Question

Answer the following questions in six sentences each :
Explain Gandhiji's concept of Grama Swarajya in the light of decentralization.

Answer 1

Providing administrative power and the responsibility of developing the village to people themselves is called decentralization. It is a process through which power-sharing occurs and people participate in decision making. It is also a process that aims at planning and development from below. This process was called as ‘Grama Swarajya’ by Mahatma Gandhi. Following were Gandhiji's concept of Grama Swarajya:

i) Administrative power to the villagers

ii) The responsibility of developing the village to villagers

iii) Self-reliant, self-sufficient and prosperous villages

iv) Self-reliant, self-sufficient village life is ‘Grama Swarajya’

v) Decentralization ends all kinds of exploitation

vi) Upholds human independence and dignity

vii) Nurtures human values like compassion and co-operation.