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1st Rank:c. People know their area, needs, problems and priorities. By collectiveparticipation they should discuss and take decisions about their lives. Localgovernment by definition is meant for the local people of a particular area. Itis based upon the assumption that the problems of an area are best understoodand resolved by the local people. These decisions would be more rational andclose to their problems. Thus, it is the most important aspect of localgovernment.
2nd Rank: b. The development plans made by thelocal people will have greater acceptability than those made by the governmentofficers. This is because the decisions of local people are based upon anaccurate knowledge of local requirements. This makes it the second mostimportant aspect of local government.
3rd Rank: d. It is difficult for the commonpeople to contact their representatives of the State or the nationallegislature. This is because common people may not have the time or resourcesto approach authorities at state or even district level about issues that havebeen pending for a long time. This makes it the third most important rationalebehind local government.
4th Rank: a. Government can complete theprojects with lesser cost with the involvement of the local community.Community involvement lessens the cost of projects. However, it is a lessimportant aspect compared to the relevance of the development activities forlocal people. Thus, it is ranked fourth.
Thedecision of the gram panchayat of Vengaivasal village was based upon theknowledge of people about their local area, needs, problems and priorities.Collective participation enabled the people to discuss and take decisions aboutissues that affected their life. The decision of the government was takenwithout the consent of the Panchayat. Thus, it was violation of the right ofthe people to decide upon issues that affected them.