Theme T92 · Constitution & Polity

Local self-government: 73rd/74th Amendments, functions, funds & functionaries

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What UPSC asks

Repeated: effectiveness of local bodies, functions-funds-functionaries, state reluctance to empower ULBs, panchayat finances, and rural-urban merger.

Prepare these

• 73rd/74th Amendments
• 3Fs and state finance commissions
• Own revenue sources
• Capacity issues

Answer writing

• Diagnose, then reforms with examples (Kerala)

Directive words in these PYQs: Critically (2), Discuss (2), Analyse (1), Bring out (1), Comment (1), To what extent (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Comes back later in

Later themes that take this one further.

On the map

Syllabus lines covered

• GS2-L2 — Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

All 8 PYQs, newest first

1. GS2202410 marks · 150 wordsGS2-POL-06-M2024-Q05

   Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies.

   Also needs: T57 Smart cities, rural–urban integration & urban transportCopyReport a typo
2. GS2202310 marks · 150 wordsGS2-POL-06-M2023-Q03

   “The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.” Comment.

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3. GS2202210 marks · 150 wordsGS2-POL-06-M2022-Q03

   To what extent in your opinion has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots?

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4. GS22020GS2-POL-06-M2020-S01

   The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funds’ to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times.

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5. GS22018GS2-POL-06-M2018-S01

   Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing development projects?

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6. GS22017GS2-POL-06-M2017-S01

   “The local self government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance”. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation.

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7. GS22015GS2-POL-06-M2015-S01

   In absence of well–educated and organised local level government system, ‘Panchayats’ and ‘Samitis’ have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instruments of governance. Critically discuss.

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8. GS22013GS2-POL-06-M2013-S01

   Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances.

   Also needs: T91 Fiscal federalism: Finance Commission, GST & state financesCopyReport a typo