Notes: Local Government | Social Studies & Pedagogy Paper 2 for CTET & TET Exams - CTET & State TET PDF Download

Local government serves as the administrative body for small geographic areas such as cities, towns, districts, or states, with organizational structures varying across states and deriving authority from the respective state governments.

• In India, rural administration is structured around the Panchayati Raj, while urban administration forms the framework for local government within the provisions of the Constitution.
• After the 73rd and 74th Constitution Amendment Acts in 1992, rural and urban local governments gained momentum, respectively.
• The 73rd Amendment focuses on rural local government, also known as Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs), while the 74th Amendment addresses urban local governments, including municipalities.
• Both amendments came into effect in 1993.

Need and Importance of Local Government

The significance of local government lies in:

• Decentralizing power, crucial for the success of democracy, enabling people to exercise their democratic rights.
• Allowing local self-government to address local problems effectively due to their proximity to the issues.
• Reducing the burden on central and state governments while promoting democracy.
• Encouraging active participation of local citizens in governmental activities for social welfare without bias.

Panchayati Raj System

The Panchayati Raj system has historical roots in India and underwent formalization in modern times:

• References to Panchayats can be found in ancient texts like Manusmriti, Arthasastra, and the Mahabharata, and it continued through various ruling periods.
• During British rule, local self-government initiatives faced challenges, but the concept gained traction in the late 19th century.
• Under Lord Ripon's tenure as Viceroy, significant steps were taken toward developing local governance, including the establishment of local bodies.
• The Community Development Programme initiated by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1952 aimed at rural reconstruction but lacked village-level representation.
• The Balwant Rai Mehta committee in 1957 recommended a three-tier structure of local government, leading to the formalization of the Panchayati Raj System in 1992 through the 73rd Amendment Act.

Levels of Panchayats

The Panchayati Raj System in India consists of three levels:

1. Gram Panchayat and Its Organization:

The Gram Panchayat is formed by electing a committee from the members of the Gram Sabha. A Sarpanch, elected by all members of the Gram Sabha, serves as the Panchayat President. The Gram Sabha comprises all village residents above 18 years old, with each member having voting rights.

Gram Panchayat

The Gram Panchayat, elected for five years, is accountable to the Gram Sabha, which elects its members. It includes a secretary appointed by the government, responsible for convening and recording the proceedings of Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat meetings.

Functions of Gram Panchayat:

• Construction and maintenance of water sources, roads, drainage, and school buildings.
• Levying and collecting local taxes.
• Implementing government schemes for employment generation.

Sources of Funds for Gram Panchayat:

• Taxes on houses, marketplaces, etc.
• Government scheme funds through various departments.
• Donations for community works.

2. Janpad Panchayat or Panchayat Samiti

The Janpad Panchayat or Panchayat Samiti, also known as the second tier of the Panchayati Raj system, oversees multiple Gram Panchayats. Its members, not elected directly, are chosen by existing members.

Functions of Panchayat Samiti:

• Community development.
• Delegated functions and supervision.

Sources of Funds for Panchayat Samiti:

• Cess on land, water trade, tolls, leases of roads, etc.

3. Zila Parishad

Zila Parishad, also known as District Council, is the highest Panchayati Raj institution in India, coordinating Block Samitis' activities within the district. It elects a Chairman and Vice-Chairman, with the Chairman presiding over all meetings.

Functions of Zila Parishad:

• Civic activities and welfare.
• Coordination with Panchayat Samitis at the block level.
• Developmental planning at the district level.
• Regulating fund distribution among Gram Panchayats.

Reservation of Seats

Under the Constitution of India, certain classes are provided with reservations in Panchayats:

1. SCs and STs:

   Reserved seats in proportion to their population in the Panchayat area, along with reservation of chairperson offices.

2. Women:

   At least 1/3rd of seats, including those reserved for SC and ST women. Proposed enhancement to 50% by the 110th Constitution Amendment Bill, 2009.

3. Chairpersons:

   Reserved by rotation for women, SCs, and STs.

4. Backward Classes:

   State Legislatures can provide reservations in favor of backward classes for seats or chairperson offices.

Duration of Panchayati Raj

Qualification of Panchayati Raj

The qualifications required for being chosen as a member of the Panchayati Raj are similar to those for the State Legislature, with the minimum age for contesting elections being 21 years (25 years for State Legislature).

Patwari

The Patwari plays a crucial role in measuring land and maintaining land records:

• Known by various names like Lekhpal, Kanungo, or village officer in different states.
• Responsible for a group of villages, maintaining and updating village records.
• Organizes the collection of land revenue and provides information to the government about crops grown in the area.

74th Amendment Act

The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 constitutionalized the system of Urban Administration:

• Inserted a new Part IX A into the Constitution, dealing with the administration of Municipalities and Nagar Palikas.
• Includes Articles 243P to 243ZG and added a new 12th Schedule to the Constitution, consisting of 18 subjects.