Father of Local Self Government?
VerifiedAnswer: Lord Ripon
Explanation:
Lord Ripon is famously known as the "Father of Local Self Government" in India because of his groundbreaking efforts to establish democratic institutions at the grassroots level during British rule. His contributions laid the foundation for what we know today as local governance in India.
George Frederick Samuel Robinson, 1st Marquess of Ripon, served as the Viceroy of India from 1880 to 1884. During his tenure, he introduced the famous Resolution on Local Self Government on May 18, 1882. This resolution marked a turning point in Indian administrative history as it promoted the idea of involving local people in their own governance.
The key features of Lord Ripon's local self-government policy included:
• Transfer of control from government officials to non-official local representatives • Creation of local boards with elected majorities where possible • Development of municipal committees in urban areas • Establishment of district boards in rural regions • Financial autonomy for local bodies to manage their own resources
Lord Ripon believed that local self-government would serve as a valuable training ground for democracy. He wanted to give Indians practical experience in managing their own affairs, which would eventually prepare them for larger democratic responsibilities. His approach was revolutionary because it shifted power from centralized British administration to local Indian representatives.
The impact of Lord Ripon's reforms was immense. These local bodies became responsible for various civic functions such as sanitation, health services, education, water supply, and roads. They also had the authority to levy local taxes and manage their budgets. This system created a foundation that continues to influence India's current three-tier Panchayati Raj system, which includes village panchayats, block samitis, and zilla panchayats.
While Lord Ripon faced criticism from some British officials who were reluctant to share power with Indians, his vision proved to be far-sighted. His reforms gave Indians their first taste of democratic governance and helped develop local leadership skills. Many prominent Indian leaders of the independence movement gained valuable political experience through these local institutions.
Today, when we study the evolution of democratic institutions in India, Lord Ripon's contribution stands out as a crucial milestone. His 1882 resolution didn't just create administrative units; it planted the seeds of grassroots democracy that continue to flourish in modern India's local governance structures.
