words

    discuss— intro → 3-4 dimensions → example → balanced close

    Must cover

    • Define BADP's role in border area development
    • Cite specific Army civic actions (e.g., medical camps, schools)
    • Explain the constitutional basis of the Sixth Schedule
    • Assess the political/administrative implications of the Sixth Schedule demand

    Loses marks

    • Vague generalities about 'development' without specifics
    • Ignoring the strategic context of the border location
    • Treating the Sixth Schedule demand as purely political without constitutional analysis

    Earns more

    • Mention specific BADP components (infrastructure, livelihoods)
    • Reference the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)
    • Link development to strategic security needs
    • Balanced view on the Sixth Schedule's potential impact

    Extra mark

    • Cite a specific BADP budget figure or project
    • Reference a specific Army civic action initiative name

Practice this exact question

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