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Read the given extract… (Social Science 2023 32/1/1 Q36)

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Social ScienceCBSE Class 10 · Board exam 2023, set 32/1/1 · 4 marks · Case-based

CBSE Class 10 Social Science 2023: question 36

Set in the CBSE Class 10 board exam of 2023, paper 32/1/1, section E, question 36, for 4 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.

Q36 · 4 marks · Case-basedCompetency-basedPower-sharing

Read the given extract and answer all questions:

DECENTRALISATION IN INDIA

When power is taken away from Central and State governments and given to local government, it is called decentralization. The basic idea behind decentralization is that there are a large number of problems and issues which are best settled at the local level. People have better knowledge of problems in their localities. They also have better ideas on where to spend money and how to manage things more efficiently. Besides, at the local level it is possible for the people to directly participate in decision making. This helps to inculcate a habit of democratic participation. Local government is the best way to realise one important principle of democracy, namely local self-government.

The need for decentralisation was recognized in our Constitution. Since then, there have been several attempts to decentralize power to the level of villages and towns. Panchayats in villages and municipalities in urban areas were set up in all the States. But these were directly under the control of State Governments. Elections to these local governments were not held regularly.

  1. (36.1)

    Explain Decentralization in democracy.

    1 mark
  2. (36.2)

    Explain the importance of Local self Government in democracy.

    1 mark
  3. (36.3)

    Describe any two steps taken by Indian government for decentralization.

    2 marks

Source: official question paper from cbse.gov.in (PDF). See it in the full 2023 board paper, set 32/1/1.

Hints

Open one hint at a time and try again before the next.

Hint 1

Use the first line of the passage to define decentralisation.

Hint 2

Why are local people better placed to solve local problems?

Hint 3

Recall the constitutional amendments of 1992.

Step-by-step solution

Each step shows the marks it earns, as an examiner would award them. Checked by an independent re-solve from the question paper.

  1. (36.1) Decentralisation means taking power away from the Central and State governments and giving it to local governments.

    1 mark

  2. (36.2) Local self-government is important because many problems are best settled locally. People know local problems better and can manage money more efficiently. They can also take part directly in decision making, which builds a habit of democratic participation.

    1 mark

  3. (36.3) Panchayats in villages and municipalities in urban areas were set up in all States.

    1 mark

  4. (36.3) The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments gave constitutional status to these bodies. They provide for regular elections and give the bodies powers.

    1 mark

Answer: (36.1) Transfer of power from the Centre and States to local governments. (36.2) Local problems are best solved locally with people's participation. (36.3) Setting up Panchayats and municipalities, and the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments.

Where the marks are

  • Defines decentralisation (1 mark)
  • States the importance of local self-government (1 mark)
  • First step for decentralisation, e.g. Panchayats and municipalities set up (1 mark)
  • Second step, e.g. 73rd and 74th Amendments with regular elections and powers (1 mark)

Revise the chapter

  • Chapter: Power-sharing (notes, formulas, where marks are lost and every past question)
Practise this chapterBoard-style questions from Power-sharing, one at a time, marked against the answer key and marking points.Back to the full paper2023 board paper, set 32/1/1: every question, by section.

The question is transcribed from the official paper; figures are described in words. The solution, hints and chapter tag are ours. Spotted an error? Write tosupport@questionbuddy.in.