History of Local Self-Government in India

What is Local Self-Government?

Local self-government, often referred to as local governance or decentralization, is a system of governance that empowers local communities and authorities to manage and make decisions on matters that directly affect their areas or regions. It is a fundamental aspect of democratic governance, as it allows for the distribution of power and decision-making to levels of government closer to the citizens....

Lord Ripon’s Role in the Promotion of Local Self-Government

The idea of decentralization of administration was not new. Municipalities were already there in big towns. However, the government nominated the municipal commissioner. Lord Ripon reformed and promoted the idea of creating municipalities in small towns too. And the municipality’s power was expanded to make local bodies more capable. Non-officials got hold of some power through the local self-government....

History of Local Self-Government in India

The village panchayat was created as a form of local self-government in response to requests for local autonomy during British rule. At the most basic levels of government, they distributed authority to the people. Provinces were also permitted to enact laws under the Government of India Act of 1935. Even though India had local self-government, the constitution’s authors weren’t happy with the current legal framework. In addition, they included Article 40, allowing states to establish autonomous organizations in the shape of local panchayats....

Growth of Local Self-Government in India

Village panchayats were firmly formed in a number of provinces following the Government of India Act in 1919. While Mahatma Gandhi is additionally recognized for playing a significant role in the decentralization of political and economic power at the local level, Rippon is well known for being the father of local self-government. Gandhi ensured that local self-governments were involved in all development efforts and encouraged the strengthening of village panchayats....

Features of Local Self-Government

The following are some of the features of the local self-government:...

Conclusion

The bureaucracy did not agree with Viceroy Ripon’s liberal ideas. The bureaucracy regarded the Indians as ineligible to participate in the administrative system. So, the local self governments could not gain power in every area. The government superseded and suspended the local bodies whenever needed. Still, Viceroy Ripon showed the Indians a ray of hope with the Resolution of 1882. He believed to empower the Indians. The Indians got partial power in some areas of administration. And this is why Lord Ripon was the ‘Good Viceroy of India’....

FAQs on Local Self-Government

1. What is meant by Local Self-Government?...