Mains Previous Year Questions
Q.1 Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization (LPG) started in 1991? What can the government do to be responsive to this important change?
| Introduction | The 1991 economic crisis compelled India to adopt the New Economic Policy under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, introducing the LPG reforms. These reforms marked a historic shift from the Nehruvian model of state-led development to a market-oriented economy. Over the past three decades, India’s governmental system has undertaken several adjustments to align with the demands of liberalisation, privatisation, and globalisation. However, the response has been uneven, reflecting the challenges of balancing growth, equity, and sovereignty. |
| Body | Adequate Responses by the Government1) Liberalisation:
2) Privatisation:
3) Globalisation:
Shortcomings in Government Response 1) Policy Paralysis in Disinvestment:
2) Regulatory Bottlenecks:
3) Infrastructure Deficit:
4) Social Inequalities:
5) Global Volatility Exposure:
Way Forward – Government as a Responsive Facilitator 1)Second-Generation Reforms:
2) Balanced Privatisation:
3) Inclusive Globalisation:
4) Governance Modernisation:
5) Resilience Building:
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| Conclusion | The Indian governmental system has responded substantially to the demands of LPG reforms through economic liberalisation, privatisation initiatives, and integration into the global economy. Yet, challenges such as policy inconsistency, inequality, and infrastructure gaps remain. To be truly responsive, the government must move beyond first-generation reforms and ensure that liberalisation and globalisation translate into inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth, thereby fulfilling the original promise of the 1991 reforms. |
Q.2 Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects? Examine the role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India.
| Introduction | Infrastructure development is the backbone of a growing economy like India. However, large projects demand heavy capital, technical expertise, and efficient execution which the public sector alone often cannot provide. Public Private Partnership (PPP) combines public welfare objectives with private sector efficiency, making it an essential model for infrastructure creation. |
| Body | Why PPP is Required in Infrastructure Projects
1)Bridging the Financing Gap
2) Efficiency and Expertise
3) Risk Sharing
4) Timely Implementation
5) Improved Quality of Service
Role of PPP in Redevelopment of Railway Stations Background:
Key Contributions of PPP 1) Capital Mobilisation
2) Commercial Utilisation of Space
3) Enhanced Passenger Amenities
4) Technological and Design Innovations
5) Revenue and Risk Sharing
Challenges
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| Conclusion | PPP is not a substitute but a complement to public investment in infrastructure. In railways, PPP-led redevelopment has showcased success stories where stations have become modern hubs of connectivity and commerce. For wider replication, the government must ensure balanced risk sharing, viability gap funding, transparent bidding, and dispute resolution. If implemented effectively, PPP can transform India’s railway stations into engines of growth and symbols of modern infrastructure |
