6. Grassroot Democracy

Question 1

What are the functions of District Planning Committee?

Answer 1

The District Planning Committee is responsible for preparing a draft development plan for the district, ensuring that the planning process is participatory and inclusive, and coordinating between various local bodies and government departments to achieve effective local governance.

Question 2

What are the major provisions of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act?

Answer 2

The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act provides for the establishment of urban local bodies, ensures regular elections to these bodies, and mandates the devolution of powers and responsibilities to them for planning and implementation of economic development and social justice.

Question 3

What are the unique features of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment?

Answer 3

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act establishes a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj institutions, mandates the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women, and ensures regular elections to these bodies, thereby promoting grassroots democracy.

Question 4

How do Panchayati Raj institutions strengthen democratic decentralization?

Answer 4

Panchayati Raj institutions strengthen democratic decentralization by empowering local self-governments, facilitating local participation in decision-making, and ensuring that governance is more responsive to the needs of the community.

Question 5

How have the 73rd and 74th amendments enhanced women’s empowerment?

Answer 5

The 73rd and 74th amendments have enhanced women’s empowerment by reserving a significant percentage of seats for women in Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies, thereby increasing their representation and participation in governance.

Question 6

What is the relationship between political and administrative decentralization at the grassroots level?

Answer 6

Political decentralization refers to the transfer of authority to local governments, while administrative decentralization involves the delegation of administrative functions. The lack of alignment between these two can hinder effective governance at the grassroots level.

Question 7

How does the New Panchayat Raj serve as an instrument for women empowerment?

Answer 7

The New Panchayat Raj serves as an instrument for women empowerment by providing them with leadership roles in local governance, promoting gender-sensitive policies, and facilitating access to resources and decision-making processes.

Question 8

What are the provisions of the Panchayat Extension Services Act (PESA) 1996?

Answer 8

The Panchayat Extension Services Act (PESA) 1996 extends the provisions of the Panchayati Raj system to Scheduled Areas, ensuring that the local self-governance framework respects the rights and customs of tribal communities.

Question 9

How has the 73rd constitutional amendment empowered women in Panchayat in India?

Answer 9

The 73rd constitutional amendment has empowered women in Panchayat by mandating the reservation of one-third of the seats for women, thus enabling their active participation in local governance and decision-making.

Question 10

How does strengthening grassroots level democracy contribute to good governance?

Answer 10

Strengthening grassroots level democracy contributes to good governance by ensuring that local communities have a voice in decision-making, enhancing accountability, and promoting transparency in governance processes.

Question 11

What role do Panchayat raj institutions and urban local bodies play in deepening democracy in India?

Answer 11

Panchayat raj institutions and urban local bodies play a crucial role in deepening democracy in India by facilitating local participation, ensuring representation of marginalized groups, and promoting accountability in governance.

Question 12

How has the participation of women impacted the functioning of rural bodies in India?

Answer 12

The participation of women has positively impacted the functioning of rural bodies in India by bringing diverse perspectives to decision-making, promoting gender-sensitive policies, and enhancing the overall effectiveness of local governance.

Question 13

What is the changing structure of panchayati raj institutions with reference to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act?

Answer 13

The changing structure of panchayati raj institutions with reference to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act includes the establishment of a three-tier system, the reservation of seats for marginalized groups, and the emphasis on regular elections, which collectively enhance local governance.

Question 14

What is the concept of Inclusive Participation in governance?

Answer 14

Inclusive Participation refers to ensuring that all community sections, especially marginalized groups, have a voice in governance, reflecting the idea of participatory growth and development focused on equity and justice.

Question 15

What does Gram Swaraj signify in the context of Panchayati Raj?

Answer 15

Gram Swaraj signifies the realization of Gandhi’s vision of self-governed villages, where Panchayats operate as self-sufficient entities in democratic practice.

Question 16

What were Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s critiques of Panchayati Raj?

Answer 16

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar critiqued Panchayati Raj due to concerns that local governance in the context of the entrenched caste system could lead to further oppression of lower castes, viewing villages as ‘dens of ignorance’.

Question 17

How did Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru view mass participation in governance?

Answer 17

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had reservations about the efficacy of mass participation in governance, favoring a bureaucracy-led developmental model which he viewed as more progressive and efficient.

Question 18

What were the key insights from the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee regarding local governance?

Answer 18

The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee observed limited local engagement and excessive bureaucratic control, noting the ineffectiveness of the Community Development Programme’s top-down approach in engaging local communities.

Question 19

What is the urgent need for decentralization in local governance?

Answer 19

The urgent need for decentralization emphasizes transferring power to improve the effectiveness of local governance.

Question 20

What is the three-tier Panchayati Raj system?

Answer 20

The three-tier Panchayati Raj system is a layered structure of local governance consisting of Gram Panchayat (village), Panchayat Samiti (block), and Zilla Parishad (district).

Question 21

Why are direct elections proposed for Gram Panchayat members?

Answer 21

Direct elections for Gram Panchayat members are proposed to ensure greater local accountability.

Question 22

What does power devolution to local bodies entail?

Answer 22

Power devolution to local bodies involves transferring administrative and financial authority to local institutions.

Question 23

How is development linked with local governance in the context of Panchayati Raj?

Answer 23

Development is linked with local governance by integrating development initiatives in key areas with Panchayati Raj institutions for better implementation.

Question 24

What were the early initiatives of the Panchayati Raj system in India?

Answer 24

The early initiatives of the Panchayati Raj system in India include its ancient roots as a grassroots governance mechanism and its administrative nature during the colonial era.

Question 25

What did the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommend regarding Panchayati Raj?

Answer 25

The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommended a three-tier Panchayati Raj structure, leading to the establishment of Panchayati Raj institutions in various states.

Question 26

What were some internal factors affecting the evolution of Panchayati Raj in India?

Answer 26

Internal factors affecting the evolution of Panchayati Raj include state leadership variability, political exploitation, bureaucratic control, and resistance to decentralization.

Question 27

What external factors influenced the Panchayati Raj system in India?

Answer 27

External factors influencing the Panchayati Raj system include top-down governance, centralized planning, political centralization, and the recommendations of the Ashok Mehta Committee.

Question 28

What is the significance of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992)?

Answer 28

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act provided a constitutional framework for Panchayati Raj institutions, mandating a three-tier system, regular elections, reservation for SC/STs and women, and the establishment of State Finance Commissions.

Question 29

What role did the G.V.K. Rao Committee (1985) play in the Panchayati Raj system?

Answer 29

The G.V.K. Rao Committee recommended reviving and strengthening the Panchayati Raj system, emphasizing the role of Panchayats in rural development.

Question 30

What are the implications of the reservation of seats for marginalized groups in Panchayati Raj institutions?

Answer 30

The reservation of seats ensures representation for historically marginalized groups such as SCs, STs, and women, which is essential for empowerment, but it can also lead to tokenism and create divisions based on identity.

Question 31

How does the fixed term of five years for Panchayati Raj institutions affect local governance?

Answer 31

A fixed term of five years provides stability in local governance and maintains democratic accountability, but it might result in complacency among elected representatives and encourage short-term decision-making for re-election.

Question 32

What is the role of the Panchayat Finance Commission as per Article 243I?

Answer 32

The Panchayat Finance Commission ensures fair resource distribution and provides oversight for the financial management of Panchayati Raj institutions.

Question 33

What is the significance of Auditing of Accounts (Article 243J)?

Answer 33

Promotes transparency and accountability in financial management, preventing misuse of funds, but its effectiveness depends on competent and independent auditing bodies.

Question 34

How do Elections and Delimitation (Article 243K) affect democratic representation?

Answer 34

Regular elections and delimitation uphold democratic representation and participation, but can be subject to political manipulation, affecting fairness.

Question 35

What role does the District Planning Committee (DPC) (Article 243ZD) play in regional development?

Answer 35

DPCs facilitate regional development planning by including PRI and Municipality representatives, but their effectiveness can vary based on authority and resources.

Question 36

What is the purpose of the Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC) (Article 243ZE)?

Answer 36

MPCs address urban governance needs and promote integrated development, but their effectiveness depends on their authority and resources.

Question 37

What does the Voluntary Formation of PRIs (Article 40) imply for local governance?

Answer 37

Encourages states to organize village Panchayats voluntarily, leading to variations in establishment and functionality across states, affecting access to democratic institutions.

Question 38

What is the importance of the Composition of PRIs (Article 243C)?

Answer 38

Mandates the composition of PRIs with elected representatives and reserved seats for marginalized groups, promoting social inclusion and local demographic adaptation.

Question 39

How does the Finance Commission for PRIs (Article 280) enhance financial autonomy?

Answer 39

Recommends the establishment of a Finance Commission for PRIs to allocate resources more equitably, but its voluntary nature means not all states have them.

Question 40

What does the Mandatory Reservation of Chairperson Positions (Article 243F) promote?

Answer 40

Mandates reservation of chairperson positions in PRIs for SCs, STs, and women, promoting leadership diversity.

Question 41

What are Committees for Social Justice as per Article 243ZD and 243ZE?

Answer 41

Committees for Social Justice are encouraged by Article 243ZD to be established by states to address the needs of marginalized groups, while Article 243ZE recommends similar committees for metropolitan areas, aimed at addressing social inequalities and specific needs of marginalized communities.

Question 42

What financial challenges do Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) face in India?

Answer 42

Panchayati Raj Institutions often struggle with insufficient funds, delayed fund release, and lack of fiscal autonomy, as they depend heavily on state governments for funding, which limits their financial resources and ability to carry out development projects.

Question 43

What human resource challenges are faced by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)?

Answer 43

Panchayati Raj Institutions face challenges such as a shortage of skilled personnel for planning and implementation of development projects, and a need for continuous capacity building programs for PRI members and officials.

Question 44

What governance challenges do Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) encounter?

Answer 44

Panchayati Raj Institutions encounter governance challenges including political interference from higher levels of government, corruption, and low participation of women and marginalized groups in decision-making processes.

Question 45

What was the recommendation of the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957) regarding Panchayati Raj?

Answer 45

The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommended the establishment of a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj at the village, block, and district levels, along with a genuine transfer of power and responsibility to these institutions and regular social audits with community participation.

Question 46

What was the key proposal of the Ashok Mehta Committee (1978) for Panchayati Raj?

Answer 46

The Ashok Mehta Committee proposed a two-tier system with Mandal Panchayats at the base and Zila Parishads at the top, along with mandatory elections every two years and greater financial resources and autonomy for local bodies.

Question 47

What is the significance of the G.V.K. Rao Committee (1985) in relation to Panchayati Raj?

Answer 47

The G.V.K. Rao Committee emphasized that Panchayati Raj Institutions should be the principal channel for all rural development programs, highlighting their importance in rural governance and development.

Question 48

What is the significance of the L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986) in relation to Panchayati Raj Institutions?

Answer 48

The L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986) provided constitutional recognition for Panchayati Raj Institutions, established Nyaya Panchayats for judicial powers in minor civil and criminal cases, and emphasized decentralized planning.

Question 49

What were the recommendations of the Thungon Committee (1988) regarding Panchayati Raj institutions?

Answer 49

The Thungon Committee (1988) recommended more powers to the Panchayati Raj institutions in planning and implementation, along with specific recommendations on resource mobilization and financial powers.

Question 50

What was the focus of the Narasimha Rao Committee (1989) concerning Panchayati Raj institutions?

Answer 50

The Narasimha Rao Committee (1989) focused on direct elections to all seats in Panchayati Raj institutions and recommended reservation for weaker sections of society.

Question 51

How did the 2nd ARC contribute to the fiscal federalism in local governance?

Answer 51

The 2nd ARC emphasized the implementation of genuine fiscal federalism, ensuring fiscal autonomy with accountability, and encouraged local bodies to outsource specific functions to appropriate agencies.

Question 52

What achievements have been made in grassroots democracy through Panchayati Raj Institutions?

Answer 52

Panchayati Raj Institutions have enabled direct participation in governance by villagers and small-town residents, fostering democratic values at the local level.

Question 53

How has women's empowerment been advanced through Panchayati Raj Institutions?

Answer 53

Mandatory reservation of seats for women in PRI elections has significantly increased women's participation in local governance, advancing gender equality and empowerment.

Question 54

What role do Panchayati Raj Institutions play in promoting social inclusion?

Answer 54

Panchayati Raj Institutions promote social inclusion by reserving seats for Scheduled Castes, Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, thereby reducing caste-based discrimination.

Question 55

What impact has the decentralization of power had on local governance?

Answer 55

The decentralization of power to local levels has led to more accessible governance and community-specific decision-making, enhancing local governance effectiveness.

Question 56

How have Panchayati Raj Institutions contributed to socio-economic development?

Answer 56

Panchayati Raj Institutions have played a key role in rural development, contributing to socio-economic progress in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

Question 57

What is the role of Panchayats in political representation for marginalized communities?

Answer 57

Panchayats provide crucial platforms for increased representation of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women in local governance, allowing these groups to articulate their concerns and needs effectively.

Question 58

How does women's empowerment relate to local self-governance under the Panchayati Raj system?

Answer 58

The reservation of seats for women at the grassroots level is a significant stride towards gender equality in decision-making processes, changing traditional power dynamics.

Question 59

What is the significance of local self-governance in the context of marginalized communities?

Answer 59

Empowering local bodies leads to greater participation of marginalized communities in governance, fostering a more inclusive democratic process.

Question 60

How does the amendment focus on social justice and inclusion for marginalized groups?

Answer 60

The amendment emphasizes planning for economic development and social justice, which is crucial in addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by marginalized groups.

Question 61

What is the importance of capacity building among marginalized sections in governance?

Answer 61

Building leadership and administrative capacities among marginalized sections is vital for their effective participation and representation in governance structures.

Question 62

How does resource allocation impact the development of marginalized communities under the Panchayati Raj system?

Answer 62

By granting financial authority to Panchayats, the amendment paves the way for a more equitable distribution of resources, which is crucial for the development of marginalized communities.

Question 63

What is the impact of accountability and transparency in local governance for marginalized sections?

Answer 63

The enhancement of accountability and transparency in local governance ensures fairer and more responsive governance, positively impacting marginalized sections of society.

Question 64

How do PRIs strengthen democracy at the local level?

Answer 64

PRIs empower communities by enabling citizens to elect their representatives, fostering direct participation in governance and ensuring responsiveness to local needs.

Question 65

What role do PRIs play in participatory democracy?

Answer 65

PRIs involve people in development planning and implementation, addressing the needs of marginalized groups and enhancing inclusive decision-making.

Question 66

How do PRIs contribute to societal integration and conflict resolution?

Answer 66

PRIs promote social harmony by involving diverse community groups and facilitating conflict resolution, thereby enhancing community cohesion.

Question 67

What is the significance of local governance?

Answer 67

Local governance ensures fairer and more responsive governance, positively impacting marginalized sections of society.

Question 68

What is the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) of 1996?

Answer 68

PESA is a significant legal framework aimed at empowering tribal communities in India through local self-governance, extending the provisions of Part IX of the Indian Constitution to Fifth Schedule areas, which are predominantly tribal areas.

Question 69

What does Article 243M of the Indian Constitution mandate regarding PESA?

Answer 69

Article 243M mandates that states with Scheduled Areas enact legislation to extend Panchayats to these areas, which PESA was enacted to fulfill in December 1996 following the Bhuria Committee Report.

Question 70

What authority does the Gram Sabha have under the PESA?

Answer 70

The Gram Sabha has the authority to approve development plans and manage social sectors, transferring resources, responsibility, and decision-making from the central government to the Gram Sabha in tribal areas.

Question 71

What measures does PESA include to prevent land alienation?

Answer 71

PESA includes measures to prevent the unlawful transfer of tribal land and to restore unlawfully alienated land, protecting the rights of tribal communities.

Question 72

What are some implementation issues faced by PESA?

Answer 72

Implementation issues include lack of enacted rules in states like Odisha and Jharkhand, bureaucratic hurdles, and domination by non-Adivasi sections, hindering the Act's effectiveness even 26 years after its enactment.

Question 73

What is a significant limitation of the PESA regarding its applicability?

Answer 73

A significant limitation of PESA is that it only applies to areas recognized as Scheduled Areas, excluding a large portion of tribals residing outside these areas, limiting its impact.

Question 74

How does PESA affect the financial autonomy of Panchayats?

Answer 74

PESA limits the financial autonomy of Panchayats by not granting them sufficient authority to levy and collect taxes, fees, or other levies, which restricts their ability to govern effectively.

Question 75

What misconception exists regarding the consultation requirement in PESA?

Answer 75

The requirement for consultation with Gram Sabhas for land acquisition is often misconstrued as not needing their approval, which negatively affects tribal communities in Scheduled Areas.

Question 76

What is the significance of the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992 in relation to women's empowerment in Panchayati Raj?

Answer 76

The 73rd Amendment Act of 1992 mandated the reservation of at least 33% of seats in Panchayati Raj institutions for women, marking a landmark step in ensuring women's participation in governance.

Question 77

How does women's participation in Panchayati Raj institutions improve governance and transparency?

Answer 77

Women's participation leads to more accountable governance, which is often perceived as less corrupt, thereby improving governance and transparency.

Question 78

What role do women in Panchayati Raj play in focusing on women and child welfare?

Answer 78

Female members prioritize critical issues like healthcare and education, resulting in substantial improvements in women and child welfare.

Question 79

What challenges do women face in Panchayati Raj institutions due to societal and cultural barriers?

Answer 79

Entrenched gender biases in patriarchal societies limit women's roles in PRIs, impacting their ability to participate and make decisions effectively.

Question 80

What is the 'Sarpanch Pati' phenomenon in the context of Panchayati Raj?

Answer 80

The 'Sarpanch Pati' phenomenon refers to the dominance of male relatives in the roles of elected women, undermining the purpose of their representation in Panchayati Raj institutions.

Question 81

Why is capacity building important for women in Panchayati Raj according to M. S. Swaminathan?

Answer 81

Capacity building is important as it enhances the effectiveness of women representatives in governance and decision-making beyond mere political representation.

Question 82

How does Amartya Sen define empowerment in the context of women in Panchayati Raj?

Answer 82

Amartya Sen links empowerment to agency, suggesting that it involves improving women's ability to make choices and influence decisions, encompassing education, economic opportunities, and social freedom.

Question 83

What is the impact of women's involvement in decision-making within Panchayati Raj institutions?

Answer 83

Women's involvement leads to more inclusive decision-making, particularly in matters concerning women and children, and can significantly alter societal norms and local development.

Question 84

What are the barriers to women's effective participation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)?

Answer 84

Barriers include limited access to resources and training, political and institutional hurdles, financial constraints, safety and mobility issues, and challenges in work-life balance.

Question 85

What is the significance of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 in urban governance?

Answer 85

The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act emphasizes the establishment of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to decentralize authority and enhance governance, service delivery, and community participation in urban areas.

Question 86

What does Article 243T of the Indian Constitution ensure regarding urban governance?

Answer 86

Article 243T ensures seat reservations in municipalities for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), with at least one-third of seats reserved for women.

Question 87

What are the powers and responsibilities delegated to municipalities under Article 243W?

Answer 87

Article 243W delegates responsibilities to municipalities including urban planning, public health, and environmental protection.

Question 88

What challenges does urban governance face due to rapid urbanization?

Answer 88

Challenges include managing the rapid pace of urbanization and population pressure in cities, which complicates governance and service delivery.

Question 89

What are the environmental challenges faced by urban centers in India?

Answer 89

Urban centers in India face severe environmental challenges, including air pollution, water pollution, and waste management issues, with cities like Delhi being notorious for their air quality problems.

Question 90

What are the financial constraints faced by urban local bodies in India?

Answer 90

Urban local bodies in India face significant financial constraints, being heavily dependent on central and state government grants and lacking robust mechanisms to generate their own revenues, which are inadequate to meet their expenditure requirements.

Question 91

What is the significance of citizen participation in urban governance according to Neera Chandhoke?

Answer 91

Neera Chandhoke argues that participatory governance is essential for addressing the needs of urban populations effectively, as a lack of effective mechanisms for citizen participation leads to a disconnect between residents' needs and implemented policies.

Question 92

What challenges does the Smart Cities Mission face in India?

Answer 92

The Smart Cities Mission faces challenges in implementation, including integrating technology with existing infrastructure and ensuring that smart city initiatives are inclusive and benefit all sections of society.

Question 93

What suggestions have been made to improve urban governance in India?

Answer 93

Suggestions to improve urban governance in India include strengthening financial autonomy for urban local bodies, empowering local bodies in the planning process, and capacity building for Panchayati Raj Institution members.

Question 94

What is the importance of capacity building for elected representatives in PRIs?

Answer 94

Capacity building for elected representatives in PRIs is crucial as it equips them with necessary skills in urban planning, financial management, and effective implementation of government schemes.

Question 95

What does the Kelkar Committee recommend regarding citizen participation?

Answer 95

The Kelkar Committee recommends greater citizen participation in decision-making processes, emphasizing the need for social inclusion of marginalized communities.

Question 96

What measures does the Vijay Kelkar Committee suggest for strengthening municipal finance?

Answer 96

The Vijay Kelkar Committee suggests exploring alternative revenue sources, improving property tax collection, and promoting fiscal discipline to strengthen municipal finance.

Question 97

What is the focus of the Sivaramakrishnan Committee regarding decentralization?

Answer 97

The Sivaramakrishnan Committee emphasizes the decentralization of functions, recommending the devolution of powers and functions to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for greater administrative authority.

Question 98

How does technology and e-governance contribute to urban management according to scholars like Jagan Shah?

Answer 98

Technology and e-governance contribute to urban management by streamlining services, enhancing transparency, and improving efficiency in governance.

Question 99

What does the National Urban Transport Policy recommend for sustainable urban development?

Answer 99

The National Urban Transport Policy recommends a policy framework that promotes public transport, addresses environmental concerns, and integrates land-use and transport planning for sustainable urban development.

Question 100

What are the recommendations for legal and administrative reforms in urban development?

Answer 100

Recommendations for legal and administrative reforms include revisiting outdated laws, ensuring clarity in roles and responsibilities, and removing bureaucratic bottlenecks to improve urban governance.

Question 101

What is the significance of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in urban governance?

Answer 101

Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are significant as they help track progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure accountability through regular audits and performance assessments.

Question 102

What challenges does political decentralization face in India?

Answer 102

Political decentralization in India faces challenges such as limited decision-making authority for local bodies and resource allocation issues, hindering their autonomy and effectiveness.

Question 103

Why is financial independence crucial for administrative decentralization?

Answer 103

Financial independence is crucial for administrative decentralization as it enables local bodies to plan and implement development projects effectively without relying heavily on central and state grants.

Question 104

What is Bureaucratic Control in the context of grassroots administration?

Answer 104

Bureaucratic Control refers to the influence of state-level bureaucracy on grassroots administration, which often leads to delays and inefficiencies in policy implementation, requiring state-level approvals for local development.

Question 105

What are the Capacity and Skill Gaps faced by local bodies?

Answer 105

Capacity and Skill Gaps refer to the challenges that local bodies encounter due to elected representatives lacking necessary skills for administrative tasks, which negatively impacts the quality of governance.

Question 106

What is the significance of Lack of Coordination in local governance?

Answer 106

Lack of Coordination signifies the disconnect between political leadership and administrative machinery at the local level, leading to mismatches in policy implementation.

Question 107

How does Centralized Planning affect local governance?

Answer 107

Centralized Planning affects local governance by executing centrally sponsored schemes in a top-down manner, often ignoring local specifics and adaptability, as seen in the Swachh Bharat scheme.

Question 108

What does Inconsistent Devolution across States imply for governance?

Answer 108

Inconsistent Devolution across States implies that the extent of administrative decentralization varies, with some states like Kerala and Karnataka empowering local bodies significantly, while others lag behind, resulting in uneven governance standards.

Question 109

What is the conclusion regarding grassroots democracy in India?

Answer 109

The conclusion regarding grassroots democracy in India is that it empowers marginalized communities, promotes local decision-making, and provides leadership opportunities, emphasizing decentralization and community development for sustainable growth.

Question 110

What is the role of the election commission in electoral democracy?

Answer 110

The election commission is responsible for overseeing and ensuring free and fair elections, which contributes to the success of electoral democracy.