Question

define local bodies ​

Answer 1

Local bodies are institutions of the local self governance, which look

after the administration of an area or small community such as villages,

towns, or cities. The Local bodies in India are broadly classified into two

categories. The local bodies constituted for local planning, development

and administration in the rural areas are referred as Rural Local Bodies

(Panchayats) and the local bodies, which are constituted for local

planning, development and administration in the urban areas are referred as Urban Local Bodies (Municipalities).

Local Government is a State subject figuring as item 5 in List II of

the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. Article 243 G of the

Indian Constitution enshrines the basic principle for devolution of power

to the Local Bodies. In the nation's journey towards becoming an

economic power, local bodies play an important part in enabling

infrastructure availability to the citizens.

The many roles that the local government is expected to play today

include:

• A Regulator, namely the administration of various acts and

regulations

• A Provider, that involves providing urban services efficiently and

equitably by managing its accounts effectively and efficiently.

• An Agent that takes the schemes of higher levels government to the

people. This

• includes promotion of popular participation

• A Welfare Agency, which provides active assistance to higher level

governments in the equitable distribution and delivery

• An Agent of Development, who strives for improvement in the

quality of life through the augmentation of infrastructure

Rural Local Bodies:

The term ‘Panchayat Raj’ is relatively new, having originated during

the British administration. 'Raj' literally means governance or

government. Mahatma Gandhi advocated Panchayati Raj, a decentralized

form of Government where each village is responsible for its own affairs,

as the foundation of India's political system. His term for such a vision

was "Gram Swaraj" or Village Self-governance. It was adopted by state

governments during the 1950s and 60s as laws were passed to establish