The Local Government in India was initially established by:

Correct option is A

The correct answer is option (a) Lord Ripon

Explanation

The foundation of Local Self-Government in India was laid by Lord Ripon, who is widely regarded as the “Father of Local Self-Government in India.” In 1882, during his tenure as the Viceroy of India, Lord Ripon introduced significant reforms that promoted democratic decentralization. His resolution on local self-government emphasized the formation of local boards (rural and urban) with a non-official majority, thereby allowing Indian citizens greater participation in administrative matters.

Ripon’s reforms were a pioneering move towards empowering Indians at the grassroots level, especially in municipal and district administration. His ideas focused on increasing accountability, transparency, and responsiveness in governance. Though the structure remained limited under colonial rule, his efforts laid the groundwork for future developments in Panchayati Raj and municipal governance in independent India.

Information Booster

• Lord Ripon introduced local self-government reforms in 1882.

• Known as the “Father of Local Self-Government” in India.

• Promoted non-official majority in local bodies.

• Aimed to decentralize power and improve administrative efficiency.

• His reforms were a precursor to modern Panchayati Raj.

• Focused on democratic participation at local levels.

Additional Knowledge

(a) Lord Ripon:
Correct Answer. Served as Viceroy of India from 1880 to 1884. His 1882 Resolution on Local Self-Government encouraged the formation of municipal bodies with Indian participation. His reform measures are seen as the first organized attempt to establish democratic governance at the local level. Ripon's contributions are viewed as progressive and ahead of their time in the colonial setup.

(b) Lord Curzon:
Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905, Curzon is remembered for administrative efficiency and imperial consolidation, including the controversial Partition of Bengal (1905). While he carried out several educational and administrative reforms, he did not initiate local self-government.

(c) Lord Canning:
He was the first Viceroy of India post-1857 Revolt. His tenure (1856–1862) is notable for the introduction of the Indian Councils Act 1861 and initiating the Doctrine of Lapse's reversal, but he did not focus on local government development.

(d) Lord Dalhousie:
Known for policies like the Doctrine of Lapse and modern infrastructure development (railways, telegraphs), Dalhousie’s tenure (1848–1856) focused more on administrative and territorial expansion, not democratic decentralization or local self-government.