Kinds And Organization Of Local Bodies In India

KINDS AND ORGANIZATION OF LOCAL BODIES IN INDIA :

Broadly the local bodies in India can be divided into two groups namely, Urban Self - Governing Bodies and Rural Self Governing Bodies.

Urban Self - Governing Bodies :

Urban this category there are Corporations, Municipalities and Cantonment Boards besides the Township Committees. The greater a local - governing body is, the more are its functions and powers. The municipalities of larges cities are known as corporation. The status, structure and functions of these bodies are decided by the government. For this purpose suitable legislation is enacted from time to time.

Rural Self - Governing Bodies

In this category comes the Panchayati Raj institutions. These bodies facilitate the rural people to participate in and look after their own affairs themselves. This would, ultimately, in the opinion of great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, lead to the revival of the ancient institution of the panchayat and contribute to the economic prosperity of the people living in village.

The status, structure and functions of the rural local bodies were introduced in the India according to the laws. These have undergone a sea change especially since independence based on the recommendations of several high level commissions and committees. A detailed account of these is given in the next few pages.