Theme T68 · Women & Gender (cross-paper)

Women in politics, law & institutions: reservation, judiciary, NCW, gender justice

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What UPSC asks

Cross-paper polity–society theme: women's reservation from local bodies to Parliament, impact of reservation in panchayats, women in higher judiciary, NCW's effectiveness and constitutional status, and constitutional gender justice with case laws.

Prepare these

• 73rd/74th Amendment and 106th Amendment (Nari Shakti Vandan)
• Proxy representation ('sarpanch pati')
• Women in judiciary data
• NCW: powers, limits, constitutional status debate
• Gender justice case laws: Vishaka, Shayara Bano, Joseph Shine

Answer writing

• Use case laws and data; balance achievements and gaps

Directive words in these PYQs: Discuss (3), Explain (1), Do you think (1), Comment (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Syllabus lines covered

• GS2-L1 — Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
• GS2-L2 — Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
• GS2-L6 — Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
• GS2-L8 — Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
• GS2-L11 — Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
• GS2-L12 — Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

All 7 PYQs, newest first

1. GS2202610 marks · 150 wordsGS2-POL-02-M2026-S02

   “Women as a class neither belong to a minority group nor are they regarded as forming a backward class.” In the light of this statement, discuss the evolution of women’s reservation from local bodies to Parliament

   CopyReport a typo
2. GS2202315 marks · 250 wordsGS2-GOV-02-M2023-Q14

   Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India.

   Also needs: T103 Civil society, NGOs, charitable trusts & donor agenciesCopyReport a typo
3. GS2202315 marks · 250 wordsGS2-POL-02-M2023-Q12

   Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws.

   CopyReport a typo
4. GS22021GS2-POL-12-M2021-S01

   Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness.

   Also needs: T85 Judicial appointments & independence: collegium, NJACCopyReport a typo
5. GS22020GS2-POL-14-M2020-S01

   Which steps are required for constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons.

   Also needs: T72 Commissions for social justice & human rights: NCSC, NCST, NCBC, NHRCCopyReport a typo
6. GS22019GS2-POL-06-M2019-S01

   “The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment.

   Also needs: T92 Local self-government: 73rd/74th Amendments, functions, funds & functionariesCopyReport a typo
7. GS22017GS2-GOV-03-M2017-S01

   Is the National Commission for Women able to strategise and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer.

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