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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 19/4/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (19-04-2025).

📝 Mains Question (GS Paper 2 – Polity | Governance | Local Self-Government)

“The rise of uncontested Panchayat seats reflects a silent crisis in grassroots democracy.”
Critically examine the reasons behind the growing trend of unopposed elections in rural India and suggest measures to strengthen electoral competition at the local level.

✅ Model Answer

🔹 Introduction

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment institutionalized Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as the third tier of governance, aiming to decentralize power and deepen democracy. However, the recent surge in uncontested seats in Panchayat elections across Assam and other states reveals a disturbing trend that threatens the vibrancy, competitiveness, and inclusiveness of local self-governance.

🔹 Extent of the Issue

In Assam, hundreds of Panchayat seats are going uncontested in pre-election phases.
Similar trends have been recorded in West Bengal (2018) and Odisha (2022).
In some districts, 25–30% of GP seats are filled without a single vote cast.

🔹 Reasons for Uncontested Panchayat Seats

Cause	Explanation
Pre-poll Intimidation	Threats and pressure tactics dissuade potential candidates, especially from weaker sections.
Political Monopoly	Dominance by ruling party discourages opposition participation.
Social Power Hierarchies	Caste, clan, or gender biases marginalize alternate candidates.
Electoral Fatigue & Apathy	Voters and candidates disengaged due to perceived ineffectiveness of Panchayats.
Resource Constraints	Rising cost of campaigns deters marginalized or independent candidates.
Token Reservations	SC/ST/Women seats often co-opted by dominant groups through proxy candidates.

🔹 Why It Undermines Democracy

Erodes Electoral Legitimacy: No-choice situations question democratic mandates.
Weakens Accountability: Elected representatives face no performance pressure.
Blocks Political Socialization: Local youth, women, and civil society excluded from leadership roles.
Encourages Political Capture: Power retained by elites or family-based dynasties.
Reduces Voter Engagement: Perception of futility leads to long-term disillusionment.

🔹 Government Efforts So Far

State Election Commissions (SECs) mandated under Article 243K.
Reservation Policy for SCs, STs, and women (Article 243D).
Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA): PRI capacity-building mission.
e-Gram Swaraj & AuditOnline: Digital tools for transparency in governance and funds.
Awareness Drives: Some states have piloted voter education modules during Panchayat elections.

🔹 Way Forward: Reviving Democratic Spirit at the Grassroots

1. Electoral Safeguards

Strengthen SEC autonomy and provide them investigative powers against coercion.
Enforce Model Code of Conduct with teeth at the Panchayat level.

2. Candidate Empowerment

Fund public debates, door-to-door awareness, and training sessions for rural candidates.
Offer campaign subsidies or grants for first-time, youth, and women contestants.

3. Community Oversight

Create village-level election monitoring groups with retired teachers, SHGs, and NGOs.
Use digital grievance redressal for voter/candidate intimidation.

4. Reservation Rotation Transparency

Publish advance ward reservation lists so candidates can prepare well.
Avoid last-minute reshuffling that discourages participation.

5. Political Inclusion Campaigns

Run PRI leadership workshops in tribal, tea-garden, and minority-dominated areas.
Encourage political parties to promote internal democracy at the village level.

🔹 Conclusion

Democracy begins not at Delhi, but in the Gram Sabha. The silent spread of uncontested Panchayat seats is a red flag that demands urgent institutional, social, and political intervention. Strengthening grassroots democracy requires not only elections, but the will, awareness, and environment to make them meaningful.

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