Local Government

14 UPSC Mains GS II questions on Local Government, 2013 to 2026, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Local Government toppers answered.

1. 2026 Q2“Women as a class neither belong to a minority group nor are they regarded as forming a backward class.” In the light of this statement, discuss the evolution of women’s reservation from local bodies to Parliament.10 marks · 150 words
2. 2025 Q17“In contemporary development models, decision-making and problem-solving responsibilities are not located close to the source of information and execution defeating the objectives of development.” Critically evaluate.15 marks · 250 words
3. 2024 Q5Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies.10 marks · 150 words
4. 2023 Q3“The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.” Comment.10 marks · 150 words
5. 2022 Q3To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots ?10 marks · 150 words
6. 2020 Q13The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funds’ to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times.15 marks · 250 words
7. 2019 Q13“The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment.15 marks · 250 words
8. 2019 Q16‘In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages.’ — Discuss.15 marks · 250 words
9. 2018 Q15Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing developmental projects?15 marks · 250 words
10. 2017 Q1“The local self-government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance.” Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation.10 marks · 150 words
11. 2016 Q11“Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are inter-dependent.” Discuss their relationship in the context of India.12.5 marks · 200 words
12. 2015 Q3In absence of a well-educated and organized local level government system, ‘Panchayats’ and ‘Samitis’ have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instruments of governance. Critically discuss.12.5 marks · 200 words
13. 2013 Q7Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances.10 marks · 200 words
14. 2013 Q14The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment.10 marks · 200 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination question papers, upsc.gov.in. Topics are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.