MAINS 2015
GS2
12.5 marks
In absence of a well-educated and organized local level government system, Panchayats and Samitis have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instruments of governance. Critically discuss.
WRITE IN
9 min
200 words
What the examiner wants
Discuss whether panchayats remain political bodies rather than effective units of governance, and why.
Critically discussAnswer exactly what the question asks.
Demand-wise check
- 1Why weak as governance: incomplete devolution of 29 subjects (11th Schedule), funds tied to schemes, few own revenues, staff shortage, low capacity of members≈35 words
- 2Political capture: proxy rule (sarpanch-pati), state control through bureaucracy, caste and party dominance≈35 words
- 3Counter-evidence: Kerala people's plan, social audits under MGNREGA, women's leadership in reserved seats≈35 words
- 4Reforms: 3Fs devolution, training, cadre, own-source revenue, e-GramSwaraj≈35 words
Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.
Answer plan
73rd Amendment intentShortfallsPolitical captureSuccess storiesReforms
Where marks usually go
- Only blaming lack of education of members
- No positive example to balance
Draw this
- 3Fs (funds, functions, functionaries) gap chart
Value addition
- CaseRajbala v State of Haryana (2015) upheld minimum educational qualifications for panchayat candidates.Supreme Court, 2015
- DataThe 15th Finance Commission recommended about Rs 4.36 lakh crore in grants to local bodies for 2021-26.15th Finance Commission
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 9 minutes, then get it checked.