The Indian
administration system is a three-tier system where the control flows from upward to downward. From Central government to state government, from state government to local government. The central government is the supreme deity which enjoys the main power, the laws and rules passed by center are implemented by the state and state is accountable to implement these rules with the help of local governance.
The local governance perform at two levels at city level and rural level. At city level we have Municipal Corporation and Municipal Council depending upon the regional population and at village level Panchayati Raj government institutions.
The main responsibility of all these government institutions is to provide better public amenities to its citizen and to maintain law and order in the state.
Given below is detail of the local bodies prevailing and looking after the local administration in the state of Kerala.
Municipal Administration Department: The department of Municipal Administration at present is recalled as Department of Urban Affairs came into existence in 1962 by merging the erstwhile departments of Local Bodies into Department of Municipalities and Department of Panchayats. At present this department works under the Department of Local Administration, Government of Kerala.
This department is accountable for the administration of Municipalities and Corporations in Kerala. There were 58 Urban Local Bodies including five Municipal Corporations. The Kerala Municipality Act 1994, a unified Act for the Municipalities and Corporations in the State was enacted giving effect to the 74th Constitution Amendment Act. As a result a Municipal Corporations also come under the Administrative control of the Department. Before the commencement of the Kerala Municipality Act, 1994 the Department was only the inspecting authority and the coordinating agency in respect of the three Municipal Corporations in the State since 1977.
STATUTORY FUNCTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT UNDER VARIOUS ENACTMENTS.
The Kerala Municipality Act, 1994 does not confer to the department any statutory authority but provides for delegations. The functions and authorities delegated by the Government were properly exercised by the department. This delegation is based on the Kerala Municipality Act, 1961. As per 1994 Act fresh delegation is not ordered. Various powers conferred upon the Director as per the provision in the Local Authorities Loans Act 1963 and Cattle Trespass Act 1961.
OTHER FUNCTIONS
The urban local bodies are the real sense a Miniature form of Government undertaking the various services and functions for the welfare of the people.
The Department exercises supervision and control of the entire urban local bodies in the State. The activities, functions exercised by the local bodies are closely watched by the department.
The works in the local bodies are monitored by the department. With a view to improve the administration in the local bodies a series of circulars covering various subject were issued. Detailed instruction as to the implementation of the new Act were issued from time to time.
Activities under the prevention of Food Adulteration Act and Rules made thereunder were reviewed every month. The Department continued the administration of the Municipal Common Service-Municipal Employees Central Pension Scheme and Central Provident Fund Scheme.
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Panchayat Department: There are 991 Grama Panchayats, 152 Block Panchayats, 14 District Panchayats, 53 Municipalities and 5 Corporations. In accordance to the 74th Amendment to the Constitution of India, the Local self-government Institutions (LSGIs) will function as the third tier of Government. In Kerala, LSGIs are empowered through massive transfer of resources as well as administrative powers.
Coupled with a grassroots level approach of Participatory Planning whereby the developmental programmes are identified and implemented through Grama Sabhas, the LSGIs have emerged as effective agencies for the implementation of developmental programmes. The department is headed by the Secretary who is appointed by the State Government.
Name & Address of Grama Panchayats
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