In continuation of our study of the features of Federalism, this post explains one distinct feature of Indian Federalism — Decentralization. In addition, it describes the steps taken by the Indian government to make the three-tier system more effective.
Quick Revision Notes – Chapter-2
Federalism Part – 4
Decentralisation in India: When power of central and state governments is shared with local government, it is called decentralisation.
Basic idea behind decentralisation:
- There are a large number of problems and issues which are best settled at the local level.
- People have better knowledge of problems in their localities.
- They also have better ideas on where to spend money and how to manage things more efficiently.
Need for decentralisation: Was recognised in our Constitution.
- Panchayats – In villages
- Municipalities – In urban areas were set up under direct control of state government.
Problems of local government till 1992:
- Elections to local government were not held regularly.
- Local governments did not have any powers and resources of their own.
Till then, there was very little decentralisation (in effective terms).
Steps to make decentralisation more effective:
- Constitution was amended in 1992 (73rd and 74th Amendments).
- Now it became mandatory to hold regular elections of local government.
- Reservation of seats was done in local governments for SCs, STs, and OBCs.
- At least one-third of the positions were reserved for women.
- State Election Commission was created to conduct elections of local bodies.
- The state governments were required to share powers and resources with local government. This provision varies from state to state.
📌 How is Federalism Practised in India? – Class 10 Notes
Rural local government is popularly known as Panchayati Raj:
- Panchayat – A council consisting of several ward members (often called Panch) and a president (called Sarpanch).
- Panch and Sarpanch – Directly elected by people of the village by universal adult franchise.
Panchayat works under supervision of Gram Sabha:
- Gram Sabha – A constitutional body constituted by all the adults of the village who elect the Gram Panchayat.
- Functions of Gram Sabha:
- To approve annual budget of Gram Panchayat
- To review the performance of the Gram Panchayat
The local government structure goes up to district level:
- Panchayats (a few) are grouped together to form Panchayat Samiti or Block or Mandal.
- Panchayat Samitis are grouped together to form a Zila Parishad at district level.
- Zila Parishad – It is an elected body headed by a Chairperson.
- Members of Zila Parishad – MP and MLA of that area.
In urban areas, local governments are known by different names:
- Municipalities – In towns
- Municipal Corporations – In cities
Head of Municipality: Chairperson
Head of Municipal Corporation: Mayor
Number of elected representatives in Panchayats and Municipalities: About 36 lakhs
Constitutional status of local governments has:
- Helped to deepen democracy
- Increased women’s representation and voice in our democracy
Some challenges faced by local governments:
- While elections are held regularly and enthusiastically, Gram Sabhas are not held regularly.
- State governments have not transferred significant powers and resources to the local governments.
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Unification of Germany, Italy and Britain – Class 10
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Source-Based Questions – Class 10 History Chapter 1
