UPSC Mains 2018 GS1 Q17 — Developmental Governance
Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success. (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Mentionexplain
- Scope keywords
- core strategiestransformation of aspirational districtsconvergencecollaborationcompetition
- Implicit sub-parts
- Identify the 5 specific thematic pillars of the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) as the core strategy.
- Detail how 'Convergence' merges Central and State schemes to optimize funding and eliminate silos.
- Elucidate 'Collaboration' as the partnership between Prabhari officers, District Collectors, and NGOs.
- Analyze 'Competition' through the lens of Delta Rankings and evidence-based monitoring for behavioral change.
- Evaluate the overall impact of this '3Cs' framework on inclusive growth and localized governance.
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing only on the generic socio-economic problems of backward districts rather than the specific 3C framework requested.
- Failing to mention the NITI Aayog's role and the real-time monitoring via the Champions of Change dashboard.
- Treating convergence, collaboration, and competition as synonyms instead of distinct operational mechanisms.
- Ignoring the specific 5 pillars: Health/Nutrition, Education, Agriculture, Financial Inclusion, and Infrastructure.
- Dimensions required
- Cooperative FederalismCompetitive FederalismAdministrative/GovernanceSocio-economic DevelopmentData-driven Governance
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 50-60 words to the core strategies and 5 thematic areas. Devote the bulk of the answer (150 words) to explaining the 3Cs (Convergence, Collaboration, Competition) with specific examples like Prabhari officers or Delta rankings. Reserve the final 40 words for a conclusion linking the model to the 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' philosophy.
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