LOCAL GOVERNANCE IN BRITISH INDIA FOR MASS EMPOWERMENT OR PARTICULAR AGENDA

Abstract

The study is aimed to look into the local government system in the
subcontinent during the British rule. This system was already working in various
parts of the country with diverse patterns, but landlords or upper strata of
society were administering it. The British replaced the older one with regular
system for obtaining various objectives. They claimed of the fulfillment of public
needs and demands through this system, while in reality, much inclination was
showed towards revenue collection and less attention was paid on service
delivery. The system was helpful for the masses in some ways, but the regime
preferred consolidation of power and exploitation of country’s financial
resources. Additionally, patronage politics was encouraged. The concept of
subsidiary and share of revenues were to strengthen the center. Here is the
question either the local government was introduced to encourage the people for
self-governance or getting benefit for specific objectives. It is believed that the
system was to amass fiscal resources as empirical evidence and published
research indicated. The findings of the study reveals that local governance was
in pursuit of English tradition, but actual reason was finical problem, which led
to formation of local bodies. However, at later stages, the system facilitated the
masses by increasing share in self-rule and these aspects have been reviewed by
the study.
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