NCERT Summary: Local Governments | Indian Polity for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Local Governments: Decentralized Democracy

Why is local government so important for democratic decision-making and community development?

• Local Knowledge Required: Local knowledge and local interest are essential ingredients for democratic decision-making.
• Role of Local Governments: They are essential for efficient and people-friendly administration.
• Efficient Administration Under Local Government : It is convenient for the people to approach them to solve their problems both quickly and with minimum cost.
• Protecting the Local Interests: They can be very effective in protecting the local interests of the people.
• Purposeful Accountability: Strong and vibrant entities ensure both active participation and purposeful accountability.
• Citizen Involvement: Common citizens can be involved in decision-making concerning their lives, their needs, and above all, their development.

Nehru, Ambedkar, and Gandhi on Local Government

• Nehru: He looked upon extreme localism as a threat to the unity and integration of the nation.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: He felt that the faction and caste-ridden nature of rural society would defeat the noble purpose of local government at the rural level.
• Gandhi: He believed that Indian independence should begin at the village level. 
• He envisioned self-sustaining villages managing their own affairs. 
• This decentralized structure would create a strong nation, resembling a pyramid with villages as its base.

What were the historical foundations of Local Governments in India before and after Independence?

Pre-Independence Local Governments in India:

• Village Communities: Self-governing village communities existed in India from the earliest times in the form of ‘Sabhas’ (village assemblies).
• Village Issue Resolution: In the course of time, these village bodies took the shape of Panchayats (an assembly of five persons), and these Panchayats resolved issues at the village level. 
• Elected Local Government: These government bodies (the local boards) were created after 1882. 
• Lord Rippon’s Initiative: Lord Rippon, who was the Viceroy of India at that time, took the initiative in creating these bodies.
• Government of India Act 1919: By the Government of India Act 1919, village panchayats were established in a number of provinces. 
• This trend continued after the Government of India Act of 1935.

After Independence: Evolution of Indian Local Governments

• Community Development Programme (1952): The programme sought to promote people’s participation in local development in a range of activities. 
• Three-tier System: In this background, a three-tier Panchayati Raj System was recommended for the rural areas.
• P.K.Thungon Committee (1989):  The committee recommended constitutional recognition for the local bodies.
• 73rd and 74th Constitution Amendment Acts 1992: Local governments got a fillip after these two amendment Acts, as they provided for periodic elections to local government institutions, and enlistment of appropriate functions to them, along with funds.

Conclusion

• The Panchayati Raj system was introduced in 1993 through constitutional amendments, empowering rural and urban local bodies. 
• This move aimed to decentralize power, enhance community participation, and address local issues effectively.
• Today, local government in India plays a crucial role in delivering essential services and promoting grassroots democracy.