Sample Answer
Introduction
Constitution 73rd & 74th Amendment were passed for democratic decentralisation & empowering local bodies to function as institutions of self-government.
Body
Achievements of democratic decentralisation:
- Local bodies in all states as third tier of federal structure.
- Regular & fair elections State Election Commission.
- Mandatory devolution of funds by Finance Commission (Article 280) and State Finance Commissions.
- Provision of reservation for SCs, STs and women empowering marginal sections of society.
- PESA Act has been operationalised in Schedule V areas.
However, local bodies are constrained because:
- Non-devolution of functions by States to local bodies despite 11th & 12th schedule mandating functions.
- Lack of capacity of elected local body functionaries.
- Limited own sources of taxation.
- Decentralised bottom-up planning has not been functional despite constitutional mandate.
- Implementation at local levels is occupied often by parastatal bodies compromising local bodies.
- Limited transparency and accountability structures at local level.
Conclusion
Thus, reforms such as reforms in State local bodies act, necessary devolution of functions to local bodies in line with 11th and 12th schedule and SDGs, provision of financial powers and capacity building of local bodies functionaries should be aimed fundamentally transform local body governance.
THANKS RAU,S
I am preparing for 2024 CSE and write answer 1st time
pls you check and guide me.
being your first attempt, your work looks appreciable. But, you need to understand the demand of UPSC well. Refer to some topper’s answer writings and keep practicing. All the best !
Strengths
1. Good example used – Tamil Nadu case
2. Good use of Quote – Gandhi
3. Good use of constitutional articles.
Improvement:
1. Handwriting could be more clear, space out your answers if you can .
2. Avoid crossing out too much
3. Make sure you look at the word limit, write in points