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.
3. Local body elections are vital for Indian democracy, but they suffer from several problems that hinder their effectiveness and inclusivity. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the issues with local body election in India and ways to resolve them.
Directive word:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the significance of local body elections in India.
Body:
First, write about the Issues in Local Body Elections in India -Lack of awareness and voter education, Low voter turnout, Limited knowledge about candidates and inadequate representation and inclusivity etc.
Next, write about the steps to counter issues in local body elections.
Conclusion:
Suggest a way forward.
