GS -2 BOOKLIST

 

GS Paper II

Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features amendments, significant provisions basic structure doctrine

• CLASS 6- 12 NCERTs
• LAXMIKANT [NEWEST EDITION]
• RAU'S CLASS NOTES

Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries

• PARTS FROM MODERN HISTORY AND POLITY. But better, if one makes notes of own [from simple AI search or google] especially comparing constitutions of major countries briefly. Eg- comparing constitutions on the basis of Preamble, FR, DPSP, PM, President powers, Lower House, Upper House, important parliamentary proceedings, party systems etc but very briefly. Major  countries can be- US, UK, France, Canada, Germany, Russia.

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.

• LAXMIKANT
• Own notes on current issues based on federal structure. Some notes on Indian Federalism and challenges would certainly help.

Separation of powers between various organs, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions

• LAXMIKANT
• OWN NOTES ON ALTERNATE DISPUTE REDRESSAL MECHANISMS, COMISSION REPORTS AND INSTITUTIONS WORKING IN THIS REGARD- NGT, FAMILY COURTS, KHAP.....etc [branch out and make short one page notes only]

Structure, organisation and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary

Parliament and State Legislatures structure, functioning conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these

• LAXMIKANT

Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.

• VISIT IMPORTANT MINISTERIES AND DEPARTMENTS AND KNOW THEIR SCHEMES/ REFER COMPILATION OF VISION OF GOVERNMENT SCHEMES GIVEN MINISTRY WISE
• VISION MONTHLY- ON INITIATIVES TAKEN BY DIFFERENT MINISTERIES
• PRESSURE GROUPS, FORMAL/ INFORMAL INSTITUTIONS- PSIR optional students can refer their static notes, for others, use information provided on this topic by online sources of coaching institutes, newspapers. Know the difference between the two, similarities, aims, examples, outcomes and role in polity.

Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act

• OWN NOTES ON BOTH RoP Act [simple google search and referring relevant websites/ RoP Act itself, it's criticisms and importance] Knowing the Act is as important as knowing it's applications over the years.

Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

• LAXMIKANT

Government policies and interventions aimed at development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

• From CURRENT AFFAIRS- VISION MONTHLY
• One can make separate notes on pathbreaking policies citing only the major ones like NREGA [what, why, when, objectives, expanse, outcomes, challenges, reports, improvements], PDS, JAM trinity etc. Have some public policy orientation while writing answers to questions from such topic.

Development processes and the development industry – the role of NGOs, Self Help Groups, various groups and associations, institutional and other stakeholders.

• OWN NOTES, Refer to notes by any coaching institute available online/ hard copy as they are comprehensive. Special emphasis on issues related to this in current affairs. Eg- FCRA regulations, many NGOs contract was revoked- what, why, implications.

Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and the States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

• Schemes mentioned in Budget, on government websites, VISION IAS compilation for Government schemes. If making notes, go vulnerable section wise to make comprehensive notes.

Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Issues relating to poverty and hunger
Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures
Role of civil services in a democracy

• RAU'S class notes, NCERTs, Google search, notes on important data and dimensions

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

• RAU'S notes
• PSIR Paper 2 notes
• Current Affairs IR Part
• Own short brief notes on every topic mentioned- imp data, import-export equation, foundation agreements, challenges, improvements, changing dynamics.