General Studies 2022 GS Paper II 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Evaluate

Q3

To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots ? (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

आपकी राय में, भारत में शक्ति के विकेन्द्रीकरण ने जमीनी-स्तर पर शासन-परिदृश्य को किस सीमा तक परिवर्तित किया है ? (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)

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Directive word: Evaluate

This question asks you to evaluate. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'evaluate' requires a balanced judgment on the extent of change brought by decentralisation, not mere description. Structure: brief introduction acknowledging 73rd/74th Amendments → body assessing transformative impact versus persistent gaps → conclusion with nuanced verdict on 'extent' of change.

Key points expected

Constitutional mandate: 73rd (Panchayats) and 74th (Municipalities) Amendments, 1992 as foundational shift
Positive transformation: enhanced political participation (33% women reservation), local planning (PESA in tribal areas), service delivery improvements
Persistent limitations: fiscal dependence (limited own revenue), administrative subordination, elite capture, uneven implementation across states
Quantitative indicators: ~3 million elected representatives, 46% women in PRIs, but functionality varies (Kerala vs Bihar model)
Balanced assessment: 'significant but incomplete' — structural change achieved, substantive empowerment partial

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Directly addresses 'to what extent' with explicit judgment (substantial/moderate/limited change) rather than listing features; distinguishes between institutional presence and effective empowerment	Mentions decentralisation benefits and problems without explicitly weighing extent of change; treats 'evaluate' as 'describe'	Ignores the evaluative demand entirely; provides only historical narrative or constitutional provisions without judgment
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Covers constitutional framework, political, fiscal and administrative dimensions with accurate references to 11th/12th Schedules, State Finance Commissions, and current challenges like delayed elections	Mentions 73rd/74th Amendments and basic three-tier structure; vague on fiscal decentralisation or PESA; minor inaccuracies in schedule numbers	Confuses decentralisation with federalism; omits constitutional amendments; factually wrong about reservation percentages or tiers
Structure & flow	20%	2	Compact 150-word structure with clear thesis in introduction, evidence-based body paragraphs, and decisive conclusion; logical progression from institutional to substantive evaluation	Identifiable introduction and conclusion but body lacks clear thematic organisation; some repetition or abrupt transitions within word limit	Disorganised or list-like presentation; no clear argument thread; conclusion missing or merely restates introduction
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	Specific contrasting examples: Kerala's People's Plan Campaign (1996), Rajasthan's MKSS role in RTI, or 4.5 lakh+ PRI data point; mentions PESA implementation in Jharkhand/Chhattisgarh	Generic reference to 'Kerala model' or 'some states' without specifics; mentions 33% reservation without contextual data	No Indian examples; or irrelevant international comparisons (ignoring question's India-specific framing); purely theoretical treatment
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Nuanced verdict: recognises decentralisation as 'necessary but insufficient' condition; suggests way forward (capacity building, fiscal devolution, social audit) within 150-word economy	Balanced but bland conclusion ('mixed results'); no forward-looking element or fresh insight	Extreme or unqualified conclusion ('complete success' or 'total failure'); no synthesis of preceding arguments

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