CBSE 2025 · Region 2 · Set 1 · Q35 · 4 marks

Read the given source and answer the questions that follow : The need for decentralisation was recognised in our Constitution. Since then, there have been several attempts to decentralise 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. Local governments did not have any powers or resources of their own. Thus, there was very little decentralisation in effective terms. A major step towards decentralisation was taken in 1992. The Constitution was amended to make the third-tier of democracy more powerful and effective. ($\displaystyle 35.1$) At how many levels has decentralisation of power been done in the Indian Constitution ? ($\displaystyle 35.2$) Explain the role of local self-government in solving problems. ($\displaystyle 35.3$) "Local government is the best way to realise one important principle of democracy, namely local self-government." Explain the statement.

CBSE Class 10 Social Science past-paper question from the 2025board exam, with the answer as CBSE’s own marking scheme gives it. Where our answers come from.