General Studies 1;

Topic: Art and Culture

1) Are there any commonalities between the Bhakti movement, Sufism and Vachana Sahitya? Examine.
(200 Words)
The Hindu
NCERT
NCERT
Background and Origin
Origin of Bhakti Movement, Sufism and Vachana Sahitya
A new kind of ritual with the idea of supreme god evolved way back in 7th-9th centuries of ancient historical
era. This all started with the uneasy feeling of masses with ideas of Brahmans, Bhagvad Gita etc. Then emerged
a new strand of social movement like Bhakti, Sufism, Virashaiva tradition (Vachan Sahitya) etc creating a pure
bond between God and devotee. Along with being critical to rigid rituals and beliefs of Brahmas they also
condemned Jainism and Buddhism.
Similarities shared by these new emerged social movement: 1.

Love as worship: All emphasized on the love with god and rituals were given least importance.
Mysticism was common feature in all.

2.

Anti-caste: they all were against the caste system and denounced the superiority on birth. Kabir was
weaver, Namdeva was a tailor, Ravidas a cobbler, and Sadhana a butcher.

3.

Monotheism: Even in Bhakti movement to either Rama or Krishna or Shiva was worshipped. This way
they all preached monotheism in the Indian society.

4.

Local language: all preached in the Local languages. Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya spoke in local
dialects. other movement to produced rich works in local languages.

5.

Simple worship: the place of rituals and complex worship ways ware taken by simple ways to express
faith.

6.

Tolerance: They all respected different religions and their customs. Even gave blessings to the ruler
from other religions.

7.

Humanity: human values such as compassion, benevolence, etc were the pillars of all of them.
Humanity was considered superior than any other aspect of society or state.

8.

Teacher-Student tradition: Both Sufism and Bhaktism had teacher and student tradition. In sufism
teacher was called pir and disciple as murid. Ramananda was follower of Ramanuja.

9.

Path of Asceticism and Mysticism - All tradition advocated path of mysticism where devotee directly
shares a soul to soul bond with the supreme god.

10. Salvation - Ultimate goal of the life in all above mentioned tradition was to gain bliss by going beyond
the illusion of sorrow of birth and death.
11. Quintessential devotion to God - Whether Bhakti or Sufism or Virashaiva, the approach of paramount
god was similar and they preached renunciation of the world.
12. Evolved from personal experience - Usually their musical offering to God consists of blend of story of
their own experience and with this trend these all tradition developed gradually with the time.
13. Discarded Idea of Pollution - Idea of caste difference and division of masses into four parts also
discarded by various feature of this new tradition like Kabira, Basavanna, Nijammudin Auliya etc. Also
disapproved Dharamshashtras and do not practice rituals prescribed by these.
14. Timing: Event of occurrence of these traditions they overlapped ;though Sufism is said to have its
origin in 7th century in west Asia ; but in Indian subcontinent it reached its peak in post 12 century
only.

Why these movements are important:-

All these movements gave India the Idea of tolerance, exposed religious superstitions, and interpreted the
religious doctrines keeping humans at the center. They soothed the downtrodden and showed them the way that
they too are children of god only and no less than anyone. Their contribution in Indian history is Unique

General Studies 2
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education, Human
Resources.
2) The Supreme Court has recently stated that even after 68 years of Independence, the reservations
system has not achieved what it hoped to and that it was time that the government considered scrapping

quotas in higher education and consider only merit as basis for admission. Do you support this view?
Critically comment. (200 Words)
The Indian Express

Introduction
Reservation is a means to uplift the targeted community, to give opportunities to the deprived sections so that
they may move upwards in education and jobs. India being a developing nation is currently facing many
challenges in the present system of reservation.
Positive factors
- Reservation has enabled many members of the deprived section a chance for education
-They also get representation in various aspects of society and decision making, something that has been denied
to them for a long time.
- Allowed backward classes a chance at improving their lives and status in society and getting meaningful
employment
However the present system of reservation policy that our government currently follows has the following
disadvantages
Disadvantages of Caste Based Reservation
1)

Major disadvantage is that it suppresses meritocracy, that is the availability of options to the most
capable and deserving person.

2) Ex:- because of the reservation system, the reserved seats go to candidates who scored less than half
the marks as compared to general candidate.
The solutions proposed by those advocating abolition of caste based reservation
1) Thus the present reservation system should be modified , so that the admissions to the higher education
institutes should be completely based on merit and the economically backward classes should be
provided with scholarship .
2) This step towards the reservation system will enhances the quality of education and the professionals
coming out. Also provide proper and strict education up to primary level.
3) Instead of introducing reservations for these backward classes what is required is to bring about
revolutionary changes in our education system at the grass-root level.

4) When proper education is not provided to children belonging to such categories during the primary
stage itself then on what basis are the reservations provided at a subsequent stage

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting Indias
interests; Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
3) Critically evaluate Indias role in UN peacekeeping missions. Do you think Indias role in these or in
future missions would help it to become global superpower? Comment. (200 Words)
Livemint

Indias contribution
India stands solidly committed to assist the UN in the maintenance of international peace and security with a
proud history of UN peacekeeping dating back to its inception in the 1950s.
India has contributed nearly 180,000 troops, the largest number from any country, participated in more than 44
missions and 156 Indian peacekeepers have made the supreme sacrifice while serving in UN missions. India has
also provided and continues to provide eminent Force Commanders for UN Missions.
In 2014 India is the second largest troop contributor [TCC] with 8,123 personnel deployed with 12 UN
Peacekeeping Missions of which 991 are police personnel, including the first Female Formed Police Unit under
the UN
How it helps India become a superpower
1) It will help India to win a seat in the UN security council ,which is key factor for India to became a
super power
2) Experience in multinational forces and campaigns. Knowledge of skills or tactics gained from
peacekeepers from other countries will help Indian forces to increase their skills and can become the
best among all
3) India's contribution in UN Peacekeeping forces helps to gain political influence and build a good image
with the people of the world
4) This would help India in other political/economic negotiations/treaties especially where the will of the
Public would play a great role.

Contrary View: Disadvantages

If our leaders believe that by just serving as a troop base for UNPKO India will automatically become
superpower such approach is seriously flawed.
1. The current superpowers US and its allies hardly participate in such missions unless they have a specific
agenda in place.
2. India even though had participated in such missions but hardly had made any effort for stirring such missions
on the contrary it has become a reserve troop base for UNPKO whose operations are decided without
consulting India or others in undemocratic manner
3. If India continues to occupy backseat the status quo will prevail

Conclusion
Sovereignty is being challenged by norms such as Responsibility to Protect (R2P). India has a role to play
regionally as well as globally. India should share its expertise and experience, and play its part in realizing the
core objective of the UN Charter - maintenance of international peace and security

Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.

4) Recently China ended its one child policy. What impact this policy had on Chinese society and
economy? Do you think its new policy to allow parents to bear two children will help it address
demographic issues its facing today? Analyse. (200 Words)
Business Standard

Background
After nearly three decade of one-child policy as a part of it's controversial family planning system adopted in
late 1970s to control the ballooning population, the Chinese government has now decided to scrap it ,allowing
couples to have two children at most. However, apart from the human rights abuses, excess and embarrassments
from authorities , the impact of this decades long policy has been profound on China demography too, which
can be summarized as below:ECONOMIC IMPACTS:

1: Led to job access for all graduates and unemployment declined.

2: Fall in the govt. and people expenditure on nourishing and education children.
3: Far lesser competition and opened up opportunities in all the fields in the interest of people.
4: Helped control the rapid growth of population.
5: Today China faces the burden of ageing population, hence rising the governments expenditure on health and
pensions.
6: Lesser availability of young talent for demanding jobs, hence many companies planning to set up their
locations outside of China.
7: Squeezing share of young working force which is taking away the advantage of demographic dividend which
have been enjoyed by China in past.
8) Inadequate availability of skilled workforce may hurt china's topmost position among most favorable nation
for investment.
9) China may lose its bargaining power to get cheap labor due to the surplus availability of the same.

SOCIAL IMPACTS:
1: The family fulfillness factor is lagging.
2: The previous knowledge that passes from generations seems to have a few takers.
3: Due to stricter family laws, some people even migrated to other countries.
This policy although was able to achieve what I intended to but considering the current situation is quite
alarming for China and the likely impact of relaxation in the policy can be:
1: More expenditure of educational facilities and rise of more institutes.
2: Actual impact of this policy will only be realized after 20-30 years from now, in such a dynamic scenario a
country would not like to wait that long.
3: A graphical shift for example after 20 suddenly you will find more people for higher education and job
opportunities but a very few mentors and teachers to train them.
4: Posts which require experienced people will have a few takers.
5: Lead to development of skewed gender ratio due to prevailing patriarchal mindset and preference of male
child.

6: Increased economic burden as one child policy in past decade results into the framework in which burden of 8
family members to be bear by 2 youngest earning member.
7: Also it generated more demand for spending in welfare policy towards the aging population of country,
further economic burden.

Favorable aspect of new policy of 2 child adopted by China 1) New policy will work as a bridge over gulf between demographic surplus and deficit stage.
2) May have emerged as a policy of moral persuasion providing a ray hope to the world that China still
have a long way to go.
Conclusion
However in order to convert this policy to become a boost for china, it also need to amends and invest in its
other major interrelated policy in the areas like health, hygiene, sanitation, medicinal facilities etc. On the other
hand India should take aggressive measures to harness the available opportunities and make the ameliorate use
of demographic dividend.

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting Indias
interests
5) It is said that India possesses certain major advantages in dealing with African nations. What are these
advantages? How can India capitalize on them? Examine. (200 Words)
Business Standard

Introduction
Africa is the continent of emerging hope and India is a emerging economy and a nation of big dreams. The two
sides share a natural synergy due to which India possesses certain major advantages in dealing with African
nations.
Some of these advantages are summarized below:1. Shared history of colonialism : both sides have a history of deprivation ,misery and suppression under
hundred years of colonialism . Unlike the West , India doesn't carry the baggage of colonialism nor does it has

any record of recurring interference in the domestic political matters of African states or forcing regime changes
like in Libya .
2. Deep cultural and political ties : India holds a special place in Africa's political history from the time when
Mahatma Gandhi ,while in South Africa mobilized local black population against racial discrimination by local
whites and the subsequent India's solidarity with the victims of Apartheid . Since then, cultural ties and people
-to-people contact has always been strong between the two regions , reflected in the number of Indians and their
businesses based in Africa.
3. Similarity in socio-economic problems :Both Africa and India face similar problems -poverty, under
developed human resources, youthful population that need jobs, lack of electricity to a huge proportion of their
respective populations, coping with rapid pace of urbanization, hunger, shortage of infrastructure and other
socio-economic factors .
4. Convergence of positions on various issues: both sides positions converge on several issue such as threats
from IS and other terror groups, climatic change ,food security and agricultural related issues being negotiated at
WTO etc.
5. Diaspora: More than one million people of Indian origin closely integrated into African society lives in Africa
thus giving advantage to India to engage through Track 2 diplomacy
6. Focus on quality on growth: Chinas investments are mainly to exploit the resources of Africa and thus
making Africa dependent on outside powers. On the other hand, India has invested in skill-building and human
capital through the Pan-African e-Network
7. Cooperation through other forums: India remains the sole Asian member of the African Unions Capacity
Building Foundation and has engaged with South Africa through IBSA and BRICS
8. Geographical proximity: India is connected to Africa through Western Indian Ocean and the challenge to
tackle Piracy across Somalia coast give an edge to India in engaging with Africa
9. UN Peacekeeping missions: India has a goodwill image because of the largest number of troops for UN
Peacekeeping missions in Africa
India can capitalize on these advantages in following ways:-

1) India's exporters, for example, may be largely unaware of the possibilities inherent in the expanding
African middle class. The government can and should provide mechanisms that enable Indian
companies to take advantage of these unfolding options.
2) Enhanced cooperation on socio-economic welfare such as developing roads, infrastructure , cities and
housing by providing credit and sharing rich experience of Indian companies in respective sectors.

3) Collaboration on education, skill development and developing agricultural lands that remain vital
resource of Africa mineral resources etc.
4) Continuing with support: India should continue to invest in Africa without worrying for the gestation
period of her investments as it would keep Africa close to India
5) Connectivity: India should invest in building ports and developing flights to connect Africa with India
6) Cultural contacts: India should focus on programs that emphasize on common goals of democracy and
intolerance so that People to people contacts can be stepped up
7) Back channel talks: India should make Africa wary of Chinese plans in the continent so as to take up a
larger share of investments in Africa
Need for Africas support for UN Permanent Seat
If India wants a United Nations permanent seat it cant do it without Africas 54 votes. Most of its regional
multilateral bodies BRICS, IBSA, NAM, the Commonwealth and the Indian Ocean Rim Association have
an African component.
Conclusion
India and Africa holds immense potential to cooperate and play a major role in tilting the world order and
therefore should continue to collaborate through various diplomatic channels. Also since India will be a energy
deficit country within a decade or so, it is the need of the day that emergence of Africa with fresh possibilities
must be rendered pragmatically, benefiting all stakeholders.

Topic: Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable
sections.
6) In recent years India has become a major destination for what has been referred to as reproductive
tourism for foreign couples. How will Indias new surrogacy law affect this tourism? Critically comment.
(150 Words)
The Indian Express

Introduction

Reproductive Tourism an euphemistic term for Commercial Surrogacy, where intended couple ( single
parents and same sex couples are often discouraged for using surrogacy at least in India ) hires a womb for price
for their to-be child which they themselves cant reproduce due to biological complications or sterility
Pros of Commercial Surrogacy
1. A couple gets to feel the joy of parenthood and upbringing their child which due to some biological deficiency
they themselves cant give birth to
2. Reduces risk of maternal mortality as the couple which are at high risk of complications can benefit from it
3. For the family of couple its next to miracle when after years of failed conception it gives them some hope
Cons of Commercial Surrogacy
1. It has made a noble task of helping sterile couples to give birth to their biological child an industry
2. Surrogate mother typically a low-income-group and illiterate women are at receiving end who have limited
knowledge of law and legislation
3. Intended couples who parted their ways during the surrogate mothers pregnancy has led to abandoning of
perfectly healthy foetus at times surrogate mother comes to know after giving birth that their biological parents
dont want the child now
4. No formal commercial contract between intended couple leading to shifting of all associated risks to
Surrogate mother if a disabled child or unintended twins are born couples have refused to accept them
5. No laws and legislations not even court guidelines had made Indian women extremely vulnerable in a
commercial surrogacy verbal contract

Recent call by centre to makes rent-a-womb commercial surrogacy as punishable and only allow infertile
Indian married couples to go for it; can hit reproductive tourism harshly.
Advantages of the legislation:
1) The practice many times causes death of mother due to complications during pregnancy and the
unavailability of good post-natal care.
2) Contracts between surrogate mothers have been exploited by the intended parents which causes former
assumes all medical, financial and psychological risks.
3) Disabled and unplanned twins are mostly abandoned by the intended parents.
Hence the new law would keep the preceding practices under check.
Though there are disadvantages too:

1) Indian surrogacy industrys values are more than $400mn, which will hit drastically.
2) Since the law differentiates between Indian and foreign parents, there is a risk that surrogacy clinics
indulge in wrong practice, further endangering both mother and baby.
Thus, there is definite need to regulate this sector but a blanket ban on foreign couples does not prove any logic-

1. Such bans would start an underground market in the field of surrogacy and will further worsen the above
conditions to deal with which such the law is being framed.
2. The surrogacy tourism will be badly hit as even the couples whose home country permits surrogacy will not
be allowed to have a child from an Indian surrogate. This will hurt the economic conditions of the surrogates
who until now earned handsomely from the foreign clients.
3. It will reduce the opportunities for India to gain from the opportunities of globalization which has permeated
each and every sphere of life. Due to the lower demand, the costs will significantly increase and make the Indian
surrogacy industry uncompetitive.
The Way forward
Thus it will be better if we take steps towards strictly regulating the sector to protect the rights of the surrogates
and the child but imposing a blanket ban on all the foreign couples will not be of any use. And, to mitigate risk
of illegal surrogacy it is required that regulatory measures must be implemented like stronger contracts,
financial and health benefits to mothers; instead of distinguishing between Indians and foreigners.

General Studies 3
Topic: Food processing; S&T
7) Recently World Health Organization (WHO) said that processed meats are group 1 carcinogens, the
deadliest kind, the equivalent of smoking cigarettes. Examine why such foods are considered dangerous to
health. Could this finding be used as basis for banning beef meat in India? Comment. (200 Words)
Livemint

WHOs recent findings stated that processed meats can cause group 1 carcinogens like Bowel Cancer. Since
processed meats include any meat that has been preserved by curing, salting or smoking, or by adding chemical
preservatives, they can be cause cancer because:

1) Preservatives added make fats and salt stay longer amplifying the threats.
2) Extra salt, unseparated fat, exposure of spices with meat for long term and artificial preservatives.
Chemical components of this leads to damaging of cell DNA and hence the cancer occurs.
3) Most of the commercially produced meats in European nations uses high doses of antibiotics for
fattening of animal and making them disease resistant. When consumed by human, they bioaccumulate in our fatty organs like milk glands, hips and causes cancer.
4) Processed food also comes from sea and fresh water aquaculture. Both water are sources of high
pollutions these days containing mercury, arsenic and heavy metal traces. Preservatives not only unable
to remove them but also preserves them with long lasting effects.
Reason for greater danger to Indians: The Global burden of Cancer 2013
1) Moreover, as reported by The Global Burden of Cancer 2013 the incidences of cancer has been
growing over last decade in India, which is also a big concern to health policy makers.
2) As Indian per capita income is rising, they are now seeking more protein rich diets primarily through
chicken, eggs and milk; which explains that it would be difficult to reduce processed meats
consumption.
Will this bolster those advocating Beef Ban?
Consequent to this finding, it is possible that protagonists who are arguing to ban beef consumption will get
huge impetus to take it to higher levels. As earlier the basis of banning beef was only because of slaughtering of
Cows, which is considered holy animal in Hinduism; but with this announcement ban on beef can be extended
by bringing in health concerns.
Reasons for Beef Ban in India: Religious reasons
Banning meat in India is because of religious + socio-culture scenario of Indian society wherein consumption of
cow meat is considered sinful. In India food is not only source of energy, but related to spirituality and
categorized as Satvik, Tamsik and Rajsik. In India the preservation of meat is minimal because it makes meat
way too expensive, also Indian populations rely on fresh consumption because of lack of cold storage and
smooth long distance transportation.

Conclusion
The best thing to do is to spread awareness among non-vegetarians about the amount to consumed, rather than
making it a political issue and banning it fully.

Topic: Indian economy resource mobilization

8) Is pay hike for government employees through Pay Commissions justified? Critically comment. (200
Words)
The Hindu

Pay commission is administrative system setup by government of India to determine salary structure and
increment for central government employees which later adopted by state government. It comes in interval of
every 10 years. Till now India has witnessed 6 pay commissions starting from 1st pay commission in 1956 and
in year 2016 7th pay commission is scheduled.
This aims for---a)

Better initiatives helps them for self sufficiency , motivation and moral obligation to perform better
service delivery with less leakages and corruption

b) It had encouraged and woo many young skilled labour to join public sectors and helps to own new idea
and better quality of services
c)

Top most government employees are earning much lesser than their counterpart working in private
sectors even they have more responsibilities and greater amount of work with them.
However some intellectual finds these initiatives are not justified because

d)

Basis of increment:-The inflation is major criteria for deciding salary hike. But government employee
already gets monthly dearness allowance and other facilities as inflationary compensation

Types of Government Employees and their compensation

There are 4 types of government employees where Grade A and B forms 10% super skilled force with Grade C
and D forms 90% clerical staff. The latter enjoys greater benefit who are already getting more as compare to
their counterpart in private sector.
Why are pay increases not feasible
1. A heavy burden to already distressed budget which compels the government to cut essential social sector
spending for a larger underprivileged class of people.

2. Only A small segment belongs to super skilled category rest 90 % do just routine clerical work.
3. The DA along with other facilities and allowances commensurate with inflation is already given to them.
4. Increases inflation suddenly.
Way Out
Instead of CPC government should constitute a Performance Appraisal and Compensation Review Board which
review the performances of the government employees and fix the salary according to their utility and
productivity. This initiative will eliminate sudden pressure on exchequer and rationalise the governments
revenue expenditure without compromising other benefits that CPC is providing.

Conclusion
India is developing country and limited resources with prime objective of growth and development for all. But
at the same time public sector plays major role in service delivery. So government should introspect it policy for
payment hike and include performance based criteria and incentives
Topic: Conservation; Infrastructure
9) Highways passing through forests in India kill thousands of wild animals that are already on the brink
of extinction. What governments can do to address this issue so as to not to harm either wildlife
or connectivity? Discuss. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Introduction: Man-Animal conflict
India has her 4.95% of land under Protected Area Network which constitutes National Park, Wild Life
Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserves and Community Reserves. Some allows human habitat, highways and even small
occupations inside this area. This human interference leads to conflict and mortality at many instances. Most
casualties happen because of collision with speeding vehicles in highway passing through forest area.
Government should take following steps.
Structural Change
1) Bio-Fences using bamboo, thorny shrubs along the highways, allowing villagers to use empty in adjacent
villages to ward away wild animals.
2) Making sure that forest area has year round water supply in ponds, rivers flowing by so that animals dont
stray in villages, highways in search of water.

3) Exclusive introduction of both plant and fresh fodder, for example planting varieties of fodder grasses in
barren land of forest and near river area, timely spraying of such seeds. Similarly introducing wild board, hares
and small species to provide continuous supply of food to carnivorous animals.
4) Use of underground passage, eco-bridges so that animal uses them to cross highways.
Rules implementation
1) Using surveillance camera en-route the highway to monitor no vehicle speed or un-necessarily stop to
take pictures or entering forest.
2) Not allowing vehicles passage after 9pm through highways, only in high traffic situations during
festival/vacation they should be allowed with escorting by forest guard at lower speed.
3) If population of certain animal has increased considerable, then dont treat them as pest as discussed by
WB govt for Nilgai and Mudumalai Tiger reserve for wild boar, instead shift stranded one to adjoining
forest.
The following measure can be taken by the government to mitigate this issues whilst yet encouraging highway
development 1) New Highways that pass through wildlife areas should be constructed after thorough mapping of the areas, in
a way which least hampers wild life activity, even if that's less economic.
2) Old Highways passing through such areas need to be retrofitted to ensure that wildlife isn't impacted
3) Dedicated overpasses and underpasses for wildlife need to be built. This practice has been very successful in
Trans-Canada highway, bringing down the road kill drastically.
4)Strict implementation of laws against poachers and traders of illicit products derives from animals and forest
produce

Conclusion

Building of highways and railways is essential for connectivity and growth but it should
have inbuilt eco-centric safeguards in order to ensure sustainable development and
peaceful coexistence between man and animals

General Studies 4

Topic: Ethical issues in private relations

10) You are a victim of child abuse by one of your family friends. You have grown up seeing that person
getting closer to your parents. Recently you married your childhood friend. For the first time, for anyone,
you reveal him the horrors you have been through. He strongly suggests you to confront the offender,
reveal everything to your parents and punish him. But you want to forget everything and move on. You do
not want to see the face of the offender again. You suggest your husband to get a job in foreign country
and move there permanently. Your husband is adamant that the offender must be punished either by law
or by your family members. He is showing you unconditional love and support to overcome the trauma,
but at the same time seems impulsive to punish the offender. He is outraged and disturbed.
Will you accept your husbands suggestion and act accordingly? Justify. Also comment on the issue of
child abuse and solutions needed to prevent such abuses at home. (250 Words)

Answer) The husbands suggestion to confront and punish the offender is the most appropriate course of action
in this case:
1. First and foremost, confronting the offender would allow the victim to come to terms with her past and would
give a sense of closure which is vital so that she can lead a happy life going ahead. It is also imperative so that
her future life decisions are not affected by trauma of her past.
2. The association and friendship of her parents with the offender stems out of ignorance. She needs to apprise
her parents of the truth.
3. True justice demands that she speaks out against her offender and take recourse to legal remedies. This is
essential for future deterrence and might also expose similar incidents with other innocent children in the past.
Her actions might also encourage other such victims to speak up and can initiate a healthy debate in society.
It would also be difficult for the husband to come to terms with this incident due to love and affection for his
wife. The victim needs to gather the courage and speak up truth for her and her familys overall well being.
However, care should be taken to ensure that a seemingly agitated husband does not take law in his own hands
in an impulsive reaction.
Child abuse is one of the most taboo subject in a conservative society like ours where even parents try to bury
such incidents under the carpet over fears of embarrassment, social alienation and future of their children.
However, inaction only emboldens perpetrators. The need of the hour is to have very stringent legal provisions
against child abuse with presumption of guilt and their proper enforcement to serve as a deterrence. A proper
policy is needed which encompasses awareness generation, child support services including counselling,
prohibition of child labour, special child courts etc. Parents should be educated to spot early signs of

emotional/psychological trauma in children. As a society we need to change our attitude and encourage
discussion on such topics so that we can chart a healthy future for our children.

Alternate viewpoint
This is an instance of stereotypical attitude of hushing the controversial issues. Child abuse is a garish offence
that leaves a scar on the individual's mind. It is a highly under-discussed topic. In the above circumstance, I will
accept my husband's suggestion. My submission or silence will be catalytic to the offence. If every victim
chooses not to act on such atrocity, there will be no deterrence. In my case, my husband is loving and supportive
and with his help i would open up to my family. I would take legal action as that would be a precedent to people
who have undergone similar trauma. My family has no reason to maintain a relation with a criminal. Time will
help me forget the trauma but it is essential that the offender pays his dues.
Child abuse is considered a taboo in India, a topic not to be discussed. These offenders can be strangers as well
as relatives. The child often fears to share the incident with parents or guardian either due to fear of reprimand
or failure to understand what he/she suffered. The solutions I propose to curtail child abuse are as follows:
1. Family is the institution which can help a person through thick and thin. Hence, the parents have to make the
child aware of such brutality. These evils exist in society so the best solution is awareness and not ignorance.
Moreover, there should be an atmosphere of free communication and expression at home. If the child is
apprehensive in front of his/her parents , they will suppress it forever.
2. Awareness camps must be organized by ministry of child and women's welfare so that parents and guardians
are aware of this offence and the fact that it may happen to their children. Laws such as Protection of children
from sexual offences act,2012 have been enacted to provide relief. However, a large part of such offences go
unreported due to lack of awareness.
3. Counselling: A child who as undergone such trauma at a tender age needs counselling to get over the
nightmare. They must be counselled and care must be taken to treat her like other children and not in a
discriminatory manner.
Child abuse is a burning issue - one which everybody is aware of and no one wants to delve into. Consolidated
efforts of the society as a whole will help eradicate this evil.