Why in News: Debate on adopting a district-first democratic approach has gained attention as a way to tackle youth disillusionment, centralisation in governance, and uneven development across India.
Introduction
- India faces challenges of fragmentation, centralisation, and youth disillusionment.
- With 65% of population under 35 and 85% residing in districts, a district-first democratic approach is essential for inclusive growth.
Current Challenges
- Geographic imbalance: Cities (3% land) contribute 60% of GDP → rural/district potential underutilised.
- Economic stagnation: Corporate profits rising but wages stagnant; dampens domestic consumption.
- Centralised governance: Top-down schemes reduce local political agency; elected representatives act as mediators of entitlements, not shapers of development.
- Electoral politics: Shift towards welfare transfers; limited structural transformation → political fatigue.
- Youth alienation: High aspirations clash with limited employment and participation opportunities.
Why District-Centric Approach?
- Administrative base: Districts already anchor governance; MPs oversee scheme committees.
- Local accountability: Disaggregating national schemes makes outcomes measurable and comparable.
- Equitable allocation: Highlights disparities across districts → better targeting of resources.
- Youth engagement: Creates tangible ownership, civic participation, and innovation at grassroots.
- Democratic deepening: Transforms citizens from passive recipients to active participants.
Way Forward
- District-first democracy: Reframe districts as civic and democratic commons, not just administrative units.
- Local leadership: Link MPs’ performance with district outcomes.
- Shared responsibility: Engage political elites, corporate sector, and civil society in district development.
- Transparency & innovation: Use measurement frameworks to surface local solutions and build reform constituencies.
Conclusion
India’s demographic dividend and democratic vitality hinge on district-led civic engagement. A district-first approach bridges policy and lived experience, ensuring inclusive growth and resilient democracy.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper II (Governance, Polity & Social Justice)
- Issues of centralisation vs decentralisation in governance.
Mains Practice Question
Q1. “Reclaiming the district as a democratic commons is essential for inclusive growth and to realise India’s demographic dividend.” Discuss. (250 words)