Local Self Governance

Published on 08 Jan 2025

LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT

Local self-government involves the management of local affairs by local bodies who are elected by the local people. Though local governance was in practice long back in India, the institution got a major push after the constitutionalization of the body with the 73rd and 74th amendments.

The 73rd Amendment, 1992 added Part 9, Articles 243 to 243 O and Schedule 11 to the constitution thus entrusting Panchayat with the task of rural development. Similarly, 74th amendment added Part 9-A, Articles 243 P to 243 ZG and 12th schedule to the constitution.

Salient features of the 73rd and 74th amendment

The articles which were introduced with the 73rd and 74th amendment had certain compulsory provisions and certain voluntary provisions.

Compulsory provisions 

• Gram Sabha: The formation of Gram Sabha comprising the voters of the Panchayat. 

• Structure: A three-tier Panchayat structure at the Zila, Block and Village level. For Municipality, these three tiers would be Nagar Panchayat, Municipal council and Municipal corporation.

• Election: All posts are to be filled by direct election and the minimum age for contesting is 21.

• Tenure: The tenure of the elected body is five years and if dissolved earlier fresh election is to be conducted within six months.

• Reservation: SC/ST reservations to be granted corresponding to their population and one-third seats to be reserved for women.

• Institutions: Formation of State Election Commission and State Finance Commission.

Voluntary provisions

• Devolution of powers: Devolution of powers concerning the collection of taxes and subjects which are to be under the control of local government.

• Voting rights: Giving voting rights to the members of Central and State legislatures in these bodies.

• Reservation: Providing reservation to backward class members.

Relevance of local self-government in India

• Decentralization of power: Local self-government ensures that decision-making is not concentrated at the top levels and is more distributed facilitating inclusive governance.

• Example: The formation of Block Development Committees and Panchayat Development Plans indicates decentralized decision-making.

• Local development: The local leaders are in a better position to identify local needs and hence make better plans for local development projects.

• Social inclusion: The formation of Gram Sabha ensures participation of all classes of people in policy formation and evaluation. Thus, they aid in addressing the concerns of vulnerable communities and reduce social disparity.

• Example: The extension of local governance to scheduled areas through PESA has increased tribal participation in governance.

• Women empowerment: The reservation for women in local bodies have enabled them to take up leadership roles and to carve better political and social positions for women.

• Example: 46% of the rural representatives are women.

• Transparency and accountability: Since local representatives are closer to the people, there is better scope for scrutinizing the works of the local government.

• Example: Social audit by Gram Sabha for MGNREGA scheme has made the authorities more accountable for their work.

• Optimal resource usage: The local representatives are better placed to plan according to the resource distribution within a region and implement programmes more suited to local practices.

• Better delivery of services: An empowered local governance structure ensures that beneficiaries are accurately selected and benefits reach them on time.

• Example: 13.2 crore households got tap water connection under Jal Jeevan Mission, with local bodies playing an important part in its implementation.

• Disaster management: Locals are the first to respond to any disaster and a well-organized local governance system ensures that the region prepares and manages disasters efficiently.

• Example: UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission has recognized Venkatraipur and Noliasahi village of Odisha as Tsunami Ready due to effective community-led initiatives.

Tags:
Polity

Keywords:
Local self governance 73rd and 74th amendment Gram Sabha Decentralization

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 2

Topics:
Governance and Transparency