The functioning of a Government can be categorized into National, State and Local. Local Self- Governments are those bodies that look after the administration of a area or small community such as village, town or a city. These bodies are appointed by the Government representing the local inhabitants, which raises its revenue partially through local taxation and other means. . The Local Self- Government can be divided into various classes like Corporations, Cities, Town Municipalities and Town Panchayats on the basis of population.
The Local Self Government is entitled to discharge certain compulsory functions like:
Supplying safe and clean drinking water
Imparting and maintaining proper drainage and sewage systems
Providing public street lighting
To keep up sanitation and hygiene of public places
Building and maintenance of bus terminals, roads, culverts and bridges
- Preservation of public parks and gardens
- To make sure that the urban or rural growth is systematic and planned
- Preparing guidelines for building construction
- Issuing Licenses for Trade activities
- Issuing and maintaining Birth and Death records
Apart from these the Local Self Government can deliver some discretionary functions including educational, health, community and recreational services etc.
In order to deliver the above duties, the Local Self Government have been given certain powers to earn revenues by levying certain taxes and fees. In addition to it, the State Government also transfers some of its general revenues to the Local Self Government. Their main sources of is from taxes on construction and lands, taxes levied on people for water supply, and fee from trade license.
The Local Self Government of Punjab cannot be said to be very developed like the states of Karnataka or Maharashtra.
Following are the divisions of Local Self Government in Punjab:
- Municipal Administration
- Panchayats
Last Updated on : 25/06/2013
