UPSC Mains 2025 GS2 Q17 — Development Models
"In contemporary development models, decision-making and problem-solving responsibilities are not located close to the source of information and execution defeating the objectives of development." Critically evaluate. (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Critically evaluate
- Scope keywords
- contemporary development modelsdecision-makingproblem-solving responsibilitiesclose to the source of informationexecutiondefeating the objectives of development
- Implicit sub-parts
- Explain the 'Top-Down' nature of contemporary development and how centralized decision-making creates an information asymmetry.
- Discuss how the gap between planners (distant) and executors (local) leads to project failure or inefficiency.
- Analyze the counter-view: Situations where centralized expertise or scale is actually necessary for development (the 'Critical' aspect).
- Suggest structural reforms like decentralization (73rd/74th CAA) or participatory governance to align information with execution.
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a generic essay on 'Poverty' or 'Development' without addressing the specific organizational gap between information and execution.
- Failing to critique the statement by ignoring why some centralization exists (e.g., national security, space tech, or standardized social schemes).
- Overlooking the role of technology (e-governance) as a bridge that can bring decision-making closer to the source without physical decentralization.
- Neglecting to mention the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments as the primary Indian framework for local decision-making.
- Dimensions required
- Administrative (Centralization vs. Decentralization)Constitutional (Local Self-Government)Economic (Efficiency and Resource Allocation)Technological (Real-time data and Digitization)Social (Inclusivity and Participatory Democracy)
- Marks allocation hint
Devote 50 words to defining the gap between 'information source' and 'decision centers.' Use 100 words to argue how this gap defeats development goals using examples like top-down schemes. Allocate 60 words for the critical counter-perspective on the need for strategic centralization, and use the final 40 words for a forward-looking conclusion on decentralized governance.
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