Introduction:
Lord Ripon, also known as George Robinson, is known as the father of local self-government in India. He served as the Viceroy of India from 1880 to 1884. During his tenure, Lord Ripon introduced several reforms, including the implementation of local self-government.

Key Reforms:
Under Lord Ripon's administration, various significant reforms were introduced, which laid the foundation for local self-government in India. These reforms aimed to decentralize power and grant more autonomy to local bodies. The key reforms introduced by Lord Ripon are as follows:

1. Local Self-Government:
Lord Ripon introduced the concept of local self-government in India through the enactment of the Local Self-Government Act of 1882, also known as the Ripon Act. This act provided for the establishment of local bodies at the district, municipal, and village levels. The act aimed to transfer administrative and financial powers to these local bodies, allowing them to govern and make decisions independently.

2. District Boards:
The Local Self-Government Act of 1882 established District Boards, which were representative bodies responsible for the administration of rural areas. These boards consisted of elected and nominated members, with elected members forming the majority. District Boards had various functions, including public health, sanitation, education, and infrastructure development.

3. Municipal Corporations:
Lord Ripon's reforms also focused on urban areas, and the Local Self-Government Act of 1882 provided for the establishment of municipal corporations in major cities. These corporations were responsible for the governance and administration of urban areas, including infrastructure development, public health, sanitation, and education. Municipal corporations were also given the power to impose and collect taxes for revenue generation.

4. Ward Committees:
To ensure greater representation and participation of the local population, Lord Ripon introduced the concept of ward committees. Ward committees consisted of elected members from different wards within a district or municipality. These committees played a crucial role in decision-making and addressing local issues at the grassroots level.

Impact:
Lord Ripon's reforms had a significant impact on the Indian society and governance system. The introduction of local self-government provided opportunities for local participation, representation, and decision-making. It empowered the local communities and allowed them to take charge of their own development. These reforms also paved the way for the growth of democratic institutions and created a sense of responsibility among the citizens.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Lord Ripon is rightly known as the father of local self-government in India due to his instrumental role in introducing and implementing significant reforms. His reforms laid the foundation for a decentralized and democratic governance system, giving power and autonomy to the local bodies. Lord Ripon's contributions have had a lasting impact on the Indian governance structure and continue to influence local administration to this day.