Topic: 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.
2. Consequent to the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act political decentralisation has taken place in almost all the States. However, progress on fiscal and functional decentralisation has been mixed. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy.
Reference: Polity by M. Laxmikanth.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the shortcomings of PRI’s on fiscal and functional decentralisation and suggest measures to overcome them.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by writing about the aims and objectives of 73rd Constitution Amendment Act
Body:
First, write in detail about how political decentralisation has been a success with respect to PRI’s.
Next, write about various shortcomings of PRI’s on fiscal decentralisation – lack of funds, issues with CSS, lack of agency to generate own revenues etc.
Next, write about various shortcomings of PRI’s on functional decentralisation – overlapping functions with state government, absence of a proper workforce, accountability issues etc.
Next, suggest measures to overcome the above.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
