1.3.1 The Administrative System
The administrative system is implemented and supervised by a cadre of officials called the Indian Administrative Service, selected on the basis of performance in a public examination every year. The officials of the IAS are involved in civil administration, policy making and managing conflicts- internal and external.
1.3.2 Legislative and Political Parties
The country has a federal structure with elected governments in states. There are 29 states and 6 union territories. Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India which comprises the President and the two Houses-Lok Sabha( House of the People) and Rajya Sabha( Council of States). The President has the power to summon and prorogue either House of Parliament and to dissolve the Lok Sabha.
1.3.3 Judicial System- Courts & Tribunals
At the apex of India’ s judiciary is the Supreme Court that has a Chief Justice and up to 25 judges appointed by the President. There are 18 High Courts, subordinate to but not under the control of the Supreme Court. The High Court stands at the head of a State’ s judicial administration.
1.4 Economic Overview
1.4.1 Trends in Economic Growth
India’ s GDP Growth 2008-2013( percentage)
11
GDP Growth Rate(%)
9
7
5
3 2008- 09 2009- 10 2010- 11 2011- 12 2012- 13
NOTE: 2012-13 Estimated Figure 3 Source- Central Statistical Organisation
9