General Studies 2: Polity, Yearbook, International Relations

1: Polity + rights issue & Reading sources
 

Basic Constitution Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions basic structure. Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies	Starting point is the great M.Laxmikanth.This book is like a BIBLE for Polity section.Author has explained each part in very lucid language. Then DD Basu if you’ve time and mood. +net digging and newspapers for new stuff e.g. right to education.
Advanced topics issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, Devolution of powers + finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. Pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity. Representation of People’s Act: Salient features	Starting point is (again) IGNOU MPS 003. Then again lot of good stuff scattered around in IGNOU Public Administration, Political science and sociology.Also newspapers, columns, net digging from current affairs point of view (e.g. Pressure groups –> Lokpal)
Rights issue Vulnerable sections: protections, Betterment: mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies. Vulnerable Sections: Welfare schemes.	Starting point again Laxmikanth. For welfare schemes, INDIA Yearbook+ newspaper + official websites of respective ministries.

Yearbook, Welfare schemes & Reading sources

Ministries and Departments of the Government; Government policies for development in various sections. Social Sector development: Health, Education, Human Resources. Poverty and hunger: Issues relating to

Basic functions and overview of policies given in India yearbook. After that, Newpapers, Yojana Kurukshetra, official sites of respective ministries.12th Five Yearplan PDFs click me. (they contain truckload of fodder points).

Public Administration related & Reading sources

Governance: Important aspects of Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures. e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; Citizens charters Role of civil services in a democracy.

Respective chapters from IGNOU BA, MA Public Administration. 2nd ARC reports click me (selective reading).

IR / Diplomacy & Reading sources

India and its neighborhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

Approach remains same as earlier. Starting point is selected topics on international relations from IGNOU BA (Political Science) click me Then IGNOU MA (Political Science) MPS 002 click me + newspapers, magazines, net digging