Hi,
I gave my first attempt/mains in 2019 but couldn't clear it.
While i was trying to figure what went wrong - one important thing was proper deconstruction of some of the questions! For example in these questions, what heads/dimensions one need to cover - can anyone experienced, who cleared this year's mains can answer? =
1. ‘In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost effective and remove many implementation blockages.’-Discuss.
2. Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process – Discuss
3. What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self- esteem and ambitions” Explain with suitable examples
4. Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process – Discuss
For example in 1st one, what i wrote was = 1. Definition of Development Planning2. Key components of Planning (in neoliberal paradigm), example - Role of PPP, Use of Indices, Inter-sectoral convergence, Local level Plans, Bureaucracy, Use of Pragmatism, etc.3. Issues faced in current planning models = Corruption, Red tapism, bureaucratic delays, Over-centralization4. Definition of Multi-level Planning 5. Significance of Multi-level planning = Bottom up approach, auditing, participation of local level community, etc.6. Case Study of Jal Jeevan Mission (Local Level Planning, Paani Panchayat)7. Conclusion
My question is - it has been asked about making operations cost effective and remove multiple implementation blockages; So how these be focused in the point? Should i go more deep and dig into specifically how it makes operations cost effective and remove implementation blockages.
This issue I have faced in almost all the "discuss" wale question with a statement. Can anyone tell me how to deal with these questions; Should i deconstruct them in generic - About, Issue, Solutions type or should i specifically deal with the complex statements given in the question?
Say in the 3rd question, should i only write = what are the contentious points between USA and India and how should India approach them or should i deconstruct in What position USA is aspiring for India, What India wants, How there is conflict.... ?
Similarly in the 4th question should i focus specifically and dig why there is lack of awareness and why there is no active involvement at all stages of policy process or simply = What Schemes, Issue in Schemes, and Way forward types? Please help here. Would appreciate!
You already have all the points advantages of MLP. You just need to link it together. For ex. MLP ->local participation ->better idea about local needs, resources, aspirations ->hence better implementation, more efficient use of resources ->which leds cost effectiveness and optimum utilisation of resource.
Similarly, you can link MLP ->social audit ->increased transparency, reduced corruption ->cost saving and better implementation of schemes.
In the 4th question, you can describe the stages of policy process like policy formulation stage, policy implementation stage, policy monitoring and evaluation stage. Then can give reasons for for their lack involvement and awareness at each stage. For ex. not having experts involved during formulation or no proper training or capacity building for those implementing the policy, etc. Then can give a case study of some specific scheme for vulnerable section and your proposal for improving the policy process
