Devolution

Meaning

The transfer of power, authority, or resources from a central government to regional or local governments

Origin / Etymology

Latin devolutio, from devolvere (to roll down)

Synonyms

Decentralisation Delegation Transfer

Antonyms

Centralisation Concentration

Example Sentence

"The 16th Finance Commission introduced a 10% GDP contribution criterion in horizontal devolution to address southern states concerns about fiscal imbalance."

🎯 UPSC Usage

Use in GS-2 answers on federalism, Finance Commission recommendations, and Centre-State fiscal relations. Critical for delimitation and fiscal federalism discussions.

Relevant Subjects