Local Government
Local government refers to governance at the grassroots level, both in rural and urban areas.
- It ensures participatory democracy, efficient service delivery, and decentralization of power.
- The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992) gave constitutional status to local governments in India.
๐ PYQ (BPSC 64th): The term 'Local Self Government' refers to? โ Management of local affairs by local bodies
Types of Local Government in India
- Rural Local Government โ Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
- Constitutional status via 73rd Amendment Act (Part IX, 11th Schedule)
- Urban Local Government โ Municipal Bodies
- Constitutional status via 74th Amendment Act (Part IXA, 12th Schedule)
Rural Local Government โ Panchayati Raj
- Three-tier system:
- Gram Panchayat โ Village level
- Panchayat Samiti โ Block level
- Zila Parishad โ District level
- Gram Sabha: Basic unit of democracy; includes all adult members
- Governed by State Panchayati Raj Acts and Constitution (Articles 243โ243O)
๐ PYQ (BPSC 66th): Which level is Zila Parishad associated with? โ District level
Urban Local Government
- Includes:
- Municipal Corporations (for large cities)
- Municipal Councils/Municipalities (for smaller towns)
- Nagar Panchayats (for transitional areas)
- Governed by 74th Amendment, Articles 243Pโ243ZG, and 12th Schedule (18 subjects)
Types of Urban Local Bodies
- Municipal Corporation โ Mayor, Commissioner, Standing Committee
- Municipality โ Chairperson, Executive Officer
- Nagar Panchayat โ Chairperson for small transitional areas
๐ PYQ (BPSC 67th): How many subjects are listed in the 12th Schedule? โ 18
Constitutional Provisions
Common Features of 73rd and 74th Amendments:
- Regular elections every 5 years
- State Election Commissions conduct elections
- State Finance Commissions recommend fund allocations
- Reservation for SCs/STs and at least 33% reservation for women (50% in Bihar)
Local Government in Bihar
Rural
- Governed by the Bihar Panchayati Raj Act, 2006
- 50% seats reserved for women
- Mukhiya is the elected head of Gram Panchayat
Urban
- Bihar has:
- 12 Municipal Corporations (e.g., Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur)
- 49 Municipal Councils
- 87 Nagar Panchayats
- Governed by the Bihar Municipal Act, 2007
๐ Expected MCQ: Head of urban local body in Bihar? โ Mayor (for Municipal Corporations)
Importance of Local Government
- Empowers people at grassroots
- Facilitates better implementation of welfare schemes
- Promotes transparency and accountability
- Encourages participatory development
Challenges Faced
- Insufficient funds
- Political interference
- Capacity and training gaps
- Low awareness and participation
Quick Revision Points
- Local govt = 73rd (rural) & 74th (urban) Amendments (1992)
- 11th Schedule (29 subjects) โ Rural; 12th Schedule (18 subjects) โ Urban
- Bihar: 50% reservation for women
- Municipal Corporation โ Mayor; Gram Panchayat โ Mukhiya
- Elections by State Election Commission
- Finance by State Finance Commission
Sources Used
- NCERT Class 6, 9 Civics โ Local Government
- M. Laxmikanth โ Indian Polity (6th Edition)
- Lucent GK โ Indian Polity Section
- Bihar Panchayati Raj Act, 2006
- Bihar Municipal Act, 2007
- Ghatna Chakra BPSC PYQs