Decentralisation

Question 1

What is public policy?

Answer 1

• Public policy is what government decides to do or not to do.
• It is purposeful course of action taken to deal with any matter of public concern

Question 2

When is a public policy formulated?

Answer 2

when there is a problem out there that requires government attention and action

Question 3

What is a problem? (addressed by public policy)

Answer 3

The difference between the current state of affairs and the desired state of affairs (it is the gap)

Question 4

What is decentralization?

Answer 4

Decentralization is the transfer of powers, authority, resources and responsibilities to levels of government below the central government

Question 5

When was the national decentralization policy approved?

Answer 5

October 1998

Question 6

What are the decentralization policy objectives?

Answer 6

1. To create a democratic environment and institutions in MW for governance and development, at the local level which facilitate the participation of the grassroots in decision-making
2. To promote accountability and good governance at the local level in order to help Government reduce poverty
3. To mobilise the masses for socio -economic development at the local level

Question 7

District Councils comprise of what two complimentary structures?

Answer 7

1. deliberative
2. executive

Question 8

What does the deliberative district council comprise of?

Answer 8

1. Elected Concillors
2. TAs and Sub-TAs
3. Members of Parliament (now are voting members)
4. Five persons as non-voting members
5. NGOs representative as a non voting members

Question 9

Powers and functions of the district deliberative council?

Answer 9

1. To make policy and decisions on local governance and development
2. To consolidate and promote local democratic institutions and democratic participation
3. To promote infrastructure and economic development through approval and execution of DDPs
4. To mobilize resources both within and outside the district for governance and development

Question 10

The district executive committee comprises of?

Answer 10

1. All Heads of Departments of the Secretariat
2. Heads of Sectors (DC is the controlling officer)
3. NGO’s in the District
4. Stakeholders with special skills

Question 11

Functions of the District Executive Committee?

Answer 11

1. To give options on various issues
2. To provide professional advice to the District Council

Question 12

What are the committees under the district executive committee?

Answer 12

Finance Committee
Development committee
Education Committee
Works Committee
Health and Environment Committee
Appointments and disciplinary Committee
- and any other committee as required

Question 13

What are three main local structures under decentralisation?

Answer 13

1. Area Development Committee
2. Area Executive Committee
3. Village Development Committee

Question 14

What is the Area Development Committee (ADC)?

Answer 14

This is a representative body of all Village Development Committees under each TA

Question 15

What are the functions of the Area Development Committee (ADC)?

Answer 15

1. To determine development interventions required in the area
2. To mobilize community resources

Question 16

What is the Area Executive Committee?

Answer 16

This is the technical arm of the ADC
- comprising extension workers of government agencies and NGOs

Question 17

What is the function of the Area Executive Committee?

Answer 17

AEC is responsible for advising the ADCs on all aspects of local development

Question 18

What is the Village Development Committee?

Answer 18

This is a representative body from a group of villages responsible for identifying needs and facilitating planning and development in local communities

Question 19

How can decentralization be effective?

Answer 19

1. There is need for proper coordination and communication between and among the various stakeholders
2. Government field workers, external volunteers and NGO staff members with different technical knowledge, skills, expertise and information need to collaborate for more progress in development