The correct answer is: a) Decentralized governance.
Panchayat Raj is a system of local self-government in India. It is a three-tier system, with village panchayats at the lowest level, block panchayats at the intermediate level, and district panchayats at the highest level. The system was introduced in India in 1959 with the objective of decentralizing power and involving local people in decision-making.
Panchayat Raj is a form of decentralized governance because it devolves power to local bodies. This means that decisions about local issues are made by local people, rather than by the central government. This has a number of advantages, including:
- It allows local people to have a say in how their communities are run.
- It can help to improve efficiency and effectiveness, as local people are more likely to be aware of the specific needs of their communities.
- It can help to build trust and cooperation between the government and local people.
Panchayat Raj is not without its challenges, however. One challenge is that it can be difficult to ensure that all local people are involved in the decision-making process. Another challenge is that local bodies may not have the resources they need to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
Despite these challenges, Panchayat Raj is an important part of the Indian democracy. It has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people by giving them a say in how their communities are run.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Centralized planning is a system in which the central government makes all the decisions about the economy.
- Military rule is a system in which the military is in control of the government.
- Urban development is the process of building and improving cities.