Local Self-Government Definition

Local self-government represents democratic decentralization—the transfer of power and authority from the central government to local bodies (municipalities, panchayats, etc.) to allow communities to govern themselves at the grassroots level. This enables democratic participation at the local level. Option (a) Federalism refers to division of power between center and states, not local bodies. Option (c) Administrative delegation implies technical assignment of duties without democratic autonomy. Option (d) Direct democracy is theoretical governance by the people directly; local self-government is a practical manifestation but through elected representatives. The best answer captures the democratic nature and decentralized character of local governance. > Local self-government: Exercise in democratic decentralization; power devolved to communities; grassroots democratic participation. Answer: (b).