Daily Mains Answer Writing – 3 October 2026
2 Questions • Current Affairs + Static GS • Model Answers
- Begin with the changing nature of export competitiveness.
- Explain the role of tax neutrality through RoDTEP.
- Explain logistics and risk mitigation through RELIEF/ECGC.
- Identify structural constraints beyond temporary support.
- Conclude with a competitiveness-plus-resilience strategy.
Model Answer
Introduction
Export competitiveness is determined not only by production cost but also by embedded taxes, freight, insurance, finance, delivery reliability and the ability to withstand external shocks. Recent disruptions in global shipping have therefore made export resilience an integral part of India's trade strategy.
Role of RoDTEP
- Tax neutrality: RoDTEP refunds eligible Central, State and local duties, taxes and levies embedded in exported products that are not otherwise rebated.
- Level playing field: Removing hidden domestic taxes prevents Indian exports from carrying avoidable fiscal costs in international markets.
- Wider export ecosystem: Continued coverage of DTA units, Advance Authorisation holders, SEZ units and EOUs supports diverse categories of exporters.
- Predictability: Continuation of existing rates and value caps reduces short-term uncertainty for exporters.
Role of RELIEF
- Risk protection: RELIEF Component-II encourages exporters to obtain ECGC cover with 95% risk coverage for eligible shipments.
- Insurance stability: It protects eligible exporters from sharp increases in insurance premia caused by geopolitical risk.
- Logistics resilience: Support for FCL, LCL and reefer cargo is particularly relevant when maritime routes face disruption.
- MSME relevance: Smaller exporters generally possess less capacity to absorb sudden freight and insurance shocks.
Why Such Measures Alone Are Not Enough
- High domestic logistics and port-to-factory costs remain structural constraints.
- Dependence on a narrow set of markets or shipping routes increases vulnerability.
- MSMEs often face expensive and inadequate export finance.
- Quality standards, certification and non-tariff barriers can restrict market access.
- Frequent policy changes may reduce predictability for long-term exporters.
- Support schemes must remain transparent and compatible with India's international trade obligations.
Way Forward
- Integrate ports, rail, roads and logistics through multimodal planning.
- Automate tax remission using reliable digital transaction data.
- Expand affordable export credit and insurance access for MSMEs.
- Diversify export markets, products and maritime routes.
- Invest in testing, certification, standards and branding.
- Build early-warning systems for trade and supply-chain disruptions.
Conclusion
RoDTEP and RELIEF address two important dimensions of export competitiveness—domestic tax neutrality and external risk absorption. However, India's long-term export strength will depend on combining such support with efficient logistics, diversified markets, competitive firms and resilient supply chains.
- Define Article 23 and begar.
- Explain trafficking and other forms of forced labour.
- Bring in constitutional/judicial expansion of the concept.
- Discuss modern manifestations of coercion.
- Suggest rights-based enforcement measures.
Model Answer
Introduction
Article 23, located within the Right against Exploitation, prohibits trafficking in human beings, begar and other similar forms of forced labour. Its purpose is not merely to abolish an old feudal practice but to protect human dignity against labour extracted through coercion, vulnerability or exploitation.
Constitutional Scope
- Human trafficking: The provision constitutionally prohibits trafficking in persons.
- Begar: It covers labour or service compulsorily extracted without remuneration.
- Other forced labour: The wording deliberately extends protection beyond traditional begar to comparable forms of coercion.
- Horizontal application: Protection is enforceable not merely against the State but also against exploitation by private persons.
Judicial Expansion
In People's Union for Democratic Rights v. Union of India, the Supreme Court interpreted “force” broadly. It held that force may arise not only from physical or legal coercion but also from compelling economic circumstances.
The Court further held that labour extracted for remuneration below the legally prescribed minimum wage can, in appropriate circumstances, fall within the ambit of forced labour under Article 23.
In Bandhua Mukti Morcha, the Court reinforced the constitutional obligation to eliminate bonded labour and protect vulnerable workers.
Contemporary Relevance
- Debt bondage can trap workers across generations.
- Migrant workers may face recruitment debt and document retention.
- Trafficked persons may be exploited for labour or other purposes.
- Informal workers may lack bargaining power and effective legal remedies.
- Children and socially vulnerable communities face disproportionate risk.
- Complex subcontracting can obscure accountability for labour violations.
Way Forward
- Strengthen identification and rehabilitation of bonded labourers.
- Ensure effective enforcement of minimum-wage and labour protections.
- Regulate recruitment intermediaries and labour contractors.
- Improve portability of welfare protection for migrant workers.
- Strengthen trafficking investigation and victim-centred rehabilitation.
- Use social audits, grievance systems and supply-chain due diligence.
Conclusion
Article 23 transforms freedom from exploitation into an enforceable constitutional guarantee. Its real significance lies in recognising that coercion can be economic and social as well as physical; therefore, the State must address both the visible act of forced labour and the vulnerabilities that make exploitation possible.
Self-Evaluation Checklist
- Did your introduction directly answer the core demand?
- Did you divide the body into clear analytical dimensions?
- Did you use current affairs as evidence rather than as the entire answer?
- Did you balance benefits/problems instead of giving a one-sided response?
- Did your conclusion provide a practical and forward-looking direction?
