Principle of subsidiarity
Also called: Subsidiarity · Topic: State, Government and Governance: Organs, Levels and the Citizen · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 6 "The State, the Government, and You"
Meaning
The principle of subsidiarity says a task should go to the lowest level of government, the one closest to the people, that can do it well. Higher levels take up only what lower levels cannot manage, such as defence. This principle is the reason behind decentralisation, which means moving powers, functions and resources down to local governments. It matters because local bodies know local needs better, and people can hold them to account more easily.
Example
In the Class 6 flood example, local authorities deal with a small flood. The state sends rescue teams when the flood is bigger. The Centre sends the army and relief only when the disaster is too big for the lower levels.
Don't confuse with
- Decentralisation: this is the actual process of moving powers and funds downward. Subsidiarity is the guiding idea that decides which level should get which task.