Posted by Chester Morton / Friday, 23 December 2016 / No comments
the advantages of devolution
Definition of devolution
Devolution, as an aspect of devolution decentralization can
be defined as the situation in which the government at the centre relinquishes
part of its power to other bodies such as local governments.
MERITS
Brings government to the doorstep of the people
One of the merits of devolution is that it brings the
government from wherever it is to the people at the local level. The people are
able to have easy access to the various services that are provided by the
government. For example, to take a passport, one does not have to go to the
capital city before he or she can do so. The person can take the passport in an office close to him or her.
It minimizes tyrannical tendencies
Another advantage of devolution is that the tendency to
become dictatorial is minimized. There is government at the local level and
because people participate actively in the operations of the government at the local level, they become political wiser and are therefore able to check any political office holder from
sliding into dictatorship.
Allows room for taking initiative
Some problems are peculiar to some localities and therefore
only local solutions can be applied to it. The fact that there is room for
fining local solutions means that the people at the local are able to take
initiatives to solve their own problems.
Takes some burdens off the central government
Devolution allows for the central government to cede part of
its responsibilities to the regional and district authorities. Once the load of
government is shared the burden that would necessarily have been on the central
government is take off and makes the burden less compounding.
Enhances the efficiency of central government
As the units at the local level take some of the burden off
the shoulders of the central government, it is able to concentrate on more
pressing national issues. The result is that it makes the central government
more efficient.
Reduces delay in policy implementation
Unlike in a centralized government where policy alterations
have first to be referred to the centre, in a devolution, the people
can vary the policy to suit local situations as long as it does completely
deviate too much from the original policy. This helps to reduce the delay that
is associated with the implementation of government programmes.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. a. What is devolution?
b. Highlight five
advantages of devolution.
