LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT

INTRODUCTION

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 could be marked 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 tribes and in the village panchayats, for women, Muhammedans, Harijans and tribes. The above enactment 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), so also for women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes who more or less represent Harijans and tribes. Thirdly, wider and wider powers have gradually been conferred on the local bodies culminating in the passage of the Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961, for the administration of the areas under their charge. This has resulted in the participation of the people in the local self-Government providing facilities to train them for shouldering higher responsibilities.

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