UPSC Mains 2025 GS Paper 2 Question Paper
Q. “In contemporary development models, decision-making and problem-solving responsibilities are not located close to the source of information and execution defeating the objectives of development.” Critically evaluate.
Introduction:
Contemporary development models often exhibit centralized decision-making, distancing authority from ground realities, thereby undermining efficiency, inclusiveness and outcomes.
- Meaning of the Statement
- Decisions taken at higher levels (Centre/State)
- Execution at local level (district/village)
- Creates information asymmetry & implementation gaps
- Issues with Centralized Development Model
(a) Information Gap
- Local needs not reflected in policy design
- “One-size-fits-all” approach
Example:
- Uniform agricultural schemes ignoring regional diversity
(b) Implementation Deficit
- Poor coordination between planners & implementers
- Delays, cost overruns
(c) Lack of Accountability
- Decision-makers far from beneficiaries
- Weak grievance redressal
(d) Reduced Community Participation
- Top-down planning → exclusion of stakeholders
- Undermines democratic decentralization
(e) Inefficiency & Resource Wastage
- Misallocation due to lack of ground-level inputs
- Evidence / Institutional Insights
- Second Administrative Reforms Commission → emphasized decentralization & subsidiarity
- World Bank → local governance improves service delivery outcomes
- Counter-View (Need for Centralization)
- Ensures uniform standards & equity
- Necessary for:
- National infrastructure
- Disaster management
- Macroeconomic stability
Example:
- Centralized vaccine procurement during COVID-19 (initial phase)
- Indian Context: Steps Towards Decentralization
(a) Constitutional Measures
- 73rd & 74th Amendments → Panchayati Raj, Urban Local Bodies
- Principle of subsidiarity
(b) Institutional Mechanisms
- NITI Aayog → cooperative federalism
- District Planning Committees
(c) Digital Governance
- Real-time data (DBT, MIS systems) → bridging information gaps
- Persistent Challenges
- Fiscal dependence of local bodies
- Capacity constraints at grassroots
- Bureaucratic centralization persists
- Weak devolution (3Fs: Funds, Functions, Functionaries)
- Way Forward
- Strengthen decentralized planning (bottom-up approach)
- Ensure true devolution of 3Fs
- Build local capacity & institutions
- Promote participatory governance (Gram Sabhas)
- Use data-driven localized decision-making
Conclusion:
Bridging the gap between decision-making and execution through deeper decentralization and local empowerment is essential for achieving inclusive and effective development outcomes.
UPSC MAINS GS II Question Paper with Explanation PDF Download here