Transparency — RTI, Lokpal, Lokayukta, Social Audits & Grievance Redressal

What should you study in Transparency?

• RTI Act 2005 — sections, exemptions (Sec.8), PIO, appellate mechanism
• Lokpal — appointment, jurisdiction, prosecution sanction
• Social audit — MGNREGA mandate, CAG performance audits
• Grievance redressal — CPGRAMS, service delivery laws in states

How often is Transparency asked in UPSC Mains?

Asked in 4 of 10 years, including 2 of the last 5. Highlighted years below are the ones it appeared in.

1. 2016: asked
2. 2017: not asked
3. 2018: not asked
4. 2019: asked
5. 2020: not asked
6. 2021: not asked
7. 2022: asked
8. 2023: not asked
9. 2024: asked
10. 2025: not asked

About the Mains GS Paper II paper

GS Paper II is a 250-mark descriptive Mains paper covering governance, the Constitution, polity, social justice and international relations. See all 40 Mains GS Paper II topics.

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