Local Self-Governments: History During British Period

Local Self-Governments: History During the British Period

Key Developments

• Madras Municipal Corporation (1687):

  • Established in 1687, it was the *first* municipal corporation in India.
  • Primarily created to serve the needs of British traders and their administrative center in Madras, not for the benefit of the local Indian population.

• Collector System (1772):

  • Introduced by Bengal Governor Warren Hastings.
  • The main purpose was *tax collection*.

• Charter Act of 1813:

  • This act empowered local self-governments to levy taxes. This was a significant step, giving them a degree of financial autonomy.

• Lord Mayo's Resolution (1870):

  • Lord Mayo, the then Viceroy, proposed a resolution for *financial decentralization*.
  • The aim was to provide financial resources to local bodies.
  • However, the resolution *was not implemented* due to Lord Mayo's assassination.

• Lord Ripon's Reforms (1882):

  • Lord Ripon, as Viceroy, introduced a three-tier Panchayati Raj system.
  • He is considered the "Father of Local Self-Government in India" because he laid the foundation for the modern system.
  • The three tiers were:
    • Gram Panchayat (village level)
    • Mandal Parishad (block level)
    • Zilla Parishad (district level)
  • Lord Rippon's reforms were intended to promote people's participation in administration and solve local issues at the local level.

• Royal Commission on Decentralization (1907):

  • Appointed by the British government to suggest measures for improving the functioning of local bodies.
  • Chaired by Charles Hobhouse.
  • Key Recommendations:
    • Direct election of representatives to Panchayati Raj institutions.
    • Primary education should be the responsibility of local bodies.

• Minto-Morley Reforms (1909):

  • This act, also known as Council Act 1909, accepted the recommendations given by the royal commission and provided for direct election of members to the local bodies.

• Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919):

  • This act, also known as Council Act 1919, transferred the local self-government to the provincial list(state list).

• Government of India Act, 1935:

  • Local self-governments were explicitly placed under the *State List*. This meant that state legislatures had the power to make laws regarding them. This is a crucial point, as it established the current framework where local governance is primarily a state subject.