Q 4(b). What do you understand by decentralisation of power? What is its role in strengthening the roots of democracy in India? Elaborate.
(UPSC 2024,20 Marks,)
Theme:
Decentralisation of Power: Strengthening Indian Democracy
Where in Syllabus:
(Political Science)
Q 4(b). What do you understand by decentralisation of power? What is its role in strengthening the roots of democracy in India? Elaborate.
(UPSC 2024,20 Marks,)
Theme:
Decentralisation of Power: Strengthening Indian Democracy
Where in Syllabus:
(Political Science)
प्रस्तावना
Decentralisation of power refers to the distribution of authority from central to local governments, enhancing participatory governance. Mahatma Gandhi advocated for Panchayati Raj, emphasizing grassroots democracy. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in India institutionalized this, empowering local bodies. According to the World Bank, decentralisation fosters accountability and transparency, crucial for democratic deepening. By involving citizens in decision-making, it strengthens democracy's foundation, ensuring governance is more responsive and inclusive.
Decentralisation of Power: Strengthening Indian Democracy
Decentralisation of Power
● Definition:
Decentralisation of power refers to the distribution of administrative, financial, and decision-making authority from central government to lower levels of government, such as state, district, and local bodies. It aims to bring governance closer to the people and enhance their participation in the democratic process.
● Types of Decentralisation:
● Administrative Decentralisation: Transfer of decision-making authority, resources, and responsibilities for public services from the central government to local governments.
● Fiscal Decentralisation: Allocation of financial resources and revenue-generating powers to local governments to enable them to perform their functions effectively.
● Political Decentralisation: Empowerment of local governments through elected representatives, allowing citizens to have a direct say in governance.
Role in Strengthening Democracy in India
● Enhanced Participation:
Decentralisation allows for greater citizen participation in governance. Through institutions like Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies, people can directly influence decision-making processes, leading to more responsive and accountable governance.
● Empowerment of Marginalized Sections:
By reserving seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Women in local bodies, decentralisation ensures representation and empowerment of marginalized groups, promoting social justice and equity.
● Efficient Resource Utilization:
Local governments are better positioned to understand and address the specific needs of their communities, leading to more efficient and effective utilization of resources. This is evident in the implementation of schemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) at the local level.
● Strengthening Accountability:
With power and resources devolved to local bodies, there is increased transparency and accountability in governance. Local leaders are directly answerable to their constituents, which helps in reducing corruption and improving service delivery.
● Promotion of Local Development:
Decentralisation facilitates local economic development by empowering local governments to plan and implement development projects tailored to the needs of their communities. This is seen in initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission.
● Conflict Resolution:
Local governance structures provide a platform for resolving conflicts and addressing grievances at the grassroots level, thereby reducing the burden on higher levels of government and the judiciary.
● Capacity Building:
Decentralisation encourages the development of local leadership and administrative capacities, fostering a culture of self-governance and innovation in addressing local issues.
Examples and Data
● 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments:
These amendments institutionalized the Panchayati Raj system and Urban Local Bodies, respectively, providing a constitutional status to local governance in India.
● Increased Representation:
As of recent data, women constitute over 46% of elected representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions, showcasing the impact of decentralisation in promoting gender equality.
● Financial Devolution:
The 14th Finance Commission recommended a significant increase in the share of states in the central tax pool from 32% to 42%, enhancing the financial autonomy of local bodies.
By empowering local governments and ensuring active citizen participation, decentralisation of power plays a crucial role in deepening democracy and fostering inclusive development in India.
● Definition:
Decentralisation of power refers to the distribution of administrative, financial, and decision-making authority from central government to lower levels of government, such as state, district, and local bodies. It aims to bring governance closer to the people and enhance their participation in the democratic process.
● Types of Decentralisation:
● Administrative Decentralisation: Transfer of decision-making authority, resources, and responsibilities for public services from the central government to local governments.
● Fiscal Decentralisation: Allocation of financial resources and revenue-generating powers to local governments to enable them to perform their functions effectively.
● Political Decentralisation: Empowerment of local governments through elected representatives, allowing citizens to have a direct say in governance.
Role in Strengthening Democracy in India
● Enhanced Participation:
Decentralisation allows for greater citizen participation in governance. Through institutions like Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies, people can directly influence decision-making processes, leading to more responsive and accountable governance.
● Empowerment of Marginalized Sections:
By reserving seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Women in local bodies, decentralisation ensures representation and empowerment of marginalized groups, promoting social justice and equity.
● Efficient Resource Utilization:
Local governments are better positioned to understand and address the specific needs of their communities, leading to more efficient and effective utilization of resources. This is evident in the implementation of schemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) at the local level.
● Strengthening Accountability:
With power and resources devolved to local bodies, there is increased transparency and accountability in governance. Local leaders are directly answerable to their constituents, which helps in reducing corruption and improving service delivery.
● Promotion of Local Development:
Decentralisation facilitates local economic development by empowering local governments to plan and implement development projects tailored to the needs of their communities. This is seen in initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission.
● Conflict Resolution:
Local governance structures provide a platform for resolving conflicts and addressing grievances at the grassroots level, thereby reducing the burden on higher levels of government and the judiciary.
● Capacity Building:
Decentralisation encourages the development of local leadership and administrative capacities, fostering a culture of self-governance and innovation in addressing local issues.
Examples and Data
● 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments:
These amendments institutionalized the Panchayati Raj system and Urban Local Bodies, respectively, providing a constitutional status to local governance in India.
● Increased Representation:
As of recent data, women constitute over 46% of elected representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions, showcasing the impact of decentralisation in promoting gender equality.
● Financial Devolution:
The 14th Finance Commission recommended a significant increase in the share of states in the central tax pool from 32% to 42%, enhancing the financial autonomy of local bodies.
By empowering local governments and ensuring active citizen participation, decentralisation of power plays a crucial role in deepening democracy and fostering inclusive development in India.
निष्कर्ष
Decentralisation of power involves distributing authority from central to local governments, enhancing democratic participation. In India, it empowers local bodies like Panchayati Raj, fostering grassroots democracy. This system, advocated by Mahatma Gandhi, ensures citizens' voices are heard, promoting accountability and transparency. According to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, over 3 million elected representatives now serve in local governance, strengthening democracy. Moving forward, enhancing local capacities and resources is crucial for effective decentralisation and democratic deepening.