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Class 11 Polity Chapter 8: Local Governments Notes

Local governments bring governance closer to the people through Panchayati Raj institutions and municipalities. This chapter examines the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, the structure of Gram Panchayats, Municipal Corporations, and their role in grassroots democracy.



Introduction: Why Do We Need Local Governments?

  • Local governments bring governance closer to the people and improve efficiency.
  • India is a large country, so centralized decision-making is not effective for local issues.
  • The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992) strengthened local governments.

Importance of Local Governments
  • Better governance at the grassroots level.
  • People’s participation in decision-making.
  • Efficient delivery of services (water, roads, sanitation).
  • Reduces the burden on the central and state governments.


Evolution of Local Governments in India


Pre-Independence Local Governance
  • Traditional Panchayats existed in villages for centuries.
  • The British introduced local bodies (Municipalities, District Boards) for tax collection.

Post-Independence Developments
  • 1957 Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommended the Three-Tier Panchayati Raj system.
  • 1989 P.K. Thungan Committee suggested constitutional status for local bodies.
  • 1992: 73rd and 74th Amendments gave local governments constitutional recognition.


73rd Amendment Act (1992) – Rural Local Government (Panchayati Raj System)


Structure of the Panchayati Raj System

The Panchayati Raj system has three levels:


Level Body Headed By Covers
Village Level Gram Panchayat Sarpanch A village or group of villages
Block Level Panchayat Samiti Chairman A block of villages
District Level Zila Parishad District Collector Entire district

Functions of Panchayati Raj Institutions
  • Gram Panchayat – Manages roads, sanitation, streetlights, and public health.
  • Panchayat Samiti – Coordinates between Gram Panchayats and Zila Parishads.
  • Zila Parishad – Plans and implements district-wide development programs.

Powers and Responsibilities of Panchayati Raj
  • Preparation of economic development plans.
  • Social justice and welfare (education, healthcare, water supply).
  • Implementation of rural development programs (MGNREGA, PM Awas Yojana).

Gram Sabha – The Core of Democracy
  • Gram Sabha is a meeting of all adults in the village.
  • It reviews the work of Gram Panchayats and approves local projects.


74th Amendment Act (1992) – Urban Local Government (Municipalities)


Structure of Urban Local Governments

The urban local government has three levels:


Level Body Covers Headed By
Big Cities Municipal Corporations Large cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai) Mayor
Medium Towns Municipal Councils Towns with a population of 1 lakh to 10 lakh Chairperson
Small Towns Nagar Panchayats Small towns with a population below 1 lakh President

Functions of Urban Local Governments
  • Water supply and sanitation.
  • Construction and maintenance of roads and public transport.
  • Regulation of land use and building approvals.
  • Waste management and pollution control.


Financial Resources of Local Governments

Sources of Revenue for Local Bodies
Source Examples
Taxes Property tax, water tax, toll tax, entertainment tax
Grants from State and Central Government Funds for development projects
Loans Taken from banks and financial institutions
Other Sources Fees for licenses, rent from municipal properties


Role of the State Election Commission

  • Each state has a State Election Commission (SEC) that conducts elections for local bodies.
  • Functions of the State Election Commission:
    • Conducts Panchayat and Municipal elections.
    • Ensures free and fair elections.
    • Resolves election-related disputes.


Women’s Participation in Local Governance

  • 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions under the 73rd Amendment.
  • Some states like Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh increased it to 50% reservation.


Challenges Faced by Local Governments

Challenge Explanation
Lack of Financial Resources Local bodies depend heavily on state and central grants.
Political Interference State governments often control local bodies.
Lack of Trained Officials Many local leaders lack administrative skills.
Corruption and Inefficiency Misuse of funds and lack of transparency.
Low Public Participation Many citizens do not engage in Gram Sabha meetings.


Conclusion

  • Local governments bring democracy to the grassroots level.
  • The 73rd and 74th Amendments strengthened Panchayati Raj and Municipalities.
  • Panchayati Raj Institutions handle rural governance, while Municipalities manage urban governance.
  • Gram Sabhas ensure direct participation of citizens in decision-making.
  • Local governments depend on taxation, grants, and loans for financial resources.
  • Challenges like financial dependence, corruption, and lack of trained officials must be addressed.


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