The local self–government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation.
Panchayti Raj System and Urban Local Bodies are the bed rock of local-self governance in India.
73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Act gave constitutional status to local-governance bodies in India. Despite, the constitutional recognition local self- government has been facing severak hurdles. Local government is listed as a state subject in schedule VII of Indian constitution. State legislatures have been made responsible for taking the call on adopting various numerous voluntary provisions.
The 73rd and 74th constitutional Amendment provided only a skeletal structuring and made a few compulsory provisions. Important voluntary provisions which would empower local bodies’ power, authority, responsibility and fiancés to make them autonomous have not been devolved by the State Legislatives Assemblies. This is one of the major reasons for the sorry state of affairs in local governance bodies.
Some measures to improve the situation are,
- Ensure conduct of periodic elections to local bodies as stipulated by the constitution.
- Increase the avenues for people participation.
- Undertake capability building initiatives such as awareness programs and training to educate the local leadership as well as the masses. This will bridge the knowledge deficit and facilitate meaningful participation.
- Empowers local bodies by meaningful devolution of powers, functions, authority, responsibility and finances to make them autonomous self governing bodies.