Chapter 8: Local Governments
- What is local government?
Local government is the third tier of governance closest to the people, responsible for local administration in villages, towns, and cities. - Why is local government important?
It promotes grassroots democracy, ensures people’s participation in governance, and provides basic services like water, roads, and sanitation efficiently. - What are the two types of local governments in India?
- Rural local government (Panchayati Raj)
- Urban local government (Municipalities)
- What is the Panchayati Raj system?
It is a three-tier rural local governance structure consisting of Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad. - What is the 73rd Constitutional Amendment?
Passed in 1992, it gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions and came into effect on 24 April 1993. - What are the features of the 73rd Amendment?
- 3-tier system
- Regular elections
- Reservation for women and SC/STs
- State Election Commissions
- State Finance Commissions
- What is Gram Sabha?
It is the general body of all adult voters in a village. It approves Panchayat plans and holds leaders accountable. - What is the Gram Panchayat?
The executive body at village level. It consists of elected representatives and is headed by a Sarpanch. - What is the Panchayat Samiti?
The second tier, at the block level, coordinates activities of Gram Panchayats and implements development schemes. - What is the Zila Parishad?
The top tier at district level. It coordinates Panchayat Samitis and manages development at a district scale. - Who conducts Panchayat elections?
The State Election Commission conducts regular, free, and fair Panchayat elections every 5 years. - What is reservation in Panchayati Raj?
Seats are reserved for SC/STs and 33% for women in all levels of Panchayati Raj to ensure representation. - What is the 74th Constitutional Amendment?
Passed in 1992, it gave constitutional status to urban local bodies and came into force on 1 June 1993. - What are the types of urban local bodies?
- Municipal Corporations
- Municipal Councils
- Nagar Panchayats
- What is a Municipal Corporation?
It governs large cities. Headed by a Mayor, it manages services like roads, garbage disposal, water supply, etc. - What is a Municipality or Municipal Council?
A local government body for medium-sized towns, headed by a Chairperson or President. - What is a Nagar Panchayat?
An urban body for areas in transition from rural to urban. It is the smallest urban local body. - What are the powers of local bodies?
They can make local plans, levy taxes, and implement development schemes like housing, water, health, and roads. - What is the role of the State Finance Commission?
It recommends how financial resources should be distributed between the state government and local bodies. - What is the role of the State Election Commission?
It conducts elections for Panchayats and Municipalities, ensuring free and fair local polls. - What is the importance of women in local governance?
Reservation has increased women’s participation, improved decision-making, and empowered rural women at grassroots level. - How do local governments raise funds?
Through property taxes, water charges, market fees, government grants, and loans. - What challenges do local governments face?
Lack of funds, inadequate staff, political interference, low awareness, and poor infrastructure. - What is decentralization?
Transferring powers and responsibilities from central/state governments to local self-governments for better governance. - What is the role of local government in disaster management?
They are the first responders, managing evacuation, relief, and coordination with higher authorities. - How are members of local bodies elected?
By direct elections from local voters. In some cases, chairpersons are indirectly elected by members. - What is the tenure of local body members?
5 years, after which fresh elections must be held as per constitutional provision. - Why is people’s participation crucial in local governance?
It ensures accountability, relevance of projects, proper resource use, and strengthens democracy at the grassroots. - Can the state government remove a local body?
Yes, but only under valid reasons and with due process. Elections must be held within 6 months. - What is the significance of 24th April and 1st June in Indian local governance?
24 April – National Panchayati Raj Day
1 June – Enforcement of 74th Amendment for Urban Local Bodies