Detailed Notes: Local Self-Governments - History and Benefits
1. Introduction
- The speaker discusses local self-governments, also called local bodies.
- Group-2 level exams may have 4-5 marks, other exams 1-2 marks, on the topic.
2. Definition of Local Self-Governments
Local self-governments are institutions established to address the needs and requirements of a specific local area. They are also referred as local bodies or local governments.
3. Benefits of Local Self-Governments
- Decentralization of Administration (Democratic Decentralization)
- Power, funds, and functions transferred from higher levels (central/state) to local levels.
- 7th Schedule of the Constitution: Union List (98 subjects), State List (59), Concurrent List (52).
- People's Participation in Governance
- Direct participation of citizens in decision-making.
- Increased engagement and responsiveness.
- Also called participatory democracy.
- Easy Access to Government Schemes
- Facilitates easier access to government programs.
- Example: Andhra Pradesh village secretariat system (ration delivery, etc.).
- Leadership training: They also act as the training grounds for leadership at local levels.
- Representation for Certain Groups:
- Provides representation for various groups (SCs, STs, BCs, women) through reservations.
- SC/ST: Reservation based on population proportion.
- BC: Reservation determined by state legislature.
- Women: Minimum 1/3rd of seats reserved. (Many states, like AP and Telangana, have 50% reservation).
- Utilization of Local Resources:
- Helps to estimate and utilize local resources for planning and development.
- Example: Auctioning fishing rights in village ponds, leasing out land.
- Bridge Between Government and Public:
- Acts as an intermediary for communication and problem-solving.
- Local issues are reported to the government through local bodies.
- Reduce Government Workload:
- Reduces the burden on the central/state governments by handling local issues.
- Devolves power and responsibility.
4. Features/Characteristics of Local Self-Governments
- In countries following a unitary form of government, it is the central government that establishes local governments.
- In countries following a federal form of government, it is the state government that establishes local governments.
- Even if the state governments are dissolved, the local self-governments are not dissolved. That's why local self-governments are also referred to as 'government within the government'.
- Local self-governments are limited to a specific area in the country.
5. Historical Background of Local Self-Governments
5.1 Before Independence
5.1.1 Ancient Period
- Rigvedic Period: The Rigveda mentions two local bodies called "Sabha" and "Samiti," which managed local administration.
- Samiti members were elected by voters (called "Vayojanas," meaning adults).
- The Sabha's president was called "Rajen" or "Raju."
- This shows an early form of democratic governance.
- Indus Valley Civilization: The prominent feature of the civilization was its urban planning.
- Kautilya's Arthashastra Kautilya explained about the local bodies in his Arthashastra. It mentioned that the people paid taxes to the local bodies regularly. There were two types of courts during that period, named, Dharmasthiya and Kantaka Shodhana. Dharmasthiya dealt with civil cases, while Kantakashodhana dealt with criminal cases.
- Chandragupta Maurya's Time (Megasthenes' Indica): Megasthenes, a Greek ambassador, described the administration of Pataliputra in his book "Indica." He mentions that six committees, each with five members ("Panchas"), managed the city.
- Kamandhaka's Neetisaram: The book Neetisaram by Kamandhaka mentioned about the local bodies. It mentioned that the brides were married to the groom who were part of local self-governments.
- Chola Dynasty: The Chola period is considered a "Golden Age" for local self-governments. The "Uttaramerur" inscription of Parantaka Chola I provides details of their local governance, including the secret ballot system ("Kudavolai") using pots and palm leaves.
5.1.2 Medieval Period
- The speaker discusses the decline of local self-governments during the medieval period under the rule of the Delhi Sultans and Mughals.
- Delhi Sultans and Mughals: These rulers were foreigners and focused more on tax collection than on local development.
- Officials like "Kotwal" and "Munsab" were appointed, but their main concern was revenue collection, not local welfare.
- As a result, the development of Panchayati Raj institutions stagnated during this era.
Further classifications of historical background of local self-governments into during British rule and During Independence movement were also mentioned, which are not part of this recording.
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