POLITICAL SCIENCE-X

CHAPTER -2
PART-III
THE LEARNING OBJECTIVES 1 Rationale behind decentralisation

2 Concept of Local Self Government

3 Historical Background of local self government in India

4 73rd and 74th amendments of the Indian constitution

5 Structure of Rural Local Government OR Panchayati Raj

6 Structure of Urban Local Government

7 Advantages of decentralisation
RATIONALE BEHIND DECENTRALISATION

 India is a vast country and cannot be run only

through two- tier system.

 States in India are as large as independent countries

of Europe. For example Uttar Pradesh is bigger than
Russia in terms of population and Maharashtra is as
big as Germany.

 Many of these States are internally very diverse.

Thus there is a need for power sharing within these
States.

 Federal power sharing in India needs another tier of

government, below that of the State governments.

 This is the rationale for decentralization of power.

 As a result a third-tier of government was added to

the existing structure and called local government.
 Concept of Local Self Government
Local Self- Government is an institution comprising of locally elected representatives
managing the affairs of the locality and providing them with basic amenities.

At the local level it is possible for the people to directly participate in decision making.

This helps to inculcate a habit of democratic participation.

Local government is the best way to realise one important principle of democracy,
namely local self-government.

Local Self Government is different from Local Government.

In local government the administration of the locality is looked after by the official
appointed by the state government. These officials receive salary from the state
government.
Example: Postman, Policemen etc.
 Historical Background of Local Self Government in India
India has been described as –a land of villages.
The concept of panchayats has been present in the Indian Society since ancient times.
Over the centuries the concept has undergone various changes and modifications.
The history of the Panchayati Raj institutions in India can be divided into three phases:
1. Ancient Era
2. British Period
3. Post Independence Period
In Rig Veda there is mention of sabha, samati and vidath as local units. Usually
consist of five elected persons.

The king used to get approval of the sabha or samati regarding certain functions and
decisions.
Self Governance was not the objective of the British Government but rather the
protection of imperial interests.
 "Independence must begin at the bottom. Thus , every village will be
a republic or panchayat having full powers.”
- Mahatma Gandhi

After independence the launching of the Community Development Programme on 2nd

October 1952 set the state for the organization of Panchayati Raj.

Decentralisation in democracy is a most important component of the Panchayati

Raj system
The Constitution (73rd Amendment ) Act, 1992 is commonly referred to as the
Panchayati Raj Act and the 74th Amendment Act, 1992 is named as the Nagarpalika
Act.
The 73rd Amendment introduced across the broad three-tier system of Panchayati
Raj Institution (PRI’S) at Village Panchayat, Block and District Levels.
 Features of Panchayati Raj Institution

1. Now it is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to the local self

government bodies.

2. Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these
institutions for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.

3. At least one-third of all position are reserved for women.

4. An independent institution called the State Election Commission has been created
in each state to conduct panchayat and municipal elections

5. The State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local
government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from State to State.
Structure of Rural Local Government OR Panchayati Raj

ZILA
PARI
SHA
D

PANCHAYAT SAMITI

GRAM PANCHAYAT
GRAM PANCHAYAT
 FUNCTIONS OF GRAM PANCHAYAT

CIVIC FACILITIES JUDICIAL

& WELFARE DEVELOPMENTAL ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTION OR
FUNCTIONS FUNTIONS FUNCTIONS NYAYA
PANCHAYAT
 PANCHAYAT SAMITI
PANCHAYAT SAMITI is an intermediate body which coordinates the activities of
all Village Panchayats in each Block.

Gram
Panchayat
2 Gram
Gram Panchayat
Panchayat 3
1
Panchayat
Samiti
 Zila Parishad
The Zila Parishad is an apex (highest) body under Panchayati Raj. It coordinates
the functions of the various Panchayat Samitis.
Panchayat
Samiti-2

Panchayat
Panchayat Samiti-3
Samiti-1

Zila
Parishad
 President and Composition of Panchayati Raj
Gram Panchayat Zila Parishad
Panchayat Samiti
(Village Level) (Block Level) (District Level)

President Sarpanch Chairperson Chairperson

1. Sarpanch/ 1. Sarpanch of 1. BDOs and

Pradhan Gram Chairmen of
Panchayats Panchayat
Samitis.
2. Vice – 2. MPs & MLAs of
President 2. BDO of that that area
Composition
block
3. Heads of
3. Other 5-13 Government
members of 3. MLAs, MPs, Departments
Gram Sabha MLCs of that 4. Deputy
area Commissioner
Administrative Structure of India
 Municipal Corporation
Municipal Corporation has the maximum power in Urban Local Bodies.
State government declare any larger urban area as corporation after consideration to
population, revenue generated and the economic importance of an area.

Municipal
Corporation

Administrative
Political Wing
Wing

Mayor Municipal
Commissioner
 Advantages of decentralisation in administration

1. There are a large number of problems and issues which are best settled at the local
level.

2. People have better knowledge of problems in the localities.

3. People also have a better ideas on where to spend money and how to manage things
more efficiently.

4. At the local level, it is possible for the people to directly participate in decision
making. This helps to develop a habit of democratic participation.

5. An important principle of democracy is known as local self-government and thus

helps to realise this ideal.