Question

Describe the administration of the Presidency towns.

Answer 1

Instructions:
Write about the:

• Name the three phases of administration
• Describe each of the phases.

Solution: The development of local government can be traced in three distinctive phases:

First Phase: The establishment of Municipal corporations in Madras, Northwestern Frontier provinces, Oudh and Bombay.

Second Phase: Ripon’s resolution on local Self-Government.

Third Phase: The Government Act of 1919 and 1935 provided Dyarchy and Provincial autonomy. Finally, in 1947, India had an opportunity to form its local government.

During British rule, at the end of the 18th century, a parliamentary statute authorized the Governor General to appoint justices of the peace in towns. After various trials, a new system of government was introduced in the three presidency towns with essential features of,

• Large Corporation with elected members
• Strong independent executive authority
• Adequate safeguard for checking accounts
• Provision for performing essential duties like sanitation, water supply, revenue collection etc.