PYQ Vault · Paper 1 · Local Government
Do you think that despite having significant limitations the Panchayati Raj Institutions have strengthened the process of democratic decentralization? Give your views.
How the answer moves
The flow snapshot — the routes in, the body, the counter-view and the routes out.
Flow snapshot — how the answer moves
Intro routes
G39 define democratic decentralisation (functions + resources to elected local reps for direct participation) ~ stake verdict: strengthened, but unfinished €33 start from the concession in the question (limitations granted) — argue the third tier has still struck real democratic roots ~ same spine
Body flow
73rd Amendment constitutional base (Gram Sabha, three-tier, regular elections, State Election Commission, reservations) ~ Art. 243G + Eleventh Schedule (economic development + social justice) ~ George Mathew: democratic base broadened ~ women / SCs / STs enter elected office + Gram Sabha as participatory watchdog ~ Esther Duflo: women-headed Panchayats invest more in drinking water ~ who governs shapes outcomes
Counter-view
3Fs devolved unevenly, real power stays with states ~ parallel schemes + bureaucratic dominance ~ World Bank: high political but low administrative decentralisation ~ Jaffrelot: decentralisation can also harden local dominance
Conclusion routes
GB citizens gained voice, choice, decision-making space > strengthening genuine but incomplete E23 political decentralisation achieved; completing it needs real devolution of funds, functions, functionaries
Model answer
Handwritten, in the form it would be written in the examination hall.
