GS2 · Practice questions
Local Government
18 questions match. Years are the CSE year of the toppers who answered.
All 42 themesFewer themes
The District Planning Committee (DPC) was envisioned as a key instrument to strengthen grassroots-level planning. How far has it succeeded in achieving this goal? Discuss the challenges faced by DPCs and suggest measures to make them more effective.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
Well-executed government initiatives often fail if operations and maintenance are not integral to the programme design. In the context of the Swachh Bharat Mission in India, discuss how collective action and community ownership can ensure its long-term sustainability.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Policy Design and ImplementationWelfare Schemes
Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Policy Design and ImplementationNGOs, SHGs and Civil Society
Presence of multiple parastatals erodes the autonomy of Urban Local Bodies. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Local GovernmentSeparation of Powers
Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Local GovernmentFederalism
The recently released Devolution Index reveals wide variation in the performance of States in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. While explaining the reasons behind this variation, discuss the role of capacity-building initiatives in enabling PRIs to fulfil their constitutional mandate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
“The quality of governance is critically linked to the extent and nature of citizen participation in democratic processes.” Discuss using examples in the Indian context.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Transparency and AccountabilityPolicy Design and Implementation
Despite increased political representation, Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions continue to face barriers to effective participation and leadership. In this context, discuss the challenges EWRs face and suggest reforms needed to enable gender-inclusive grassroots governance.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Local GovernmentWomen and Gender
"Municipal corporations are key to urban governance, yet states often show reluctance to empower them functionally and financially". In this context, examine the key challenges faced by municipal corporations and suggest measures for a paradigm shift in urban local governance.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
The achievement of Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 can happen only if we consider local context and situations. In light of this statement, examine the critical role as well as capabilities of PRIs in meeting the SDGs.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Local GovernmentPolicy Design and Implementation
Social Audit is an important mechanism to enforce accountability and provide transparency in the administration. Highlight various legislative supports available for social audit in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Transparency and AccountabilityLocal Government
Critically evaluate the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992, that seeks to establish democracy at the grassroots.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
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
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
The Indian government has made significant strides in promoting good governance at the local level, especially through Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). However, the performance of these institutions is a complex tapestry of successes and criticisms that warrant thorough examination. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Local Government