MAINS 2016
GS2
12.5 marks
In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal. Critically examine this statement.
WRITE IN
9 min
200 words
What the examiner wants
Test the claim that non-state actors have played only a marginal role in Indian governance.
Critically examineWeigh the strengths and the weaknesses, then give a balanced verdict.
Demand-wise check
- 1Against the claim: RTI movement, right to food, SHGs, cooperatives (Amul), CSR, media, think tanks, private sector in service delivery≈45 words
- 2For the claim: dependence on state funds, FCRA curbs, trust deficit, limited policy space, NGO accountability issues≈45 words
- 3Verdict: significant in shaping rights-based laws; marginal in formal decision-making≈45 words
Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.
Answer plan
Who are non-state actorsContributions with casesLimitsBalanced verdict
Where marks usually go
- Taking NGOs as the only non-state actors
- Agreeing with the statement without examples
Draw this
- Table: actor → contribution → limitation
Value addition
- ExampleMKSS's movement in Rajasthan drove the demand that led to the RTI Act, 2005.RTI Act, 2005
- LawSection 135 of the Companies Act 2013 requires eligible companies to spend 2% of average net profit on CSR.Companies Act, 2013
- ExampleKudumbashree (1998) in Kerala links women's SHGs with local governments.Kerala State Poverty Eradication Mission
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 11 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Aditya Srivastava · AIR 1 · Page 5 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 38 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 15 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 9 minutes, then get it checked.