LOCAL GOVERNMENT: MEANING, DEFINITIONS, NATURE AND SCOPE (WITH
EXPLANATIONS)
INTRODUCTION
Local government is the third tier of governance that deals directly with people at the grassroots
level. It is responsible for civic services, local development, democratic participation, and
implementation of welfare schemes. After the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, local
bodies received constitutional status, making them essential pillars of decentralized democracy.
MEANING AND DEFINITIONS (SCHOLARS)
1. M.P. Sharma:
Defines local government as administration of local affairs by local bodies that are subordinate to
the state but empowered to make independent decisions. This highlights statutory authority and
decentralization.
2. S.R. Maheshwari:
Local government is grass-root governance that resolves local problems and provides civic
services, indicating its community-centered nature.
3. A.V. Dicey:
Calls local government the "school of democracy," stressing its role in training citizens in political
participation.
4. Herman Finer:
Emphasizes local government as territorially organized and controlled by local electors under
statutory powers.
5. Harold Laski:
Local bodies are essential for democracy because they enable people to govern themselves and
learn accountability.
6. MacIver:
Sees local government as part of the broader governmental machinery responsible for local affairs.
7. Charles Tiebout:
Suggests citizens can choose localities with preferred services and taxes, promoting efficiency and
competition.
NATURE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT (DETAILED EXPLANATION)
1. Decentralised Structure:
Power is transferred from higher levels to local bodies to ensure decisions reflect local needs.
2. Democratic Institutions:
Members are elected by residents, ensuring representation and people’s participation.
3. Constitutional & Statutory Bodies:
Panchayats and Municipalities derive their powers from the Constitution and state laws, giving them
legal certainty.
4. Territorial Jurisdiction:
Each body operates within a defined geographic boundary such as a village or city.
5. Autonomous Functioning with Oversight:
Local bodies prepare plans, budgets, and policies but remain under state supervision like financial
audits.
6. Service-Oriented Governance:
Core function is providing civic amenities like water supply, sanitation, roads, etc.
7. Developmental Role:
Local bodies execute schemes related to poverty alleviation, employment, and women
empowerment.
8. Participatory Governance:
Instruments like Gram Sabha and Ward Committees facilitate direct community involvement.
9. Representative and Deliberative Bodies:
They include elected councils and committees that discuss and decide policies.
10. Administrative Machinery:
Supported by staff like Panchayat Secretaries and Municipal Engineers who implement policies.
11. Financial Authority:
They can levy taxes and receive grants, ensuring financial capacity for public services.
12. Accountability Mechanisms:
Social audits, RTI, public meetings, and audits ensure transparency in governance.
13. Inclusive Governance:
Reservations for SC/ST/OBC/Women promote social justice and equitable representation.
14. Proximity to Citizens:
Being closest to people, they identify issues quickly and respond efficiently.
15. Multi-Level Structure:
In rural areas: Village–Block–District; in urban areas: Municipality, Corporation, etc.
SCOPE OF LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT (DETAILED EXPLANATION)
1. Civic & Municipal Services:
Provision of water, sanitation, street lighting, and waste management improves quality of life.
2. Local Development Planning:
Preparation of local plans ensures targeted development based on actual community needs.
3. Economic Development:
Supporting small businesses, markets, and livelihood programmes boosts local economies.
4. Social Welfare:
Implementation of welfare schemes for vulnerable groups ensures social justice.
5. Poverty Alleviation:
Running schemes like MGNREGA and PMAY helps reduce poverty and create jobs.
6. Public Health:
Local bodies run health centers, vaccination drives, and sanitation campaigns to safeguard public
health.
7. Education:
Managing schools, Anganwadis, and literacy programs promotes human development.
8. Agriculture & Rural Development:
They support irrigation, animal husbandry, rural infrastructure, and agricultural productivity.
9. Urban Planning:
Urban bodies regulate building construction, land use, traffic, and town planning.
10. Infrastructure Development:
Creation of roads, parks, community halls enhances local infrastructure and connectivity.
11. Disaster Management:
Local governments handle emergency response, relief distribution, and rehabilitation efforts.
12. Revenue Generation:
They collect property tax, water charges, and fees to fund local projects.
13. Environmental Protection:
Activities like tree plantation, water conservation, and pollution control protect ecosystems.
14. Quasi-Judicial Functions:
Issuing certificates, licenses, and resolving minor disputes ensures regulatory order.
15. Strengthening Democracy:
Conducting Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha meetings and ensuring participation deepens democratic
culture.
CONCLUSION
Local self-government makes governance more responsive, participatory, and
development-oriented. It bridges the gap between citizens and the state, ensuring that policies
reflect real local needs and aspirations.
