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the advantages of devolution



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.

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