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.
- According to Lord Ripon’s Resolution of Local Bodies in 1882 district boards and local boards were formed. Such boards in rural areas were known as ‘taluk’ or ‘tehsil’.
- Lord Ripon initiated the non-officials in the urban and rural local bodies through the election. But this election had some specific rules. People who were rent-payers could participate in the election. Non-officials would be elected when the officials felt like introducing an election in any place at any time.
- After the Resolution of 1882 non-officials could hold the position of chairman in the local bodies. And nominated members were a maximum of one-third of the total strength. Members were both elected and nominated. So, the strength of the elected non-officials raised in numbers.
- Local bodies gained some financial power too. But there was supervision of the government in everything. Approval from the officials was necessary in certain cases like the imposition of new taxes, appeals for loans, and so on.
- The local bodies had financial powers which were to be controlled and examined by the government. Still, the formation of Local bodies changed the scenario of Indian history to a great extent. The interference of the officials was minimized in Local bodies.
- These acts were applicable in the local bodies of Madras, Punjab, and Bengal provinces. And such acts helped to attain Lord Ripon’s Resolution of 1882.
What is Local Self-Government?
Local Self-Government: Local self-government is a form of democratic governance where involvement is accepted and encouraged at all societal levels. After 1882, when Lord Rippon, the founder of local self-government, took the initiative, elected local self-government organizations were founded. At the time, these were referred to as local bodies. Village panchayats were firmly established in various areas after the Government of India Act was passed in 1919.
Table of Content
- What is Local Self-Government?
- Promotion of Local Self-Government
- History of Local Self-Government in India
- Growth of Local Self-Government in India