← All questionsGS2 · 2017 · Polity ·Effectiveness of Local Self-Government
QUESTION 1
GS2
10 marks

“The local self-government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance.” Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation.

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7 min
150 words
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What the examiner wants

Assess whether panchayats and municipalities have worked as instruments of governance and suggest fixes.

Critically examineWeigh the strengths and the weaknesses, then give a balanced verdict.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Achievements: 73rd/74th Amendments (1992) gave regular elections, reservation for women, SC/ST; women leaders; decentralised planning in Kerala≈35 words
  2. 2Failures: weak devolution of funds, functions and functionaries; State Finance Commissions ignored; parallel bodies; proxy 'sarpanch-pati'; poor own revenue; DPCs inactive≈35 words
  3. 3Improvement: activity mapping, untied funds, property tax reform, capacity building, social audit, e-governance (eGramSwaraj), empowered mayors≈35 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Answer plan

Constitutional frameworkSuccessesFailures (3Fs)MeasuresConclusion

Where marks usually go

  • Only the 'not effective' side without successes
  • Not separating rural and urban bodies

Draw this

  • 3F (funds, functions, functionaries) gap table

Value addition

  • Report2nd ARC 6th Report 'Local Governance' (2007) urged clear activity mapping and stronger local finances.2nd ARC, 2007
  • ExampleKerala's People's Plan Campaign (1996) devolved about 35–40% of state plan funds to local bodies.Kerala, 1996
  • CaseVikas Kishanrao Gawali (2021) laid down the 'triple test' for OBC reservation in local bodies.Supreme Court, 2021