QUESTION 01
Discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions that empower the Election Commission to undertake a Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Analyse how such intensive exercises strengthen the principle of "one person, one vote" in a representative democracy.
Question Understanding – Finding Information
Precise Syllabus Mapping: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. (GS Paper – II)
Marks and words limit:
- The marks-oriented approach to answering (10-mark, 150-word) questions in the question is to use Bullet Points (one idea per bullet point), Brainstorming, or a combination of both.
- The way to score good marks in questions worth (15 marks. 250 words) is to use the Heading and Subheading method while writing your answers.
Directive words:
- Discuss → Explain provisions with brief description
- Analyse → Link SIR to democratic principles with cause effect reasoning
Focal points of the questions:
- Election Commission of India (ECI)
- Electoral rolls
- Democratic equality
- Representative democracy
Dos & Don’ts
Do for Maximum Marks
- Mention Article 324 explicitly
- Distinguish between constitutional authority and statutory procedure
- Link SIR to democratic principles, not just administration
- Keep analysis crisp and balanced
Don’t do these Common Mistakes
- Don’t discuss political controversies
- Don’t confuse SIR with delimitation
- Don’t over-detail operational steps
- Don’t exceed word limit
Download Complete Answer Blueprint
- ✔ Question Understanding: Finding Information
- ✔ Answer Writing Structure
- ✔ Dos & Don’ts
- ✔ Notes-Oriented Content for Writing Answers
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The integrity of the electoral roll is the bedrock of a healthy democracy. In this light, critically evaluate the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) as a mechanism to address the challenges of 'ghost voters' and illegal migration in border states.
Question Understanding – Finding Information
Precise Syllabus Mapping: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. (GS Paper – II)
Marks and words limit:
- The marks-oriented approach to answering (10-mark, 150-word) questions in the question is to use Bullet Points (one idea per bullet point), Brainstorming, or a combination of both.
- The way to score good marks in questions worth (15 marks. 250 words) is to use the Heading and Subheading method while writing your answers.
Nature of the Question:
- Statement based + Critical evaluation with reference to the statement
- Requires balanced assessment, not endorsement
Directive words:
- Critically evaluate → merits + limitations + safeguards
Focal points of the questions:
- Integrity of electoral rolls
- Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
- Ghost voters
- Illegal migration
- Border states (higher vulnerability)
Dos & Don’ts
Do for Maximum Marks
- Use terms like electoral integrity, democratic legitimacy
- Maintain critical balance
- Focus on administrative mechanism, not politics
- Link SIR to border-specific challenges
Don’t do these Common Mistakes
- Don’t equate SIR with citizenship verification
- Don’t take partisan positions
- Don’t ignore risks of exclusion
- Don’t over-detail operational minutiae
Download Complete Answer Blueprint
- ✔ Question Understanding: Finding Information
- ✔ Answer Writing Structure
- ✔ Dos & Don’ts
- ✔ Notes-Oriented Content for Writing Answers
Need Personal Guidance?
Struggling to write high-scoring UPSC Mains answers for 10-mark (150 words) or 15-mark (250 words) questions?
🎯 Click Here to Book a Mentoring Session