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LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT
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INTRODUCTION
LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT IN THE DISTRICT is conducted by various statutory bodies enjoying local autonomy in different degrees. The progress of these institutions could be marked in three spheres. First, in regard to their constitution, from fully or partly nominated bodies they have now become entirely elective. Secondly, their franchise, which had gone on widening, has, with the enactment of the Bombay Local Authorities Adult Franchise and Removal of Reservation of Seats Act (XVII of 1950), reached the widest limit possible, viz., universal adult franchise. Every person who (a) is a citizen of India, (b) has attained the age of 21 years, and (c) has the requisite residence, business premises or taxation qualification, is now entitled to be enrolled as a voter. Prior to 1950 reservation of seats for women, Muhammedans, Christians, Anglo-Indians. Harijans and Backward Tribes, had been provided in Municipalities and District Local Boards, and for women, Muhammedans, Harijans and Backward Tribes in village panchayats. Muhammedans were also provided separate electorates in local boards and Municipalities before 1947. The enactment mentioned above abolished the reservation of seats for Muhammedans, Christians and Anglo-Indians but continued it for ten years from the commencement of the Constitution of India (i.e., till 26th January 1960) for women, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The castes and tribes, more or less, represent Harijans and Backward Tribes.
Thirdly, wider and wider powers have been gradually conferred on local bodies for the administration of areas under their charge.
Another recent reform is connected with the Controlling Authority over institutions of Local-Self Government. Before the enactment of the Bombay Commissioners of Divisions Act 1957 (VIII of 1958), the Divisional Officer who was also designated as the Director of Local Authorities of the Division used to exercise this control but since its enactment, the posts of Commissioners have been revived and Commissioners of Divisions now exercise the powers and functions which the Director of Local Authorities used to exercise in respect of the following Acts:-
(1) The Bombay Village Sanitation Act (I of 1889).
(2) The Bombay District Vaccination Act (I of 1892).
(3) The Bombay District Municipal Act, (III of 1901).
(4) The Bombay Town Planning Act (I of 1915).
(5) The Bombay Local Boards Act (VI of 1923).
(6) The Bombay Municipal Boroughs Act (XVIII of 1925).
(7) The Bombay Local Fund Audit Act (XXV of 1930).
(8) The Bombay Village Panchayats Act (VI of 1933).
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