Local Self-government: Rural and Urban Administration Chapter Notes | Footprints Class 6: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Introduction to Local Self-Government

• The government in India operates at three levels: central, state, and local. The local self-government is crucial for local people as it allows them to identify and solve their problems more effectively. 
• Functioning at the grassroots level, this form of government addresses local issues and provides basic amenities to villages, towns, and cities.
• Local self-government operates in both rural and urban areas. In rural areas, it works under the Panchayati Raj system, which has three tiers: Zila Parishad, Block or Panchayat Samiti, and Gram Panchayat. In urban areas, the main local self-governing bodies are Municipal Corporations, Municipalities or Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats. 
• This decentralized approach ensures that local needs are met efficiently and effectively.

Need and Importance of Local Self-government

Local self-government is essential for several reasons:

1. Local Problem-Solving: Local people understand their issues best and can address them more effectively by participating in local governance.
2. Cooperation and Participation: Involving local people in governance fosters a spirit of cooperation and includes them in the decision-making process.
3. Training and Experience: Local self-government offers elected representatives the chance to gain valuable training and experience in administration.
4. Reduces Central Burden: It reduces the workload of the central and state governments by acting as a bridge between the people and the central government.

This system ensures that governance is more responsive to the specific needs of local communities.

Panchayati Raj System (Rural Level)

The current Panchayati Raj system is a three-tier structure in rural administration, with the Gram Panchayat as its basic unit. 

Local self-governing bodies operate at three levels:

1. Gram Panchayat (Village Level): The lowest tier, handling local issues directly within the village.
2. Panchayat Samiti or Block Samiti (Block Level): The middle tier, addressing issues that affect multiple villages within a block.
3. Zila Parishad (District Level): The highest tier, managing problems and needs across the entire district.

These three institutions collaboratively address local needs and resolve rural problems. Historically, a panchayat was a committee of five respected and elected elders, known as panchas, who managed village affairs and resolved disputes impartially.

The Panchayati Raj system provides villagers with their first experience of democracy, fostering a sense of community development, initiative, self-reliance, and participation. This system encourages villagers to actively engage in their governance, promoting grassroots democracy and local development.

Organisation of a Gram Panchayat

In larger villages, there are two key bodies: the Gram Sabha and the Gram Panchayat.

Gram Sabha:

1. The Gram Sabha is the village assembly, consisting of all adult men and women aged 18 and above.
2. It prepares the village budget, audits the Panchayat's accounts, reviews the Gram Panchayat's annual report, and plans development activities for the upcoming year.
3. The Gram Sabha oversees and regulates the functioning of the Gram Panchayat.

Gram Panchayat:

1. Members of the Gram Panchayat are elected by the Gram Sabha.
2. Seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), with one-third of the total seats reserved for women.
3. The head of the Gram Panchayat is called the Pradhan or Sarpanch. In the absence of the Sarpanch, the Up-pradhan assumes the responsibilities.

This structure ensures local governance and community participation in decision-making and development activities.

Nyaya Panchayat

According to a press release by the Government of India on August 26, 2011, the government proposed establishing Nyaya Panchayats in every Gram Panchayat or cluster of Gram Panchayats. These Nyaya Panchayats aim to provide fair and speedy justice for both civil and criminal matters directly to citizens, outside the formal judicial system.

Key Features of Nyaya Panchayats:

• Establishment: Nyaya Panchayats are to be established in each Gram Panchayat or cluster of Gram Panchayats.
• Election of Nyaya Panchas: Members (Nyaya Panchas) are elected by the residents of the area within the Nyaya Panchayat's jurisdiction.
• Representation: There are provisions for reserving seats for women, Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to ensure their representation.
• Jurisdiction: The Draft Bill defines the civil, criminal, and additional jurisdictions of the Nyaya Panchayats.
• Dispute Resolution: Conciliation is proposed as the primary method for resolving disputes.
• Nyaya Sahayaks: Nyaya Sahayaks are proposed to assist the Nyaya Panchayats in dispute resolution.
• Independence: Nyaya Panchayats are intended to be separate and independent from the Gram Panchayats.

The Draft Bill was circulated to the Ministry of Law & Justice, several other ministries, departments, and all states and union territories. Modifications were made to the Draft Bill based on the comments received.

Panchayat Samitis at the Intermediate Level

Panchayat Samitis at the Intermediate Level are formed to address issues that cannot be managed by individual Gram Panchayats alone. These are blocks composed of several villages, each governed by a body known as the Panchayat Samiti. The Panchayat Samiti oversees the needs of multiple villages within the block.

Composition:

• The Sarpanches of all Gram Panchayats in the block.
• Members of Parliament and Legislative Assembly representing the block.
• Reserved seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
• One-third of the total seats reserved for women.
• The chairperson and vice-chairperson are elected by the members of the Panchayat Samiti.
• The Block Development Officer (BDO) is responsible for implementing the plans of the Panchayat Samiti.

Zila Parishads at the District Level:

The Zila Parishad is the top tier in the Panchayati Raj System and operates at the district level. It typically serves a term of five years and is an elected body. The people of the district elect the members of the Zila Parishad. The president and vice-president, elected by the members, are the top office-bearers.

Composition:

• Chairpersons of the Panchayat Samitis.
• Members of Parliament and State Legislatures.
• Representatives of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women.

The Zila Parishad coordinates the activities of the Panchayat Samitis and Gram Panchayats, ensuring effective governance and development at the district level.

Functions of Panchayati Raj Institutions

The Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India fulfill several essential functions for the development and governance of rural areas. Some key responsibilities include:

• Construction and repair of village roads: Ensuring good connectivity and infrastructure.
• Construction and repair of village tanks and wells: Providing essential water resources for agriculture and daily use.
• Provision of clean drinking water: Ensuring safe and potable water for the community.
• Provision of lighting on roads: Enhancing safety and accessibility during nighttime.
• Sanitation and public health: Maintaining cleanliness and health standards in the village.
• Management of hospitals: Overseeing healthcare facilities to ensure proper medical services.
• Management of fairs and markets: Organizing and regulating local economic activities.
• Organization of recreation and entertainment programs: Promoting community bonding and cultural activities.

Women and Panchayat

• Since the 1990s, women's representation in Gram Panchayats has increased significantly. 
• In 1993, a policy was introduced to reserve 33 percent of seats for women in Panchayati Raj institutions. 
• This move has led to the empowerment of many women in villages, with numerous villages having a woman as the sarpanch (village head). 

Urban Administration

Urban administration in India is managed by urban local bodies, which are formed based on the size and population of a town or city. The 74th Amendment Act of the Constitution of India outlines three types of urban local self-governing bodies:

1. Municipal Corporation (Nagar Nigam): This is the highest urban local body and is established for large cities with a significant population. Municipal Corporations manage the affairs of major cities and are responsible for providing essential services and infrastructure.

2. Municipal Council/Municipality (Nagar Palika): Municipal Councils or Municipalities are formed for towns and smaller urban areas. They handle urban governance and provide services such as water supply, sanitation, roads, and public health.

3. City Council (Nagar Panchayat): Nagar Panchayats are established for small urban areas or emerging towns. They focus on basic urban administration and development activities, catering to the needs of smaller communities.

Municipal Corporation

(i) Composition:

• Elected members known as Councillors represent different wards within the city.
• Additionally, there are nominated members, termed aldermen, selected from respected citizens.
• The head of the Municipal Corporation is the Mayor or Mahapaur, and a Municipal Commissioner, appointed by the state government, serves as the Chief Executive Officer.

(ii) History:

• The roots of municipal governance in India can be traced back to the establishment of the Madras Municipal Corporation in 1688, followed by the Calcutta and Bombay Municipal Corporations in 1726 and 1865, respectively.

(iii) Functions:

• Municipal Corporations are responsible for a range of essential services, including garbage collection and disposal, maintenance of the drainage system, and the establishment of healthcare facilities such as hospitals and dispensaries.
• They also oversee tasks such as birth and death registration, maintenance of public amenities like parks and lighting, and infrastructure development including roads, bridges, and fire services.
• Additionally, Municipal Corporations regulate various aspects of urban life, such as licensing for markets, malls, restaurants, and housing complexes.

(iv) Other Functions:

• Beyond these core responsibilities, Municipal Corporations often engage in activities like managing parking lots, recreation centers, and urban forestry programs.
• Coordination of specialized committees, such as those focused on education and public health, is also a part of their duties.

(v) Sources of Income: 

Municipalities or Municipal Councils:

(i) Composition:

• Municipal Councils consist of members who elect a Chairman from among themselves.
• These councils often establish various committees to oversee specific aspects of municipal administration, such as education and public health.

(ii) Functions: 

City Councils (Nagar Panchayats):

• City Councils, also known as Nagar Panchayats, are formed to govern areas undergoing a transition from rural to urban settings.
• They address unique developmental needs arising during this period of transformation.
  
  

Water Supply and Urban Local Bodies

(i) Importance of Water Supply:

• Water is a fundamental necessity for both rural and urban populations.
• While rural areas rely on sources like rivers, tube wells, ponds, and wells, urban areas require a well-maintained water supply system to ensure access to clean and potable water.

(ii) Responsibility of Urban Local Bodies:

• Municipal bodies in urban areas are primarily responsible for establishing and maintaining proper water supply systems.
• This includes the construction and maintenance of water filtration plants and the installation of extensive pipeline networks throughout the city or town.

Citizens' Grievances

• Citizens have various avenues to express their grievances or dissatisfaction with the government and local civic bodies.
• In addition to organizing dharnas (protests), citizens can file cases in specialized courts such as the Lok Adalat or approach consumer courts to seek redressal.

Utilizing Rights:

• Citizens can exercise their Right to Information (RTI) to obtain information from public authorities regarding various issues.
• They also have the option to sign petitions addressed to the Municipal Councillor or write letters to newspapers to voice their concerns and ensure their grievances are heard.