MPSC Mains Study Plan
NEW PATTERN AND SYLLABUS
NEW PATTERN AND SYLLABUS
‐ PATTERN ‐
(1) THERE SHALL BE 6COMPULSORY PAPERS, TWO IN LANGUAGES ‐ MARATHI AND ENGLISH (100 MARKS EACH, OF
DESCRIPTIVE NATURE) AND FOUR IN GENERAL STUDIES (150 MARKS EACH, MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION TYPE OBJECTIVE
WITH 3:1 NEGATIVE MARKING)
(2) PASSING IN EACH PAPER IS MUST (45% FOR GENERAL AND 40% FOR ALL RESERVED CATEGORY CANDIDATES)
(3) INTERVIEW SHALL BE FOR 100 MARKS:-
Subject
|
Marks
|
Nature
|
Standard
|
Time
|
Marathi
|
100
|
DESCRIPTIVE
|
HSC
|
3 Hr
|
English
|
100
|
DESCRIPTIVE
|
HSC
|
3 Hr
|
General Studies-I
|
150
|
OBJECTIVE(MCQ)
|
Degree
|
2 Hr
|
General Studies-II (Indian Constitution & Politics)
|
150
|
OBJECTIVE(MCQ)
|
Degree
|
2 Hr
|
General Studies-III
|
150
|
OBJECTIVE(MCQ)
|
Degree
|
2 Hr
|
General Studies-IV
|
150
|
OBJECTIVE(MCQ)
|
Degree
|
2 Hr
|
TOTAL
|
800
| |||
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‐ SYLLABUS ‐
Marathi(Compulsary)
English (Compulsory)
Standard : H.S.C. Total Marks : 100
Nature of Paper : Conventional Type Duration : 3 Hours
_______________________________________________________________________________________
1. Essay : The candidates are expected to write a narrative or a descriptive essay on one of the given topics in about
300 words. It is intended to judge the candidate's knowledge of the topic, manner of presentation and also
competence in using correct English.
2. Letter writing : The candidates will be asked to write two types of letters, i.e. an informal letter to parents/ to a
friend and a formal letter – an official/ business letter or a letter to the editor of a newspaper on a given topic in
about 100 words. The candidate will be judged for content, manner of presentation and observance of the formal
requirements of letter writing.
3. Communication Skills : The candidates are expected to write on each of the following communicative activities (in
about 100-150 words). The purpose is to judge the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in different
cont1exts:
3.1 A report of an event or a function or official work done.
3.2 A notice or an appeal or a warning or a Press Release for the Media (Radio, T.V., Press).
3.3 (1) Dialogue writing : A dialogue between two persons or an appeal or a discussion on a topical issue.
(2) Speeches : formal speeches–welcome/send-off/inaugural speech etc.
3.4 An individual conversation with a group of people --
(1) at a Job Interview.
(2) at a Press Conference.
(3) with a delegation
(4) at a project site -- e.g.: (a) camps being constructed for cattle in a drought-affected area, (b) temporary
shelters being constructed for earthquake-affected people.
(5) at a place where some problematic situation has occurred -- e.g.: natural calamities like floods,
earthquakes etc.
3.5 A Group Discussion, a Meeting, a Teleconference on a topical issue.
4. Precis-writing : A passage of about 300 words will be given for precis-writing. The candidates are expected to
reduce the passage to one-third of its original length in their own words. The purpose of precis-writing is to judge
the candidate’s ability to comprehend, analyse and summarise the main ideas in the passage in their own words to
one-third of the given number of words therein.
5. Comprehension : A passage of about 300 words will be given with a set of questions based thereon. The purpose
of the activity is to assess the candidate's competence in understanding and answering questions based on the
passage
6. Paraphrase of a Prose Passage : A prose passage of about 300 words will be given to be paraphrased in order to
judge the candidate’s ability to understand, analyse and express clearly and in simple language the ideas in the
passage in his/her own words.
7. Grammar :
(1) Transformation of Sentences,
(2) Correction of Sentences,
(3) Use of Tenses,
(4) Punctuation,
(5) Word-formation,
(6) Use of Phrases.
GENERAL STUDIES – I
HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY
Standard : Degree. Total Marks : 150
Nature of Paper : Objective Type. Duration : 2 Hours
Note:
(1) The Nature and standard of questions in the paper will be such that a well educated person will be able to answer without any specialised study and its intention is to test candidate’s general awareness of a variety of subjects.
(2) It is expected from candidates to study the latest and recent developments and happenings pertaining to the topics/sub topics mentioned below.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
1. HISTORY:
1.1 History of Modern India (1818‐1857) particularly Maharashtra: Introduction of modern education ‐ Press,Railway, Post and Telegraph, Industries, Land reforms and Socio‐religious reforms – Its impact on society.
1.2 Establishment of British Rule in India: Wars against major Indian powers, Policy of subsidiary alliance,Doctrine of Lapse, Structure of British Raj upto 1857.
1.3 Socio‐Cultural Changes: Contacts with Christian Missions, coming of English education and the Press,Official‐social reform measures (1828 to 1857). Socio‐religious reform movements: Brahmo Samaj,Prarthana Samaj, Satyashodhak Samaj, Arya Samaj. Reform movements among the Sikhs and the Muslims,Depressed Classes Mission, Non‐Brahmin movement and Justice Party.
1.4 Social and economic awakening: Indian Nationalism ‐ 1857 revolt and after, Indian National Congress (1885‐ 1947), Azad Hind Sena, Role of important personalities, Role of Press and Education in social awakening inpre‐ independent India.
1.5 Emergence and growth of Indian nationalism : Social background, formation of National Associations,Peasant uprisings, foundation of Indian National Congress, the moderate phase, growth of extremism,Morley‐Minto reforms, Home Rule movement, Lucknow pact, Mont‐Ford reforms.
1.6 National movement in Gandhi Era: Gandhiji’s leadership and ideology of resistance, Gandhian massmovements, Non‐cooperation, Civil Disobedience, individual Satyagraha, Quit India movement.
Satyashodhak Samaj, Gandhiji and removal of untouchability, Dr. B.R.Ambedakar’s approach to problem ofuntouchability, Muslim politics and Freedom movement (Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Aligarh movement,Muslim League and Ali Brothers, Iqbal, Jinnah), Unionist Party and Krishak Praja Party, Politics of HinduMahasabha, Communists and the Indian freedom struggle, Congress Socialist Party, Women in the Nationalmovement, States’ Peoples' movements, Leftist Movement – Peseant Movement ‐ Tribal uprising, TradeUnion Movement and Adivasi Movement.
1.7 India after Independence: Consequences of Partition, Integration of Princely states, Linguistic
reorganisation of states, Nehru’s Policy of Non‐alignment. Samyukta Maharashtra movement: major
political parties and personalities involved therein, Relations with neighbouring countries, India’s role in International Politics. Progress in Agriculture, Industry, Education, Science and Technology. Emergence of Indira Gandhi’s Leadership, Liberation of Bangladesh, Non‐Alignment under Indira Gandhi, Coalition Governments in States; Students’ unrest, Jayaprakash Narayan and Emergency. Terrorism in Panjab and Assam. Naxalism and Maosim, Environmental Movement, Women’s Movement and Ethnic Movement.
1.8 Selected Social Reformers of Maharashtra‐ their ideology and work: Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, Mahatma Phule, M.G. Ranade, Prabodhankar Thakare, Maharshi Karve, Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, Maharshi Vitthal Shinde, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Lokmanya Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, Vinoba Bhave, Vinayak D. Sawarkar, Annabhau Sathe, Krantiveer Nana Patil, Lahuji Salve, Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil.
1.9 Cultural Heritage of Maharashtra (Ancient to Modern) : Performing Arts (Dance, Drama, Films, Music and Folk Arts, Lavani, Tamasha, Povada, Bharud, and other folk dances), Visual Arts (Architecture, Painting and
Sculpture) and Festivals. Impact of Literature on socio ‐ psychological development of Maharashtra: Bhakti, Dalit, Urban and Rural Literature.
2. GEOGRAPHY– WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO MAHARASHTRA:
2.1 Physical Geography: Interior of the earth‐ composition and physical conditions. Factors controllinglandform development. Concept of geomorphic cycles‐ landforms associated with fluvial, arid, glacial, andcoastal cycle. Evolution and Geomorphology of the Indian Subcontinent‐ Major physiographic regions ‐Problems of floods ‐ Physiographic details of Maharashtra. Geomorphic features of Maharashtra. India'sstrategic location with reference to her neighbours, Indian Ocean Rim, Asia and the World.
2.2 Economic Geography of Maharashtra: Minerals and Energy Resources: Their distribution, importance anddevelopment in Maharashtra. Tourism in Maharashtra – Religious Tourism, Medicinal Tourism, Eco‐Tourism and Cultural Heritage. Reserved forests, Animal sanctuaries, National Parks and Forts inMaharashtra, Tiger Project.
2.3 Human and Social Geography of Maharashtra: Migration of population, causes and effects, sugarcanecutting labourers ‐ effects of migration on source and destination areas. Rural settlements in Maharashtra.Problems of Urban and Rural Settlements – Environmental, Housing, Slum, Water Supply and Sanitation,Urban Traffic and Pollution.
2.4 Environmental Geography: Ecology and Ecosystem‐ energy flow, material cycle, food chain and webs.Environmental degradation and conservation, global ecological imbalances‐ pollution and Greenhouseeffect, role of CO2 and methane in greenhouse effect, global warming, reduction in bio‐diversity anddepletion of forests. Environmental laws and environmental impact assessment. Kyoto protocol and Carboncredits. Urban waste management. CRZ I and CRZ II.
2.5 Population Geography (with reference to Maharashtra): Causes and consequences of migration. Rural andUrban settlements‐ site, situation, types, size, spacing and morphology. Urbanisation‐ process andproblems. Rural – Urban Fringe, and sphere of urban influence. Regional imbalances.
2.6 Remote Sensing: Concept of remote sensing. Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites. Imageries‐ IRSproducts, MSS bands‐ blue, green, red and near infra red, False Colour Composite (FCC). Application ofremote sensing in natural resources. Introduction to Geographical Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS).
3. GEOGRAPHY AND AGRICULTURE:
3.1 Agroecology: Agroecology and its relevance to man, natural resources, their sustainable management andconservation. Physical and social environment as factors of crop distribution and production. Climaticelements as factors of crop growth. Environmental pollution and associated hazards to crops, animals andhumans.
3.2 Climate: Atmosphere‐ composition and structure. Solar radiation and heat balance. Weather elementstemperature,pressure, planetary and local winds, monsoon, air masses and fronts and cyclones.Mechanism of Indian monsoon, monsoon forecast, distribution of rainfall, cyclones, droughts and floods,and climatic regions. Distribution of Rainfall in Maharashtra ‐ spatial and temporal variability ‐ Agroclimaticzones of Maharashtra ‐ Problem of Drought and scarcity, DPAP (Draught Prone Area Programme) –Waterrequirement in Agricultural, Industrial and Domestic Sectors. Problem of Drinking Water. Cropping pattern in different agro‐climatic zones of Maharashtra. Impact of high‐yielding and short‐duration varieties on
shifts in cropping pattern. Concepts of multiple cropping, and inter‐cropping and their importance. Modern concepts of organic farming, sustainable agriculture.
3.3 Soils: Soil‐physical, chemical and biological properties. Processes and factors of soil formation. Mineral and organic constituents of soil and their role in maintaining soil productivity. Essential plant nutrients and other beneficial elements in soils and plants Problem soils and their reclamation methods. Problems of soil erosion and degradation in Maharashtra. Soil conservation planning on watershed basis. Erosion and runoff
management in hilly, foot hills and valley lands; processes and factors affecting them.
3.4 Water management: Present scenario, Methods and importance of water conservation. Water quality standards. Interlinking of rivers in India. Conventional and non‐conventional methods of rainwater harvesting. Groundwater management‐ technical and social aspects, Methods of artificial groundwater recharge. Concept of watershed and watershed management. Dryland agriculture and its problems. Wateruse efficiency in relation to crop production, ways and means of reducing run‐off losses of irrigation water. Drip and sprinkler irrigation. Drainage of water‐logged soils, effect of industrial effluents on soil and water.
GENERAL STUDIES– II
INDIAN CONSTITUTION AND INDIAN POLITICS
(WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO MAHARASHTRA) AND LAW:
Standard: Degree. Total Marks:150
Nature of Paper : Objective Type. Duration : 2 Hours
Note:
(1) The Nature and standard of questions in the paper will be such that a well educated person will be able to answer without any specialised study and its intention is to test candidate’s general
awareness of a variety of subjects.
(2) It is expected from candidates to study the latest and recent developments and happenings
pertaining to the topics/sub topics mentioned below.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
1. The Constitution of India: Making of the Constitution, Salient Features of the Constitution. Philosophy
of the Preamble ‐ (Secular democratic and socialist), Fundamental Rights and Duties ‐ Directive
Principles of State Policy, Free and Compulsory primary education, Uniform Civil Code, and
Fundamental Duties. Centre ‐ State relations and Formation of New States. Independent Judiciary.
Amendment Procedure and Major Amendments to the Constitution: Landmark Judgments used for
interpreting the Constitution. Structure and Functions of major Commissions and Boards: Election
Commission, Union and State Public Service Commissions, National Women's Commission, Human
Rights Commission, National Minorities S.C./S.T. Commission ‐ River Water Dispute Settlements Board
etc.
2. The Political System (Structure, Powers and Functions of Governments): Nature of Indian Federation ‐
Union & State‐ Legislatures, Executive & Judiciary. Union‐State Relationship‐ Administrative, Executive and Financial Relationships. Distribution of Legislative powers, Subjects.
(1) The Central Government ‐ The Union Executive: President‐ Vice‐President ‐ Prime Minister and
Council of Ministers ‐ Attorney General of India ‐ Comptroller and Auditor General of India
(2) The Union Legislature ‐ Parliament, Speaker and Dy. Speaker ‐ Parliamentary Committees ‐
Parliament's Control over Executive.
(3) Judiciary: Organisation of Judiciary ‐ Integrated Judiciary ‐ Functions ‐ Role and Power of the
Supreme Court and High Court ‐ Subordinate Courts – Lokpal, Lokayukt and Lok Nyayalaya ‐
Judiciary as a watch‐dog protecting the Constitutional Order‐ Judicial Activism, Public Interest
Litigation.
3. State Government and Administration (With Special Reference to Maharashtra) –Formation and
Reorganisation of Maharashtra State, Governor, Chief Minister, Council of Ministers, Chief Secretary,
State Secretariat, Directorates, Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council, ‐ Powers, Functions and Role ‐ Legislative Committees. Sherrif of Mumbai.
4. District Administration ‐ Evolution of District Administration, Changing role of the District Collector: Law and Order, Relationship with functional Departments. District Administration and the Panchayati Raj Institutions. Role and Functions of the Sub‐Divisional Officer.
5. Rural and Urban Local Government: Significance of 73rd and 74th Amendment to the Constitution. Empowerment of local government and their role in development.
(1) Rural Local Government, Composition, Powers and Functions of Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samiti
and Gram Panchayat. Peculiarities of Panchayat Raj Institutions of Mahrashtra, Status Report of
Panchayat Raj Institutions and its Performance Appraisal. Main features of 73rd Constitutional
Amendments. Problems of implementation. Major rural development programmes and their
management.
(2) Urban Local Government, Composition and Functions of Municipal Corporations, Municipal
Councils and Cantonment Boards. Structure, Officials, Resources, Powers‐ Functions and Controls.
Main features of 74th Constitutional Amendments: Problems of implementation. Major urban
development programmes and their management.
6. Educational System : Directive Principles of State Policy and Education; Educational Problems of
Disadvantaged Sections‐ Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Muslims and Women; Privatization of
education ‐ issues of access to education, merit, quality, and social justice; General Agreement on
Trade in Services (GATS) and emerging issues, Challenges in Higher Education today. Sarva Shiksha
Abhiyan, Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan.
7. Parties and Pressure Groups: Nature of Party system ‐ Role of National Parties ‐ Ideology, organisation and electoral performance ‐ Political Parties and their Social Bases. Regionalism‐ Rise of Regional Parties; Ideology, Organisation and electoral performance ‐ Major Pressure Groups and Interest Groups in Maharashtra ‐ their Role and impact on Policy making. Programmes of Social Welfare in Maharashtra : Women and Children; Labour; and Youth. Non‐Government Organizations and their Role in Social Welfare.
8. The Media: Print and Electronic Media ‐ its impact on policy making, shaping of the public opinion and educating the people. Press Council of India. Code of conduct for Mass media in a secular democracy like India. The portrayal of women in the main stream mass media: Facts and Norms. Freedom of speech and expression, and limitation thereof.
9. The Electoral Process: Main features of Electoral process ‐ single member territorial Constituencies. Reserved constituencies for weaker sections ‐ Adult Franchise ‐ Role of Election Commission ‐ General Elections ‐ Major trends – Patterns of Voting behaviour ‐ and Factors influencing the voting behaviour ‐ Problems and difficulties in conducting Free and Fair Elections ‐ Electoral Reforms. EVMs.
10. Administrative Law: Rule of law. Administrative Discretion and its control and Judicial Review.
Administrative Tribunals, their establishment and functioning. Principles of Natural Justice.
11. Central and State Government Privileges: Section 123 of the Indian Evidence Act, Official Secrets Act, RTI and its impact on Official Secrets Act.
12. Some Pertinent Laws:
(1) Environmental Protection Act, 1986: Object, Machinery and Measures provided therein.
(2) The Consumer Protection Act, 1986: Definitions ‐ Consumer Disputes ‐ Redressal Machinery.
(3) Right to Information Act, 2005: Rights of Applicants, duty of Public Authority, exceptions to the
information.
(4) Information Technology Act ‐ 2000 (Cyber Law): Definitions – Authorities – offences.
(5) The Prevention of Corruption Act: Object, Machinery and Measures provided therein.
(6) Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989: Object, Machinery
and Measures provided therein.
(7) Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules 1995: Object, Machinery and Measures provided therein.
(8) Protection of Civil Rights Act 1955: Object, Machinery and Measures provided therein.
13. Social Welfare and Social Legislation: Social Legislation as an instrument of Social Change; Human Rights. Protection to Women under: The Constitution of India and Criminal Law (CrPC), Domestic Violance (Prevention) Act, The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and The Right of Information Act, 2005.
14.Public Services : All India Services, Constitutional position, role and functions. Central Services: nature and functions. Union Public Service Commission. State Services and the Maharashtra State Public Service Commission. Training in the changing context of governance‐ YASHDA, Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy of Administration, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy.
15. Control over Public Expenditure: Parliamentary Control, Estimates Committee, Public Accounts
Committee, Committee on Public Undertakings, Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, Role of the Finance Ministry in monetary and Fiscal policy, Composition and function of
Accountant General, Maharashra.
GENERAL STUDIES– III
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (HRD) AND HUMAN RIGHTS:
Standard : Degree. Total Marks : 150
Nature of Paper : Objective Type. Duration : 2 Hours
Note:
(1) The Nature and standard of questions in the paper will be such that a well educated person will be able to answer without any specialised study and its intention is to test candidate’s general
awareness of a variety of subjects.
(2) It is expected from candidates to study the latest and recent developments and happenings
pertaining to the topics/sub topics mentioned below.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
1. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
1.1 Human Resource Development in India ‐ Present status of population in India ‐ quantitative aspect (size and growth ‐ Sex, Age, Urban and Rural) and qualitative aspects (Education and Healthcare). Population policy and projection upto 2050. Importance and need of Human Resource planning inmodern society. Components and factors involved in planning of Human Resources. Nature, types and problems of unemployment in India, Trends of Employment in India, Demand estimate of skilled manpower in different Sectors and Areas. Governmental and Voluntary Institution engaged in development of manpower e.g. NCERT, NIEPA, UGC, Open Universities, AICTE, NCTE, ITIs, NCVT, IMC, etc. Problems and issues related to HRD. Govt. employment policy, various schemes to reduce unemployment and underemployment.
1.2 Education: Education as a tool of HR development and social change. Education (Pre‐primary to
Higher Education) system in India. Problems and issues (Universalisation of education,
vocationalisation of education, Quality improvement, Dropout rate etc.) Education for Girls, Socially
and Economically underprivileged classes, Handicapped, Minorities, Talent Search etc. Govt.
policies, Schemes and programms for Education. Govt. and Voluntary Agencies involved in
promoting, regulating and monitoring Formal, Non‐formal and Adult education. e‐Learning. Impact
of globalisation and privatisation on Indian education. National Knowledge Commission, National
Commission for Higher Education and Resaearch, IITs, IIMs, NITs.
1.3 Vocational Education: As a tool of HR development. Vocational/Technical Education‐ Present
status, systems and training in India particularly in Maharashtra. Govt. policies, schemes and
programs – Problems, issues and efforts to overcome them. Institutes involved in promoting,
regulating, accrediting vocational and Technical Education.
1.4 Health: As an essential and major component of HRD, Vital Statistics, World Health Organisation
(WHO) ‐ objectives, structure, functions and its programmes. Govt. Health policies, schemes and
programmes, Healthcare system in India. Problems and issues related to Healthcare and efforts to
overcome them. Janani‐Bal Suraksha Yojana. National Rural Health Mission.
1.5 Rural Development: Empowerment of panchayat Raj system. Village Panchayat and its role in
Rural development, Land reforms and development, Role of cooperative institutes in Rural
Development, Financial Institutes involved in Rural Development, Rural Employment Schemes,
Rural Water Supply and Sanitation programs. Infrastructure development e.g. Energy,
Transportation, Housing and communication in rural area. National Rural Employment Guarantee
Scheme (NREGS).
2. HUMAN RIGHTS:
2.1 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR 1948)‐ International human rights standards, its
reflections in Indian constitution, mechanism to enforce and protect Human Rights in India. Human
Rights Movement in India. Problems related to human rights deprivations such as poverty, illiteracy,
unemployment, social‐cultural‐religious practices, violence, corruption, terrorism, exploitation of
labour, custodial crimes etc. Need, for training in and practising of human rights and human dignity
in a democratic set up. Globalisation and its impact on different sections of Indian Society. Human
Development Index, Infant Mortality Ratio, Sex Ratio.
2.2 Child Development: problems and issues (Infant mortality, Malnutrition, Child labour, Children
education etc.) ‐ Government Policies, welfare schemes and programs ‐ Role of international
agencies, Voluntary Organisations Community resources. People participation in their Welfare.
2.3 Women Development ‐ problems and issues (Gender inequality, Violence against women, Girl child Infanticide/Foeticide, Empowerment of Women etc.)‐ Government Policy, schemes and programs for development / welfare and empowerment ‐ Role of international agencies, Voluntary
Organisations and Community resources. People’s participation in their development. AASHA.
2.4 Youth Development: problems and issues (Unemployment, unrest, drug addiction etc.) ‐
Government Policy ‐ development schemes and programs ‐ Role of international agencies,
Voluntary Organisations and Community resources. People’s participation in their development.
2.5 Tribal Development: problems and issues (Malnutrition, isolation, integration and development
etc.) ‐ Tribal movement ‐ Government Policy, welfare schemes and programs‐ Role of international
agencies, Voluntary Organisations and Community resources. People’s participation in their
Welfare.
2.6 Development for Socially deprived classes (SC, ST, VJ/NT, OBC etc. ) ‐ problems and issues
(inequality in opportunity etc.) ‐ Government Policy, welfare schemes and development programs ‐
Role of international agencies, Voluntary Organisations and Resource mobilsation and Community
participation.
2.7 Welfare for aged People‐ problems and issues ‐ Government Policy ‐ welfare schemes and
programs ‐ Role of international agencies, Voluntary Organisations and Community participation for
their development. Utilisation of their services in developmental activities.
2.8 Labour Welfare ‐ problems and issues (working conditions, wages, health and problems related to organised and unorganised sectors) ‐ Government Policy, welfare schemes and programs ‐ Role of
international agencies, community and Voluntary Organisations.
2.9 Welfare of disabled persons ‐ problems and issues (inequality in educational and employment
opportunity etc.) ‐ Government Policy, welfare schemes and programs ‐ Role of international
agencies, Voluntary Organisations in employment and rehabilitation.
2.10 People’s Rehabilitations ‐ (People affected by Development projects and Natural Calamities.) –
Strategy and programs – Legal Provisions – Consideration of different aspects like economic,
cultural, social, psychological etc.
2.11 International and Regional Organisations: United Nations and its specialised agencies – UNCTAD,
UNDP, ICJ, ILO, UNICEF, UNESCO, UNCHR, EU, APEC, ASEAN, OPEC, OAU, SAARC, NAM,
Commonwealth of Nations and European Union.
2.12 Consumer Protection: Salient features of the existing act‐ Rights of consumers‐ Consumer disputes and redressal machinery, Different kinds of Forums‐ Objectives, Powers, functions, procedures, Consumer Welfare Fund.
2.13 Values and Ethics: Fostering of social norms, values, ethics through formal and informal agencies such as family, religion, education, media etc.
GENERAL STUDIES– IV
ECONOMY AND PLANNING, ECONOMICS OF DEVELOPMENT AND AGRICULTURE,
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
Standard: Degree. Total Marks: 150
Nature of Paper: Objective Type. Duration: 2 Hours
Note:
1) The Nature and standard of questions in the paper will be such that a well educated person will be able to answer without any specialised study and its intention is to test candidate’s general
awareness of a variety of subjects.
2) It is expected from candidates to study the latest and recent developments and happenings
pertaining to the topics/sub topics mentioned below.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
1. ECONOMY AND PLANNING
1.1 Indian Economy ‐ Challenges in Indian Economy ‐ Poverty, Unemployment and Regional
Imbalances. Planning: Process ‐ Types ‐ Review of India's First to Tenth Five year Plans. Evaluation.
Social and Economic Indicators of Development. State and Local Level Planning. Decentralisation ‐
73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments.
1.2 Urban and Rural Infrastructure Development: Need and Significance. Growth and Development of Social and economic infrastructure such as Energy, Water supply and sanitation, Housing, Transport (Road, Ports etc.), Communications (Post and Telegraphs, Telecommunication), Network of Radio, TV, Internet. Crises, problems related to Infrastructure in India. Policy alternatives‐ Public‐Private Sector Partnership (PPP). FDI and Infrastructure Development‐ Privatisation of infrastructure development. Centre and State Government Policies for Infrastructure Development. Transport and Housing (Urban and Rural). Problems ‐ Centre and State Government initiatives and
programmes. BOLT and BOT schemes.
1.3 Industry: Need ‐ importance and role of industries in economic and social development, Growth
Pattern, Structure of Large‐scale Industries in India with special reference to Maharashtra. Smallscale, Cottage and Village industries, their problems and prospects. Impact of liberalisation,
privatisation and globalisation on SSIs. Maharashtra’s Policy, measures and programmes for
development, promotion and monitoring of SSIs. Export Potential of Small scale and cottage
industries. SEZs, SPVs.
1.4 Co‐operation: Concept, Meaning, Objectives, Old and new principles of co‐operation. Growth and diversification of co‐operative movement in India. Co‐operative institution in Maharashtra – types, role, importance and diversification. State policy and Co‐operative sector ‐ Legislation, Supervision, Audit and Aid. Problems of Co‐operatives in Maharashtra. Prospects of Cooperatives in the era of global competition. Review, reforms and prospects of cooperative movement in Maharashtra –Alternative policy initiatives in agricultural marketing‐ Employment Guarantee Scheme.
1.5 Economic reforms: Background, Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation – (concept, meaning, scope and limitations). Economic Reforms at Centre and State Level. WTO Regime ‐ Provisions and its implications and impact on Indian Economy, issues and problems.
1.6 International Trade and International Capital Movements: Emerging Trends in era of globalisation. Growth, Composition and Direction of India's Foreign Trade. Foreign trade policy of India ‐ Export Promotion. WTO and International Trade. Foreign Capital Inflows ‐ Composition and Growth ‐ FDI. e‐Commerce. Role of Multinationals ‐ International Financing Agencies – (IMF, World Bank and IDA). International Credit Ratings.
1.7 Measurement and estimate of poverty – Poverty line: concept and facts, BPL, poverty eradication measures – fertility, nuptiality, mortality and morbidity in India ‐ gender empowerment policies.
1.8 Factors determining employment ‐ measures of unemployment ‐ relation between income,
poverty and employment ‐ issues of distributional and social justice.
1.9 Economy of Maharashtra: salient features of agriculture, industry and service sectors ‐ drought
management in Maharashtra ‐ FDI in Maharashtra.
2. ECONOMICS OF DEVELOPMENT AND AGRICULTURE
2.1 Macro Economics: Methods of national income accounting. Functions of money ‐ base money ‐
high‐power money ‐ quantity theory of money ‐ money multiplier. Monetary and non‐monetary
theories of inflation ‐ control of inflation: monetary, fiscal and direct measures.
2.2 Public Finance and Financial Institutions: Role of public finance in market economy ‐ Criteria for
public investment. Merit goods and public goods‐ sources of revenue and expenditure (Centre and
State) ‐forms of taxes and subsidies and their incidence and effects.‐ tax, non‐tax and public debt of
Centre and States in India. Public Expenditure (Centre and States) ‐ Growth and causes. Public
Expenditure Reform ‐ Performance Based Budgeting and Zero Based Budgeting. Zero‐base
budgeting ‐ types of budget deficits ‐ internal and external borrowings. Review of Tax Reforms at
national and State level. VAT. Public debt ‐ Growth, Composition and Burden. Problem of States'
Indebtedness to Centre. Fiscal Deficits ‐ Concepts, Control of Deficits ‐ Centre, State and RBI
Initiatives. Fiscal Reforms in India ‐ Review at Centre and State Level. Financial sector reforms ‐ new
trends in banking ‐ real and nominal interest rates ‐ repo and reverse repo transactions.
2.3 Growth, Development and International Economics:
(1) Indicators of development‐ sustainable development‐ development and environment ‐ Green
GDP.
(2) Factors of economic development: natural resource, population, human capital, infrastructure
‐ theory of demographic transition‐ Human development index ‐ human poverty index – gender
empowerment measure
(3) Role of foreign capital and technology in growth ‐ multi‐national corporations.
(4) International trade as an engine of growth ‐ theories of international trade
(5) IMF‐IBRD‐WTO ‐ Regional Trade Agreements ‐ SAARC ‐ ASEAN.
2.4 Indian Agriculture, Rural Development and Cooperation:
(1) Role of agriculture in economic development ‐ interrelationship between agriculture, industry
and services sectors ‐ contract farming ‐ precision farming – corporate farming – organic
farming.
(2) Size of land holding and productivity ‐ Green Revolution and technological change ‐ agricultural
prices and terms of trade ‐ farm subsidies–Public Distribution System ‐ food security.
(3) Regional disparities in agricultural growth in India–agri‐business and global marketing ‐
agricultural credit in India.
(4) Sources of irrigation and water management ‐ live‐stock resource and their productivity ‐ White
Revolution, fisheries, poultry, forestry, horticulture and floriculture development in India and
Maharashtra.
(5) Strategies of rural development during the plan period‐rural infrastructure (social and
economic)
(6) W.T.O. and agriculture ‐ Farmer’s and Breeder’s Rights ‐ biodiversity ‐ GM
technology. Implications of GATT (WTO) agreement in agricultural marketing.
(7) Marketing and pricing of agricultural inputs and outputs, price fluctuations and their cost, role
of co‐operatives in agricultural economy.
2.5 Agriculture:
(1) Importance of Agriculture in National Economy ‐ Causes of low productivity ‐ Government
policies, schemes and programmes for agriculture production and developments such as land
reforms and land utilisation, soil and water conservation, rainfed farming, Irrigation and its
methods, Mechanization of Agriculture. Role of ICAR, MCAER.
(2) Problem of rural indebtedness, Agriculture credit‐ need, importance and Financial Institutions
involved therein. NABARD and Bhu‐Vikas Bank. Agriculture pricing‐ components, factors
affecting prices of various Agriculture produces ‐ Govt. support prices of various agriculture
produces, Subsidies. Agriculture Marketing ‐ present status, Value added products. Role of Govt
and its institutes in agriculture marketing. (APC, APMC, etc.)
2.6 Food and Nutrition:
Trends in Food production and consumption in India, First and ensuing second Green Revolutions,
Self‐sufficiency in food, Problem of food security, Problems and issues of storage, procurement,
distribution, import and export of food. Calorific value of foods and its measurement, Energy and
nutrient needs of human body for better health and balanced diet ‐ common nutritional problems
in India and its causes and effects, Govt. Policies, schemes, programs such as PDS, Food for work,
Mid‐day Meal Scheme and other nutritional programs. Proposed Food Security Act.
2.7 Indian Industry, Infrastructure and Services Sector:
(1) Trends, composition and growth of industries, infrastructure and services sector in India ‐ role
of public, private and cooperative sectors in India ‐ small and cottage industries. BPO.
(2) Liberalisation and its effects on Indian industries ‐ industrial sickness.
3. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENTS
3.1 Energy: Conventional and non‐conventional energy sources ‐ Potential of Solar, Wind, Biogas,
Biomass, Geothermal and other renewable energy sources. Introduction to solar gadgets viz solar
cooker, water heater etc. Biogas‐ principle, and process. Problems of Energy Crises, Govt. Policies
and programs for power generation. Nuclear Power Program, Thermal Power Program,
Hydroelectric Power program, Power distribution and National Grid. Agencies and Institutions
engaged in Energy security, Research and development.
3.2 Computer and Information Technology: Role of computer in modern society, its applications in
various spheres of life such as data communication, networking and web technologies, Cyber crime
and its prevention. Use of I.T. in various services, Govt. programs such as Media Lab Asia, Vidya
Vahini, Gyan Vahini, Community Information Centre etc. Major issues in IT industry ‐ its prospects.
3.3 Space Technology: Indian space programmes, Indian Artificial satellites for telecommunication,
television, education, broadcasting, weather forecasting, GPS, disaster warning. Indian missile
program etc., Remote sensing, GIS and its application in weather forecasting, Disaster warning,
water, soil, mineral resources development, agriculture and fisheries development, urban planning,
ecological studies, GS and GIS.
3.4 Biotechnology: Its potential to improve human life and national economy through agricultural,
industrial development and employment generation. Biotechnology as an essential and important
tool of natural resource development. Areas of application ‐ Agriculture, Animal breeding and
Veterinary health‐care, Pharmaceutics, Human healthcare, Food technology, energy generation,
environment protection etc. Role and efforts of government in promoting, regulating and
developing biotechnology in country. Ethical, Social, Legal issues related to biotechnological
development, possible adverse effects of biotechnological development. Seed technology, its
importance. Quality of seed. Different kinds of seeds and their seed production and processing
techniques. BT cotton, BT brinjal, etc.
3.5 Nuclear Policy of India: Salient features. Nuclear Power as source of energy and its significance as clean energy. Problems of nuclear waste. Nuclear thermal power generation in India, its
contribution to total power generation. Determinants of Nuclear Tests: Pokhran I (1974) and
Pokhran II (1998). Recent Trends in Nuclear Policy such as NPT (Nuclear Non‐Proliferation Treaty)
and CTBT (Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty). INDO‐US Nuclear Treaty of 2009.
3.6 Disaster Management: Definition, nature, types and classification of disasters, Natural Hazards:
Causative factors and mitigation measures. Floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, etc., Factors
affecting mitigation measures‐ Case studies of major earthquakes and tsunamis such as Killari
(1993), Bhuj (2001), Sikkim‐Nepal (2011) earthquakes, Banda Ache (2004) (Sumatra), Fukushima
(2011) (Japan) earthquakes and Tsunami. Maharashtra: Mumbai floods of 2005. December 1993,
June 2006, November 2009, July 2011 bomb blasts and terrorist attacks, their impact.
