UPSC CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION

MAINS ANSWER WRITING PRACTICE

LECTURE 63

CSE MAINS

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GS-2 POLITY

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UPSC CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION

MAINS ANSWER WRITING PRACTICE

LECTURE 63

CSE MAINS

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IDENTIFICATION OF KEYWORDS

DEMAND OF THE QUESTIONS

Brief introduction about Local Self Government

[20-30WORDS ]

Critical Examination of the statement

[60-70 WORDS ]

“Ways to Improve” the situation as

Concluding Remarks[ 40-50 WORDS ]

Q. The local self government in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance.

Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation.

[Answer in 150 Words]

Instances / facts / figures that justify

the statement.30-35 WORDS

Instances / facts / figures that falsify

the statement30-35 WORDS

CRITICAL

EXAMINATION

समालोचनात्मक परीक्षण

INTRODUCTION

Historically, local self governing institutions (LSGI) (Panchayats) have been integral to the Indiansociety and its governance.

After Independence, 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts (1992) gave formal(Constitutional) recognition to these LSGIs.

The objective was to push the democracy to the grassroot level (for better governance).

Brief Introduction about Local Self Government

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HINTS

Q. The local self government in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance.

Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation.

[Answer in 150 Words]

However, there have been apprehensions that they have not proved to be effective instrument ofgovernance which can be examined as follows:

Connecting Line

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Ineffectiveness of Local Self Governance

Lesser devolution of

power

Unsustainable Tax Power

Insufficient Budget

Appointed officers vs

Elected Councillors

Corruption

Very few states havetransferred all 29functions (enshrined inthe Constitution) to PRIs

The local bodies haveextremely limited powers tolevy tax.

This means that they arenot financially independentand depend on the budgetsfrom the state.

The funds devolved bythe state governmentsto the local bodies areinsufficient to meettheir demands.

There is a conflict of interest withregards to the District Administrationas in many states, the developmentalfunctions are taken up by DistrictMagistrate (an appointed Officer);rather than the councilors / mayorswho are elected by the people

Q. The local self government in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance.

Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation.

[Answer in 150 Words]

Corruption has crept into the local selfgoverning institutions as well.

This has turned these institutions ofDemocracy into an instrument ofmaking money through unfair means.

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An examination of the working of LSGIs reveals that various limitations have left them ineffective todischarge their functions and roles.

For example, insufficient devolution of budget, insufficient freedom to levy taxes, occasional conflict ofinterest between the officers (appointed) and the councilors (elected), corruption etc. come in the way ofproper discharge of functions and duties of these LSG.

Self Governing Institutions proving to be ineffective

BODY

Q. The local self government in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance.

Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation.

[Answer in 150 Words]

Instances / facts / figures that justify the statement.

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For example, these institutions have contributed to the creation of political leaders who are well awareof the issues faced by the people at the grass root level.

There are numerous examples of LSGIs all across the country that reveal that in spite of limitedbudgetary resources, the local bodies have played an important role in effective implementation ofvarious policies (School Enrolment in Vellamuda Panchayat in Wayanad district; PMAY (rural) in KangraDistrict).

Self Governing Institutions proving to be EFFEVTIVE

BODY

Q. “The local self government in India has not proved to be effective instrument of

governance.” Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation.

[Answer in 150 Words]

Instances / facts / figures that criticise the statement.

But a deeper examination reveals that certain instances and facts that depict the effectiveness of LSGIs in certain parts of the country.

Connecting Line

CONCLUSION

This shows that LSGIs are capable enough to deliver on their objectives provided that certain limitations are tackled. To achieve this, policies to devolve more funds/ taxation powers to the local bodies; practices like compulsory

social audits, delineating the duties and rights of officials and elected representatives etc. can prove to beimportant measures to improve the situation.

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Q. The local self government in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance.

Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation.

[Answer in 150 Words]

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THANK YOU

Q. The local self government in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance.

Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation.

[Answer in 150 Words]