Local Government
Dr. Priya Ranjan Trivedi staying at A 15, Paryavaran Complex,
New Delhi 110030 (INDIA), Mobile : +91-9818097247 has designed a Masterplan Paradigm for the overall
development and management of local government in the
following manner :
2.1 Principles
The fundamental changes to the structure of government are
vital if we are to achieve true democracy in this country.
If government is to be of, for and by the people, it must
start at the local level and it is at this level that the
power must remain.
Whatever the final shape of the reorganisation of the Indian
system of government, we recognise and support the
preservation of a system of local government which reflects
the desire for local community identity and
self-determination. We believe that power should reside in
the most localised sphere of government that is able to deal
with the issue.
2.2 Goals
While we support local autonomy, we also acknowledge that
giving unbridled power to local councils could lead to
further problems, especially irreversible environmental
ones.
a) a Code of Ethics and a Bill of Rights and
Responsibilities based on green principles to ensure that,
among other things, local activities are socially
advantageous and environmentally benign;
b) a review of local government electoral processes, with a
view to recommending proportional representation;
c) a review of the revenue base of local government; and
d) better coordination with other levels of government to
avoid duplication and unnecessary waste of resources.
2.3 Short Term Targets
In recognising that local government must play an expanded
and more autonomous role while maintaining its
accountability if we are to achieve a truly democratic
system of government in India.
a) financial support for those elected to local government,
in recognition of the part they must play in
decision-making;
b) increased involvement of local government at other levels
of government;
c) that State of the Environment reporting include criteria
for measuring the environmental impact of developments;
d) that those people who are found to have acted in a
corrupt way be barred from ever holding public office again
and as well, that they forfeit any superannuation payments
they may have made while holding that office and that they
lose the right to any termination payments for which they
would otherwise have been eligible;
e) that local councils require all new buildings,
subdivisions and developments to conform to Ecologically
Sustainable Development (ESD) principles;
f) a regular flow of information to the community via
community radio, newsletters and noticeboards to give equal
voice to a range of ideas and to encourage community
participation in local government;
g) that all spheres of government take immediate steps to
familiarise all citizens with their rights and with all
aspects of the present electoral system; and
h) that there be appropriate and adequate consultation to
better gauge opinions on issues of concern.
