Local self-governing institutions like village panchayats have existed in India since ancient times. However, the modern form of local government in India was largely a creation under British rule. During the British period, local governments gradually lost their autonomy and became more centralized and subject to control by the provincial and central governments. After independence, the constitution did not adequately address urban local bodies. It was only in 1992 with the 74th constitutional amendment that urban local governments received proper recognition and status in India.

1. Evolution of Local
Government in India
CRIS Staff Workshop

2. Evolution of Local Government
Flourished in India since time immemorial.
Indus Valley Civilization -its organisation
was association of persons and was not like
Kingship in Sumeria or Preistship in Egypt.
Local self-governing institutions -Village
Panchayat- existed through out the ages.
Elphinstone - called it as a miniature state.

3. Evolution of Local Government
Sir Charles Metcalf - like republics, seem to
last where nothing else lasts.
Like Greek City States - We had City
Republics (Ganatantras) Vaishali
Megasthenes-3rd c.b.c – City
Administration consisted Six dept. - 1.
Mech. Arts, 2.Foreign Inhabitants 3.
Registration of birth and deaths, 4.Trade,
commerce, weights, 5. Sale of manufacture
Articles, 6.Collection of taxes.

4. Evolution of Local Government
Village Panchayats - remained undisturbed
up to British Period.
Urban Areas - undisturbed up to Muslim
invasion - institution of kotwal
Centralizing tendencies strengthened
during British period - end to isolation &
self-sufficiency of villages
Introduction of centralized judiciary,
monetary and governance system

5. Evolution of Local Government
Modern Local Self Government
Present form, structure - a British creation.
Ancient Indian Local Government - narrow
basis, caste or hereditary privileges
Limited scope - collection of revenue &
protection of life and property.
Existing Local Governments - an alien
adaptation & nothing traditional.

6. Evolution of Local Government
First Period (1687-1881A.D.)
1687 - First corporation in port town of
Madras.(Chennai) ‘Justice of Peace’.
1773 - Passing of Regulating Act.
up to 1857 - Need for L.G. was for the
functions of ‘Justice of Peace’
after 1857 - financial & administrative
need. - war of Independence and transfer
of power from East India Company to
British Government.

7. Evolution of Local Government
Second Period (1882-1919A.D.)
Lord Rippon - Montague Chelmsford
Lord Rippon - viewed L.G.instrument
of political and popular education with
an elective principle.

8. Evolution of Local Government
Third Period (1920-1937A.D.)
British response to growing national
aspirations.
Local bodies under popular provincial
minister
more executive powers - more
financial freedom
no radical changes in the structure

9. Evolution of Local Government
Fourth Period (1937-1947A.D.)
A set back period as political
independence became main focus.
Abolition of nomination
Introduction of adult suffrage
Separation of deliberative & executive
wing.
Rule-making powers to state
government.

10. Evolution of Local Government
Fifth Period – Post Independence
Constitutional assembly deliberations -were
highly inadequate regarding U.L.Bs.
Rural local govt. - received more attention
Still we do not have clear cut urbanization
policy.
Urbanization - something to be curbed /
avoided.
1992 - 74th Constitutional Amendment

11. Evolution of Local
Government in India
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