International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 7, Issue 2 (March-April 2025) Submit your research before last 3 days of April to publish your research paper in the issue of March-April.

An Analysis of Local Governance and Historical Developments in India

Author(s) Mr. Jeetendra Kumar Yadav
Country India
Abstract Local governance in India has a rich historical background, evolving from ancient village republics to modern decentralized democratic institutions. In ancient times, panchayats functioned as self-governing institutions responsible for law enforcement, dispute resolution, and community welfare. However, during British rule, these traditional structures declined, with the Permanent Settlement of 1793 weakening village autonomy. Despite this, reforms like Lord Ripon’s Resolution (1882) and the Government of India Act (1935) laid the foundation for modern local governance. Post-independence, the Indian Constitution recognized local governance under Article 40, but real empowerment came with the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992), which granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and urban local bodies. Despite progress, challenges like financial dependency, bureaucratic control, and social inequalities persist. Strengthening fiscal autonomy, digital governance, and citizen participation can further enhance the effectiveness of local self-government in India. This paper explores the historical trajectory of local governance in India, emphasizing key developments from ancient times to the present. It examines the impact of colonial rule, post-independence constitutional reforms, and contemporary challenges and opportunities in local governance.
Keywords Decentralized, democratic, governance, constitutional and contemporary, Panchayati Raj Institutions, post-independence.
Field Sociology > Politics
Published In Volume 7, Issue 2, March-April 2025
Published On 2025-03-20
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i02.39456
Short DOI https://doi.org/g89vtr

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