1. Local Government : Concept and Theoretical Overview Dr
Local Government : Concept and Theoretical Overview Dr. Salahuddin Aminuzzaman Professor, Dept. of Public Administration UNIVERSITY OF DHAKA 7th March 2012

2. What is Local Government?
Government of local area ( Area is defined by law) Government having limited control and authority over specific geographical area and can not pass or enforce laws/ rules that will affect a wider area Manned by elected representatives Enjoys legal and administrative authority Empowered to tax, regulate and enforce authority

3. Constitutional obligation Bring government closer to community
Why Local Government?
Constitutional obligation
Separation of power and counter balance
Bring government closer to community
Make democracy sustainable and grounded
Ensure effective participation
Promote local priorities
Ensure political and administrative accountability

4. Why Local Government? Effective delivery of services
A mechanism to ensure decentralization
Encourage the process of economic growth
Promote and preserve diversity and cultural heritage
To tackle the pressure of Urbanization

5. Theories of LG
Local government theories has primarily dealt with the nature relationship with central and local level political system.
Liberal-Democratic Theory:
LG is needed to create these values relate to Political Education, Training in Leadership and Political Stability.
LG facilitates its accountability and preserves the liberty by asserting the right of individuals to be grouped in local communities.
LG also works as defense/shield against arbitrary power or centralizing power.
LGs are responsive to the demands and needs of the community
Centre has to survive with partnership with LG.

6. Theories of LG Economic Theory
LG as providers of packages of goods, services.
LG provides widest range of choices of services based on local needs.
LG ensures allocative justice and efficienct use of collective goods

7. Theories of LG… Elitist Theory
LG is body that promotes local interest and protects state expansion and centralization.
LGs are basically pluralist and they handle secondary issues of lesser importance to national elites.
LGs are tied to national elites by network of patronage, clientelism and control over public expenditure.

8. Theories of LG… Consolidationist School
Twentieth century scholars on American state and local government have largely abandoned such a strong localist position. Influenced by notions of economies of scale and “burden spreading” (redistribution of resources) in urban areas, the post-World War II period has been dominated by the so-called “consolidationist” school of local government. Big is beautiful! It is economical, efficient and effective.

9. Public Choice theory of LG
Theories of LG…
Public Choice theory of LG
Public Choice theorist takes a strong position against the consolidationist.
This theory maintain that the model of the market place fits local government. They strongly highlighted the idea of community based mobilization of resources and decision on its allocation.
They argue that that people “consume” government and its services as they want.

10. International/ Regional experiences
Too many tiers means confusing roles and excessive administrative costs
Own resources – gives flexibility to respond to citizen’s preferences
Own resourse also enhances accountability
Involvement of civil society as watchdog
Fiscal transfers and audits/ monitoring brings good result
Linking community voice to fiscal transfers and audits (social watch and audit) enhances accountability

11. Key Institutional Lessons
Three Fs: Functions, Finance, and Functionaries creates the capacity
Capacity grows with responsibility
Responsibility grows with managing own-resources
With own-resources comes accountability
Accountability is assured by citizen participation/ involvement and central audit

12. By pass model – Bangladesh Experiences
State of LG
By pass model – Bangladesh Experiences
Central Govt,
Line Agencies
and Projects
Local Govt.
NGOs
Local communities

13. Impact of by pass
Weak LG system/ poor image/ lack of trust
People become Centre oriented/ NGO dependent for service deliveries
Widen the scope central control / bureaucratization of development and governance
By pass model is costly and not sustainable

14. Questions and Answer