History of Local Self Government in India

History of Local Self Government in India-
Introduction:
The history of local administration in India is a long and diverse one, shaped by the evolution of political,
cultural, and administrative systems over millennia. India has a rich tradition of local governance dating
back to ancient times, and this system has evolved through various dynasties, empires, and colonial
periods.
During Ancient Period:

- In ancient India, the political landscape was divided into numerous Janapadas, or small
kingdoms and republics.
- These Janapadas had their systems of local governance, with councils and assemblies known as
“Sabhas” and “Samitis” that handled administrative and judicial matters.
- The Rigveda, Dharmashastras, Upanishads, Jatakas and others, refer extensively to local
administration, i.e. the Panchayat system of administration.
- The earliest reference to Panchayat is derived from the word ‘Pancha’ that refers to an
institution of the five Panch’s (wise elderly people) is found in the Shanti-Parva of Mahabharata.
- Panchayats played an important and creditable part in defending the interests of locals and
promoting their, religious, justice, moral and material progress.
- Megasthenes (a Greek historian and diplomat) described in his book ‘Indica’ about urban local
self-government that existed in ancient India. He describes that the governing body was divided
into 6 bodies of five members each who used to look after and supervise their own fields.
During Medieval/Mughal period:

- With the coming of the Mughal rule in India, local institutions received a setback; they did not
enjoy the same autonomy and prestige, as before.
- Mughal government was highly centralized, and the crown was the decision maker for the entire
administrative machinery.
- The Mughals recognised local chiefs and Zamindars as the repositories of local authority, to the
exclusion of the people.
- The Mughals introduced elaborate administrative machinery with a hierarchy of officials,
particularly in the field of revenue.
- The administration of town was shouldered by an officer called 'Kotawal’ who performed many
municipal duties, in addition to supreme authority in all magisterial police and fiscal matters.
- Though during most of the Mughal rule the old local government system ( Panchayat system)
continued to exist
During the British Era:

a] 1687-1881:
- During this period, the British East India Company established its control over various regions in India.
- The company introduced the concept of local self-government in some areas, primarily for
administrative convenience and to maintain law and order.
- The local self-government bodies were known as "Municipalities" and were mainly responsible for local
infrastructure development, public health, and sanitation.
- The powers and functions of these municipalities were limited, and they were largely under the control
of British officials.
b] 1882-1919:
- In 1882, Lord Ripon, the then Viceroy of India, introduced a resolution that aimed to reform local self-
government in India.
- The resolution emphasized the importance of local participation in governance and sought to increase
the powers and responsibilities of local bodies.
- It led to the establishment of elected local bodies known as "District Boards" and "Local Boards" in
different regions.
- These bodies had representatives elected by the local population and were responsible for various
aspects of local administration, including education, healthcare, and public works.
c] Lord Ripon's resolution 1882:

- Lord Ripon's resolution of 1882 was a significant milestone in the history of local self-government in
India.
- It aimed to decentralize power and involve local communities in decision-making processes.
- The resolution emphasized the importance of elected representatives and their role in local
governance.
- It led to the establishment of elected local bodies at the district and local levels, giving more autonomy
to local communities.
d] Royal Commission 1909:

- In 1909, the British government appointed a Royal Commission to review and suggest reforms for local
self-government in India.
- The commission recommended the expansion of local self-government institutions and the inclusion of
more elected representatives.
- It proposed the establishment of village Panchayats and the devolution of powers to these grassroots-
level institutions.
- The recommendations of the commission influenced subsequent reforms in local self-government.
e] Resolution of 1918:
- In 1918, the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms were introduced, which aimed to increase Indian
participation in governance.
- The reforms included provisions for further expansion and empowerment of local self-government
bodies.
- The resolution emphasized the importance of elected representatives and their role in decision-making
processes.
- It led to the establishment of provincial legislative councils and increased representation of Indians in
local governance.
f] 1920-1937:
- During this period, several reforms were implemented to strengthen local self-government in India.
- The Government of India Act 1919 provided for the establishment of elected local bodies at the village,
district, and provincial levels.
- These bodies had increased powers and responsibilities in areas such as education, healthcare,
agriculture, and public works.
- The reforms aimed to promote local participation and autonomy in governance.
g] 1937-1947:
- In 1937, provincial autonomy was granted to British India, leading to the establishment of elected
provincial governments.
- Local self-government bodies continued to function under the provincial governments, with increased
powers and responsibilities.
- The Government of India Act 1935 further expanded the scope of local self-government and provided
for the establishment of elected village Panchayats.
- However, the progress of local self-government was interrupted by the partition of India in 1947,
leading to the creation of India and Pakistan as separate nations.
Post-Independence era :
- Post-independence, the Constitution of India was adopted in 1950, providing a framework for
local self-government.
- The government and parliament appointed various committees to study and recommend about
local government some of these committees are-
Balwantrai Mehta Committee 1957
Ashok Mehta Committee 1977
G.V.K Rao Committee 1985
LM Singhvi Committee 1986
Thungon committee 1988
Gadgil Committee 1988
- The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments were passed in 1992, mandating the
establishment of Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies.
- These amendments aimed to decentralize power and promote grassroots democracy.
- Panchayati Raj institutions for rural region were established at the (Gram Panchayat) village,
(Panchayat Samiti) intermediate, and (Zilla Parishad) district levels.
- Also three types of Municipalities – Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council and Municipal
Corporation were established at urban level.
- These institutions were entrusted with responsibilities such as planning and implementing
development programs.

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History of Local Self Government in India-

During Ancient Period:

During Medieval/Mughal period:

During the British Era:

c] Lord Ripon's resolution 1882:

d] Royal Commission 1909:

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