DMPQ-. “Even after twenty years of the enactment of the 73rd and the 74th Constitutional Amendments, local self governments are neither local nor self-governing.” Do you agree? What are the key reasons for such a state of affairs? What suggestions would you put forward to improve the situation?

Integrating institutional reforms in local governance with economic reforms was Gandhiji’s far-sighted vision of ‘Poorna Swaraj’. Economic reforms and local government empowerment were the two great initiatives launched in the 1990s. While economic reforms have taken roots and have yielded dividends, local government empowerment, as envisaged, has not taken place.

The key reason behind such a situation is lack of political will and initiative to appropriately and legally devolve functions, functionaries and funds to the local bodies.

The 2nd ARC has given the following recommendations to realize the objectives of democratic decentralization in India:

1. Article 243G and Article 243W be amended to make it mandatory for States to vest the local bodies with powers and authority
2. Union may invoke Article 252 to legislate a model Panchayati Raj Act for the States. With political and public pressure, States may adopt.
3. Principle of subsidiarity be adopted.
4. Legislative Council be constituted in each State to consist of members elected by local governments.
5. State governments
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