Discuss changes done by the British in the field of local bodies after 1858.
Changes in the field of local bodies after 1858 : Financial crisis led the government to further decentralize administration by promoting local government through municipalities and district boards. Local bodies were first formed between 1864 and 1868 consisted of nominated members who were presided over by District Magistrate. In this regard Lord Ripen took some important steps during his rule in 1882. A government resolution laid down the policy for local administration through rural and urban local bodies:
(a) In big cities Municipal Committees were set up by the British Government.
(b) In the villages district boards were set up.
(c) Education, health, cleanliness, supply of water and other local services were entrusted in the hands of local institutions.
(d) The members of the rural and urban local bodies would be non-officials who were elected by the people.
(e) These non-official members were permitted to be elected as chairman of local body.
(f) The elected members were very less in number in all the municipalities and the district boards because they were elected by a small number of voters as the right to vote was given only to some limited people.
(g) The district officials acted as presidents of district boards and the non-officials gradually become chairman of municipal committees.
