Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Post-independence India inherited a predominantly agrarian economy with widespread poverty and socio-economic disparities in rural areas. Recognizing the need for comprehensive rural development, the government launched the Community Development Programme (CDP) in 1952, inspired by the success of the Tennessee Valley Authority in the USA. This was followed by the introduction of Panchayati Raj in 1959, aiming to decentralize power and involve local communities in the development process. Both initiatives were pivotal in attempting to uplift rural India, though their approaches and effectiveness differed significantly. This answer will explore how these programs promoted the welfare of rural India.
The Community Development Programme (1952-1959)
The CDP was a multi-faceted program focusing on integrated rural development. Its core philosophy revolved around ‘people’s participation’ and aimed to improve the economic and social life of villagers. Key features included:
- Extension Officers: Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Village Level Workers (VLWs) were appointed to provide technical assistance and guidance to villagers.
- Integrated Approach: The program addressed various aspects of rural life, including agriculture, irrigation, animal husbandry, cooperatives, health, education, and sanitation.
- National Extension Service: Established to train extension workers and disseminate information.
- Five Year Plans: CDP was a central component of the First and Second Five Year Plans.
The CDP’s welfare impact included increased agricultural production through improved techniques, the establishment of cooperative societies for credit and marketing, and improvements in rural infrastructure like roads and schools. However, the program faced several challenges:
- Top-Down Approach: Despite the emphasis on ‘people’s participation’, the CDP was largely driven by government officials, leading to limited local ownership.
- Lack of Coordination: Poor coordination between different departments hampered effective implementation.
- Focus on Physical Targets: Emphasis on achieving physical targets (e.g., number of wells constructed) rather than qualitative improvements.
The Panchayati Raj System (1959 onwards)
Recognizing the limitations of the CDP, the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957) recommended the establishment of a three-tier Panchayati Raj system – Gram Panchayats at the village level, Panchayat Samitis at the block level, and Zilla Parishads at the district level. The Panchayati Raj system, formally launched in 1959, aimed to decentralize power and empower local communities.
Key features of Panchayati Raj included:
- Democratic Decentralization: Elected representatives at each tier were responsible for planning and implementing development programs.
- Local Self-Governance: Panchayats were granted financial and administrative powers to manage local resources.
- Community Participation: The system encouraged active participation of villagers in decision-making processes.
- Focus on Social Justice: Panchayats were expected to address the needs of marginalized sections of society.
The Panchayati Raj system significantly promoted rural welfare through:
- Improved Service Delivery: Local governance facilitated better access to essential services like education, healthcare, and sanitation.
- Increased Accountability: Elected representatives were accountable to their constituents, leading to greater transparency and responsiveness.
- Empowerment of Women and Marginalized Groups: Reservations for women and Scheduled Castes/Tribes in Panchayats promoted their participation in decision-making.
- Implementation of Rural Development Programs: Panchayats played a crucial role in implementing various government schemes like MGNREGA and the National Rural Health Mission.
A Comparative Analysis
| Feature | Community Development Programme | Panchayati Raj System |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Top-down, extension-based | Bottom-up, democratic decentralization |
| Focus | Integrated rural development with emphasis on physical targets | Local self-governance and community participation |
| Power Structure | Government officials dominated | Elected representatives held power |
| Sustainability | Limited due to lack of local ownership | Greater sustainability due to community involvement |
While the CDP laid the foundation for rural development, the Panchayati Raj system proved to be more effective in promoting sustainable welfare due to its emphasis on democratic decentralization and community participation. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts (1992) further strengthened the Panchayati Raj system by providing constitutional status to local bodies and ensuring regular elections.
Conclusion
Both the Community Development Programme and the Panchayati Raj system were significant attempts to address the challenges of rural development in post-independence India. While the CDP provided an initial impetus, the Panchayati Raj system, with its focus on democratic decentralization and community participation, proved to be a more sustainable and effective approach to promoting rural welfare. The continued strengthening of Panchayati Raj institutions, along with effective implementation of rural development programs, remains crucial for achieving inclusive and equitable growth in India.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.