What was the constitutional provisions about local governments before 1992?
The subject of local government was assigned to States by the constitution. It was also mentioned in the Directive Principles as one of the policy directives to all governments in the country. Thus this provision was non-justiciable and primarily advisory in nature. When Community Development Programme was started in 1952, a three tier Panchayati Raj System of local government was recommended for the rural areas. In many states these local bodies did not have enough powers and functions to look after the local development. These bodies were much dependent on the state and the central governments for finances. The elections were not held regularly. In many states, the elections was indirect.
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