LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT

INTRODUCTION

THE LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT IN THE DISTRICT is conducted by various statutory bodies., such as, the municipalities, the village panchayats and the Zilla Parishad enjoying local autonomy in different degrees. The progress of these institutions has been in three spheres. Firstly, 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 with the enactment of the Bombay Local Authorities, Adult Franchise and Removal of Reservation of Seats Act (XVII of 1950), has 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, was provided in the municipalities and in the District Local Board, for women, Muhammedans, Christians, Anglo-Indians, Harijans and Backward Tribes and in the village panchayats for women, Muhammedans, Harijans and Backward Tribes. 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 25th January 1960), for women, the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, which more or less represent Harijans and Backward Tribes. Thirdly, wider and wider powers have been gradually conferred on local bodies for the administration of the area under their charge.

The realisation of the aims behind the creation of local self-governing institutions has been achieved with the advent of the Zilla Parishads after the enactment known as the Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and the Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961.

The Divisional Commissioner exercises control and authority over all institutions of local self-government in his jurisdiction. The jurisdiction of the Divisional Commissioner, Poona Division, Poona, extends over Sangli district. He exercises control and authority under the Bombay Village Sanitation Act (I of 1889) the Bombay District Vaccination Act (I of 1892); the Bombay District Municipal Act (III of 1901); the Bombay Town Planning Act of 1954; the Bombay Local Fund Audit Act (XXV of 1930); the Bombay Village Panchayats Act (VI of 1933); the Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961.

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