Chapter – 8

Local Governments

In this post we have given the detailed notes of Class 11 Political Science Book 8 Chapter 8 (Local Governments) in English. These notes are useful for the students who are going to appear in Class 11 board exams.

Chapter 8: Local Governments

Introduction

• In a democracy, having elected governments at the central and state levels is not enough.  
• Local governments are necessary to address local issues effectively.  
• This chapter explores the structure, importance, and ways to empower local governments in India.  

Why Local Governments?

• Proximity and Local Knowledge:
  • Local governments bring governance closer to the people, dealing with everyday issues and involving local knowledge for decision-making.  
  • They provide efficient and accessible administration, making it easier for people to approach them for solutions.  
• Protecting Local Interests:
  • Local governments effectively protect local interests, as demonstrated by the stories of Geeta Rathore and the Vengaivasal village Gram Panchayat.  
• Participation and Accountability:
  • They ensure active participation and accountability, strengthening the democratic process.  
  • Common citizens can be involved in decision-making concerning their lives, needs, and development.  
• Strengthening Democracy:
  • Strengthening local government is akin to strengthening democratic processes.  
  • People are more familiar with and concerned about local government actions as they directly impact their daily lives.  

Growth of Local Government in India

• Historical Context:
  • Self-governing village communities have existed in India since ancient times in the form of ‘Sabhas’ and ‘Panchayats’.  
• Modern Developments:
  • Modern elected local government bodies were introduced in 1882 by Lord Rippon, called local boards.  
  • The Indian National Congress pushed for more effective local bodies, leading to the establishment of village panchayats after the Government of India Acts of 1919 and 1935.  
• Mahatma Gandhi’s Vision:
  • Mahatma Gandhi advocated for decentralization and strengthening village panchayats during India’s freedom movement.  
  • He believed that all development initiatives must have local involvement to be successful.  

Local Governments in Independent India

• Constitutional Provisions:
  • The Constitution initially assigned the subject of local government to the States and included it in the Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 40).  
  • This provision was non-justiciable and advisory in nature.  
• Challenges and Concerns:
  • The subject didn’t receive adequate importance due to turmoil during Partition, concerns about factionalism in rural society, and a strong unitary inclination.  
  • Despite this, the importance of people’s participation in development planning was recognized.  

Post-Independence Developments

• Community Development Programme:
  • The Community Development Programme in 1952 promoted people’s participation in local development.  
  • A three-tier Panchayati Raj system was recommended for rural areas.  
• Early Efforts and Challenges:
  • Some states adopted elected local bodies, but many did not have enough power or were dissolved.  
• Review and Recommendations:
  • A review of local government institutions began in 1987, with the P.K. Thungon Committee recommending constitutional recognition in 1989.  

73rd and 74th Amendments

• Constitutional Amendments:
  • In 1989, the central government introduced two constitutional amendments to strengthen local governments and ensure uniformity.  
• Rural and Urban Local Governments:
  • The 73rd Amendment deals with rural local governments (Panchayati Raj Institutions), while the 74th Amendment addresses urban local governments (Nagarpalikas).  
• State Conformity:
  • These amendments came into force in 1993, requiring states to modify their laws accordingly. 

73rd Amendment: Panchayati Raj Institutions

• Three-Tier Structure:
  • Introduced a uniform three-tier Panchayati Raj structure:
    • Gram Panchayat (village level)  
    • Mandal/Taluka Panchayat (intermediary level)  
    • Zilla Panchayat (district level)  
• Gram Sabha:
  • Mandated the creation of Gram Sabha, comprising all adult members registered as voters in the Panchayat area.  
• Elections:
  • Ensured direct elections for all three levels, with a five-year term and fresh elections within six months of dissolution.  
• Reservations:
  • Reserved one-third of the positions for women and provided reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in proportion to their population.  
  • Reservations also apply to the positions of Chairpersons or ‘Adhyakshas’ at all three levels.  
• Transfer of Subjects:
  • Identified 29 subjects in the Eleventh Schedule to be transferred to Panchayati Raj institutions, primarily related to development and welfare functions.  
• State Election Commission:
  • Required the appointment of a State Election Commissioner to oversee elections of local governments.  
• State Finance Commission:
  • Required the appointment of a State Finance Commission to examine the financial position of local governments and revenue distribution.  

74th Amendment: Urban Local Bodies (Nagarpalikas)

• Extension of Provisions:
  • Applied the provisions of the 73rd Amendment to urban areas, including direct elections, reservations, transfer of subjects, State Election Commission, and State Finance Commission.  
• Transfer of Functions:
  • Mandated the transfer of functions from the State government to urban local bodies, as listed in the Twelfth Schedule.  

Implementation and Impact

• Legislation and Elections:
  • All states have passed legislation to implement the amendments, with most holding at least two rounds of elections to local bodies.  
• Uniformity and Participation:
  • The amendments have created uniformity in the structure of Panchayati Raj and Nagarpalika institutions, promoting people’s participation in government.  
• Women’s Representation:
  • Reservations for women have ensured their significant presence in local bodies, including leadership positions.  
• Challenges and Limitations:
  • Limited autonomy and financial dependence on the State and central governments have hindered the effectiveness of local governments.  

Conclusion

• Decentralization and Empowerment:
  • True decentralization requires giving local governments more power to decide on policies and programs.  
• Implementation as the Key:
  • While the laws on local governments are a step towards democratization, their effectiveness depends on their implementation in practice.         

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