Give two reasons why decentralisation is important in India.
Decentralisation is important in India for the following reasons:
First, it makes governance more democratic by allowing people to be more involved in decisions that affect their daily lives. Local leaders have better knowledge of the area, its needs, and the traditions of the people than distant officials.
Second, it strengthens local governments like panchayats and municipalities, making them lively places where people participate actively and leaders work responsibly. When leaders are closer to the people, it ensures more accountability as citizens can easily question them and demand answers.
Explanation
The chapter discusses the importance of decentralisation on Pages 20-21. It explains that India is a vast and diverse country with over 1.4 billion people, and a single central government cannot meet the needs of all her people. The chapter lists several reasons why decentralisation is important: it is more democratic, provides better knowledge of local needs, strengthens local governments, enables local discussions on local issues, and ensures more accountability.
Solution Steps
Decentralisation makes governance more democratic by involving people in decisions affecting their daily lives
Local leaders have better knowledge of local needs and traditions than distant officials
It strengthens local governments like panchayats and municipalities with active participation
It ensures more accountability as citizens can easily question leaders closer to them