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Decentralized planning in India signifies a shift towards context-sensitive development, but inadequate resources and local politics complicate the realization of social justice goals. Comment. 

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2025 (Prelims) CSAT Official Paper (25-May-2025)

Decentralized planning in India, institutionalized through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, represents a significant shift towards context-sensitive development. Panchayats and Municipalities are empowered to identify local needs, prioritize projects, and tailor initiatives to their socio-economic and geographical realities, moving away from a uniform, top-down approach. Such local involvement is essential for effective planning and execution.

However, realizing social justice through decentralization faces two major constraints: inadequate resources and local politics. Many local bodies lack sufficient financial devolution, including grants and revenue-generating powers, which limits the implementation of plans aimed at addressing inequality or providing basic services. Additionally, local power dynamics—caste hierarchies, group rivalries, and patronage networks—can skew resource allocation, favoring influential groups over marginalized communities. As a result, despite the constitutional framework’s intent, decentralized planning may fail to deliver equitable outcomes, with vulnerable populations often remaining excluded from the benefits of development initiatives.

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