I Problem: The following points emerge with respect to the problems and prospects of Panchayati Raj Institutions:

(i) The Panchayati Raj institutions have been suffering from the lack of financial resources which hinder their effective functions.

(ii). The elections of Panchayats are held on party lines which results in casteism and political enemity.

(iii). There is not much scope for the election of the able and honest persons in the Panchayats and that results in corruption and nepotism.

(iv). The government machinery continues to maintain its hold on Panchayat bodies, which goes against the very purpose of these institutions.

(v). Lack of awareness and non-fulfilment of promises made by these bodies make village people suspicious to the utility of Panchayati Raj bodies.

II. Suggestions: (i) Effective measures should be adopted to the practice of corruption at various levels in the functioning of Panchayats.

(ii) Sufficient funds should be given directly from central as well as from state governments as aid for all local bodies related with the Panchayati Raj.

(iii) New sources of income should be suggested to rular democratic institutions.

(iv) Educational and mass media facilities should be provided. Banks, Insurance companies and foreign companies should provide financial and other helps.

(v) In the interest of democracy the villages may be trained in the art of self-government, even autonomy ......We must be able to reform the villages and introduce democratic principles (equality, justice, liberty and fraternity) of the government there.

(vi) It is necessary that in a democracy, tasks, which can be performed locally, should be left in the hands of the local people of rural India and their representation. Common people are more familiar with their local government and their problems that with the government at the state or national level. They are also more concerned with what local government does or has failed to do as it has a direct bearing and impact on their day-to-day life. In this way strengthen local rural government is like strengthening democratic processes.

I. Structure: Organisation or Composition of the Municipal Corporation:

In India, there are Municipal Corporations in the big cities like Delhi, Mumbai. Kolkata, Chennai etc. to solve the local problems of the people residing in these cities.

The elections for Municipal Corporation are held after every four or five years. All adult persons whose names are registered in the list of voters have a right to vote. After the election of the councillors is over, election of eldermen, whose number is predetermined is held and the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are also elected by the councillors on the basis of single transferable vote system. Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected every years.

II. Main Functions of the Municipal Corporation:

1. Sanitation: The Municipal Corporation is responsible for the sanitary conditions in the cities. Public roads are properly swept, cleaned and watered. Suitable arrangements are made for drainage and sewage-treatment. The Corporation sees that houses are built according to the scientific sanitary principles.

2. Public Health: The Municipal Corporation makes arrangement for the establishment and maintenance of hospitals and dispensaries, vaccination, prevention of the outbreak of diseases, etc. It prevents the sale of intoxicants like opium. It opens maternity centres and child welfare centres. It prevents the sale of adulterated food.

3. Water Supply: It is another important function of the Municipal Corporation to make arrangements of pure drinking water for the city populace.

4. Electricity: The Corporation provides electricity to the people of the city.

5. Education: The Municipal Corporation also makes arrangements for providing education to the people. The establishment and maintenance of primary and middle schools is one of the most important functions of the Corporation. Reading rooms and libraries are also run by the Corporation. The Corporation also gives financial aid to the privately managed schools.

6. Roads and Bridges: It makes arrangements for the construction of roads and bridges within its area. It also gets the roads and the bridges repaired whenever necessary.

7. Transport: The Corporation provides licences and frames rules for taxis, scooters, tongas, rickshaws, cars, etc.

8. Recreation: The Corporation issues licences for opening of cinema hall. It looks after zoo and museum also.

9. Trade and Market: The Corporation gives licences and other facilities to trade and industries in the area.

10. Miscellaneous Functions:

(i) Arrangement of cremation grounds.

(ii) Fire brigade service.

(iii) Records of births and deaths.

(iv) To approve the plan of houses.

(v) To give notice and demolition of old buildings for safety.

(vi) Arrangement for playgrounds, parks and gardens.

(vii) For the vaccination of Stray dogs.

The Local government means the institution that is made up of the members elected by the local people. The Local government lends strength to the democratic set-up. The villagers and the people of towns get a chance to take part in the Government of the country.

The following points emerge with respect to the problems and prospects of Panchayati Raj institutions:

1. The Panchayati Raj institutions have been suffering from the lack of financial resources which hinder their effective functions.

2. The elections of Panchayats are held on party lines which results in casteism and political enemity.

3. There is not much scope for the election of the able and honest persons in the Panchayats and that results in corruption and nepotism.

4. The government machinery continues to maintain its hold on Panchayat bodies, which goes against the very purpose of these institutions.

5. Lack of awareness and non-fulfilment of promises made by these bodies make village people suspicious to the utility of Panchayati Raj bodies.

Effective measures should be adopted to the practice of corruption at various levels in the functioning of Panchayats.

Steps: The Government of India has taken many steps for the rural development. The three steps are listed below :

1. Community Development Projects: The Government of India has introduced various Community Development Programmes (C.D.P). Under this scheme, the rural areas were divided into Development Blocks. A Block Development Officer was made incharge of and responsible for developmental works.

2. Panchayati Raj: Panchayati Raj was introduced in 1959 for local administrative purposes and for comprehensive development of rural areas. Gram Panchayats were formed in each and every village, with Panchayat Samitis at the Block Level and Zila Parishads at the District Level. These are elected representative bodies of the people. They make plans for the development of the area and work them out.

3. Rural Water Supply Programme: Under this programme it has been decided to provide potable water facilities in all the villages. In many villages people don't get clean and wholesome water to drink. Pumping stations have been set up with state funds to provide drinking water.