2 minPolitical Concept
Political Concept

Local Governance

What is Local Governance?

Local Governance refers to the management of local affairs by elected local bodies. In India, it is primarily governed by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, which provide for the establishment of Panchayats in rural areas and Municipalities in urban areas.

Historical Background

The concept of local governance has ancient roots in India, but it was formalized and strengthened through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1992. These amendments aimed to decentralize power and promote participatory democracy at the grassroots level.

Key Points

8 points
  • 1.

    73rd Amendment Act (Panchayats): Provides for a three-tier system of Panchayats at the village, intermediate, and district levels.

  • 2.

    74th Amendment Act (Municipalities): Provides for the establishment of Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats in urban areas.

  • 3.

    Mandatory elections to local bodies every 5 years.

  • 4.

    Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women.

  • 5.

    Devolution of powers and responsibilities to local bodies to enable them to function as institutions of self-government.

  • 6.

    State Finance Commissions to recommend the principles governing the distribution of funds between the state and local bodies.

  • 7.

    State Election Commissions to conduct elections to local bodies.

  • 8.

    Empowerment of local bodies to prepare plans for economic development and social justice.

Visual Insights

Key Aspects of Local Governance

Mind map illustrating the key components and features of local governance in India.

Local Governance

  • ●Constitutional Basis
  • ●Key Institutions
  • ●Key Features
  • ●Challenges

Evolution of Local Governance in India

Timeline showing the key milestones in the evolution of local governance in India.

Local governance in India has evolved significantly since independence, with key milestones including the recommendations of various committees and the landmark 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments.

  • 1957Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommends strengthening local bodies.
  • 1977Ashok Mehta Committee suggests important reforms for local governance.
  • 199273rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments give constitutional status to Panchayats and Municipalities.
  • 2015Increased focus on e-governance in local bodies to improve transparency and efficiency.
  • 2020Fifteenth Finance Commission recommends grants to local bodies based on their performance and needs.
  • 2026Kerala BJP funds councillors' Delhi visit for governance training.

Recent Developments

5 developments
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Increased emphasis on strengthening local governance through capacity building and training programs.

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Implementation of e-governance initiatives to improve transparency and efficiency in local bodies.

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Focus on participatory planning and community involvement in local development projects.

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Challenges related to inadequate devolution of funds and functions to local bodies.

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Efforts to promote financial autonomy and revenue generation by local bodies.

This Concept in News

1 topics

Kerala BJP funds councillors' Delhi visit for governance training

11 Feb 2026

This news highlights the crucial aspect of capacity building in local governance. While the 73rd and 74th Amendments provided the framework, effective implementation depends on the skills and knowledge of elected representatives. The Delhi visit, regardless of the funding source, demonstrates an effort to equip councillors with better governance practices. This news applies the concept of local governance by showcasing a practical attempt to improve its functioning. It reveals the ongoing need for training and development to bridge the gap between policy and implementation. The implication is that investing in human capital at the local level is essential for realizing the full potential of decentralized governance. Understanding local governance is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for evaluating the significance of such initiatives and their potential impact on local development and citizen welfare. It also allows us to critically examine the role of political parties in shaping local governance and promoting their own agendas.

Source Topic

Kerala BJP funds councillors' Delhi visit for governance training

Polity & Governance

UPSC Relevance

Important for UPSC GS Paper 2 (Governance, Constitution, Polity). Questions can be asked about the 73rd and 74th Amendments, the functions of Panchayats and Municipalities, and the challenges of local governance.

Key Aspects of Local Governance

Mind map illustrating the key components and features of local governance in India.

Local Governance

73rd & 74th Amendments (1992)

Panchayats (Rural)

Municipalities (Urban)

Regular Elections

Reservation of Seats

Inadequate Funding

Limited Devolution of Powers

Evolution of Local Governance in India

Timeline showing the key milestones in the evolution of local governance in India.

1957

Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommends strengthening local bodies.

1977

Ashok Mehta Committee suggests important reforms for local governance.

1992

73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments give constitutional status to Panchayats and Municipalities.

2015

Increased focus on e-governance in local bodies to improve transparency and efficiency.

2020

Fifteenth Finance Commission recommends grants to local bodies based on their performance and needs.

2026

Kerala BJP funds councillors' Delhi visit for governance training.

Connected to current news

This Concept in News

1 news topics

1

Kerala BJP funds councillors' Delhi visit for governance training

11 February 2026

This news highlights the crucial aspect of capacity building in local governance. While the 73rd and 74th Amendments provided the framework, effective implementation depends on the skills and knowledge of elected representatives. The Delhi visit, regardless of the funding source, demonstrates an effort to equip councillors with better governance practices. This news applies the concept of local governance by showcasing a practical attempt to improve its functioning. It reveals the ongoing need for training and development to bridge the gap between policy and implementation. The implication is that investing in human capital at the local level is essential for realizing the full potential of decentralized governance. Understanding local governance is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for evaluating the significance of such initiatives and their potential impact on local development and citizen welfare. It also allows us to critically examine the role of political parties in shaping local governance and promoting their own agendas.