General Studies 2023 GS Paper II 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Comment

Q3

"The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially." Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

"भारत के राज्य शहरी स्थानीय निकायों को कार्यात्मक एवं वित्तीय दोनों ही रूप से सशक्त बनाने के प्रति अनिच्छुक प्रतीत होते हैं।" टिप्पणी कीजिए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर) 10

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Directive word: Comment

This question asks you to comment. 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 'Comment' requires a balanced, opinionated analysis with supporting evidence. Structure as: brief context on 74th CAA → functional empowerment gaps (transferred subjects, lack of autonomy) → financial empowerment gaps (SFC recommendations, own revenue, grants) → underlying reasons (political, administrative) → way forward/conclusion.

Key points expected

Functional empowerment gaps: states not devolving 18 subjects in Schedule XII, keeping urban planning, water supply, slum improvement under parastatals
Financial empowerment gaps: non-implementation of State Finance Commission recommendations, poor devolution of funds, limited own revenue sources for ULBs
Specific evidence: 2nd ARC findings, 15th Finance Commission observations, or state-specific examples like Mumbai's BMC vs state control
Structural reasons: political economy of control, bureaucratic resistance, fear of losing patronage networks, fragmented governance
Constitutional provisions: Article 243W, 243Y, 280 for SFCs contrasted with ground reality of 'paper devolution'

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Recognizes 'Comment' demands balanced critique with evidence, not mere description; explicitly acknowledges both functional and financial dimensions as interconnected	Addresses both dimensions but treats them descriptively without critical stance; misses the evaluative nature of 'Comment'	Misinterprets as 'Describe' or 'Explain'; focuses only on one dimension or provides generic narrative without analytical stance
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Precise constitutional references (74th CAA, Articles 243W, 243Y, 280); accurate distinction between functional devolution vs actual autonomy; specific financial mechanisms (SFC, CFC, own taxes)	Mentions 74th CAA and SFC broadly but lacks specificity on which subjects devolved or financial bottlenecks; some factual inaccuracies	Confuses 73rd and 74th CAA; vague references to 'funds not given' without naming SFC/CFC; incorrect constitutional provisions
Structure & flow	20%	2	Clear tripartite structure: functional gaps → financial gaps → underlying causes; smooth transitions; 150-word discipline maintained with proportional coverage	Basic intro-body-conclusion but uneven weightage (e.g., over-detailed on functions, skimpy on finance); somewhat choppy flow	Disorganized listing without thematic grouping; no clear separation between functional and financial aspects; abrupt ending
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	Specific instances: Karnataka's KMC Act delays, Tamil Nadu's SFC non-implementation, 15th FC data on ULB revenue share, or comparative metro governance (MMRDA vs BMC)	Generic mention of 'most states' or 'SFC not implemented' without naming; OR only one concrete example with rest being generic	No examples; or irrelevant examples (rural panchayats, 73rd CAA); purely theoretical treatment
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Sharp synthesis linking functional-financial nexus; identifies political economy (vote-bank preservation, elite capture) or suggests concrete remedy (mandatory SFC implementation, metropolitan planning committees activation)	Generic conclusion on 'need for cooperation' or 'capacity building'; no analytical depth on why states resist	No conclusion; or abrupt ending with 'thus ULBs should be empowered'; mere summary without insight

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