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Q16 (IAS/2017) Polity & Governance › Local Government › Local self-government Official Key

Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: B
Explanation

The correct answer is option B - Democratic decentralisation.

Local government is the best way to realise one important principle of democracy, namely local self-government.[1] Democracy means decentralisation of power and giving more and more power to the people. The laws about local governments are an important step in the direction of democratisation.[2] Giving more power to local government means that we should be prepared for real decentralisation of power. Ultimately, democracy means that power should be shared by the people; people in the villages and urban localities must have the power to decide what policies and programmes they want to adopt.[2]

While local government involves elements of federalism (as a third tier), administrative functions, and some direct participation, its essence lies in democratic decentralisation - the systematic transfer of power and decision-making authority to the people at the grassroots level. Local government believes that local knowledge and local interest are essential ingredients for democratic decision making. They are also necessary for efficient and people-friendly administration.[3] This makes democratic decentralisation the most accurate characterization of local self-government as an exercise in empowering citizens at the local level.

Sources
  1. [1] Democratic Politics-II. Political Science-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Federalism > Decentralisation in India > p. 24
  2. [2] Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: LOCAL GOVERNMENTS > Conclusion > p. 192
  3. [3] Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: LOCAL GOVERNMENTS > WHY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS? > p. 178
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Q. Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in [A] Federalism [B] Democratic decentralisation [C] Administrative delega…
At a glance
Origin: From standard books Fairness: High fairness Books / CA: 10/10 · 0/10

This is a 'Definitional Purism' question. While local government is structurally part of federalism, its functional soul is 'Democratic Decentralisation'. This specific phrase is the standard textbook heading for the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommendations found in every basic Polity book and NCERT.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Is local self-government an exercise in federalism?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Democratic Politics-II. Political Science-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Federalism > Overview > p. 13
Presence: 5/5
“In the previous chapter, we noted that vertical division of power among different levels of government is one of the major forms of power-sharing in modern democracies. In this chapter, we focus on this form of powersharing. It is most commonly referred to as federalism. We begin by describing federalism in general terms. The rest of the chapter tries to understand the theory and practice of federalism in India. A discussion of the federal constitutional provisions is followed by an analysis of the policies and politics that has strengthened federalism in practice. Towards the end of the chapter, we turn to the local government, a new and third tier of Indian federalism.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly frames local government as "a new and third tier of Indian federalism", directly linking local self-government to the federal structure.
  • Places discussion of local government within the chapter on federalism, implying conceptual continuity with vertical power-sharing.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Federal States > p. 2
Presence: 4/5
“The term federal has its origin in the Latin foederis meaning league. In a federal state, the government authority is layered at different levels. Its implication is one of alliance, contract and coexistence of the state's internal diverse regions and peoples. Under the federal system, the rights and responsibilities of local governments are protected by constitution. Here the central authority cannot simply assume the functions of local governments temporarily to relinquish them when the demands have been met. The individual regions of the state possess a certain degree of autonomy which is protected, and there is a constant watch against over-centralisation.”
Why this source?
  • States that in a federal state rights and responsibilities of local governments are protected by the constitution, indicating local bodies form part of the federal layering of authority.
  • Emphasises constitutional protection and autonomy against over-centralisation, which supports viewing local self-government as a federal level.
Democratic Politics-II. Political Science-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Federalism > Decentralisation in India > p. 24
Presence: 4/5
“This helps to inculcate a habit of democratic participation. Local government is the best way to realise one important principle of democracy, namely local self-government. The need for decentralisation was recognised in our Constitution. Since then, there have been several attempts to decentralise power to the level of villages and towns. Panchayats in villages and municipalities in urban areas were set up in all the States. But these were directly under the control of state governments. Elections to these local governments were not held regularly. Local governments did not have any powers or resources of their own. Thus, there was very little decentralisation in effective terms.”
Why this source?
  • Links local self-government to decentralisation, a principle recognised in the Constitution, showing intent to devolve power to villages and towns.
  • Describes Panchayats and municipalities as institutional mechanisms intended for local self-government within the constitutional framework.
Statement 2
Is local self-government an exercise in democratic decentralisation?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: LOCAL GOVERNMENTS > Conclusion > p. 192
Presence: 5/5
“This experience suggests that local governments continue to be agencies implementing the welfare and development schemes of the central and State government. Giving more power to local government means that we should be prepared for real decentralisation of power. Ultimately, democracy means that power should be shared by the people; people in the villages and urban localities must have the power to decide what policies and programmes they want to adopt. As you have studied earlier, democracy means decentralisation of power and giving more and more power to the people. The laws about local governments are an important step in the direction of democratisation.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly links giving more power to local government with 'real decentralisation' and frames laws on local governments as steps toward democratisation.
  • States that democracy means power should be shared by the people and local bodies must have authority to decide policies — a direct statement equating local self-government with democratic decentralisation.
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: LOCAL GOVERNMENTS > WHY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS? > p. 178
Presence: 5/5
“Local government is government at the village and district level. Local government is about government closest to the common people. Local government is about government that involves the day-to-day life and problems of ordinary citizens. Local government believes that local knowledge and local interest are essential ingredients for democratic decision making. They are also necessary for efficient and people-friendly administration. The advantage of local government is that it is so near the people. It is convenient for the people to approach the local government for solving their problems both quickly and with minimum cost. In the story of Geeta Rathore, we noticed that she was able to bring about a significant change in Jamonia Talab because of her pro-active role as Sarpanch of the Gram Panchayat.”
Why this source?
  • Defines local government as the level 'closest to the common people' and stresses local knowledge and interest as essential for democratic decision-making.
  • Highlights practical benefits (accessibility, quick problem-solving) that follow from decentralising authority to local bodies.
Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 11: Grassroots Democracy — Part 2: Local Government in Rural Areas > Before we move on ... > p. 171
Presence: 5/5
“• → The local government in rural areas is organised into a three-tier system.• → Democracy in the Panchayati Raj system works both through direct participation of people and through their elected representatives.• → The Panchayati Raj institutions give people in rural areas a measure of self-governance, so they may manage their issues and collaborate in development plans.”
Why this source?
  • Describes the Panchayati Raj three-tier system as providing people in rural areas 'a measure of self-governance' through direct participation and elected representatives.
  • Shows how institutional design of local bodies enables grassroots democratic decision-making, i.e., decentralisation in practice.
Statement 3
Is local self-government an exercise in administrative delegation?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 5: NATURE OF THE FEDERAL SYSTEM > India, a Union of States. ARTICLE 1(1) of our Constitution says-“India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.” > p. 58
Presence: 5/5
“While in a Unitary State, there is only one Government, namely the National Government, in a Federal State, there are two Governments- the National or Federal Government and the Government of each component State. Though a Unitary State may create local sub-divisions. Such local authorities enjoy an autonomy of their own but exercise only such powers as are from time to time delegated to them by the national government and it is competent for the National Government to revoke the delegated powers or any of them at its will. A Federal State, on the other hand, is the fusion of several states into a single State in regard to matters affecting (ommon interests, while each component State enjoys autonomy in regard to other matters.”
Why this source?
  • Explicit conceptual distinction: in a unitary system local authorities only exercise powers delegated by the national government and such powers can be revoked.
  • Establishes the theoretical meaning of local bodies as entities whose authority depends on higher-government delegation.
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: LOCAL GOVERNMENTS > READ AN IMAGE > p. 191
Presence: 5/5
“All these subjects are related to functions linked to local welfare and development needs. The experience with the functioning of local government in the past decade has shown that local governments in India enjoy limited autonomy to perform the functions assigned to them. Many States have not transferred most of the subjects to the local bodies. This means that the local bodies cannot really function in an effective manner. Therefore, the entire exercise of electing so many representatives becomes somewhat symbolic. Some people criticise the formation of the local bodies because this has not changed the way in which decisions are taken at the central and the State level.”
Why this source?
  • Empirical India-specific evidence that local governments enjoy limited autonomy and many States have not transferred most subjects to local bodies.
  • Shows that local bodies function more as delegated administrative units rather than fully autonomous governments.
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 26: Constitutional, Administrative and Judicial Developments > Local Bodies > p. 529
Presence: 4/5
“● Policy of administrating local affairs through urban and rural local bodies charged with definite duties and entrusted with suitable sources of revenues; ● Non-officials to be in majority in these bodies, who could be elected if the officials thought that it was possible to introduce elections; ● Non-officials to act as chairpersons to these bodies; ● Official interference to be reduced to the minimum and to be exercised to revise and check the acts of local bodies, but not to dictate policies; ● Official executive sanction required in certain cases, such as raising of loans, alienation of municipal property, imposition of new taxes, undertaking works costing more than a prescribed sum, framing rules and bye-laws, etc.”
Why this source?
  • Describes local bodies being entrusted duties and revenues but subject to official interference and required executive sanction in key matters.
  • Demonstrates delegation with built-in controls/oversight — characteristic of administrative delegation rather than full self-rule.
Statement 4
Is local self-government an exercise in direct democracy?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: ELECTION AND REPRESENTATION > ELECTIONS AND DEMOCRACY > p. 52
Presence: 5/5
“Therefore, representatives are elected by the people. This is how elections become important. Whenever we think of India as a democracy, our mind invariably turns to the last elections. Elections have today become the most visible symbol of the democratic process. We often distinguish between direct and indirect democracy. A direct democracy is one where the citizens directly participate in the day-to-day decisionmaking and in the running of the government. The ancient city-states in Greece were considered examples of direct democracy. Many would consider local governments, especially gram sabhas, to be the closest examples of direct”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly defines direct democracy as citizens directly participating in day-to-day decisionmaking and states that many consider local governments—especially gram sabhas—to be the closest examples of direct democracy.
  • Links the concept of direct democracy directly to local-level institutions, making gram sabha a clear instance.
Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 11: Grassroots Democracy — Part 2: Local Government in Rural Areas > Before we move on ... > p. 171
Presence: 4/5
“• → The local government in rural areas is organised into a three-tier system.• → Democracy in the Panchayati Raj system works both through direct participation of people and through their elected representatives.• → The Panchayati Raj institutions give people in rural areas a measure of self-governance, so they may manage their issues and collaborate in development plans.”
Why this source?
  • Says the Panchayati Raj system works both through direct participation of people and through their elected representatives, indicating a direct-democratic element at the local level.
  • Identifies rural local government as a three-tier system where direct participation (e.g., gram sabha) is a functioning feature.
Democratic Politics-II. Political Science-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Federalism > An experiment in Brazil > p. 26
Presence: 3/5
“This new system of local government is the largest experiment in democracy conducted anywhere in the world. There are now about 36 lakh elected representatives in the panchayats and municipalities etc., all over the country. This number is bigger than the population of many countries in the world. 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. At the same time, there are many difficulties. While elections are held regularly and enthusiastically, gram sabhas are not held regularly. Most state governments have not transferred significant powers to the local governments.”
Why this source?
  • Notes that constitutional status for local government has deepened democracy and refers to gram sabhas, implying their role as venues for direct participation.
  • Also highlights practical limits (gram sabhas not held regularly), which qualifies but does not negate their direct-democracy character.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC frequently tests conceptual nuance between similar terms (e.g., Liberty vs License, Rule of Law vs Rule by Law). Here, the trap is distinguishing 'Delegation' (Administrative/Bureaucratic transfer) from 'Decentralisation' (Political/Democratic transfer of power).
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Directly lifted from Class XI NCERT 'Indian Constitution at Work' (Chapter: Local Governments) and standard Laxmikanth chapters.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The evolution of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) and the specific terminology used by the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the Committee keywords: Balwant Rai Mehta = 'Democratic Decentralisation'; Ashok Mehta = 'Two-tier system' & 'Mandal Panchayat'; G.V.K. Rao = 'Grass without roots' (Bureaucratisation); L.M. Singhvi = 'Constitutional Status'. Know the difference between Article 40 (DPSP origin) and Article 243G (Devolution of powers).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When UPSC asks 'best explained as', they are looking for the *primary philosophy*, not just a structural feature. 'Federalism' is the structure; 'Decentralisation' is the act/process. Always choose the functional definition over the structural one in Polity.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Local government as the third tier of federalism
💡 The insight

Reference [9] explicitly calls local government the "third tier of Indian federalism", making this a core conceptual claim connecting local self-government with federal structure.

High-yield for UPSC: questions often probe federal architecture and tiers of governance. Mastering this concept helps answer questions on decentralisation, constitutional design, and centre–state–local relations. Prepare by correlating NCERT and polity texts that state the three-tier model and citing key lines of evidence.

📚 Reading List :
  • Democratic Politics-II. Political Science-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Federalism > Overview > p. 13
  • Democratic Politics-II. Political Science-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Federalism > Decentralisation in India > p. 24
🔗 Anchor: "Is local self-government an exercise in federalism?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Decentralisation vs implementation gap in Panchayati Raj
💡 The insight

References [1] and [8] show constitutional/declarative recognition of decentralisation but note limited transfer of powers and irregular elections, highlighting a gap between theory and practice.

Frequently tested: UPSC asks not only constitutional provisions but also practical shortcomings. Understanding this micro-concept enables balanced answers on both legal intent (decentralisation) and administrative reality (limited autonomy). Revise NCERT examples and state-level variations for illustrations.

📚 Reading List :
  • Democratic Politics-II. Political Science-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Federalism > Decentralisation in India > p. 24
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: LOCAL GOVERNMENTS > READ AN IMAGE > p. 191
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: LOCAL GOVERNMENTS > Some subjects listed in the eleventh schedule > p. 186
🔗 Anchor: "Is local self-government an exercise in federalism?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Constitutional protection and limits on local autonomy
💡 The insight

Reference [6] asserts constitutional protection of local governments in a federal state, while [2] contrasts this with unitary delegation—highlighting the conceptual distinction between protected federal autonomy and revocable delegation.

Vital for questions on federalism theory and centre–state relations; helps distinguish federal protection of subnational autonomy from unitary delegation. Useful for essays and mains answers; prepare by contrasting constitutional guarantees with examples of cooperative federalism and conditional grants.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Federal States > p. 2
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 5: NATURE OF THE FEDERAL SYSTEM > India, a Union of States. ARTICLE 1(1) of our Constitution says-“India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.” > p. 58
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 5: NATURE OF THE FEDERAL SYSTEM > NATURE OF THE FEDERAL SYSTEM > p. 67
🔗 Anchor: "Is local self-government an exercise in federalism?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Democratic decentralisation
💡 The insight

Core idea in the statement — multiple references equate democracy with sharing power and present local bodies as mechanisms to decentralise authority to people.

High-yield for polity questions: clarifies the normative link between democracy and decentralisation, appears in questions on federalism, governance reforms and Panchayati Raj. Master by mapping definitions, constitutional/legal steps, and examples from the text.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: LOCAL GOVERNMENTS > Conclusion > p. 192
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: LOCAL GOVERNMENTS > WHY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS? > p. 178
🔗 Anchor: "Is local self-government an exercise in democratic decentralisation?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Panchayati Raj and grassroots self‑governance
💡 The insight

Panchayati Raj is repeatedly cited as the institutional form through which rural local self-government exercises decentralised democratic authority.

Often tested in GS papers — understanding the three-tier structure, mechanisms of participation and their democratic significance helps answer questions on rural governance, decentralisation and local development. Prepare by revising structure, functions and examples of participatory mechanisms.

📚 Reading List :
  • Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 11: Grassroots Democracy — Part 2: Local Government in Rural Areas > Before we move on ... > p. 171
  • Democratic Politics-II. Political Science-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Federalism > Decentralisation in India > p. 24
🔗 Anchor: "Is local self-government an exercise in democratic decentralisation?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Powers, resources and autonomy of local bodies
💡 The insight

References highlight that decentralisation requires not just elected bodies but real powers, resources and fiscal measures (e.g., fiscal transfers) for effective local self-government.

Important for analytical questions on why decentralisation may fail or succeed — links to fiscal federalism, implementation gaps and governance outcomes. Study by comparing institutional powers vs. actual resource/financial arrangements and real-world examples.

📚 Reading List :
  • Democratic Politics-II. Political Science-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Federalism > Decentralisation in India > p. 24
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: LOCAL GOVERNMENTS > READ AN IMAGE > p. 191
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: LOCAL GOVERNMENTS > Some subjects listed in the eleventh schedule > p. 186
🔗 Anchor: "Is local self-government an exercise in democratic decentralisation?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Administrative delegation vs. constitutional devolution
💡 The insight

References distinguish powers merely delegated by higher government (delegation) from autonomous authority; this is central to judging whether local self-government is delegation.

Frequently tested in Polity questions on federalism and local governance; mastering this helps answer questions on the nature of local bodies, revoke/transfer of powers, and constitutional safeguards. Study by comparing textbook definitions and examples (unitary vs federal practices) and apply to case facts.

📚 Reading List :
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 5: NATURE OF THE FEDERAL SYSTEM > India, a Union of States. ARTICLE 1(1) of our Constitution says-“India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.” > p. 58
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: LOCAL GOVERNMENTS > READ AN IMAGE > p. 191
🔗 Anchor: "Is local self-government an exercise in administrative delegation?"
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The Principle of Subsidiarity. This is the theoretical sibling of Democratic Decentralisation. It states that functions which can be performed efficiently at the local level should not be handled by a higher level. Expect a question linking 'Subsidiarity' to the 73rd Amendment or Article 243G.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Use the 'Bureaucracy vs. Democracy' filter. 'Administrative delegation' implies a top-down bureaucratic order (like a District Collector delegating to a clerk), which contradicts the spirit of 'Self-Government'. 'Direct Democracy' is technically only true for the Gram Sabha, not the elected Panchayat tier. Between Federalism and Decentralisation, recall the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee's specific title: 'Team for the Study of Community Projects and National Extension Service', which recommended 'Democratic Decentralisation'.

🔗 Mains Connection

Mains GS-2 Link: 'Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.' Use the phrase 'Democratic Decentralisation' as your introduction hook. Contrast it with 'Administrative Delegation' to critique the lack of financial autonomy (Fiscal Federalism issues).

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

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