UPSC Prelims 2012 Q23: Indian Polity – Local Government & Panchayati Raj
Which of the following can be said to be essentially the parts of Inclusive Governance?
1. Permitting the Non - Banking Financial Companies to do banking
2. Establishing effective District Planning Committees in all the districts
3. Increasing the government spending on public health
4. Strengthening the Mid - day Meal Scheme
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 and 4 only
- (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
Explanation
Inclusive Governance
Inclusive governance means that all sections of society, above all the poor and weak, share in decisions and in the benefits of development.
| Measure | Part of inclusive governance? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Permitting the Non-Banking Financial Companies to do banking | No | A financial sector step, not governance |
| 2. Establishing effective District Planning Committees in all the districts | Yes | Decentralised planning with people's representatives (Article 243ZD) |
| 3. Increasing the government spending on public health | Yes | Extends basic services to the poor |
| 4. Strengthening the Mid-day Meal Scheme | Yes | Nutrition and schooling for poor children |
Pillars of inclusive governance:
| Pillar | Example |
|---|---|
| Participation | Panchayats, Gram Sabha, planning committees |
| Access to services | Health, education, food |
| Accountability | Right to Information, social audit |
Answer: (c) 2, 3 and 4 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Letting NBFCs do banking is not a part of inclusive governance.
- (b) Incorrect. District Planning Committees are also a part.
- (c) CORRECT. Planning committees, health spending and Mid-day Meals are parts of inclusive governance.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is not a governance measure.
Key point
Inclusive governance: participation (District Planning Committees, Panchayats), access to health, education and food, and accountability.
Remember
Inclusive governance = participation + services.
Common mistakes
- Confusing financial inclusion with inclusive governance.
- Leaving out decentralised planning.
- Thinking governance is only about administration, not services.
Exam tip
Ask: does it bring people into decisions or services? NBFC licensing does neither.
Sources
- Planning Commission — Twelfth Five Year Plan, Volume I (Governance)
- Constitution of India — Article 243ZD (District Planning Committee)