Local Governments — Class 11 Political Science

This chapter studies local government — government at the village and district level, closest to ordinary citizens. Local government rests on the belief that local knowledge and local interest make for democratic, efficient and people-friendly administration, and that it strengthens both participation and accountability. It traces the growth of local government from self-governing village sabhas and panchayats, through Lord Rippon's local boards (after 1882) and the Government of India Acts, to Mahatma Gandhi's vision of village republics. After independence local government was a State subject in the Directive Principles; the Community Development Programme (1952) and a three-tier Panchayati Raj were recommended, but local bodies often lacked powers, funds and regular elections. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992, in force 1993) transformed this. The 73rd Amendment created a uniform three-tier structure (Gram Panchayat, intermediary/Block, Zilla Panchayat), a mandatory Gram Sabha, direct elections every five years, reservation of one-third seats for women and seats for SCs/STs, transfer of 29 subjects in the Eleventh Schedule, a State Election Commissioner and a State Finance Commission. The 74th Amendment applied similar provisions to urban local bodies (Nagarpalikas), with 12 subjects in the Twelfth Schedule. The chapter assesses implementation, noting greater representation of women and weaker sections but limited transfer of powers and funds.