Local Government in Bihar
Introduction: Meaning and Significance of Local Government in Bihar
Local government in Bihar refers to institutions of self-government at the rural and urban levels that enable people to participate directly in governance. It includes Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in rural areas and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in towns and cities. These institutions are closest to the people and are expected to address local needs such as drinking water, sanitation, primary education, health, roads, and social welfare.
The significance of local government in Bihar is particularly high due to the state’s large population, widespread poverty, social diversity, and regional imbalances. Effective local governance helps deepen democracy, empower marginalised sections, and improve service delivery. In a state like Bihar, where administrative reach of the state government is limited at the grassroots, strong local institutions are essential for inclusive development.
Constitutional Framework of Local Government in Bihar
The constitutional basis of local government in Bihar lies in the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, enacted in 1992. These amendments gave constitutional status to local self-government institutions and made decentralisation a core feature of Indian democracy. The Constitution mandates:
- Regular elections to local bodies every five years
- Reservation for SCs, STs, and women
- Creation of State Finance Commissions
- Clear functional domains for local bodies
Bihar follows this constitutional framework, though the extent of actual devolution remains a matter of debate.
73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment deals with Panchayati Raj Institutions, while the 74th Constitutional Amendment relates to Urban Local Bodies. Key provisions include:
- Three-tier Panchayati Raj system
- 29 subjects under the Eleventh Schedule for PRIs
- 18 subjects under the Twelfth Schedule for ULBs
- Mandatory Gram Sabha as the foundation of rural democracy
These amendments transformed local government in Bihar from administrative units into institutions of self-governance.
Three-Tier and Urban Structures
Rural Structure (Panchayati Raj)
Bihar has a three-tier Panchayati Raj system:
- Gram Panchayat at village level
- Panchayat Samiti at block level
- Zila Parishad at district level
Bihar has around 8,400+ Gram Panchayats, making PRIs a massive governance network.
Urban Structure
Urban local government in Bihar consists of:
- Municipal Corporations
- Municipal Councils
- Nagar Panchayats
These bodies govern urban services like water supply, waste management, roads, and street lighting.
Panchayati Raj Institutions in Bihar
Structure and Composition
PRIs in Bihar are elected bodies with representatives chosen directly by the people. A notable feature of local government in Bihar is 50% reservation for women, one of the highest in India. There is also proportional reservation for SCs, STs, OBCs, and EBCs. This has significantly changed the social composition of leadership at the grassroots level.
Powers and Functions
PRIs in Bihar are responsible for:
- Implementation of rural development schemes
- Maintenance of local infrastructure
- Primary education and health initiatives
- Social justice and welfare schemes
However, while functions are formally assigned, actual control over funds and functionaries remains limited, constraining their effectiveness.
Empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions in Bihar
Devolution of Powers, Functions and Finances
The empowerment of local government in Bihar depends on the “3Fs”. Despite these limitations, Finance Commission grants have increased fund flow to PRIs, improving their operational capacity.
- Functions: Many Eleventh Schedule subjects are shared with state departments.
- Finances: PRIs depend heavily on state and central grants. Own-source revenue remains weak.
- Functionaries: Staff are often controlled by line departments, not PRIs.
Reservation and Social Inclusion
One of the biggest achievements of local government in Bihar is social empowerment. With 50% reservation for women and significant representation of backward and marginalised groups. This has led to democratic deepening, even if governance outcomes vary.
- Women now occupy leadership roles at village level
- Dalits and EBCs have gained political voice
Grassroots Working of Panchayati Raj Institutions in Bihar
Role of Gram Sabha
The Gram Sabha is the foundation of rural local government in Bihar. However, attendance and effectiveness vary widely across regions due to low awareness and social hierarchies. It:
- Approves village plans
- Monitors implementation of schemes
- Acts as a platform for grievance redressal
Ground-Level Examples
At the grassroots level, PRIs in Bihar have played a role in:
- Implementation of drinking water schemes
- Construction of rural roads under development programmes
- Monitoring of school mid-day meals and Anganwadi centres
In many villages, elected women representatives have focused on sanitation, health, and education issues.
Key Achievements of Local Government in Bihar
Democratic Deepening and Social Empowerment
Local government in Bihar has:
- Expanded political participation
- Brought governance closer to people
- Empowered women and marginalised groups
The presence of elected local bodies has strengthened accountability at the village and ward levels, even if challenges remain.
Challenges in Effective Functioning of Local Government in Bihar
Administrative, Financial and Capacity Issues
Despite constitutional backing, local government in Bihar faces serious challenges:
- Inadequate devolution of powers
- Heavy dependence on higher governments for funds
- Lack of trained personnel and technical expertise
- Political interference and elite capture
- Weak monitoring and accountability mechanisms
These issues limit the transformative potential of local governance.
Role of State Government in Strengthening Local Government
Reforms, E-Governance and Capacity Building
The Bihar government has taken steps to strengthen local government through:
- Training programmes for elected representatives
- Introduction of e-governance tools for planning and accounting
- Online fund flow and monitoring systems
However, deeper reforms are needed to ensure genuine autonomy and accountability.
Way Forward: Strengthening Local Government in Bihar
To strengthen local government in Bihar, the following steps are crucial:
- Genuine devolution of 3Fs
- Strengthening Gram Sabha participation
- Enhancing own-source revenue of local bodies
- Capacity building and digital literacy
- Reducing political and bureaucratic interference
A strong local government system is essential for inclusive and sustainable development in Bihar.
Conclusion
Local government in Bihar represents both the promise and the challenges of decentralised democracy. While constitutional provisions and reservation policies have ensured political empowerment and social inclusion, gaps in devolution, capacity, and accountability continue to hamper effective functioning. Strengthening local government is not merely an administrative reform but a democratic necessity. If empowered properly, local self-government institutions can transform governance, development, and democracy at the grassroots level in Bihar.
BPSC Mains Practice Questions (Local Government in Bihar)
Q1. Elucidate the constitutional framework of local government in Bihar and critically examine the extent of empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Q2. Local government in Bihar has contributed to democratic deepening but faces serious functional constraints. Analyse the statement with suitable grassroots examples.
Q3. Discuss the major challenges in the effective functioning of local government in Bihar and suggest measures to strengthen decentralised governance.
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