Chapter- 2 Federalism

Very Short Answers:-

1.How is a federal government organized?
Ans. Power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units
of the country.
2.”Indian Constitution has a unitary bias.” Support the statement with one
example.
Ans. The power sharing arrangement between the union and the state given
in the Constitution of India clearly distributes power between the two. In this
sense, it is federal. But, the system becomes unitary when the residuary
power rests with the union.
3.How is federal government different from unitary government? Give one
difference.
Ans. Under the unitary system, the central government can pass on orders to
the provincial or the local governments but in a federal system, central
government cannot order the state governments to do something.
4.What is other factors besides politics that keep the federations united?
Ans. Respect for diversity and desire for living together.
5.Define federalism.
Ans. Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided
between a central authority and various constituent units of the country.
Short Answers:-
1.What is federalism? Explain any three features of federalism.
Ans. Federalism: Federalism is a system of government in which the power is
divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country.
The main features of federalism are as under:
(i)There are two or more levels of government.
(ii) Different tiers of government govern the some citizens, but each tier has its
o jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and administration.
(iii) The jurisdictions of the respective levels or tiers of government are specified
constitution.
(iv) Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to
ensure .i financial autonomy.
2.”Holding together federations” do not give equal power to its
constituent units. Explain the statement with the help of examples in
context to India.
Ans. (1) All states in the Indian Union do not have identical powers.
(2) For example, Jammu and Kashmir enjoys a special status and has its own
Constitution.
(3) Many provisions of the Indian Constitution do not apply here.
 (4) Indians who are not the permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir,
cannot buy land or house here.
(5) Smaller units called Union Territories do not have the powers of a state. The
Central Government has special powers in running these areas.
3.Distinguish between unitary form of government and federal form of
government.
Or
Compare Federal and Unitary System of government.

4.Distinguish between Coming Together Federations and Holding

Together Federations with examples. India comes under which type of
federation?
Or
Differentiate between ‘Coming Together Federation’ and ‘Holding
Together Federation’
with examples.

Or
Highlight three major distinctions between the federations of ‘coming
together’ type and ‘holding together’ type.
Ans.

5.India comes under which type of federation and why?

Ans. (1) India comes under ‘holding together’ federations.
(2)(i) It decides to divide its power between the’ constituent States and the
national government.
(ii) The Central Government tends to be more powerful vis-à-vis the States.
(iii) Very often different constituent units of the federation have unequal powers.
(iv) Some units are granted special powers.
Long Answers:-
1.States in India often ask for more autonomy or more power. Should they
be given more power or not? Support your answer with two arguments.
Ans. (1) Indian Constitution divides the power of governance between Union
and State which is more or less based on federal structure of the government.
This division of power is more inclined towards union government seeing the
tradition of the Indian political history.
(2) The demand for more autonomy is one of the most controversial issues of
the Indian federalism, although federalism is an important feature of the
constitutional structure of the Indian democracy.
States should be given more power or more autonomy for the following
reasons :
(i) The centre is strong in Indian political system. The centre has been given
monopoly on almost all the subjects except for few, on which states have
reserved say due to some local importance.
(ii) The centre has, yet, power to give directions to the states in certain matters.
The states have to depend upon the centre for financial assistance.
(iii) Misuse of central government’s control over state and misuse and
ineffectiveness of the office of Governor.
(iv) Unbalanced growth of different states is due to some policy defects.
Provisions can be introduced to effective planning of states and centre
through a non-political, independent buddy.

2. Explain any five features of the federalism.

Ans. The features of federalism are as follows:
(1) There are two or more levels of government. Different tiers govern the same
citizen, i but each has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation,
taxation and administration.
(2) The jurisdictions of the respective levels of government are specified in the
Constitution. So, their existence and authority is constitutionally guaranteed.
(3) The fundamental provisions of the Constitution cannot be unilaterally
changed by one level of government. Such changes require the consent of both
the levels of government.
(4) Courts have the power to interpret the Constitution and the powers of
different levels of government. The highest court decides if disputes arise
between different levels of government in the exercise of their respective
powers.
(5) Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to
ensure its financial autonomy.
WHAT MAKES INDIA A FEDERAL COUNTRY
Very Short Answers:-
1.In which list of the Indian Constitution does a railway come? Why?
Ans. Union List because it is a subject of national importance and requires a
uniform policy throughout the country.
2.How do the central and state governments enjoy their power in federal
system?
Ans. The jurisdictions of the central and state governments are specified in the
Constitution
3.How much majority in the parliament is required to amend any part of
the Indian Constitution ?
Ans. Any change to it has to be first passed by both the Houses of Parliament
with at least two-third majority.
4.In which list of the Indian Constitution does education come? Why?
Ans. Concurrent List. Both the Union as well as the State Governments can
make law on the subject.
5.Which level of government of India manages subject of union
territories?
Ans. The Central Government
6.Which administrative authority of India manages subjects of union
territories?
Ans. The Central Government
7.What is meant by residuary subjects?
Ans. The subjects which are not mentioned in Union, State and Concurrent
Lists are called as residuary subjects. The Union Government has the power to
legislate on them.
8.Which institution decides in case of any dispute about the division of
powers between centre and state?
Ans. The Judiciary
9.In which list of the Indian Constitution do cyber laws come?
Ans. Residuary List
10.Which level of government in India can make laws on the subjects
included in the Concurrent List?
Ans. Concurrent List includes subjects of common interest to both the Union
Government as well as the State Governments.
11.Which state in India enjoys a special status under the Indian
Constitution?
Ans. Jammu and Kashmir
12.Who is the guardian of Constitution of India ?
Ans. Supreme Court
Long Answers:-
1.Why has federalism succeeded in India? Which three policies adopted
by India have ensured this success?
Or
Explain the factors that make federal government in India so
attractive.
 Ans. (1) Federalism has succeeded in India because of the nature of the
democratic politics of the country. This ensures that the spirit of federalism,
respect for diversity and desire for living together have become a shared ideal
in our country.
(2)(i) There is a clear demarcation of power and revenues between the different
levels of government.
(ii) The Indian Constitution clearly allocates power to different levels of
government —the three lists of power.
(iii) The Supreme Court has been given the power to solve federal disputes.
Sources of revenue are clearly demarcated.
(iv) There is a mutual trust and agreement between the government at different
levels.
2.Which five provisions of the Indian Constitution make India a full-
fledgedfederation?Explain.

Or

Highlight the steps taken by Government of India towards making it a

successful federation.
Or
Which five provisions of the Indian Constitution make India a federation?
Explain
Or
Examine the factors that have strengthened Indian federalism.
Ans. India can definitely be said to be a federation because it incorporates all
features of federalism.
(1)’ India has three levels of government.
(2) There is clear demarcation of power and revenues between the different
levels of government.
(3) Indian Constitution clearly allocates powers to different levels of government
— the three lists of powers.
(4) No unilateral changes in fundamental section are possible to be made by
any one level of government.
(5) The Supreme Court has been given the power to solve federal disputes.
Sources of revenue are clearly demarcated.
(6) There is mutual trust and agreement between the governments at different
levels.
3.Explain how the federal experiment has been successful in the matter
of formation of states in India.
Ans. (1) The federal experiment has been successful in matter of formation of
states in India because of the nature of the democratic politics of the country.
(2) Earlier, when the demand for the formation of linguistic states was raised,
some national leaders feared that it would lead to the disintegration of the
country.
(3) But the experience has shown that the formation of linguistic states has
actually made the country, more united.
(4) It has also made administration easier.
(5) (i) Linguistic States : After independence, the boundaries of many old
states of India were changed in order to create new states to ensure that people
who spoke the same language, lived in one state. For example, Gujarati-
speaking Gujarat and Marathi-speaking Maharashtra.
(ii) Cultural States: Some states were created to recognize differences of
culture, ethnicity and geography, e.g., Nagaland, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand.
4.Explain the power sharing among government at different levels.
Or
How are legislative powers divided between Union Government and State
Governments of India ? Explain giving
examples.
Or
Explain Union List and State
List.
Or
Describe the three-fold distribution of legislative powers between the
Union Government and State Governments of
India.
Ans. The powers of government have been divided into three lists:
(1) Union List: It contains 97 subjects like defense, foreign affairs, railways,
post anti- telegraphs, foreign trade and currency and coinage, etc. The Union
Government alone can make laws on subjects mentioned in this list.
(2) State List: It includes 66 subjects like police and jails, agriculture, public
health, local government, trade and commerce, liquor, etc. The State
Governments alone can make laws on subjects mentioned in this list.
(3) Concurrent List: It includes 47 subjects like education, forests and trade
union, marriage and divorce, etc. Both the Union Government as well as the
State Governments can make laws on subjects mentioned in this list. In case
of conflict, the law made by the Union Government will prevail. Residuary
powers lie with the Centre. In such cases, only Parliament has the power to
make laws on these subjects.
5.How is federal power sharing more effective today than in the early
years? Explain.
Ans. (1) For a long time, the same party ruled both at the Centre and in most
of the States. As and when the ruling party at the State level was different, the
party(is) that ruled at the Centre tried to undermine the power of the States.
(2) The Centre would often misuse the Constitution to dismiss the State
governments that were controlled by rival parties. This undermined the spirit of
federalism.
(i) In recent times: due to coalition governments at the Centre, a new culture of
power sharing and respect for autonomy of State Governments was developed.
(ii) Also, a major judgment of the Supreme Court made it difficult for the Centre
to dismiss state governments arbitrarily. Thus, federal power sharing in India is
more effective today.
6.Mention any five main features which make India a federal country.
Or
What are the salient features of federalism in India?
Ans. Following are the features that make India a federal country:
(1) The power sharing arrangement between the Union and the State given in
the Constitution of India clearly distributes between the two.
(2) Some of the powers of the State Governments have been further transferred
to the Panchayats. It means India exercises distribution of power at different
levels.
(3) Both the Union and States have their separate subjects under Union and
State L It shows federal nature of the country.
(4) Both Union and States have their own financial institutions, sources and
distribute of revenue. In this way, it is federal.
(5) The provision of High Courts for the States and the Supreme Court for the
nation a whole is a federal feature.
HOW IS FEDERALISM PRACTISED
Very Short Answers:-
1.Which era is the beginning of the coalition governments at the Centre in
India?
Ans. 1990s was the beginning of the era of the coalition governments at the
Centre in India.
2.What other factors besides politics keep the federations united?
Ans. To safeguard and promote unity of the country, while at the same time
accommodate regional diversity.
3.What status has been given to Hindi by the Constitution of
India?
Ans. Official language
4.How many languages are recognized as Scheduled Languages by the
Indian Constitution?
Ans. Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognized as Scheduled
Languages by the Indian Constitution.
5.Much of the official work in Indian States is done in which language?
Ans. Much of the official work in Indian States is done in the official language
of the concerned States.
6.Why was States Reorganization Commission formed?
Ans. States Reorganization Commission was formed because when the
demand for the formation of states on the basis of language raised, some
national leaders feared that it would lead to the disintegration of country
7.Name two states which were created to recognize differences based on
culture, ethnicity or geography. Ans. Nagaland, Uttarakahand. 8.What is a
coalition government?
Ans. Coalition government refers to a government formed by the coming
together of at least two political parties. Usually, partners in a coalition form a
political alliance and adopt a common programmed.
9.In which year the boundaries of several old states of India were changed
to create new states?
Ans. In 1947
10.Who is called head of the state at the state level?
Ans. The Governor.
Long Answers:-
1.Why has the government of India not imposed any particular language
as an official language for the whole nation? Explain.
Ans. (1) Our Constitution did not give the status of national language to any
one language.
(2) Hindi was identified as the official language as Hindi is the mother tongue of
only about 40 per cent of Indians.
(3) Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognized as Scheduled
Languages by the Constitution.
(4) A candidate in an examination conducted for the Central Government
positions may opt to take the examination in any of these languages.
(5) States too have their own official languages. Much of the government work
takes place in the official language of the concerned State.
(6) The Central Government responded by agreeing to continue the use of
English along with Hindi for official purposes.
(7) The flexibility shown by Indian political leaders helped our country avoid the
kind of situation that Sri Lanka finds itself in.
2.How is federalism practiced in India?
Or
How has federalism helped in India? Give your own
assessment.
Ans. (1) In India, the creation of linguistic states was the first and the major test
for democracy and federal system. The linguistic division was done to ensure
the people who spoke the same language lived in the same state.
(2) Some states like Nagaland, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand were created to
recognize the differences based on culture, ethnicity and geography.
(3) The second way India practices federalism is that our Constitution did not
give the status of national language to any one language. Hindi was identified
as the official language and till now 21 languages have been recognized as the
scheduled languages.
(4) Restructuring of the Centre-State relation is one more way in which
federalism has been strengthened in practice. (5) In the present day political
scenario, the State Governments are practicing their powers more
independently.
3.Critically analyze the Centre-State relations prior to 1990 and after.
Ans. (1) Prior to 1990, except for once, the Congress ruled at the Centre for
about 40 years. These were the years when the single party made the
government.
(2) The government at the Centre ruled the States with biased views. It
supported those states which had a government formed by the same party.
(3) The rise of regional politics in many States has changed the Centre-State
relations significantly after 1990. This was also the beginning of the era of
coalition governments at the Centre.
(4) Since, no single party got a clear majority in the Look Sabah, major national
parties had to enter into an alliance with many small regional parties. Hence,
regional parties do take care of their states.
(5) This led to a new culture of power sharing and respect for the autonomy of
State Government. It became difficult for the Central government to dismiss
state governments in an arbitrary manner.
4.Why did the makers of our Constitution declare India to be a ‘Union of
States’? Why were some sub-political units of India given a special
status?
Or
Why did the makers of our Constitution declare India to be a ‘Union of
States’?
Ans. (1) India became a ‘Union of States’ because it consisted of both British
ruled territories as well as many princely states.
(2)Some sub-political units of India have a special status: (i) All British ruled
regions have the same status.
(ii) All princely states that have voluntarily joined have the same status as
British ruled territory.
(iii) French and Portuguese ruled territories were given the status of Union
Territory.
(iv) Jammu & Kashmir joined India on special condition.
5.Write any four characteristics of language policy of India.
Or
How has the linguistic policy of Indian Government promoted peace and
integration in the country?
Ans. The characteristics of language policy in India are as follows:
(1)Our Constitution did not give the status of national language to any one
language. Hindi was identified as the official language but there were many
safeguards to protect other languages.
(2) Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognized as Scheduled
Languages by the Constitution.
(3) States too have their own official languages. Much of the government’s work
takes place in the official language of the concerned State.
(4) The Central government responded by agreeing to continue the use of
English along with Hindi for official purposes.
(5) Promotion of Hindi continues to be the official policy of the Government of
India. But, the Central Government can’t impose Hindi on States where people
speak different languages.
DECENTRALISATION IN INDIA
Very Short Answers:-
1. Name the representative body formed by a few Gram Panchayats.
Ans. A Panchayat Semite or Block or Manual.
2.Which local body has a ‘Mayor’ as its head?
Ans. Municipal Corporation.
3.What is another popular name of Rural local government in India?
Ans. Panchayati Raj
4.What proportion of seats are reserved for the women in the Indian local
self-government?
Ans. One-third seats are reserved for women in the Indian local self-
government.
5.Name the independent institution that has been created in each State to
conduct panchayat and municipal elections in India.
Ans. State Election Commission
6.Which local body looks after the basic civic amenities in big cities?
Ans. Municipal Corporations
7.What is the official post for the chairperson of a Municipal Corporation?
Ans. The mayor8.What was the main objective of the Constitutional
Amendment made in 1992 in India?
Ans. The main objective of the Constitutional Amendment made in 1992 in
India to make the third-tier of democracy more powerful and effective.
9.Which local body has a ‘Mayor’ as its head?
Ans. Municipal Corporation.
10.What is another popular name of Rural local government in India?
Ans. Panchayati Raj
11.What proportion of seats are reserved for the women in the Indian local
self-government?
Ans. One-third seats are reserved for women in the Indian local self-
government.
12.Name the independent institution that has been created in each State
to conduct panchayat and municipal elections in India
Ans. State Election Commission13.Which local body looks after the basic
civic amenities in big cities?
Ans. Municipal Corporations
14.What is the official post for the chairperson of a Municipal
Corporation?
Ans. The mayor
15.What was the main objective of the Constitutional Amendment made
in 1992 in India?
Ans. The main objective of the Constitutional Amendment made in 1992 in
India to make the third-tier of democracy more powerful and effective.
Short Answers:-
1.Which features of Panchayati Raj do you like the most and why?
Explain.
Ans. (1) In Panchayati Raj System, I like the most Gram Panchayat
(2) Gram Panchayat is a council consisting of several ward members often
called Pinch and a President or Serpent.
(3) They are directly elected by all the adult population living in that ward or
village.
(4) It is a decision-making body for the entire village.
(5) The panchayat works under the overall supervision of the Gram Sabah. It
has to meet at least twice or three times in a year to approve the annual budget
of the Gram Panchayat and to review of it.
2.Why is decentralization favored in democracy Identify any two reasons.
Ans. (1) When power is taken away from Central and State Governments and
given to local government, it is called decentralization
2.(i) The basic idea behind decentralization is that there are a large number of
problems and issues which are best settled at the local level. People have better
knowledge of problems in their localities.
(ii) They also have better ideas on where to spend money and how to manage
things more efficiently.

(iii) Besides, at the local level it is possible for the people to directly participate
in decision making. This helps to inculcate a habit of democratic participation.
3.Explain any five steps taken towards strengthening of the third tier of
democracy in India.
Ans. (1) It has been made constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections
to local government bodies.
(2) Seats have been reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads
of these institutions for the SCs, STs and OBCs to ensure their participation.
(3) Also, one-third of all positions are reserved for women.
(4) An independent institution called the State Election Commission has been
created in each State to conduct Panchayat and Municipal elections.
(5) The State Governments are required to share some powers and revenues
with local government bodies. The nature of power sharing varies from State to
State.
4.What is a Gram Sabah? Describe any four functions of a Gram Sabah.
Ans. (1) Gram Sabah: A body comprising of all adult members of a village or
a group of villages.
Functions of Gram Sabah are as under:
(i)It elects the members of the Gram Panchayat.
(ii) The Gram Sabah supervises the work of the village panchayat.
(iii) It approves the annual budget of the panchayat.
(iv) It reviews the performance of the Gram Panchayat.
5.Assess the need for local government.
Or
Explain the importance of local self government for establishing
grassroots democracy.
Ans. Need for local government: (1) There are a number of problems and
issues that are best settled at the local level, because people have a better
knowledge of the problems in their localities.
(2) The local people are aware of their needs and can give priorities to them.
(3) It helps to initiate the process of direct decision-making.
(4) It helps to inculcate the habit of democratic participation.
(5) Local government is the best way to realize one important principle of
democracy, namely local self-government.
Long Answers:
1.In Panchayati Raj system 1/3rd of the seats have been reserved for
women. Do you feel that the same should be done for State Legislatures
and Parliament? Support your answer with arguments.
Ans. (1) In favor : (i) Many feminists and women’s movement feel that unless
women control power, their problems will not get adequate attention. One way
to ensure this is to have more women as elected representatives.
(ii) One way to solve this problem is to make it legally binding to have a fair
proportion of women in the elected bodies. This is what the Panchayati Raj has
done in India. One-third of seats in local government bodies — in panchayats
and municipalities — are now reserved for women.
(iii) Women’s organizations and activists have been demanding a similar
reservation of et least one-third of seats in the Lok Sabah and State Assemblies
for women. A bill with this proposal has been pending before the Parliament for
more than a decade.
(iv) Aims at eliminating gender inequality and discrimination against women,
through political empowerment of women.

In against : (i) Quota is not an answer to women’s problems and quota results
in discrimination on the basis of gender, violation of the democratic right of
people to choose their representatives and violation of the democratic right of
people to contestations.
(ii) The reservation will only help elite women who are proxy of powerful men;
women candidates may not get party ticket to contest from unreserved
constituency etc. Therefore, there is no need for reservation for women in the
Legislatures.
(iii) Political parties should be made responsible to ensure distribution of tickets
in such a manner that the various social and economic strata of society,
especially marginalized and disadvantaged groups, get adequate
representation.
2.’Local governments have made a significant impact on Indian
democracy. But at the same time, there are many difficulties before them.’
Evaluate.
Ans. (1) Constitutional status for local government has helped to deepen
democracy in our country. It has also increased women’s representation and
voice in our democracy.
(2)At the same time, there are many difficulties: (i) While elections are held
regularly and enthusiastically, Gram Sabah’s are not held regularly.
(ii) Most state governments have not transferred significant powers to the local
governments. Although 73rd and 74th amendment provided comprehensive list
for area of function enumerated in schedule 11 and 12 in Constitution of India,
most of these items are overlapping with the functions of the state list.
Therefore, they have very less scope to be meaningful.
(iii) Nor have they given adequate resources. Local government has no source
of revenue except for the grants from State and Centre, which has political base
rather than requirement. Local governments are allowed to collect taxes, but
due to inadequate man power, lack of digitization, and awareness, they fail to
collect tax and generate revenue.
(iv) We are thus still a long way from realizing the ideals of self-government.
3.Explain any five features of Panchayati Raj system.
Or
Mention any three features of ‘Three tier rural
governments.
Ans. Rural local government is popularly known by the name Panchayati
Raj. The features of the Panchayati Raj system are as follows:
There is a three tier local self government: (i) Gram Panchayat : Each village,
or a group of villages in some States, has a gram panchayat.
(ii) Panchayat smite : A few gram panchayats are grouped together to form
what is usually called a panchayat smite or block or manual.
(iii) Zillah Paris had : MI the panchayat sanities or manuals in a district together
constitute the villa (district) perished.
(2) It is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government
bodies.
(3) Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these
institutions for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward
Classes. At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women.
(4) An independent institution called the State Election Commission has been
created in each State to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
(5) The State Governments are required to share some powers and revenue
with local government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from State to State.
4.Which Constitutional Amendment made the third tier of government in
India more effective and powerful? Describe any four constitutional steps
taken in this amendment to empower local governments.
Or
Describe the Constitutional Amendment of 1992 regarding the
decentralization of power.
Or
Explain the major steps taken towards decentralization for making the
third-tier of government more
powerful.

Ans. (1) The Constitutional Amendments of 1992 empowered the third tier of
government to India and made it more effective and powerful.
 (2) Following are the constitutional steps taken in this Amendment to empower
local governments:
(i) Before 1992, the local governments were under the control of state
government. After the Amendment, these bodies got a constitutional status.
(ii) Prior to this Amendment, elections to the local bodies were not held
regularly. DJ now, it is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections.
(iii) Before 1992, local governments did not have any powers or resources of
their own, Now, the state governments are required to share some powers and
revenues with the local government bodies.
(iv) There was no reservation for women in all states in the local bodies before
1992, but now at least one-third seats are reserved for women.
5.Explain any five advantages of decentralization of power.
Or
Why is decentralization of powers considered good for democracy?
Explain.
Ans. (1) When power is taken away from Central and State Governments and
given to local government, it is called decentralization of power. It modifies the
concept of democracy through the idea of local self-government.
(2)(i) It fulfils the needs of power-sharing in a vast and diversified country like
India, which cannot be run only through federal governments. In this way, it
modifies the concept of democracy.
(ii) It helps in settlement of large number of problems and issues at the local
level because local people have better knowledge of problems in their localities.
They also have better ideas and efficient management.
(iii) It makes possible for people to directly participate in decision-making
process related to their own issues. In this way, it helps to inculcate the habit of
democratic participation among people.
(iv) It provides the best way to realize one important principle of democracy,
namely local self government.
6.What is the rationale for decentralization of power? Describe the
functions of Rural Local Government.
Or
What is the rationale for decentralization of power? Explain the structure
of Rural Local Government in India.
Ans. (I) (i) The rationale behind decentralization is to ensure community
participation 1 for proper growth and development of the community itself. It is
aimed to ensure social, S economic and political development of the
community.
(ii) It is also oriented to ensure no or less interferences in the local affairs by the
Union and State executive bodies. It has been executed to make village, ‘Little
Republic’.
 (2) Following are the functions of the rural local government:
(i) Supply of water for domestic use.
(ii) maintaining public health and sanitation.
(iii) Construction and repairing of public roads.
(iv) Lighting on roads and public places.
(v) Construction, repairing and maintaining public buildings, grazing lands,
forest, public wells and tanks in good conditions.
7.Explain any four provisions that have been made towards
decentralization in India after the constitutional amendment in 1992.
Or
Explain five changes towards decentralization brought in the Constitution
after the amendments made in 1992.
Or
Explain any five provisions of the Constitutional Amendment of 1992 that
strengthened the third tier of government in
India.
Ans. The third-tier of our country has been made more effective and powerful
by the constitutional amendment of 1992 which empowers local government
through following Provisions:
(1) It is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government
bodies.
(2) Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these
institutions for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward
Classes to ensure their Participation.
(3) Also, one-third of all positions are reserved for women.
(4) An independent institution called the State Election Commission has been
created in each State to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
(5) The State Governments are required to share some powers and revenue
with local Government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from State to State.
8.State any two achievements and any two problems of the Panchayati
Raj system in India.
Ans. (1) The Panchayati Raj system of India is the largest experiment in
democracy conducted anywhere in the world. Its achievements are as follows:
(i)The constitutional status for local government has helped to deepen roots of
democracy in India.
(ii) It has also increased representation and voice of Scheduled Castes,
Scheduled Tribes and women in Indian democracy through measures of
reservation.
(2) At the same time, there are many difficulties:
(i) While elections are held regularly and enthusiastically, Gram Sabah’s are not
held regularly.
(ii) Most State Governments have not transferred significant powers to the local
governments. Nor have they given adequate resources. India is, thus, still long
away from realizing the ideals of self-government.
9.Explain the importance of local-self government in the light of
decentralization.
Or
What is meant by decentralization of power? What is the basic idea
behind
decentralization? Explain.
Ans. (1) (i) When power is taken away from Central and State Governments
and given to local government, it is called decentralization of powers. It is the
distribution of power between different levels of government.
(ii) Decentralization makes possible for people to directly participate in
decision-making process. It provides the best way to realize one important
principle of democracy, namely local self-government.
(2)Importance of local self-government:
(i) There are a large number of problems and issues which are best settled at
the local level.
(ii) People have better knowledge of problems in their localities.
(iii) They also have better ideas about where to spend money and how to
manage things more efficiently.
(iv) It also helps to inculcate the habit of democratic participation among
people.
10’India has a large cultural, regional and religious diversity, but there is
unity among people.’ What factors are responsible for this? Elaborate.
Ans. The real success of federalism in India can be attributed to the nature of
democratic politics in our country. This ensured that the spirit of federalism,
respect for diversity and desire for living together became shared ideals in our
country.
(1) The spirit of federalism: The Constitution clearly provided a threefold
distribution of legislative powers between the Union Government and the State
Governments.
(2) Respect for diversity: The creation of Linguistic States was the first and a
major test for democratic politics in our country. This was done to ensure that
people who spoke the same language lived in the same State. Some States
were created not on the basis of language but to recognize differences based
on culture, ethnicity or geography.
(3) Desire for living together: Country decides to divide its power between
the constituent States and the national government. The Constitution declared
India as a Union of States-Although, it did not use the word federation. In India,
we have ‘holding together’ federation. In this second category, the Central
Government tends to be more powerful vies-a-vies the State to keep the country
united which has large cultural, regional and religious diversities.
(4) Absence of National language: Our Constitution did not give the status of
national language to any one language. Hindi was identified as the official
language. Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognized as
Scheduled Languages by the Constitution as safeguard to protect other
languages. Much of the government work takes place in the official language of
the concerned State.
(5) Independent Judiciary: The judiciary plays an important role in overseeing
the implementation of constitutes anal provisions and procedures.