Class 11 political science chapter 8 local government notes

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 Local Self-Government

Introduction to Local Government

Local government refers to governance at the village and district levels, functioning as the closest form of government to the people. 

It plays a crucial role in handling the day-to-day issues of citizens by ensuring participatory and accountable democracy. The main advantages of local government include:

• Proximity to the people, allowing quick resolution of local problems.
• Democratic participation, enabling people to take part in decision-making.
• Efficient administration, as it is managed by those who understand local needs.

Examples of Effective Local Governance

• Geeta Rathore’s role as Sarpanch in Jamonia Talab brought significant change to her village.
• Vengaivasal village Gram Panchayat successfully retained its land rights due to the determined efforts of its leaders.

Significance of Local Government in Democracy

• Enhances participation: Common citizens can engage in decision-making related to their development.
• Ensures accountability: Local representatives are directly responsible to the people.
• Decentralization of power: Tasks that can be handled locally are delegated to local bodies, making governance more effective.
• Strengthens democracy: A well-functioning local government empowers people and builds grassroots democracy.

Growth of Local Government in India

Ancient Local Governance

• India has had self-governing village communities since ancient times, known as ‘sabhas’ (village assemblies).
• Over time, these developed into Panchayats (assemblies of five persons), which resolved local disputes and managed village affairs.

Colonial Period

• Lord Ripon (1882) introduced local boards, marking the beginning of modern local self-government in India.
• The Government of India Act, 1919 led to the establishment of village Panchayats in several provinces.
• The Government of India Act, 1935 further strengthened these local bodies.

Role of Mahatma Gandhi

• Mahatma Gandhi advocated decentralization of power, emphasizing strong village Panchayats as a foundation for self-governance.
• He believed that development initiatives should involve local communities to be successful.
• Panchayats were seen as instruments of participatory democracy and effective governance.

Local Government in Independent India

• The Constitution assigned local government to the States.
• It was included in the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) but was not legally enforceable.

Challenges in Constitutional Recognition

• The Partition of India created a strong unitary inclination, shifting focus away from local self-governance.
• Jawaharlal Nehru feared excessive localism might threaten national unity.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and others worried that caste and factionalism in rural areas could undermine democratic principles at the local level.
• Despite this, leaders recognized the importance of local participation in governance and development planning.

Local Governments in Independent India

The concept of local government in India was significantly strengthened by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts. However, efforts to develop local government structures existed even before these amendments.

Early Efforts in Local Governance

1. Community Development Programme (1952):

• Launched to encourage people's participation in local development activities.
• Led to the idea of a three-tier Panchayati Raj system for rural governance.

2. State-Level Initiatives (1960s):

• Some states like Gujarat and Maharashtra established elected local bodies.
• However, many states did not provide them with enough power, making them financially dependent on state and central governments.
• In some cases, elected local bodies were dissolved and governance was handed over to government officers.

3. P.K. Thungon Committee (1989):

• Recommended constitutional recognition for local government bodies.
• Suggested periodic elections and a defined list of functions and funds for local governments.

73rd and 74th Amendments

In 1989, the central government proposed two constitutional amendments to strengthen local governments and establish uniformity in their structure and functioning.

73rd Amendment (1992) – Panchayati Raj System

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment introduced a structured framework for rural local governments (Panchayati Raj Institutions or PRIs), which came into force in 1993.

Key Features of the 73rd Amendment

1. Three-Tier Structure
Gram Panchayat: Covers a single village or a group of villages.
Mandal/Taluka Panchayat: Intermediary level (not required in smaller states).
Zilla Panchayat: Governs the entire rural area of a district.
Gram Sabha: A body comprising all adult voters of a Panchayat area, responsible for community-level decision-making.

2. Elections

• All three levels are elected directly by the people.
• Panchayat term: Five years.
• If dissolved before term completion, fresh elections must be held within six months.

3. Reservation System

• One-third of seats in all Panchayati Raj institutions reserved for women.
• Seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their population.
• States may also reserve seats for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
• Chairpersons (Sarpanch, Adhyaksha) positions are also reserved.

4. Transfer of Subjects

• Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution lists 29 subjects to be transferred to Panchayati Raj institutions (e.g., health, education, agriculture, rural development).
• Actual transfer of powers depends on State legislation.

5. Panchayati Raj in Adivasi Areas

• 1996 Act extended Panchayat system to Adivasi-inhabited areas.
• Special provisions ensure traditional self-governance systems remain protected.
• Gram Sabhas in Adivasi areas have greater powers.

6. State Election Commission

• Each state must establish a State Election Commission to oversee local government elections.
• The State Election Commissioner functions autonomously, similar to the Election Commission of India.

7. State Finance Commission

• To be set up every five years to assess the financial needs of local governments.
• Reviews revenue distribution between the state and local bodies.
• Ensures political neutrality in fund allocation.

74th Amendment (1992) – Urban Local Governance

The 74th Constitutional Amendment established a framework for urban local bodies (Nagarpalika) and came into force in 1993.

Definition of Urban Areas

As per the Census of India, an urban area must meet the following criteria:

1. Minimum population of 5,000.
2. At least 75% of male workforce engaged in non-agricultural activities.
3. Population density of at least 400 persons per sq. km.

• As per the 2011 Census, 31% of India's population lived in urban areas.

Key Features of the 74th Amendment

Similar to the 73rd Amendment, but for urban local governance.
Urban local bodies include:

• Nagar Panchayat (for transitional areas between rural and urban).
• Municipal Council (for smaller towns).
• Municipal Corporation (for larger cities).

Direct Elections: Like Panchayati Raj institutions, urban local bodies also have direct elections.
Reservations:

• One-third of seats reserved for women.
• Reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs in proportion to their population.

State Election Commission & Finance Commission:

Same provisions as the 73rd amendment.

Transfer of Functions:

• Twelfth Schedule of the Constitution lists 18 subjects to be transferred to urban local bodies (e.g., urban planning, slum development, water supply, sanitation).

The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, enacted in 1992, were landmark reforms in India's governance system, aimed at decentralizing power by strengthening local self-government in rural and urban areas, respectively. Their implementation over the decade (1994-2004) has brought significant changes, yet challenges remain.

Key Achievements of the 73rd and 74th Amendments

1. Expansion of Local Bodies

• Over 600 Zilla Panchayats, 6,000 Block Panchayats, and 2,40,000 Gram Panchayats in rural India.
• Over 100 City Corporations, 1,400 Town Municipalities, and 2,000 Nagar Panchayats in urban India.
• More than 32 lakh representatives elected every five years, including 13 lakh women.
• The presence of local bodies has made governance more representative and participatory.

2. Uniformity in Panchayati Raj and Urban Governance

• The amendments have standardized the structure and functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and urban local bodies across all states.
• Regular elections have been held in most states, ensuring democratic participation.

3. Empowerment of Women and Marginalized Groups

• Reservation of seats for women (33%) has led to 80,000 women Sarpanchas, 200 women Adhyakshas of Zilla Panchayats, 2,000 women Block Panchayat Presidents, and over 30 women Mayors.
• Women representatives have gained confidence, influenced governance, and introduced sensitivity in decision-making.
• Reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Backward Castes (OBCs) has changed the social profile of local bodies.
• Around 6.6 lakh elected members belong to SCs and STs, promoting social justice and inclusion.

Challenges in Implementation

1. Limited Autonomy and Power

• Though 29 subjects have been assigned to local governments, many states have not transferred powers effectively.
• Decision-making remains centralized, reducing local governance to a symbolic exercise.

2. Financial Dependence on State and Central Governments

• Local bodies raise only 0.24% of total government revenues, but their expenditure is 4% of the total government spending.
• Due to limited financial resources, local bodies rely heavily on state and central grants, which restricts their operational independence.

3. Social and Political Tensions

• The entry of marginalized communities into local governance has led to resistance from dominant groups, creating power struggles.
• However, such tensions indicate the growing democratization of power.

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