GS2 · Topic
Local Government
Panchayati Raj, urban bodies, devolution of powers and finances.
79 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Local Government that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
How does the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 aim to reshape the patriarchal dynamics of Indian politics? Do you think it might encounter similar limitations as those seen in local self-government institutions?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Women and GenderParliament
The various developmental initiatives by the government have fallen short of achieving their intended objectives. Is it a design issue or an implementation bottleneck? Suggest measures to improve the effectiveness of developmental schemes.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Policy Design and ImplementationTransparency and Accountability
How can e-governance initiatives be leveraged to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions and enhance citizen participation in local governance in India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Local GovernmentE-Governance
What do you understand by the principle of subsidiarity? Explain how the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act strives to achieve this principle.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Local GovernmentFederalism
What is the importance of Local Self Governments in a Democracy such as India? Why do you think did the makers of the Constitution not give adequate importance to this subject in the original constitutional document?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Local GovernmentFederalism
What do you understand by the principle of subsidiarity? Explain how 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act strives to achieve this principle.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Local GovernmentFederalism
Despite constitutional backing, urban planning and governance have given limited dividends on the ground. Enumerating the reasons for the same, suggest measures to ameliorate the situation.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Local GovernmentPolicy Design and Implementation
Evaluate the efficacy of Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) and Panchayat (Extension of the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) in attaining their mandate. Also, recommend measures to make these legislations more effective in attaining their desired objectives.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Welfare SchemesVulnerable Sections
The significance of the principle of subsidiarity was well reflected in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
FederalismLocal Government
The key to effective decentralisation is, 'political decentralisation should follow finance & functional decentralisation'. Discuss in context of local gov.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Local GovernmentWomen and Gender
What do you understand by the "principle of subsidiarity"? Discuss its importance in the context of India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
Key to effective decentralisation is "political decentralisation should follow finance and functional decentralisation". Discuss in context of impediments faced by local governance in India.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Local GovernmentFederalism
Citizen-centric administration is at the cornerstone of a functional democracy and involves the application of the principle of subsidiarity.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Transparency and AccountabilityLocal Government
The recent demand of Ladakh for 6th Schedule status, highlights on its eminence in governance system.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
FederalismLocal Government
"Sustainable development goals and their achievement depends on regional context and local bodies like Panchayats." Discuss.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Local GovernmentPolicy Design and Implementation
Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure, depending on the goalposts against which they are evaluated. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Local Government
Examine the significance of SVAMITVA scheme in achieving the objectives of socio-economically resilient rural India.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Policy Design and ImplementationLocal Government
Political decentralization without devolution of funds and functions to panchayats has resulted in representation but not empowerment. Examine whether devolution of funds and functions alone can transform panchayats into effective institutions of self-governance.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Local GovernmentFederalism
Discuss how the 15th Finance Commission report has the potential to transform the financial governance of India's municipalities?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
FederalismLocal Government
The Indian Constitution provides a framework for urban governance, but despite various initiatives, significant challenges continue to persist in urban areas. Critically analyse. (15M)
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Local GovernmentFederalism
Bring out the various administrative challenges faced by local self-governments (LSGs). What measures do you suggest for devolving administrative powers to LSGs, enabling them to function as institutions of genuine self-governance?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Local GovernmentFederalism
Decentralisation of governance is pivotal for the achievement of SDGs. Comment.
Answered by 1 topper
Local GovernmentPolicy Design and Implementation
No development strategy can succeed unless it is complemented by the effective implementation of Panchayat Raj Institutions and Urban local bodies. Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Local GovernmentFederalism
Despite reforms by the Central and state governments to overhaul the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), several challenges remain with regard to their efficient functioning. Elucidate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Local GovernmentFederalism
The limited revenue generation capacity of municipal corporations has increased their dependence on taxes and grants from the states. What are the issues associated with this trend? What measures are required to improve the finances of the municipal corporations in India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Local GovernmentFederalism
How does the inability of local bodies to generate their own funds affect their ability to function effectively? Suggest necessary measures to empower local governments in generating independent revenue streams.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Local GovernmentFederalism
The recent elections for mayoral post in Chandigarh have brought to light the ineffectiveness and democratic dishonesty at play in local body elections.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Local GovernmentElections and Representation
In terms of fiscal independence or autonomy, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have certainly done better than their rural counterparts (RLBs). Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Local GovernmentFederalism
How do Self-Help Groups (SHGs) contribute to participatory governance in India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyLocal Government