Question

Which of the following statements about local self governance in India is/are true?

• A. The system of local governance enshrined in the Constitution has undergone many changes since independence.
• B. Since direct democracy is practised through local governance, local leaders work independently of the state governments.
• C. Local leaders are better placed to solve problems in their areas, since they are more aware of local conditions.
• D. Strengthening local governance is a way of maximising centralisation in our federal system.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C)

The correct options are
A The system of local governance enshrined in the Constitution has undergone many changes since independence.
C Local leaders are better placed to solve problems in their areas, since they are more aware of local conditions.

Apart from the Centre and the state governments, a third tier called the local government was established in 1992. As the years passed, many amendments were made to strengthen the system.
People at the local level are better placed to solve problems in their localities. They understand the local conditions better than politicians and officers who live far away. This is the basic idea behind decentralisation. However, local leaders do work in dialogue with the higher tiers of government.