Unit 2: Role and Functions of People's Representatives in Rural and Urban Local Self-Governments

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Local Self-Government

Local Self-Government refers to the governance of local affairs by bodies elected by the local people. It is the third tier of government in India, below the Union and State governments. The goal is democratic decentralization—transferring power to the grassroots level.

These institutions were given constitutional status by the **73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, 1992**, which mandated the creation of Panchayats (for rural areas) and Municipalities (for urban areas).

The role of representatives here is less about law-making and more about planning, implementation, and administration of local development and welfare.

2. Rural Local Self-Governments (Panchayati Raj)

This is a three-tier system of governance for rural India, as established by the 73rd Amendment.

Levels and Representatives

  1. Village Level: Gram Panchayat
    • Representatives: Sarpanch (Head) and Panchs (Ward Members).
    • Role: They are directly responsible to the Gram Sabha (all voters in the village).
  2. Block Level: Panchayat Samiti
    • Representatives: Members of the Samiti (often Sarpanchs are ex-officio members). Headed by a Pramukh.
    • Role: Links the Gram Panchayats to the Zila Parishad.
  3. District Level: Zila Parishad
    • Representatives: Members of the Parishad (elected), along with MPs and MLAs from the district (often as ex-officio members). Headed by a Chairperson.
    • Role: Highest body, responsible for district-level planning.

Functions of Rural Representatives

  • Planning: Preparing plans for local economic development and social justice (e.g., deciding where a new well, school, or road should be built).
  • Implementation: Overseeing the implementation of government welfare schemes (e.g., MGNREGA, PM Awas Yojana).
  • Administrative: Maintenance of public amenities like village roads, water sources, sanitation, and street lights.
  • Financial: They have the power to levy and collect certain local taxes and fees (e.g., property tax, market fees).
  • Judicial (Nyaya Panchayat): In some states, they have minor judicial powers to settle petty disputes.

3. Urban Local Self-Governments (Municipalities)

This system, established by the 74th Amendment, provides governance for towns and cities.

Types and Representatives

  1. Nagar Panchayat (for a transitional area, from rural to urban)
  2. Municipal Council (for a smaller urban area)
  3. Municipal Corporation (for a larger urban area like Silchar, Guwahati, Delhi)

The main representatives in all urban bodies are Councillors (elected from different wards) and a Mayor or Chairperson (who presides over the body).

Functions of Urban Representatives

  • Urban Planning: Regulating land-use, construction of buildings, and planning for town development.
  • Public Works: Construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and street lights.
  • Public Health: Managing sanitation, waste disposal, hospitals, and preventing epidemics.
  • Public Amenities: Ensuring water supply, managing parks, gardens, and public markets.
  • Record Keeping: Registering births and deaths.
  • Financial: Collecting property taxes, water taxes, and other fees to fund these activities.
Key Role: The fundamental role of a local representative (both rural and urban) is to ensure the delivery of basic public services and to plan for local development. They are the first point of contact between the citizen and the government.