PYQ Vault · Paper 1 · Local Government
Gram Sabha in the Panchayati Raj system is a forum which gives expression to the collective wisdom, aspirations and the will of the people. Comment.
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
G23 Article 243A > Gram Sabha = assembly of all village voters > only direct-democracy tier ~ statement captures its promise forum where collective wisdom + aspirations + will find direct expression ~ but promise real only where the forum works
Body flow
statutory functions (plans, beneficiaries, social audit, accounts) villagers as direct decision-makers ~ Baviskar: participatory democracy for Dalits, women, Adivasis ~ Sanyal & Rao: largest
Counter-view
deliberative institution in human history
Conclusion routes
uneven functioning —~ thin attendance, elite dominance, marginalised silent, agenda shrinks to beneficiary lists ~ Mansuri & Rao: benefit reaches the disadvantaged only where Sabhas actually meet — Kothari: symbolic without mobilisation — Jayal: limited devolution weakens it €23 such a forum by design more than by performance €33 realising collective will needs clear powers + binding social audit + assured quorum + fiscal devolution
Model answer
Handwritten, in the form it would be written in the examination hall.
