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Who, among the following, has introduced a resolution in 1882 which is also called the Magna Carta of Local Self-Government in India ?
Explanation
Lord Ripon, the Viceroy of India from 1880 to 1884, introduced the landmark Resolution on Local Self-Government in 1882 [3]. This resolution is famously known as the 'Magna Carta of Local Self-Government in India' because it laid the foundation for modern local governance by advocating for the creation of elected local bodies, such as municipal corporations and district boards [4]. Ripon's initiative aimed to use these institutions as instruments of political and popular education, shifting the focus from mere administrative efficiency to genuine decentralization [1]. By encouraging the participation of non-officials and reducing government interference, he sought to empower local communities. Due to these pioneering contributions, Lord Ripon is widely regarded as the 'Father of Local Self-Government in India' [1]. Other figures like Lord Canning and Lord William Bentinck were associated with different administrative eras and did not introduce this specific 1882 resolution.
Sources
- [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 26: Constitutional, Administrative and Judicial Developments > Ripon's Resolution of 1882 > p. 528
- [3] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > 7. Lord Ripon 1880-1884 > p. 819
- [2] Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: LOCAL GOVERNMENTS > GROWTH OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN INDIA > p. 179
- [4] https://tnou.ac.in/eslm/UG/B.A.%20HISTORY/SEM%20IV/BHYS-41.pdf