Bring out the various administrative challenges faced by local self-governments (LSGs). What measures do you suggest for devolving administrative powers to LSGs, enabling them to function as institutions of genuine self-governance?

Administrative challenges faced by LSGs: 1) Fund shortage. Eg. the 40% of urban local bodies come from property tax, which property tax is minimum in India. 2) Lack of infrastructure. According to National Institute of Rural Development NIRD report only 20% PRIs have seen funding. 3) Poor planning capacity, as personnel are not trained properly that leads to poor utilization of resources. 4) Centralising tendency. Eg. Bengal govt. usurped the power of appointing lower level panchayat-officials by state authority. 5) Loss of power devolution. Many states have not enacted the legislation to grant-power to LSGs. Eg. power to collect local tax, organize local markets, etc.