Local Self Government In India

Arvind Kumar Sharma, b. 1941, scholar of public administration.

India is an old civilization and its villages were self sufficient not only in food clothing and shelter, they were adept in the art of local self government. The Panchas or the local judges were held in high esteem and Panchas were considered equivalent to deities. The modern concept of local self government is a contribution from the west especially from England. The Panchayat administration and the Municipal administration are now statutory entities. It is a method to decentralise the administration. All these aspects have been discussed in this book in a historical dimension.

Local Government in India provides an insight into the system of urban local governance in India and traces its evolution since independence. Urban governments are the organs for promoting grass root democracy and providing not only civic services for the welfare of the local people but also for carrying out the task of urban development and planning. This book tries to analyze their role and existence in the face of rapid urbanization, population growth and industrialization.

Relates To The Issue Of Good Governance In Muncipal Administration. Deals With Existing, Analysing And Future Problems Of Urban Local Self-Government And Makes Constructive Suggestion Which Will Improve The Quality Of Life In The Cities. 7 Chapters Followed By A Bibliography.