Question

Decentralization of power through Local Self-Government is aimed at
1. Empowering people
2. Promoting participative democracy
3. Promoting equitable growth
4. Balancing of power amongst caste groups

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Promoting participative democracy

The correct answer is Promoting participative democracy.

• Decentralization is popularly known as Panchayati raj in India.
• Panchayati raj institutions have been considered as instruments of socio-economic transformation in rural India.
• Decentralization of power to the Panchayats is seen as a means of promoting participative democracy and involving them in the decision-making process.
• Local governments being closer to the people can be more responsive to local needs and can make better use of resources.
• The democratic system in a country can be ensured only if there is mass participation in the governance.
  • Therefore, the system of democratic decentralization popularly known as Panchayati Raj is considered as an instrument to ensure democracy and socio-economic transformation.

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• Salient Features of the 73rd and 74th Constitution Amendment Act:
  • These amendments added two new parts to the Constitution, namely, added Part IX titled “The Panchayats” (added by 73rd Amendment) and Part IXA titled “The Municipalities” (added by 74th Amendment).
  • Basic units of democratic system-Gram Sabhas (villages) and Ward Committees (Municipalities) comprising all the adult members registered as voters.
  • The three-tier system of panchayats at the village, intermediate block/taluk/Mandal, and district levels except in States with population is below 20 lakhs (Article 243B).
  • Seats at all levels to be filled by direct elections Article 243C(2).
  • Seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) and the chairpersons of the Panchayats at all levels also shall be reserved for SCs and STs in proportion to their population.
  • One-third of the total number of seats to be reserved for women.
  • One-third of the seats reserved for SCs and STs also reserved for women.
  • One-third of the offices of chairpersons at all levels reserved for women (Article 243D).