Local Governments Test - 1

The State government is also required to appoint a State Finance Commission once in five years.

The Census of India defines an urban area as having: (i) a minimum population of 5,000; (ii) at least 75 per cent of the male working population engaged in non-agricultural occupations and (iii) a density of population of at least 400 persons per sq. km. As per the 2011 Census, about 31% of India’s population lives in urban areas.

After 1987, a thorough review of the functioning of local government institutions was initiated. 

While rural local bodies raise 0.24% of the total revenues collected, they account for 4% of the total expenditure made by the government. So they earn much less than they spend. 

There are at least 200 women Adhyakshas in Zilla Panchayats, another 2000 women who are Presidents of the block or taluka panchayats, and more than 80,000 women Sarpanchas in Gram Panchayats.

Democracy is about meaningful participation. It is also about accountability. Strong and vibrant local governments ensure both active participation and purposeful accountability. 

According to Article 243G of the Constitution, State Legislatures may by law endow Panchayats with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as institutions of self-government.

The 74th Amendment dealt with urban local bodies or Nagarpalikas.

All three levels of Panchayati Raj institutions are elected directly by the people. The term of each Panchayat body is five years.

These governments in Bolivia are headed by popularly elected mayors (presidente municipal) and a municipal council (cabildo). Local elections occur nationwide every five years.