Question Q11GS2GS2

Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate.

Main Body

73rd and 74th Amendment Act of 1992 acted as watershed moment in achieving Gandhian dream of 'gram swarajya' by constitutionalising 3rd tier of governance.

Direct democracy in form of Gram Sabha

Women & SCST reservation

State election commission for regular elections.

Challenges due to several bottlenecks

(A) Funds

1State Finance Commission under Act 243 & 244 not formed by 11 states.

3State fiscal position weak so low devolution

4Local taxes not charged effectively (Only 4% of potential property tax collected).

(B) Functions

118 functions to ULB and 29 to PRIs but not devolved by states (from laws of oligarchy).

2Mandatory provisions of 93rd and 74th CAN also not followed.

3Functions of gram sabha and Panchayati usurped by superceding

1State Election Commission under Act 243K not functioning independently

2Regular elections rare sight and superceding by states frequent. tn. Recent news about elections not taking place in TN village for 11yrs.

3Position of Mayor different in different states without much power.

(D) Functionality

1Poor Nagarsevalc trainings

2CEO interference in functioning.

Way forward - Vice President called for 'council training' → eliminate evil of SB brigade.

State Finance Comm in every state.

To ensure that 3rd tier doesn't become grass without roots' needs to be done.

— HARSH SANTOSH LODHA · AIR 261

216 words4 paragraphs

Examiner score

1.31/10

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Topper

HARSH SANTOSH LODHA

AIR 2612025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Federal Structure - Functions, Responsibilities, Devolution of Powers and Finances

Devolution to Local Levels

Decentralization and Local Government Challenges

Writing Stats

216

Total words

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone

Linked PYQ

“Do not hate anybody, because that hatred that comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle.” — Swami Vivekananda. What does it convey to you in the present context?

10M2023