A topper · GS2 · 52 pages

Akshit Bhardwaj: GS2 answer copy

11 answers by Akshit Bhardwaj, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q3Discuss the major challenges in effective devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India.15 marks
  2. Q5Critically evaluate the Smart Cities Mission in achieving sustainable urban development and enhancing quality of life in India.15 marks
  3. Q7Despite progress in healthcare infrastructure and policy reforms, India continues to face critical challenges in the primary healthcare sector. Discuss.15 marks
  4. Q10Examine the role of inter-governmental institutions in facilitating cooperative dialogue and resolving critical governance challenges in India.10 marks
  5. Q12Despite being an important instrument of legislative initiative, Private Member's Bills rarely become laws in India. Examine the factors responsible for this trend. Also, suggest measures to strengthen the role of Private Members in the legislative process.15 marks
  6. Q14Lok Adalats and Alternate Dispute Resolution mechanisms have improved access to justice but face limitations in delivering substantive justice. Discuss.15 marks
  7. Q16Assess the effectiveness of the Right to Information Act, 2005 in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance in the last two decades.15 marks
  8. Q18What are the key objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY)? How does the scheme contribute to the economic empowerment of tribal communities in India?15 marks
  9. Q19India-Bangladesh relations, once marked by shared history and cultural proximity, are now shaped by strategic calculus, regional competition, and shifting domestic politics in both countries. Discuss.15 marks
  10. Q20Critically examine the effectiveness of the UNSC in addressing contemporary crises related to international peace and security. What reforms are necessary to enhance its credibility and responsiveness?15 marks
  11. QDelegated legislation is a pragmatic response to the limitations of the legislature but poses challenges to the separation of powers in India. Examine.10 marks

The answers

Question 3 · 15 marks · 216 words written

Discuss the major challenges in effective devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India.

Opening · a constitutional or legal provision

The 73rd Amendment act of 1992 constitutionalised the Gandhian dream of village self-governance.

Body · points

Major challenges in devolution of funds

  1. Vertical Imbalance in devolution - less amount recommended by state Finance commissions.
  2. Horizontal imbalance - desparities in funds received by different panchayats.
  3. Lack of Revenue sources - limited income of PRIs.
  4. Non-binding nature of the recommendation of State Finance commission.
  5. Delays in appropriation of Grants made by 15th Finance Commission (4.3 Lakh crore rupees).

Challenges in devolution of functions

  1. Less than 50% states have devolved all the 29 points in 11th schedule.
  2. State legislations retain control in hands of state executives.
  3. Non-uniformity in devolution of powers within states.

Challenges in functionaries

  1. Non-uniformity in elections of heads at intermediate levels.
  2. Culture of proxy leaders in such posts eg Sarpanchpati culture.
  3. Absence of permanent secretary level staff in Panchayats.
  4. Limited role of reservation - women representatives often don't take part in meetings.

Way Forward

  1. Increasing access to funds ↳ Kerala's Big Bang Model
  2. Devolving all 29 items listed in the 11th schedule.
  3. Increasing sources of revenue generation.
  4. Improving efficiency - Mani Shankar Iyer committee.

Close · a summary

PRIs form the soul of India's participative governance and their health is of paramount importance.