8. LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
The chapter discusses the structure and importance of local governments in India, emphasizing their role in enhancing democracy by facilitating local participation and accountability. It highlights the historical evolution of local governance, particularly following the 73rd and 74th amendments which aimed to empower rural and urban local bodies. Additionally, the chapter underscores both the achievements and challenges local governments face, including financial dependencies and the need for genuine decentralization of power.
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What we have learnt
- Local governments play a crucial role in enhancing democratic processes by allowing citizen participation at the grassroots level.
- The 73rd and 74th amendments have significantly empowered local bodies and ensured representation of marginalized groups, particularly women.
- Despite constitutional provisions, local governments often lack real autonomy and face challenges such as financial dependency and bureaucratic control.
Key Concepts
- -- Panchayati Raj
- A system of local governance in rural areas of India, comprising three tiers: Gram Panchayat (village level), Mandal (block level), and Zilla Panchayat (district level).
- -- 73rd and 74th Amendments
- Constitutional amendments passed in 1992 aimed at enhancing the powers and autonomy of local governments in rural and urban areas respectively.
- -- Gram Sabha
- An assembly of all adult members in a village, which plays a crucial role in the decision-making process at the local level.
- -- Decentralization
- The transfer of authority from central and state governments to local governments, allowing for more localized decision-making.
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