Concept of Regional Development and Federalism Question & Answers

Lesson – 3

Concept of Regional Development and Federalism

Very Short Answer Questions

1.       Define the concept of development.

Ans- The concept of development is the social, economic, cultural, and political progress of the people and the country.

 

2.       What is federalism?

Ans Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

 

3.       Differentiate between unitary system and the federal system in a sentence.

Ans- Unitary system is the democratic ruling system in which the country is divided into different small units with limited power from the central government whereas the federal system is a system of government in which the sovereignty of a nation is constitutionally divided between a central government and provincial government.

 

4.       What is meant by a federal democratic republican state?

Ans- The state which is divided into different provinces where the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by the representatives chosen directly or indirectly by them is a federal democratic state.

 

5.       What are the three level of government according to the Constitution of Nepal?

Ans The three level of government according to the constitution of Nepal are :

(a) Central government (Federal)

(b) State government (Provincial)

(c) Local government (Town executive, Village executive)

 

6.       Differentiate between unitary system of government and federal system of government in one point.

Ans:

 

Unitary system of government	Federal system of government
It refers to a political system where the entire country is ruled by the central government. There are neither states nor provinces in the country under this system.	It refers to a political system where the power to govern the country is shared between the central and state governments, creating federations or provinces.

 

7.       What is the difference between administrative region and natural region?

Ans: Administrative regions are the political division or units of a country that are created for efficient administration and balanced development whereas natural regions are the different natural/ecological parts that are categorized according to physical diversity.

 

8.       On what basis a particular landform is divided into the geographical and administrative regions?

Ans: A particular landform is divided into geographical regions according to its topography, climate, and vegetation whereas a country’s administrative region is divided according to the administrative policy and needs of the country.

 

9.       What is a Development Region?

Ans :In the context of Nepal, the development region is a political or administrative unit that is created for the effective administration and balanced development throughout the country.

 

10.   When was Nepal divided into five development region?

Ans: Nepal was divided into four development regions in 2037 BS.

 

11.   When was Nepal divided into four development region?

Ans: Nepal was divided into four development regions in 2029 BS.

 

12.   What is decentralization?

Ans: Delegation of power and authorities from higher to lower level or central to the local level is called decentralization.

 

13.   What is meant by proportionate development?

Ans Proportionate development parts refer to the equal and balanced development in all parts of a country where all the citizen have equal access to the fruits of development.

 

14.   What is a federalism or federal system?

Ans- Federalism is defined as a system of government in which the sovereignty of a nation is constitutionally divided between a central governing authority and constituent political units (like states or provinces).

OR

The federal system is a political system in which the power to govern the country is shared between the national & state governments, creating a federation or province.

 

15.   When was Nepal declared ‘Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal’?

Ans- Nepal was declared ‘Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal’ on 15th Jesth, 2065 (28th May 2008).

 

16.   Differentiate between the principle of federalism and decentralization in one sentence. (SLC 2066 CDR)

Ans Federalism is a political system in which a country is divided into various autonomous states or provinces and each state has a separate government along with the federal government in the center whereas decentralization is the delegation of the authorities from the central to the local level.

 

17.   What do you mean by single identity and multiple identity in federalism?

Ans: In my opinion, recognizing a state or province by a particular caste or ethnic group is known as a single identity whereas recognizing a state by all the existing castes/ethnic groups living in the state is known as multiple identities.

 

18.   Define unitary ruling system in a sentence.

Ans: The democratic ruling system in which the country is divided into different small units with limited power from the central government is known as unitary ruling system.

 

 

19.   Mention the two sets of government in the federal ruling system.

Ans The two sets of government in the federal ruling system are:

i)                    Central (federal) government.

ii)                   State (provincial) government.

 

20.   Nepal has declared to implement federal ruling system. Why? Write in a sentence.

Ans Nepal has declared to implement a federal ruling system for effective, efficient, and all-round development of the country which was not possible in a unitary system of rule.

 

21.   What is state restructure?

Ans Sate restructure is the political re-division of a country to solve the prevailing political, social, and economic problems and for development.

 

22.   How does the federal ruling system help the development of country? Write in one sentence.

Ans The federal ruling system helps in the development of a country by participating Khas Arya, Madhesi, Dalit, Janajati, women, peasants, laborers, marginalized, minorities, oppressed, etc inclusively in the mainstream of administration.

 

23.   Why is the federal ruling system considered more appropriate than that of the decentralized-based unitary ruling system in Nepal? Write in a sentence.

Ans Federal ruling system is considered more appropriate than that of the decentralized based unitary ruling system in Nepal to address the unity in diversity in terms of caste, climate, vegetation, topography, ethnicity, and race.

 

24.   It is said federalism should be typical and favorable to the context of the country, why? Give an answer in a sentence.

Ans Federalism should be typical and favorable to the context of the county because it must be implemented on the basis of economic status, geographical condition, means, resources, etc.

 

25.   Prepare two questions to ask a politician about the implementation of federalism in Nepal. (SLC 2072 CDR)

Ans The two questions are:

a. How does the federal system help the all-around development of the country?

b. Why is the federal ruling system better than the unitary system?

 

26.   Why is federal system considered better than unitary system for proportionate development of the country? Present your opinion in a sentence.

Ans Federal system is considered better than the unitary system for proportionate development because there will be wide public participation in federalism than the unitary system.

 

Short Answer Questions

 

1. What can be the bases for the division of a country in federal structure?

Ans: Geography, historicity, ethnicity or caste, language, religion, population, availability of resources and means and mixed bases, etc can be the bases for the division of a country in the federal structure.

2. What are the dimensions of development?

Ans- The dimensions of development are:

a) Extension of Industries

b) Infrastructure development

c) Improvement in living standard

d) Development of rural community

e) Production of human resource

f) Planning for economic development

g) Peace and security

h) Protection of the environment

i) Corruption control

3. What are the matters considered in order to establish a federal structure in Nepal?

Ans- The matters considered in order to establish a federal structure in Nepal are: Federal structure of Nepal is divided into central, provincial, and local units. Under the central government, there are seven provinces. Districts, villages, and municipalities are under the province. The following matters are considered in order to establish a federal structure in Nepal:

·         Without affecting national integrity and sovereignty.

·         Successful implementation of the principle of decentralization.

·         Proportionate division of natural resources.

·         Adjustment between geographical area and population.

·         Justifiable division of economic development possibility.

·         Focusing on religions, cultural, and racial unity who have been living in same geographical area since historical period.

 

4. Analyze the good aspects of federalism?

Ans The good aspects of federalism are:

·         Maintains close relation between the state and its people

·         Conflict may settle at the local level

·         Accelerate development activities

·         Help to maintain balanced population distribution

·         Increment in public participation

5. How would you justify that the federal system also has many challenges?

Ans I would justify that the federal system also has many challenges by following points:

·         Unequal distribution of means and resources between the states may raise conflict.

·         Federal system is more expensive.

·         Due to this budget may not be sufficient.

·         There may be conflict between the states regarding the use of resources of border areas.

 

7. What do the central, provincial and local body and the people have to do for the successful implementation of federal system in the county? Present their roles.

Ans:

Central body	Provincial body	Local body
Protection of national unity and territorial integrity.	State civil service and other government services.	Supply, distribution, price control, quality, and monitoring of essential goods and services.
Relating to national security.	State-level electricity, irrigation, services, and navigation.	Laws relating to family affairs.
National transportation policies management of railways.	Preservation of state art, culture, and language	Planning, family planning, and population management.
Foreign and diplomatic affairs.	Management of land and land records.	Social security, employment, trade unions right, etc.

 

 

8. "Federal system maintains relationship between the government and the people.” Justify the statement in a paragraph.

Ans Federal system is a system of governance in which power is divided between central authority and constituent political units. It is an inclusive practice. Every people can utilize the resources and means of their region, earn income, consume and participate in the development of their region. If the central government is dissolved, it does not hamper the country. It reduces social, economic, and religious discrimination. All people whether they are Dalit or of any caste can participate in the development activities equally. There is fair competition between the people of the different states for progress. People should not go to the Federal capital for getting necessary services because in the federal system every right and authority is given to local units. People will have direct link with the government as it is formed by the elected representatives. In this way, the federal system maintains a close relationship between the government and the people.

 

9. Differentiate between the natural region and administrative region in four points.

Ans

Natural Region	Administrative Regions
Natural regions are geographical or ecological parts that are divided according to natural features.	Administrative regions are the political or administrative division of a nation which are divided according to the national and political policy of a country
Natural regions reflect topographical and climatic variations and it helps to identify the geographical condition of a place.	Administrative regions are created for the smooth, easy, and effective administrative and development activities in all parts of the country.
Natural regions are categorized based on differences in relief, climate, natural vegetation, etc.	Administrative regions are classified based on size of the population, area, the policy of the government, etc
Natural regions are static.	Administrative regions and their number are dynamic. They can be changed according to the need of nation and state policy.

 

10. What were the purposes of creating development regions in Nepal? Mention any four purposes.

Ans- The purpose or creating development regions was:

a) To run the administrative work efficiently so that all people can easily obtain the basic services provided by the nation.

b) To create a favorable environment for the proportionate development in all parts of the country.

c) To bring sustainable development by the effective mobilization of available means and resources.

d) To ensure people’s participation in development activities.

 

11. What is meant by proportionate development? Clarify the need and importance of people’s participation in local development with examples. (SLC-2068 WDR)

Ans- Proportionate development refers to equal and balanced development in all parts of a country. Meaningful involvement of people or stakeholders in all the stages of the development process is known as people’s participation. People’s participation makes development effective, transparent, and sustainable. The need and importance of people’s participation in local development are as follows :

a) Plans development works and activities like construction of roads, drinking water projects, conservation of natural resources, etc. faster, people-friendly, effective, and result-oriented and also reduce their dependency on others for the economic and technical support.

b) Helps to mobilize the local means and resources in a sustainable way by maintaining transparency and corruption free.

c) Develops the feeling of unity, a sense of brotherhood, and mutual understanding among the people of local areas.

d) Develops skills of the local people for the construction, operation, maintenance, and overall management of their development work.

e) Develops a sense of ownership and pride in their development activities and also their responsibility for the development of the community.

 

12. What do you mean by restructure of the state/nation? Why federal ruling system has been considered as "Restructure of the state" in the context of Nepal? Give your opinion.

Ans- Generally, restructure of the state/nation refers to bringing change in the existing administrative system or political division of the country. Restructure of the state may bring change in overall aspects of administration and the mechanisms of government in the country. In the present context of Nepal, restructuring of the state and federalism are highly associated. Division of our country into different federations is the major objective of the restructuring of our nation. It is believed that the unitary rule and the existing administrative mechanism could not bring progress to all levels and areas of the country. So, along with the political movement and change, Nepal has been declared a "Federal Republic Country". The ultimate goal of the ‘Restructure of the State’ in Nepal is to create federal units and share the state authorities between federal and provincial governments. Thus, the Federal ruling system has been considered as the "Restructure of the State” in the present context of Nepal.

 

13. What are the reasons/needs to restructure Nepal from unitary system to federal system? Write any four important reasons.

Ans- There are different opinions of politicians, intellectuals and writers regarding the reasons/ needs for the restructuring of Nepal from the unitary system to the federal system. Some of the common reasons are :

·         Diversity of Nepal: the unitary system could not address the lingual and ethnic, religious, cultural, geographical, regional, and gender-related problems.

·         The rulers in the unitary system did not show the desire and commitment for the effective decentralization of powers and also to carry out development in every nook and corner of the country.

·         Need to change weak state mechanisms of the unitary system and to increase the justifiable and proportional representation of the people of all regions and backgrounds of the country through restructuring the form of governance.

·         Movement of Indigenous, ethnic, Dalit, Madheshi, and other people along with the support of the political parties to remove unjust and exploitations of centralized feudal rule and to ensure an inclusive democratic federal system.

·         Changing views and assumptions of the world regarding state and federalism has also been established as one of the major agendas of the political parties in Nepal.

14. Prepare an editorial reflecting the necessity and importance of federal ruling system.

Ans

 

1st January, 2014

 

The Rising Nepal

Editorial

Need and importance of federal system in Nepal

Unitary system of government had been practiced in Nepal for a long time. The concept of regionalism and creation of development regions were introduced in the unitary system for decentralization and balanced development. But, development did not reach in every nook and corner of the country. Similarly, the unitary system could not address the linguistic, ethnic, religious, cultural and regional based diversity and problems of the country.

The rulers in unitary system did not have the desire and commitment for the effective decentralization of powers and to carry out development in every nook and corner of the country. So, it is expected that federal system could minimize such exclusion and enhances participation of all people of different backgrounds in national affairs and rule.

The federal system can ensure the local/native people’s access to natural resources. Federal form of government also enables the people of grass-root level to enjoy the fruits of democracy and development. This also ensures the rights of all groups of people by ending ethnic, racial and religious discrimination through effective decentralization. Federal system can change weak state mechanisms of unitary system and increase justifiable and proportional representation and participation of the people of all regions and backgrounds of the country in national mainstream and development process.

 

15. What powers and authorities are generally exercised by the central and state (provincial) government in federal system of government?

[Explain in brief any four possible sectors where there is the control of only the central government and provincial government in Federal System.]

Ans Federal system is considered as highly democratic and inclusive political system. There is principle of subsidiary between the center and province in the federal system. However, the power and authorities of the country are divided between them for the effective and balanced development. Some of the common practices of sharing powers and authorities by the central and provincial government in federal system are as follows :

I.                     Authorities and functions of Central (Federal) Government

·         Looks after foreign affairs, for example, establishing diplomatic relations, appointing ambassadors, etc

·         Formulates national monetary policy and issues notes through central bank.

·         Looks after national security and management and mobilization of national army.

·         Carry out national highways, railways, big hydro power, multi-provincial project etc.

·         Declares emergency in the country if there is any threat to the sovereignty of the country

 

16. On what bases the provinces can be named while creating provinces under federal system? Which bases do you think are more appropriate while naming the state in the context of Nepal and why?

Ans- Following are the some of the popular bases while naming the provinces under the federal system :

·         Historical Identity

·         Civilization

·         Geographical characters like rivers, mountains, lakes, etc.

·         Caste and Ethnic Groups.

·         Language

·         Religion/ Religious Identity, etc

 

 

Nepal is a small country in terms of area but rich in diversity in caste, ethnic groups, language, and culture. No area of Nepal is occupied by only one cultural group. In this context, naming the state by caste, ethnic group, language or any cultural feature of only one ethnic group can cause misunderstanding and conflict among the people of different socio-cultural backgrounds. Thus, I think naming the state by geographical characters, civilization or historical identity should be more appropriate.

17. What may be the challenges that may appear in economic, social and political aspects while implementing federal ruling system in Nepal? Write your views.

Ans- Implementation of a federal rule in Nepal may bring the following challenges in economic, political/administrative, and social aspects :

Economic :

·         Unequal distribution of means and resources between the states may cause unequal development and misunderstanding among the states.

·         There may be a conflict between the states regarding the use of natural resources of border areas

·         Federal system of government is considered to be expensive so there may be deficiency of budget.

 

Political/administrative :

·         There may be misunderstanding between federal government and provincial government regarding the sharing of power and authorities.

·         There may not be proper coordination and cooperation between the federal (central) government and provincial governments.

·         The provinces may demand a separate state which can threaten the national integrity and indivisibility of the nation

Social :

·         There isn’t any place in Nepal that is inhabited by only one single caste or ethnic group.

·         Dalit, minorities, or any cultural groups are scattered all over the country. In this condition, there may be injustice and conflict in the state if any powerful group tries for its own domination and single identity. In the context of caste/ethnic diversity, there may be challenges regarding the state language and maintaining equal recognition of all cultural groups.

18. What are the good and bad aspects of federal system?

Ans: Good aspects/strengths of the federal system

·         Close relation between state and people which increases the feeling of nationality

·         Appropriate use of means and resources and sustainable development

·         No need to depend upon the center for everything.

·         Development and other important aspects run smoothly in the country even if the central government is dissolved

·         Accelerates development activities in every part of the country

·         Conflict in different matters of the people can be settled at the local level.

Bad aspects/limitations of the federal system

·         It requires more general expenditure to run the rule in the central and the state. Thus, it is an expensive form of government.

·         Conflict may take place among the states regarding using natural resources

·         Different ethnic groups may demand their own separate state which cause threat to national integrity.

·         It is challenging to ensure and maintain equal recognition of all cultures, caste or ethnic groups in all the states

 

19. "Federal system/Federalism is more democratic and inclusive than unitary system of government". Do you agree with this saying? Write your logic in four points.

Ans: Nepal was declared a "federal democratic republic country in 2065 BS. It was Ans BS. As per the ideology of federalism, I think implemented in Nepal on 3’* Ashwin, 2072 federal system is more democratic and inclusive than a unitary system of government because:

·         Federal system ensures autonomy to every province of the country so that the provinces can pay more attention to their people of all backgrounds namely race, language, class, culture, etc. for their equal development and identity.

·         Federal system ensures the participation/Inclusion of the people of all areas and ethnic groups in the political and developmental process through the effective decentralization of power and resources.

·         In federalism, there is a close relationship between the stakeholders/people and the government of the state so that conflict and other issues are easily settled at the local state level.

·         Principle of subsidiary between the center and provinces is another beautiful aspect of the federal system where power and authority of the nation are shared between them. So, development works can be run smoothly throughout the country with people’s significant participation and inclusion.

20. Differentiate between federal government and provincial government.

Ans

Federal government	Provincial government
It is run by the president.	It is run by the governor.
It has sovereignty over the whole country.	It has sovereignty over each respective state.
It runs all the states combined under the common federal law.	It is operated under state-wise law.
It looks after the matter related to external defense, foreign affairs, etc.	It looks after the matter related to education, health, etc of the concerned state.

 

21. Why is the federal system called ‘restructure of the state’ in reference to Nepal? Mention your four opinions.

Ans Nepal was ruled under a unitary system for more than 240 years. During this long period of rule, Nepal was divided into regional, zonal, district, and local administrative units. But, such divisions failed to develop the country in a balanced manner. In the federal system, the country would be re-adjusted in the internal political division, devolution of power to the local bodies, etc. In the context of Nepal, federalism is called ‘restructure of the state’ because of the following reasons:

·         There would be a political division of the country with different tiers of ruling units.

·         The concept of inclusiveness and equal participation would be ensured.

·         Power and authority would be devolution to local bodies.

·         The governing mechanism can be changed in the federal system.

22. Describe the bases of state reconstruction for federal Nepal. (SLC 2072 CDR)

Ans Nepal is a small landlocked country. It has been ruled under a unitary system since long ago. During the span of over 240 years, it was divided into several political units for equal participation of people in the mainstream of national development. But it did not succeed. After the people’s movement of 2062/2063, the voice of federalism and reconstruction of the country has been raised as main political agenda. For federal Nepal, following are the bases of state reconstruction:

·         Recognition or identity: Nepal is a country of diversified geographical structure, languages, castes, ethnic groups, culture, tradition, etc. While dividing the country into seven provinces, very sensitive attention was given to keeping the existing identity of every diverse caste, creed, ethnicity, geography, and so on. While dividing into the federal system, priority was given to unique recognition of the overall aspects of the county and its people.

·         Capacity and strength: Capacity and strength were given priority while dividing the country into federal units because the federal system is expensive for poor country like Nepal. If the number of the states is increased, the expenditure will also increase and thus, the country will be unable to afford the high expenditure. So, keeping this facts in the mind, Nepal has been divided only into seven provinces.

23. Why has the capability and identity been made the base in restructuring the state? Give your logic.

Ans Restructuring the state means political re-imagination of the state as per the changed circumstances. In this process, the states can be more democratic and inclusive with special arrangements for those who are left behind. Some of the bases to re-structure the state can be geographical base, race, and languages, population, natural and human resources, capability and strength, recognization and identity, etc. Among these, capability and identity have been made the base in restructuring the state for the following reasons :

·         To give due recognization to the diverse ethnicity of Nepal without ignoring unity in diversity.

·         To involve each and everyone in the mainstream national structure.

·         For the equal approach of every citizen in economic sectors.

·         To address the demands of the people living in each nook and corner and to save the country from fragmentation.

24. What types of benefits can be seen in the present implemented condition of federalism in Nepal? Ans: Federalism is the most democratic system of rule. Nepal is going to implement a federal system but it will be a challenge for Nepal due to several hindrance. However, the implementation of federalism at present in Nepal will have the following benefits :

·         Every nook and corner of Nepal will be equally and proportionately developed.

·         Natural resources and means will be properly utilized.

·         Country’s development will be rapid, effective, and sustainable.

·         Every province will be competitive in development.

·         Existing regional imbalances and disparity will be ended.

·         There will be increasement in public participation in development activities.

·         There would be a practical implementation of the principle of decentralization.

25. Gandaki, Karnali and Far-Western are already named as three provinces of Nepal. Other four provinces are left for naming. What should be the name of those provinces and why? Prepare a table like the same given following then present your views.

Ans: Nepal has been divided into seven provinces by the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal on 3rd Aswin, 2072. The states were not named at that time. Only Province 4, 6, and 7 have been named as Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpaschim (Far-Western) respectively. In my view, the remaining provinces should be named in the provinces following ways :

Province	Name	Cause for naming
1	Koshi Province	Due to the presence of the Koshi river.
2	Janaki Province	Birth place of Sita.
3	Capital Province	Due to the location of federal capital.
5	Gautam Buddha Province	Birth place of Lord Buddha lies here.