Independence raised the question of what role local government would have in the Indian political system. One of its functions became a development with two general goals: to improve the economical infrastructure of the locality and to provide previously excluded groups and castes with opportunities for political power. The success of the local system of government in meeting these goals is mixed, especially with the evolution of develop ment programs of the center. Recent changes have indicated a decline in the development role of local governments which varies by region and urban and rural areas. The election ( 1980) of a new government may again lead to changes in the local system of local govern ment and its role in development.
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