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Local Self Government in India Essay | Meaning & Functions

December 20, 2017 by Study Mentor Leave a Comment

Local self government is who manages the village, district, town and it is managed by peoples themselves and the one who is elected by people. Imperial government is that in which the management of whole nation takes place and it is elected by central government.

In England the parish’s local affairs are managed by the elected council of parish. The different parishes are elected according to need.

When the power of nation will get centralized only then democracy can succeed. People can get their rights by local self-government. When power get decentralized then every individual can get chance to develop their personality and also they can get scope.

There are many schools and colleges those are developed by local self-government and these are the best ones to give proper knowledge to people.

Table of Contents

Importance of local self government

For equality purpose people wants to live in democracy. India is very big and populated country and because of this population the problems of peoples are also very vast.

In India it is very important to have local government because villages are very far apart from cities so people of villages don’t get proper education and resources and also racism and classism can be found in villages so for this purpose it is required to form local government in villages. I villages it is called as Panchayat.

From local self-government the local problems of people can be solved and also it reduces some if the responsibilities from central government.

Local self-government manages local affairs by the representative of locality itself.

Local self-governments are like panchayats, municipalities. They take the matter of people seriously and help them, such as sanitation, water, power supply, construction and management of roads, primary education and colleges.

In India we call local government as panchayati raj.

Panchayati Raj

According to Gandhiji the freedom of nations is not real until the villages become economically and politically strong. It is necessary to make efforts to build economical values and the Panchayati Raj system is built to realize them.

It provides people to empower their local communities and to accomplish major goals. It is very necessary to develop the villages because people suffered a lot after independence. Then after independence community developed some programs for rural development.

Panchayati Raj is connected with programmatic and organizational evolution. In programmatic evolution it takes the responsibility to provide necessary leadership for the implementation development programs.

Benefits of having local self government

Local government and local people can realize and understand the problems of local people more seriously than the central government and state government administrators and also they can take care of their problems and properly solve them.

In local self-government the people have contact with local people so that they can take positive steps towards them and take responsibilities of them. Mostly local self government remains corruption free and they acts with the motive of social welfare.

When people are in trouble it is the task of local self-government to identify the problem and find solutions for them so that they can perform well.

It is impossible for government to find the problem of people of villages and if they do they can get overloaded with the responsibilities of people.

Local self-government has the knowledge of their local people and to solve the problems local self-government gets the co-corporation of people and local people also gets the participation in the local government.

The institutions of local self-government are very helpful as compared to state and central government. It is very necessary to inspire people to take part in activities of government.

Local self-government unites the people with leadership and democracy and supports and encourages them to take part in activities without any bias.

It is necessary to have local government in every village because they can interact with local people better than state and central government. To solve the problem of local people local government is very much required.

Local people don’t have knowledge where to take help from or from where they can find the solution of their problems in this context local self government can help them.

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Panchayati Raj System: Evolution of Local Self-Government in India

Last updated on February 10, 2024 by ClearIAS Team

The Panchayati Raj system is a vital component of India’s democratic governance, allowing citizens to participate in decision-making at the local level and contributing to the country’s rural development and grassroots democracy. Read here to learn more about the system.

We know there is a government in India at the Center and State levels. But there is another important system for local governance. The foundation of the present local self-government in India was laid by the Panchayati Raj System (1992).

But the history of Panchayati Raj starts from the self-sufficient and self-governing village communities. In the time of the Rig-Veda (1700 BC), evidence suggests that self-governing village bodies called ‘sabhas’ existed. With time, these bodies became panchayats (councils of five persons).

Panchayats were functional institutions of grassroots governance in almost every village. They endured the rise and fall of empires in the past, to the current highly structured system.

Also read: Punchhi Commission Report

Table of Contents

What is the Panchayati Raj System?

The Panchayati Raj system in India is a decentralized form of government that aims to bring governance closer to the grassroots level by establishing elected local self-government institutions in rural areas.

The term “Panchayati Raj” literally translates to “rule by the five,” where “panch” means “five” and “raj” means “rule.” These institutions play a vital role in local governance, rural development, and participatory democracy.

The Panchayati Raj system in India is organized into a three-tier structure, comprising:

• Gram Panchayat (Village Level): This is the lowest tier and represents a single village or a group of villages. It is the basic unit of the Panchayati Raj system.
• Panchayat Samiti (Block/Mandal Level): The Panchayat Samiti is the intermediate tier that covers a block or a mandal, which typically consists of several villages.
• Zila Parishad (District Level): At the top of the hierarchy is the Zila Parishad, which covers an entire district. It coordinates and supervises the activities of the lower tiers.

History of local administration

The history of local administration in India is a long and diverse one, shaped by the evolution of political, cultural, and administrative systems over millennia. India has a rich tradition of local governance dating back to ancient times, and this system has evolved through various dynasties, empires, and colonial periods.

Ancient Period:

• In ancient India, the political landscape was divided into numerous Janapadas, or small kingdoms and republics. These Janapadas had their systems of local governance, with councils and assemblies known as “Sabhas” and “Samitis” that handled administrative and judicial matters.
• Under the Mauryan Empire (322-185 BCE), Emperor Ashoka established a system of local administration with officials known as “Mahamatras” responsible for the welfare of the people in various regions. He also inscribed edicts on pillars and rocks to communicate his policies to the local population.

Medieval Period:

• Feudal System: During the medieval period, India experienced the emergence of feudalism . Feudal lords and local chieftains governed their territories with varying degrees of autonomy. The Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire introduced the system of “jagirs” or land grants to nobles in exchange for revenue collection and military service.
• Local Chiefs and Rajas: Regional rulers, such as Rajas and Zamindars, exercised local authority and governed their territories independently, often collecting revenue from peasants.

Colonial Period:

• The British East India Company and later the British Crown introduced a centralized administrative system that significantly altered local governance. They established a revenue collection system, where land revenue was collected directly from peasants or through intermediaries known as zamindars .
• The British also introduced local self-government institutions such as municipalities and panchayats. The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919) and the Government of India Act (1935) allowed for some degree of local representation in governance.

The village panchayat, as a system of administration, began in the British days, as their offer to satisfy the demands for local autonomy.

They opened up the governance of the lowest levels to the citizens. The GoI Act, of 1935 also authorizes the provinces to enact legislation .

Evolution of local self-government in India

Even though such minor forms of local governance were evident in India, the framers of the constitutions, unsatisfied with the existing provisions, included Article 40 among the Directive Principles , whereby:

“The state shall take steps to organize village panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government.”

Later, the conceptualization of the system of local self-government in India took place through the formation and effort of four important committees from the year 1957 to 1986. It will be helpful if we take a look at the committee and the important recommendations put forward by them.

Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957)

Originally appointed by the Government of India to examine the working of two of its earlier programs, the committee submitted its report in November 1957, in which the term ‘ democratic decentralization ‘ first appears.

The important recommendations are:

• Establishment of a three-tier Panchayati Raj system – gram panchayat at the village level (direct election), panchayat Samiti at the block level, and Zila Parishad at the district level (indirect election).
• District Collector to be the chairman of Zila Parishad.
• Transfer of resources and power to these bodies to be ensured.

The existing National Development Council accepted the recommendations. However, it did not insist on a single, definite pattern to be followed in the establishment of these institutions. Rather, it allowed the states to devise their patterns, while the broad fundamentals were to be the same throughout the country.

Rajasthan (1959) adopted the system first , followed by Andhra Pradesh in the same year. Some states even went ahead to create four-tier systems and Nyaya panchayats , which served as judicial bodies.

Ashok Mehta Committee (1977-1978)

The committee was constituted by the Janata government of the time to study Panchayati Raj institutions. Out of a total of 132 recommendations made by it, the most important ones are:

• Three-tier system to be replaced by a two-tier system.
• Political parties should participate at all levels in the elections.
• Compulsory powers of taxation are to be given to these institutions.
• Zila Parishad is to be made responsible for planning at the state level.
• A minister for Panchayati Raj is to be appointed by the state council of ministers.
• Constitutional recognition to be given to Panchayati Raj institutions.

Unfortunately, the Janata government collapsed before action could be taken on these recommendations.

G V K Rao Commitee (1985)

Appointed by the Planning Commission, the committee concluded that the developmental procedures were gradually being taken away from the local self-government institutions, resulting in a system comparable to ‘grass without roots’.

• Zila Parishad is to be given prime importance and all developmental programs at that level are to be handed to it.
• Post of DDC (District Development Commissioner) to be created acting as the chief executive officer of the Zila Parishad.
• Regular elections are to be held

L M Singhvi Committee (1986)

Constituted by the Rajiv Gandhi government on ‘Revitalisation of Panchayati Raj institutions  for Democracy and Development, its important recommendations are:

• Constitutional recognition for PRI institutions.
• Nyaya Panchayats to be established for clusters of villages

Though the 64th Constitutional Amendment bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha in 1989 itself, the Rajya Sabha opposed it. It was only during the Narasimha Rao government’s term that the idea finally became a reality in the form of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, of 1992 .

Panchayati Raj System: 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment acts, 1992

The acts of 1992 added two new parts IX and IX-A  to the constitution. It also added two new schedules – 11 and 12 which contain the lists of functional items of Panchayats and Municipalities.

It provides for a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj in every state – at the village, intermediate, and district levels.

Read: Panchayati Raj

What are Panchayats and Municipalities?

• Panchayat and Municipality are the generic terms for the governing body at the local level. Both exist as three-tier systems – at the lower, intermediate, and upper levels.
• The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act provides for a Gram Sabha as the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system. It is essentially a village assembly consisting of all the registered voters in the area of the panchayat. The state has the power to determine what kind of powers it can exercise, and what functions it has to perform at the village level .
•  Nagar Panchayat  for a transitional area between a rural and urban area.
•  Municipal Council for a small urban area.
•  Municipal Corporation for a large urban area.
• Municipalities represent urban local self-government.
• Most of the provisions of the two acts are parallel, differing only in the fact that they are being applied to either a Panchayat or a Municipality respectively.
• Each Gram sabha is the meeting of a particular constituency called a ward.
• Each ward has a representative chosen from among the people themselves by direct election .
• The chairperson of the Panchayat or Municipality at the intermediate and district level is elected from among these representatives at the immediately lower level by indirect election .

Types of Urban Local Self-Governments

There are eight types of urban local governments currently existing in India:

• Municipal Corporations.
• Municipality.
• Notified area committee.
• Town area committee.
• Cantonment board.
• Port trust.
• Special purpose agency

How are the elections held in the local government bodies?

• All seats of representatives of local bodies are filled by people chosen through direct elections.
• The conduct of elections is vested in the hands of the State election commission.
• The chairpersons at the intermediate and district levels shall be elected indirectly from among the elected representatives at the immediately lower level.
• At the lowest level, the chairperson shall be elected in a mode defined by the state legislature.
• Seats are reserved for SC and ST proportional to their population.
• Out of these reserved seats, not less than one-third shall be further reserved for women.
• There should be a blanket reservation of one-third of seats for women in all the constituencies taken together too (which can include the already reserved seats for SC and ST).
• The acts bar the interference of courts in any issue relating to the election of local bodies.

What are the Qualifications needed to be a member of the Panchayat or Municipality?

Any person who is qualified to be a member of the state legislature is eligible to be a member of the Panchayat or Municipality.

“ But he shall not be disqualified on the ground that he is less than 25 years of age if he has attained the age of 21 years”

This  means that, unlike the state legislature , a person needs to attain only 21 years of age to be a member of a panchayat/municipality .

What is the duration of the Local Government bodies?

• The local governing bodies are elected for a term of five years.
• Fresh elections should be conducted before the expiry of the five-year term.
• If the panchayat/municipality is dissolved before the expiry of its term, elections shall be conducted within six months and the new panchayat/municipality will hold office for the remainder of the term if the term has more than six months duration.
• And for another five years if the remaining term is less than six months.

What are the Powers invested in these Local Self-Government bodies?

The powers of local bodies are not exclusively defined. They can be tailor-fitted by the state governments according to the environment of the states. In general, the State governments can assign powers to Panchayats and Municipalities that may enable them to prepare plans for economic development and social justice. They may also be authorized to levy, collect, or appropriate taxes.

To conclude, local self-government is one of the most innovative governance change processes our country has gone through. The noble idea of taking the government of a country into the hands of the grassroots level is indeed praiseworthy.

However, like any system in the world, this system is also imperfect. Problems of maladministration and misappropriation of funds are recurring. But this shall not stand in the way of efficient governance; and if these ill practices are rooted out, there would be no comparisons around the world to our system of local self-government.

Read: Finances of Panchayati Raj institutions

Article by: Unnikrishna Varma

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Reader Interactions

February 4, 2017 at 10:44 pm

Amazing wonderful info about 73rd nd 74th article excellent

February 5, 2017 at 12:15 am

thanku sir excellent…….

February 5, 2017 at 9:11 am

helpful post….. thank you ClearIAS for easing aspirant’s job. 🙂

February 5, 2017 at 9:40 am

Excellent sir

February 5, 2017 at 3:58 pm

easy and useful

February 5, 2017 at 10:15 pm

February 5, 2017 at 10:23 pm

The way it describes itself is easy to remember.

February 6, 2017 at 3:29 pm

Easy way to get the knowledge and remember . excellent work .

February 6, 2017 at 4:28 pm

very very nice

February 9, 2017 at 4:30 pm

Thank you, very nice

February 11, 2017 at 11:05 am

Please explain further about the need for a three-tiered system of governance at lower levels viz lower intermediate and higher

Also explain about the need for various types in urban bodiesviz.,municipality, municipal corporation, port trustetc,.-

February 26, 2017 at 10:24 pm

August 28, 2017 at 12:08 am

Super nd detailed information thnx

September 18, 2017 at 11:50 am

Is a gram sabha(formed by one or more villages according to its population) and gram panchayat same? or do we have a gram panchayat for each village irrespective of the number of villages in the gram sabha

November 29, 2018 at 12:10 pm

gram sabha is same Total number of electors are the member of gram sabha.

November 28, 2017 at 7:33 pm

why panchayati raj system is partyless

August 31, 2018 at 7:40 pm

Interesting and easy sir

November 7, 2018 at 11:09 am

where are thungon commitee and gadgil commitee

November 21, 2018 at 11:38 am

How many part of local govt in india

January 16, 2019 at 9:27 pm

greatly defined in brief.

April 15, 2019 at 4:13 pm

Can somebody enlighten me by telling when and where did the first Panchayat Elections took place?

May 24, 2019 at 11:57 pm

Ashok Mehta Committee recommended “a two-tier system” not “three-tier system”. Please edit the info.

August 8, 2019 at 6:11 pm

Nice sir useful to write my civics project

September 3, 2019 at 10:33 pm

Very useful and impotant information…many many thanks for this …

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LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT AND ITS HISTORICAL EVOLUTION

• by Social Laws Today
• August 28, 2023
• 15 minutes read
• 7 months ago

Neha Jain, a 2nd–year law student from Lala Lajpatrai College of Law, Mumbai University has written this article on “LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT AND ITS HISTORICAL EVOLUTION”.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

Local self-government and its historical evolution is a transformative concept that brings governance authority to the grassroots level of society. It encourages active participation and administration by those who understand the intricacies and needs of their local communities. In India, this system of governance has taken root through various tiers of local bodies, making it an essential part of the democratic framework.

Local self-government and its historical evolution, an essential pillar of democracy, has played a significant role in shaping the governance landscape of India. Rooted in its ancient past and evolving through colonial rule and post-independence reforms, local self-government has been pivotal in decentralizing power, fostering community participation, and addressing the diverse needs of India’s vast population.

India’s governing structure is a multi-tiered system that encompasses the central government, state governments, and local self-government bodies. At the grassroots level, local self-government bodies play a pivotal role in democratic governance. These bodies consist of democratically elected representatives who empower communities to manage their own affairs effectively. India’s local self-government system has evolved over the years and encompasses various forms, reflecting the country’s diversity and commitment to participatory governance.

STRUCTURE OF LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT

The local self-government system in India comprises two major forms, each tailored to suit the distinct needs of urban and rural areas.

Urban Areas:

In urban areas, including cities and towns, the mantle of local self-governance is shouldered by municipalities and corporations. These urban local bodies are entrusted with the responsibility of managing the intricate urban landscape and addressing the diverse challenges that arise in densely populated areas. These urban local bodies tackle the complexities of urban living, focusing on urban planning, public services, and community well-being.

Municipal Corporations:

Municipal corporations, also known as Mahanagar Palikas, oversee areas with populations exceeding one million. These corporations handle the complexities of megacities, focusing on infrastructure development, public services, and urban planning.

Municipalities:

Municipalities, or Nagar Palikas, are responsible for areas with populations under one million. They cater to the needs of smaller urban communities, ensuring that essential services and urban development initiatives are effectively carried out.

Nagar Panchayats:

For areas undergoing the transition from rural to urban settings, Nagar Panchayats or Town Councils bridge the gap. These bodies facilitate the transformation process, adapting governance to the changing needs of the population.

Rural Areas:

In rural India, local self-governance is facilitated by the establishment of Zila Parishads, block samitis, and gram panchayats. These bodies work in coordination to address rural development challenges, promote social justice, enhance infrastructure, and promote grassroots participation and community-driven development.

Zila Parishad:

At the apex of the rural self-government structure stands the Zila Parishad, or district council. This body coordinates and supervises the activities of the lower tiers, ensuring effective implementation of rural development programs.

Panchayat Samitis:

Below the Zila Parishad are Panchayat Samitis or block councils. These entities are responsible for overseeing a cluster of Gram Panchayats, facilitating coordinated development efforts at the block level.

Gram Panchayats:

The foundation of rural self-governance lies in Gram Panchayats or village councils. Every village has a Gram Sabha, which includes all adult villagers. The Gram Sabha elects the members of the Gram Panchayat, ensuring a direct democratic connection.

EVOLUTION OF LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT

Local self-government in India has a rich historical evolution, from its ancient roots to modern governance structures. The process of decentralization gained momentum even before India’s independence, with varying perspectives on its scope and nature.

The journey of local self-government’s evolution in India is marked by several key moments. The British colonial era witnessed a disruption of these indigenous systems, followed by attempts to reestablish local governance mechanisms. The Bengal Municipal Act of 1884 introduced elected municipal bodies in major cities, serving as a precursor to modern local self-government. The architecture and power dynamics of local self-government underwent intense deliberation. Numerous committees were formed by the central government to devise a cohesive approach to devolving powers, managing finances, and shaping the structure of these local bodies.

One of the earliest forms of local self-governance in India was manifested in village communities carrying out self-governance functions. Over time, these structures evolved into the Panchayat Raj System, which remains one of the oldest forms of local self-government. The Panchayati Raj System emerged as a significant milestone, bringing grassroot democratic institutions like Panchayats and Municipalities into focus. This marked a crucial shift towards empowering local communities and promoting participatory governance.

Lord Rippon’s

Lord Rippon’s initiative in 1882 led to the creation of elected local bodies, earning him the title of the “Father of Local Self-Government” . In 1919, the Government of India Act further strengthened local governance by solidifying village Panchayats in several provinces.

Mahatma Gandhi advocated for village republics and a principle of subsidiarity, emphasizing the importance of empowering local communities. Conversely, leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and B.R. Ambedkar favored a more centralized approach, aiming for a strong central authority. The introduction of the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments marked a turning point, mandating the presence of local self-government bodies in both urban and rural areas and ensuring regular elections. It was groundbreaking milestones that entrenched local self-governance in India’s constitutional fabric. These amendments granted constitutional status to Panchayats and Municipalities, ensuring their uniform presence across the country.

THE BENGAL CHOWKIDAR ACT, 1870

In 1870, the Bengal Chowkidar Act initiated the revival of the traditional village panchayati system in Bengal. This law gave district magistrates the power to establish panchayats with chosen members in villages. These panchayats were responsible for collecting taxes to fund the chowkidars, or watchmen, appointed by them.

FATHER OF LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT: LORD RIPPON

Lord Rippon, an eminent British administrator who played a pivotal role in establishing modern local governance systems. His efforts in the late 19th century led to the creation of elected local bodies, marking a significant shift towards decentralized administration. Lord Rippon’s initiatives laid the foundation for participatory governance at the grassroots level and set the stage for further developments in local self-government. His vision and advocacy for empowering local communities earned him this distinguished title, as he championed reforms that promoted transparency, inclusivity, and effective management of local affairs.

BALWANTRAI MEHTA COMMISSION

The Balwantrai Mehta Commission, established in 1957, was a landmark initiative in India aimed at revitalizing the community-level governance system. Chaired by Balwantrai Mehta, the commission recommended the establishment of three-tier Panchayati Raj institutions – village, block, and district levels. This decentralized approach aimed to empower local communities, enhance grassroots participation, and address rural development challenges effectively. The commission emphasized the democratic importance of Panchayats and suggested transferring certain functions, funds, and functionaries to these institutions, marking a significant step towards decentralization.  However, it did not develop the requisite democratic momentum and failed to cater to the needs of rural development.

THE K. SANTHANAM COMMITTEE

The K. Santhanam Committee, established in 1963, was tasked with specifically examining the matter of PRI (Panchayati Raj Institutions) finances. The committee’s recommendations continue to influence ongoing discussions on the subject like empowering Panchayats with the authority to impose specific taxes on land revenues, property tax, etc. Consolidating and making unrestricted all grants and subsidies provided at the state level. Proposing the establishment of a Panchayat Raj Finance Corporation responsible for assessing the financial resources of PRIs at all levels, extending loans and financial aid to these local governing bodies, and assisting with non-financial needs of villages. The committee’s proposals have significantly contributed to shaping perspectives and dialogues concerning PRI finances, emphasizing the importance of granting financial autonomy and resources to local self-governance institutions.

THE ASHOK MEHTA COMMITTEE

The Ashok Mehta Committee was formed by the Janata government in 1977 to investigate the reasons behind the underperformance of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and propose ways to strengthen them. It advocated a two-tier Panchayati Raj system comprising Zilla Parishads at the district level and Mandal Panchayats at the grassroots level, deviating from the three-tier model recommended earlier. The committee emphasized constitutional protection for PRIs, enhanced decentralization of power, and regular elections with political party participation. It suggested seat reservations for weaker sections, dual seats for women, sufficient financial resources, and people’s engagement in development. Although its recommendations were not widely implemented due to political changes, a few states, like Karnataka, adopted them. Notably, both committees overlooked the importance of PRIs as units of self-governance.

GVK RAO COMMITTEE

In 1985, the GVK Rao Committee was established to reevaluate challenges hindering the efficiency of PRIs. It proposed empowering PRIs below the district level with roles in planning, overseeing, and executing rural development initiatives. The committee highlighted the significance of the block development office as a crucial entity for rural development coordination.

THE L.M. SINGHVI COMMITTEE

The L.M. Singhvi Committee, in 1986, continued the exploration of PRIs. It emphasized the Gram Sabha (village assembly) as the foundation of decentralized democracy and envisioned PRIs as self-governing bodies to foster public engagement in planning and development. The committee recommended constitutional recognition, protection, and preservation of local self-government through a new chapter in the Constitution. It expressed concern about irregular elections and deliberated on the role of political parties in Panchayat elections. It suggested that the non-involvement of parties should be a consensus rather than enforced legislatively. This stance has divided PRI advocates into two camps: those like Jayaprakash Narayan, who promotes partyless democracy, and those like Asoka Mehta, who endorse political party participation for empowering economically disadvantaged candidates through strong organizational support.

73 RD CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ACT, 1992

The 73rd Amendment Act, commonly known as the Panchayati Raj Act, was introduced with the primary objective of strengthening the Panchayati Raj institutions and democratizing the rural governance system. It laid the foundation for local self-government in rural India by recognizing Panchayats as constitutional bodies with defined powers and responsibilities. Key features of the 73rd Amendment Act include:

Constitutional Status:

The amendment provided constitutional recognition to Panchayats, placing them on the same level as the central and state governments. This elevated their importance and significance within the governance structure.

Three-Tier Structure:

The amendment introduced a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj institutions at the village, intermediate (block), and district levels. This structure aimed to bring decision-making closer to the people and cater to their specific needs. Devolution of Powers: The Act mandated the devolution of certain powers and functions to Panchayats, particularly in areas of local planning, economic development, social justice, and implementation of government schemes.

Reservation for Marginalized Sections:

To promote social inclusivity, the Act ensured the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women in Panchayat elections.

74 TH CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ACT, 1992

The 74th Amendment Act, also known as the Nagarpalika Act, mirrored the objectives of the 73rd Amendment Act but focused on urban governance. It sought to empower local bodies in urban areas by granting them constitutional status, authority, and financial autonomy. Key provisions of the 74th Amendment Act include:

Constitutional Recognition:

Similar to the 73rd Amendment Act, the 74th Amendment Act accorded constitutional recognition to urban local bodies, ensuring their place within the governance structure.

Mandatory Establishment:

The Act made it mandatory for every state to establish Municipalities and empower them to function as vibrant self-governing entities.

Functional Areas:

It delineated the functional areas of urban local bodies, encompassing urban planning, infrastructure development, public health, and social welfare.

Just as in rural Panchayats, the Act mandated the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women in urban local body elections.

FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT

The primary objective of local self-government bodies is to foster local economic development, promote social justice, and manage infrastructure projects. Their responsibilities span various sectors:

Infrastructure Development :

The local self-government assumes the responsibility of constructing and maintaining critical infrastructure, such as transport networks, roads, power lines, schools, and hospitals. By ensuring the availability of these facilities, the well-being of the community is significantly enhanced.

Community Asset Management:

The local self-government takes charge of the development and efficient management of communal amenities, thereby contributing to an improved quality of life for residents. These facilities include spaces for recreation, cultural events, and social gatherings.

Agricultural Progress:

With a focus on agricultural progress, the local self-government ensures the implementation of proper irrigation and water schemes, land improvement, and soil conservation. These measures contribute to the growth and sustainability of agricultural activities.

Betterment in Education and Health:

Recognizing the significance of education and health, the local self-government plays a pivotal role in promoting education and enhancing healthcare facilities. By raising awareness about health concerns, citizens’ access to crucial services is facilitated.

Industrial and Economic Development:

Encouraging the establishment of small-scale industries within villages is another key aspect of local self-government. By nurturing these industries, economic growth is stimulated at the grassroots level, contributing to self-sufficiency and prosperity.

Environmental Conversation:

Local self-government bodies engage in various initiatives aimed at environmental conservation. This includes active involvement in social forestry, practices of animal husbandry, dairy farming, and poultry cultivation. By promoting eco-friendly practices, they contribute to the preservation of the environment.

TENURE OF LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT

The tenure of local self-government bodies in India plays a crucial role in ensuring continuity, stability, and effective governance at the grassroots level. These bodies, whether in rural or urban areas, are elected for a fixed term, typically lasting five years. This tenure system serves as a cornerstone of democratic governance, allowing representatives to plan and execute long-term developmental strategies while ensuring accountability to the electorate.

The five-year term is designed to strike a balance between providing elected representatives with a reasonable period to implement their agendas and preventing the concentration of power. This periodic renewal encourages transparency, regular evaluation of performance, and the opportunity for citizens to express their satisfaction or concerns through periodic elections.

However, there are instances where a local self-government body’s tenure might be cut short due to various reasons. In cases of dissolution, where the local self-government is deemed ineffective or fails to fulfil its responsibilities, fresh elections are conducted within a stipulated period to ensure continuity of governance. This mechanism underscores the importance of maintaining a functioning local administration and minimizes potential governance gaps.

POWERS OF LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT

The powers granted to local self-government bodies in India are instrumental in enabling them to effectively serve their communities. While the distribution of powers can vary based on state regulations and the specific needs of the locality, certain overarching powers are typically vested in these bodies:

Administrative Powers:

Local self-government bodies have the authority to manage and administer local affairs, including public services, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs.

Financial Powers:

They possess the power to generate revenue through local taxes, fees, and other sources. This financial autonomy allows them to fund local development projects and initiatives.

Planning and Zoning:

Local self-government bodies are often responsible for urban and rural planning, including land-use regulations, zoning, and development control.

Education and Health:

They play a vital role in promoting education and healthcare within their jurisdiction, ensuring access to quality education and basic health services.

Public Services:

Local self-government bodies oversee the provision of essential services such as water supply, waste management, sanitation, and maintenance of public spaces.

Social Welfare:

They have the authority to implement government schemes related to social welfare, poverty alleviation, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.

Economic Development:

These bodies foster local economic development through initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, small-scale industries, and job creation.

Environment:

Local self-government bodies play a role in environmental conservation by implementing measures such as afforestation, waste reduction, and sustainable practices.

CHALLENGES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Local self-governance has indeed achieved significant milestones, but it’s not without its challenges. Bureaucratic resistance, limited resources, and political interference can create roadblocks to its effective implementation. The bureaucratic machinery, often entrenched in traditional practices, might resist the shift of power to local bodies. Additionally, insufficient resources can hamper the ambitious plans of these bodies. Political interference can disrupt the autonomy that local self-governance bodies require.

Despite these hurdles, the achievements of local self-governance are noteworthy. It has been a beacon of empowerment for marginalized communities, granting them a platform to voice their concerns and play a direct role in decision-making. Grassroots participation has witnessed an upswing, allowing citizens to actively engage in shaping their localities. The enhanced citizen engagement has promoted a sense of ownership and community development, fostering a stronger bond among residents.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

As India continues its journey of urbanization and growth, local self-government remains an indispensable tool. With cities becoming more complex and diverse, the role of these bodies is paramount in managing the intricate urban landscape. Local self-governance holds the key to promoting sustainable urban development, tailoring decisions to the unique needs of each community.

These bodies also serve as a catalyst for community-driven initiatives. As citizens become more aware and active, local self-governance can facilitate the execution of projects that directly impact the lives of residents. This approach fosters a sense of local identity, as communities take charge of their own development. To ensure the continual progress of local self-governance in India, a multi-pronged approach is necessary:

Funding Mechanisms:

States must establish robust funding mechanisms to ensure the financial viability of local self-government bodies. Empowering them with revenue-generating capabilities ensures their sustained functioning.

Capacity Building:

Design regular and systematic education programs for representatives. These programs can enhance their understanding of their roles and responsibilities, keeping them informed about the latest developments and best practices.

Empowerment:

Empowering Gram Sabhas, which represents the collective voice of communities, is pivotal. Instituting social auditing mechanisms can boost transparency and accountability. This will create an environment of trust and active participation.

The concept of local self-government in India has come a long way, from its ancient roots to the constitutional recognition it enjoys today. It reflects the nation’s commitment to democratic principles, inclusivity, and grassroots empowerment. Challenges, successes, and ongoing efforts have marked the journey to strengthen local governance systems. As India continues to evolve, the principles of local self-government remain a beacon of democratic governance, ensuring that it vests power in the hands of the people it serves. Local self-government bodies are vehicles of change, bridging the gap between citizens and authorities, and fostering inclusive and participatory governance across the country.

To read more articles “click here”

BIBLIOGRAPHY

https://unacademy.com/content/karnataka-psc/study-material/polity/local-self-government/

https://byjusexamprep.com/upsc-exam/local-self-government

https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-7960-evolution-of-local-self-government-in-india.html

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• Panchayati Raj

Panchayati Raj - 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act

A three-tier structure of the Indian administration for rural development is called Panchayati Raj. The aim of the Panchayati Raj is to develop local self-governments in districts, zones and villages.

Panchayati Raj UPSC Notes Download PDF Here

Panchayati Raj is an important topic and questions are often asked from this section for the IAS exam . This article will provide you with evolution, various committees set-up for Panchayati Raj, salient features of the 73 rd Constitutional Amendment Act, functions of Gram Panchayat, and other details regarding this topic for the polity and governance segment of the UPSC syllabus .

CSE exam aspirants must refer to the details discussed further below in this article, important from the examination perspective.

Introduction to Panchayati Raj

Rural development is one of the main objectives of Panchayati Raj and this has been established in all states of India except Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram, in all Union Territories except Delhi. and certain other areas. These areas include:

• The scheduled areas and the tribal areas in the states
• The hill area of Manipur for which a district council exists and
• Darjeeling district of West Bengal for which Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council exists

Evolution of Panchayati Raj

The Panchayati system in India is not purely a post-independence phenomenon. In fact, the dominant political institution in rural India has been the village panchayat for centuries. In ancient India, panchayats were usually elected councils with executive and judicial powers. Foreign domination, especially Mughal and British, and the natural and forced socio-economic changes had undermined the importance of the village panchayats. In the pre-independence period, however, the panchayats were instruments for the dominance of the upper castes over the rest of the village, which furthered the divide based on either the socio-economic status or the caste hierarchy.

The evolution of the Panchayati Raj System, however, got a fillip after the attainment of independence after the drafting of the Constitution. The Constitution of India in Article 40 enjoined: “The state shall take steps to organise village panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government”.

There were a number of committees appointed by the Government of India to study the implementation of self-government at the rural level and also recommend steps in achieving this goal.

The committees appointed are as follows:

• Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
• Ashok Mehta Committee
• G V K Rao Committee
• L M Singhvi Committee

Balwant Rai Mehta Committee & Panchayati Raj

The committee was appointed in 1957, to examine and suggest measures for better working of the Community Development Programme and the National Extension Service. The committee suggested the establishment of a democratic decentralised local government which came to be known as the Panchayati Raj.

Recommendations by the Committee:

• Three-tier Panchayati Raj system: Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad.
• Directly elected representatives to constitute the gram panchayat and indirectly elected representatives to constitute the Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad.
• Planning and development are the primary objectives of the Panchayati Raj system.
• Panchayat Samiti should be the executive body and Zila Parishad will act as the advisory and supervisory body.
• District Collector to be made the chairman of the Zila Parishad.
• It also requested for provisioning resources so as to help them discharge their duties and responsibilities.

The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee further revitalised the development of panchayats in the country, the report recommended that the Panchayati Raj institutions can play a substantial role in community development programmes throughout the country. The objective of the Panchayats thus was the democratic decentralisation through the effective participation of locals with the help of well-planned programmes. Even the then Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, defended the panchayat system by saying, “. . . authority and power must be given to the people in the villages …. Let us give power to the panchayats.”

Ashok Mehta Committee & Panchayati Raj

The committee was appointed in 1977 to suggest measures to revive and strengthen the declining Panchayati Raj system in India.

The key recommendations are:

• The three-tier system should be replaced with a two-tier system: Zila Parishad (district level) and the Mandal Panchayat (a group of villages).
• District level as the first level of supervision after the state level.
• Zila Parishad should be the executive body and responsible for planning at the district level.
• The institutions (Zila Parishad and the Mandal Panchayat) to have compulsory taxation powers to mobilise their own financial resources.

G V K Rao Committee & Panchayati Raj

The committee was appointed by the planning commission in 1985. It recognised that development was not seen at the grassroot level due to bureaucratisation resulting in Panchayat Raj institutions being addressed as ‘grass without roots’. Hence, it made some key recommendations which are as follows:

• Zila Parishad to be the most important body in the scheme of democratic decentralisation. Zila Parishad to be the principal body to manage the developmental programmes at the district level.
• The district and the lower levels of the Panchayati Raj system to be assigned with specific planning, implementation and monitoring of the rural developmental programmes.
• Post of District Development Commissioner to be created. He will be the chief executive officer of the Zila Parishad.
• Elections to the levels of Panchayati Raj systems should be held regularly.

L M Singhvi Committee & Panchayati Raj

The committee was appointed by the Government of India in 1986 with the main objective to recommend steps to revitalise the Panchayati Raj systems for democracy and development. The following recommendations were made by the committee:

• The committee recommended that the Panchayati Raj systems should be constitutionally recognised. It also recommended constitutional provisions to recognise free and fair elections for the Panchayati Raj systems.
• The committee recommended reorganisation of villages to make the gram panchayat more viable.
• It recommended that village panchayats should have more finances for their activities.
• Judicial tribunals to be set up in each state to adjudicate matters relating to the elections to the Panchayati Raj institutions and other matters relating to their functioning.

All these things further the argument that panchayats can be very effective in identifying and solving local problems, involve the people in the villages in the developmental activities, improve the communication between different levels at which politics operates, develop leadership skills and in short help the basic development in the states without making too many structural changes. Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh were the first to adopt Panchayati raj in 1959, other states followed them later.

Though there are variations among states, there are some features that are common. In most of the states, for example, a three-tier structure including panchayats at the village level, panchayat samitis at the block level and the zila parishads at the district level-has been institutionalized. Due to the sustained effort of the civil society organisations, intellectuals and progressive political leaders, the Parliament passed two amendments to the Constitution – the 73 rd Constitution Amendment for rural local bodies (panchayats) and the 74 th Constitution Amendment for urban local bodies (municipalities) making them ‘institutions of self-government’. Within a year all the states passed their own acts in conformity to the amended constitutional provisions.

Also read: Caste system and Panchayati Raj

73 rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992

Significance of the Act

• The Act added Part IX to the Constitution, “The Panchayats” and also added the Eleventh Schedule which consists of the 29 functional items of the panchayats.
• Part IX of the Constitution contains Article 243 to Article 243 O.
• The Amendment Act provides shape to Article 40 of the Constitution, ( directive principles of state policy ), which directs the state to organise the village panchayats and provide them powers and authority so that they can function as self-government.
• With the Act, Panchayati Raj systems come under the purview of the justiciable part of the Constitution and mandates states to adopt the system. Further, the election process in the Panchayati Raj institutions will be held independent of the state government’s will.
• The Act has two parts: compulsory and voluntary. Compulsory provisions must be added to state laws, which includes the creation of the new Panchayati Raj systems. Voluntary provisions, on the other hand, is the discretion of the state government.
• The Act is a very significant step in creating democratic institutions at the grassroots level in the country. The Act has transformed the representative democracy into participatory democracy.

Salient Features of the Act

• Gram Sabha: Gram Sabha is the primary body of the Panchayati Raj system. It is a village assembly consisting of all the registered voters within the area of the panchayat. It will exercise powers and perform such functions as determined by the state legislature. Candidates can refer to the functions of gram panchayat and gram panchayat work, on the government official website – https://grammanchitra.gov.in/.
• Three-tier system: The Act provides for the establishment of the three-tier system of Panchayati Raj in the states (village, intermediate and district level). States with a population of less than 20 lakhs may not constitute the intermediate level.
• Election of members and chairperson: The members to all the levels of the Panchayati Raj are elected directly and the chairpersons to the intermediate and the district level are elected indirectly from the elected members and at the village level the Chairperson is elected as determined by the state government.
• The Chairperson of a Panchayat and other members of a Panchayat, whether or not elected directly from territorial constituencies in the Panchayat area, have the right to vote in Panchayat meetings.
• For SC and ST: Reservation to be provided at all the three tiers in accordance with their population percentage.
• For women: Not less than one-third of the total number of seats to be reserved for women, further not less than one-third of the total number of offices for chairperson at all levels of the panchayat to be reserved for women.
• The state legislatures are also given the provision to decide on the reservation of seats in any level of panchayat or office of chairperson in favour of backward classes.
• before the expiry of its five-year duration.
• in case of dissolution, before the expiry of a period of six months from the date of its dissolution.
• Under any law for the time being in force for the purpose of elections to the legislature of the state concerned.
• Under any law made by the state legislature. However, no person shall be disqualified on the ground that he is less than 25 years of age if he has attained the age of 21 years.
• Further, all questions relating to disqualification shall be referred to an authority determined by the state legislatures.
• The commission is responsible for superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and conducting elections for the panchayat.
• The state legislature may make provisions with respect to all matters relating to elections to the panchayats.
• the preparation of plans for economic development and social justice.
• the implementation of schemes for economic development and social justice as may be entrusted to them, including those in relation to the 29 matters listed in the Eleventh Schedule.
• Authorize a panchayat to levy, collect and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls and fees.
• Assign to a panchayat taxes, duties, tolls and fees levied and collected by the state government.
• Provide for making grants-in-aid to the panchayats from the consolidated fund of the state.
• Provide for the constitution of funds for crediting all money of the panchayats.
• Finance Commission: The state finance commission reviews the financial position of the panchayats and provides recommendations for the necessary steps to be taken to supplement resources to the panchayat.
• Audit of Accounts: State legislature may make provisions for the maintenance and audit of panchayat accounts.
• Application to Union Territories: The President may direct the provisions of the Act to be applied on any union territory subject to exceptions and modifications he specifies.
• The hill area of Manipur for which a district council exists
• Darjeeling district of West Bengal for which Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council exists. However, Parliament can extend this part to these areas subject to the exception and modification it specifies. Thus, the PESA Act was enacted.
• Continuance of existing law: All the state laws relating to panchayats shall continue to be in force until the expiry of one year from the commencement of this Act. In other words, the states have to adopt the new Panchayati raj system based on this Act within the maximum period of one year from 24 April 1993, which was the date of the commencement of this Act. However, all the Panchayats existing immediately before the commencement of the Act shall continue till the expiry of their term, unless dissolved by the state legislature sooner.
• Bar to interference by courts: The Act bars the courts from interfering in the electoral matters of panchayats. It declares that the validity of any law relating to the delimitation of constituencies or the allotment of seats to such constituencies cannot be questioned in any court. It further lays down that no election to any panchayat is to be questioned except by an election petition presented to such authority and in such manner as provided by the state legislature.

PESA Act of 1996

The provisions of Part IX are not applicable to the Fifth Schedule areas. The Parliament can extend this Part to such areas with modifications and exceptions as it may specify. Under these provisions, Parliament enacted Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, popularly known as PESA Act or the extension act.

Objectives of the PESA Act:

• To extend the provisions of Part IX to the scheduled areas.
• To provide self-rule for the tribal population.
• To have village governance with participatory democracy.
• To evolve participatory governance consistent with the traditional practices.
• To preserve and safeguard traditions and customs of tribal population.
• To empower panchayats with powers conducive to tribal requirements.
• To prevent panchayats at a higher level from assuming powers and authority of panchayats at a lower level.

As a result of these constitutional steps taken by the union and state governments, India has moved towards what has been described as ‘multi-level federalism’, and more significantly, it has widened the democratic base of the Indian polity. Before the amendments, the Indian democratic structure through elected representatives was restricted to the two houses of Parliament, state assemblies and certain union territories. The system has brought governance and issue redressal to the grassroot levels in the country but there are other issues too. These issues, if addressed, will go a long way in creating an environment where some of the basic human rights are respected.

After the new generation of panchayats had started functioning, several issues have come to the fore, which have a bearing on human rights. The important factor which has contributed to the human rights situation vis-a-vis the panchayat system is the nature of Indian society, which of course determines the nature of the state. Indian society is known for its inequality, social hierarchy and the rich and poor divide. The social hierarchy is the result of the caste system, which is unique to India. Therefore, caste and class are the two factors, which deserve attention in this context.

Thus, the local governance system has challenged the age old practices of hierarchy in the rural areas of the country particularly those related to caste, religion and discrimination against women.

The Panchayati Raj system constitutes an integral part of the IAS prelims and UPSC mains syllabus . Aspirants preparing for the upcoming CSE must be aware of the administrative set in the country.

UPSC Questions related to Panchayati Raj

What is the importance of panchayati raj.

Panchayati Raj institutes village local government that plays a significant role in the development of villages especially in areas like primary education, health, agricultural developments, women and child development and women participation in local government, etc.

Which state in India has no Panchayati Raj institution?

All states of India have Panchayati Raj systems except Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram, in all Union Territories except Delhi; and certain other areas.

What are the features of Panchayati Raj?

• Gram Sabha: Gram Sabha is the primary body of the Panchayati Raj system. It is a village assembly consisting of all the registered voters within the area of the panchayat.
• Three Tier System: village, intermediate and district levels.
• Election of members and chairperson: The members to all the levels of the Panchayati Raj are elected directly and the chairpersons to the intermediate and the district levels are elected indirectly.

What are the 3 stages of Panchayati Raj?

The 3 stages or levels of the Panchayati Raj system in India are -Village Panchayat, Block Panchayat and District Panchayat.

Furthermore, candidates can also acquaint themselves with the information and preparation strategy of previous year UPSC toppers and accordingly chalk out a preparation plan to excel in the examination.

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The Structure of Local Government in India: An Introduction

This entry has been realised in the framework of the H2020-MSCA-RISE-2018 project "LoGov - Local Government and the Changing Urban-Rural Interplay". LoGov aims to provide solutions for local governments that address the fundamental challenges resulting from urbanisation. To address this complex issue, 18 partners from 17 countries and six continents share their expertise and knowledge in the realms of public law, political science, and public administration. LoGov identifies, evaluates, compares, and shares innovative practices that cope with the impact of changing urban-rural relations in five major local government areas: (1) local responsibilities and public services, (2) local financial arrangements, (3) structure of local government, (4) intergovernmental relations of local governments, and (5) people's participation in local decision-making. The present entry addresses the structure of local government in India. The entry forms part of the LoGov Report on India. ...

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Evolution of Local Self-government in India

Panchayati raj institutions in ancient india, the bengal chowkidar act of 1870, ripon resolution (1882), montagu-chelmsford reforms of 1919, government of india act (1935), panchayati raj in independent india, balwantrai mehta commission.

• The committee laid down five fundamental principles:
• There should be three tier structures of local self-government bodies from village to the district level and these bodies should be linked together.
• There should be genuine transfer of power and responsibility to these bodies to enable them to discharge their responsibility
• Adequate resources should be transferred to these bodies to enable them to discharge their responsibilities.
• All welfare and developmental schemes and programmes at all three levels should be channeled through these bodies, and
• The three tier system should facilitate further devolution and disposal of power and responsibility in future. The committee envisaged three tire system of panchayats known as Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samiti and Gram Panchayat and recommended encouragement of peoples' participation in community work, promotion of agriculture and animal husbandry, promoting the welfare of the weaker sections and women through the panchayats.[13]
• Political and bureaucratic resistance at the state level to sharing of power and resources with the local level institutions,
• the takeover of these institutions by the rural elite who cornered a major share of the benefits of the various welfare schemes,
• the lack of capability at the local level, and (iv) the absence of political will of the grassroots leaders.

K. Santhanam Committee

• The Panchayats should have special powers to levy special tax on land revenues, home tax, etc;
• all grants and subventions at the state level should be consolidated and untied; and
• A Panchayat Raj Finance Corporation should be set up which would look into the financial resources of PRIs at all three levels, provide loans and financial assistance to these grassroots level governments and also provide support for non-financial requirements of villages.

Ashok Mehta Committee (1977)

• Reservation of seats for the weaker sections
• Two seats for women
• Adequate financial resources for the panchayats
• Requirement of Constitutional sanctions
• To extend people's participation in developmental activities.[14]

GVK Rao Committee

L.m.singhvi committee, sarkaria commission, 73rd amendment act, 1992.

• Singh, Mahendra Pal, (2013) V.N. Shukla's Constitution of India, (Eastern Book Company
• Ghosh Buddhadeb, Mohanty Bidyut, (2011)Local Governance Search for New Path, Concept Publishing Company Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
• Basu, Durga Das, (2011) Constitutional Law of India, LwxisNexis Butterworths wawdhwa Nagpur.
• Bakshi, P.M, (2015) The Constitution of India, Universal Law Publishing.
• Singh Raj, Panchayat Raj Manual : A Socio-Historical Cum Legal Perspective, Anmol Publications, New Delhi, 1996.
• Ghosh Rathna, Pramanik Alok Kumar, Panchayat System in India. Historical, Constitutional and Financial Analysis, Kanishka Publication, New Delhi, 1999.
• Singh Raj, 1996.
• Mathew George, Panchayati Raj in India, an Overview. Status of Panchayati Raj in India, Concept Publishing Company, New Delhi, 2000.
• Altekar A.S., State and Government in Ancient India, Motilal Banarasi Das Publications, New Delhi, 1997.
• Ghosh Rathna, Pramanik Alok Kumar, 1999.
• George Mathew, 2000.
• Stephen F., Rajasekaran, An Empirical Study of Women in Local Self Governance in Karnataka, Search publications, Bangalore, 2001.
• Bharatada Samvidhana, English -Kannada version of Constitution of India, Published on behalf of the Government of India by the Director, Department of Printing, Stationary and Publication, Government of Karnataka, Bangalore, 2001, pp.19.
• Mishra Sweta, "Women and the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act, A Critical Appraisal" , in Raj Sabstin, Edward Mathias (eds), People's Power and Panchaya ti Raj: Theory and Practice, Indian Social Institute, New Delhi, 1998, pp.98.
• Singh Samsher Malik, The New Panchayati Raj, Rural Trafo rmation in the State of Haryana, Aalekh Publication, Jaipur, 2002.
• The Constitution (Seventy -Third Amendment) Act, 19 92, Government of India.

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Reform of local self-government in india.

Author: Sharma, Mahadeo Prasad

Keywords: India Local Government Politics and Government

Publisher: Hind Kitabs, Bombay

Source: National Library of India, Kolkata

Type: E-Book

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Importance of Local Self Government in India

The 73rd amendment of the Indian Constitution in 1992 introduced the current stage where Panchayati are depicted as foundations of Local-self government. As of now, there are around 250,000 Gram Panchayati, 6500 Panchayati Samitis, and 500 Zilla Parishad. Nearby Self-Government alludes to “the executives of neighborhood undertakings by the locals of the actual area or their delegates.” Neighborhood Self-Government is a “vote-based government”. 

Local Self Government

In political terms, it is worried about the administration of a particular neighborhood, political sub-division of a country, state, or other major political unit. The nearby government is a regulatory body for a little geographic region, like a city, town, district, or state. A neighborhood government will commonly just have command over their particular geological district, and can’t pass or implement regulations that will influence a more extensive region.

Neighborhood legislatures can choose authorities, establish burdens, and do numerous different things that a public government would do, simply on a more limited size. Neighborhood government is the arrangement of choosing delegates to be liable for the organization of public administrations and offices in a specific region.

Idea of Local Self Government

The idea of local self-government is explained below-

• Neighborhood government is an entryway step to the government to the nearby individuals.
• Neighborhood government is capable of the nearby individuals.
• The nearby government is dependable on the neighborhood individuals.
• Nearby government is popularity based and advances democratization.
• Nearby government is complex peculiarities.
• Neighborhood government is fundamentally an association as a social element with the sensation of unity.
• Neighborhood government is the arrangement of government.
• The point of nearby administration is to engage neighborhood individuals and it guarantees the resident
• The nearby government is an old establishment with present-day ideas.
• They are straightforwardly dependable towards the neighborhood individuals as well as the focal government.
• They are perceived as an independent body. The neighborhood government’s ability level is This interaction is the consequence of outer changes over which individual neighborhood governments have This interaction is the aftereffect of outside changes over which individual nearby governments had little impact: expanding monetary relationship; the course of globalization; changing advances or the fall of socialism.

As per the help conveyance approach, the neighborhood government

• Gives an open door to political investment.
• Assists with guaranteeing proficient help conveyance.
• Communicates a practice of resistance to an excessively incorporated government. A neighborhood government is a moderately independent, multi-reason foundation giving a scope of administrations, with an expense-raising limit, and is controlled through the appointment of delegates to administer crafted by all-day authorities.

Power in Contemporary Society of Local Government

The neighborhood government is a vital idea for the contemporary society for the reasonable advancement of the whole country due to the accompanying eccentricities of the neighborhood government

Has the nearby power

Management or administration of a specific territory is made by a body made out of people straightforwardly chosen by individuals in that area. This delegate body is liable for the organization of neighborhood undertakings around there.  

Nearby funds

In a request to offer types of assistance and carry out roles successfully, it is imperative that the neighborhood unit has its own funds. Since the administrations it gives to residents ought to be monetarily covered. These funds can be gotten from nearby expenses yet in addition to state sponsorships.

Nearby independence

This implies that the neighborhood government has the privilege to lay out and operate in the exercises and works that are perceived by regulation. It additionally incorporates the lawful right of neighborhood inhabitants to pick their delegates that will administer the region under the set regulations. It ought to be noticed that independence doesn’t mean sway over these bodies, as having a place and legitimately relying upon state structures.

Neighborhood Participation

The achievement or disappointment of the advancement plans of the domain relates to how much dynamic cooperation of the nearby individuals is there. Through this government looking for more prominent cooperation of individuals who are offered the chance to take part in the dynamic cycle. It’s a condition that, in the event that an objective is to be accomplished, the cooperation of general society ought to be fundamental.

Nearby Leadership

Usually, individuals who manage neighborhood legislatures, particularly in country regions, are portrayed with an absence of involvement, and impressive skill. Accordingly, they Bought to be given the administration the board abilities to create different projects started.

Nearby responsibility

This implies that neighborhood agents of individuals are chosen by them to meet a definitive objective which is to offer types of assistance in the best way conceivable. In the event that this isn’t accomplished, then the vote of individuals makes them not be re-chosen at the following political race.

Neighborhood advancement

This is a vital element, on the grounds that the essential objective is the improvement of nearby government inside the area which practices ward. The significance of this administration is essentially on the side of a vote-based system. As though a vote-based system is capability appropriate, then it is vital for the cooperation of numerous residents in the dynamic cycle. Progress accomplished based on these techniques is more strong and majority rule than that accomplished over the socialist extremist strategies.

Related Links

• Principles and Concept of Panchayati Raj
• Two and Three-Tier Panchayati Raj System
• Sources to Fund for Gram Panchayat

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. what are the 3 levels of the panchayati system.

It covers village level, cluster of villages and district level.

Q 2. Which states in India don’t have a Panchayati system?

Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya and in UTs Delhi.

Q 3. What is Article 40?

It refers to organization of village Panchayats. The states would endow such powers and authority which would be necessary for the units to function as self government.  

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China accelerates push for local tech, limits use of US chips, software in government systems

There appears to be some flexibility for government agencies and state-owned enterprises to continue using computers powered by foreign processors and servers, as indicated by two unnamed procurement officials cited in the report, as per the report.

In a move to bolster its domestic technology industry, China is reportedly limiting the use of US-made microprocessors and servers in government computers. According to a report by the Financial Times, new guidelines unveiled by the Chinese finance ministry and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology ( MIIT ) in December 2022 aim to replace chips made by American firms such as Intel Corp and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. with local alternatives, according to a report by The Hindustan Times.

Livemint could not independently verify this news development.

The report further suggests that software provided by companies like Microsoft Corp. will also be replaced as part of this initiative. However, there appears to be some flexibility for government agencies and state-owned enterprises to continue using computers powered by foreign processors and servers, as indicated by two unnamed procurement officials cited in the report, as per the report.

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China's push to phase out foreign technology from its most sensitive sectors has been an ongoing effort in recent years. In 2022, Beijing ordered central government agencies and state-backed corporations to replace foreign-branded personal computers with domestic alternatives within a two-year timeframe.

This latest development comes amid escalating tensions between China and the United States over technological dominance, particularly in the semiconductor industry. Bloomberg had previously reported that the US is considering blacklisting a number of Chinese semiconductor firms linked to Huawei Technologies Co., marking another potential escalation in Washington's campaign to curtail Beijing's ambitions in artificial intelligence and semiconductor development, the report added.

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As the global technology landscape becomes increasingly competitive and geopolitically charged, China's move to prioritize local alternatives in its government systems underscores its determination to reduce reliance on foreign technology and strengthen its domestic capabilities, as per the report.

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