HPPSC HAS Mains 2024 Paper-2

The Autonomy of Urban Local Bodies in Himachal Pradesh: A Hoax Post-74th Amendment? Introduction: The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 aimed to empower urban local bodies (ULBs) in India by granting them greater autonomy in planning and managing their affairs. This was intended to foster decentralized governance, participatory democracy, and efficient service delivery at … Read more In Himachal Pradesh, the autonomy of urban local bodies, in the post-74th Constitutional Amendment Act era, is a mere hoax. Comment.

The Journey of Himachal Pradesh to Statehood: A Democratic Odyssey Introduction: Himachal Pradesh, a picturesque state nestled in the Himalayas, boasts a rich history and a unique path to achieving statehood. Its journey to becoming a democratic state wasn’t a linear one, but rather a complex process shaped by socio-political factors, geographical challenges, and persistent … Read more Describe the journey of Himachal Pradesh to becoming a democratic state.

Differentiating Political Patterns in Upper and Lower Himachal Pradesh Introduction: Himachal Pradesh, a state in northern India, exhibits significant geographical diversity, broadly categorized into “upper” and “lower” regions. “Upper Himachal,” encompassing districts like Lahaul & Spiti, Kinnaur, and parts of Kullu and Chamba, is characterized by high altitude, sparse population, and predominantly agrarian economies reliant … Read more Differentiate between the working of political patterns in the ‘upper’ and ‘lower’ regions of Himachal Pradesh.

Governance vs. Government: The Role of Civil Society in India Introduction: The terms “governance” and “government” are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion. While closely related, they represent distinct concepts. Government refers to the formal institutions and structures of the state – the executive, legislature, and judiciary – responsible for making and enforcing laws. Governance, … Read more What do you mean by Governance? How does it differ from Government? What role does Civil Society play in the governance of India?

The Impact of US-India Defense Pacts on India’s Foreign Policy Introduction: India’s foreign policy, traditionally characterized by non-alignment, has undergone a significant shift in recent decades, marked by a deepening strategic partnership with the United States. This evolution is largely driven by shared security concerns, particularly regarding China and Pakistan. This essay will analyze the … Read more Discuss the impact of four defense pacts signed between India and the USA on India’s foreign policy.

Analyzing the Impact of Instability in South Asian States on India’s Neighborhood Policy Introduction: South Asia, a region characterized by its diverse cultures, histories, and political systems, is also marked by significant instability. This instability, manifesting in various forms – internal conflicts, political turmoil, economic crises, and cross-border terrorism – profoundly impacts India’s neighborhood policy. … Read more Analyze the impact of instability in South Asian states on India’s neighborhood policy.

Directive Principles of State Policy vs. Fundamental Rights: A Shifting Balance? Introduction: India’s Constitution, a unique blend of liberal and socialist ideals, enshrines both Fundamental Rights (Part III) and Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV). Fundamental Rights are justiciable, meaning courts can enforce them. Directive Principles, on the other hand, are non-justiciable, serving as … Read more Due to the current emphasis on social concerns by the political system, directive principles of state policy are gaining precedence over fundamental rights. Comment.

The Salient Features and Positive Outcomes of India’s 1991 Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization (LPG) Policy Introduction: India’s economy in the late 1980s faced a severe balance of payments crisis, characterized by dwindling foreign exchange reserves and unsustainable debt levels. This crisis necessitated a radical shift in economic policy. The year 1991 marked the beginning of … Read more Discuss the salient features of the Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization Policy of 1991. What are the positive outcomes of this policy?

The Evolution of Panchayats in India: From Tradition to Modern Democracy Introduction: The statement “In India, the institution of panchayats has a hoary history, though its truly democratic form is of recent origin” highlights the paradoxical journey of this crucial element of India’s governance structure. Panchayats, essentially village councils, have existed in India for centuries, … Read more In India, the institution of panchayats has a hoary history, though its truly democratic form is of recent origin. Elaborate on the statement.

The Dominance of Two Castes in Himachal Pradesh Politics: An Analysis Introduction: Himachal Pradesh, a state in northern India, has a unique political landscape characterized by the disproportionate influence of two dominant castes, while Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SC/STs) have historically held a marginal position. This imbalance stems from a complex … Read more Describe why in Himachal Pradesh politics, two predominant castes played an important role, whereas the role of OBCs and SC/STs remained very marginal.