Read the given extract and answer all questions: When power is taken away from Central and State governments and given to local government, it is…

Read the given extract and answer all questions : 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. ($\displaystyle 36.1$) Explain Decentralization in democracy. ($\displaystyle 36.2$) Explain the importance of Local self Government in democracy. ($\displaystyle 36.3$) Describe any two steps taken by Indian government for decentralization. $\displaystyle 1 \times 2=2$