Function Of Local Self - Government - Gentral and in the Changed Context

FUNCTIONS OF LOCAL SELF - GOVERNMENT - GENERAL :

The functions of local self - government may be divided into two broad groups. They obligatory and discretionary. The obligatory functions are the lighting of streets and public places, water supply, fire - control, registration of births and deaths, primary education, hospitals and dispensaries. In short the obligatory functions include such amenities as parks and public gardens, libraries an amusements, swimming pools, transport, the control of food - stuffs and such oterh measures which promote public safety, health and convenience.

FUNCTION OF LOCAL SELF - GOVERNMENT IN THE CHANGED CONTEXT :

The objects of the local self - government in the context of changing conditions may be given as given below :

a.   To work as local units of self government

b.   To provide local services and public conveniences for making an individual good citizen.

c.    To ensure planned and regulated development of the urban and rural areas.

d  To mobilize local resources and utilize for public welfare.

e   To promote social, economic and cultural development in an integrated way.

In short, it may be observed that the local bodies particularly in India are not only field agencies for the development and maintenance of civil services and for execution in their respective areas of national programmes but they are also the primary units of democratic government. They are the most appropriate organizations for undertaking local tasks of development and social welfare. Apart from providing civic amenities for the safety and convenience of its citizens, it is their duty to mobilize local support and public co -operation for implementation of programmes of health, maternity, child welfare and family planning education, housing, slum clearance and improvement and other schemes of social welfare.