LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT

INTRODUCTION

LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT IN THE DISTRICT VESTS IN THE VARIOUS STATUTORY BODIES, enjoying local autonomy in different degrees, such as the municipalities, the village panchayats and the Zilla Parishad. 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 is extended to universal adult franchise. Prior to 1950, reservation of scats was provided in the municipalities and 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 reservation of seats for Muhammedans, Christians and Anglo-Indians was however abolished subsequently and only the reservation for women, the scheduled castes and the scheduled tribes was continued. 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 Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961.

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