2.1 Principles
The Indian National Green Party believe that fundamental changes to the structure of government are vital if we are to achieve true democracy in this country. If government is to be of, for and by the people, it must start at the local level and it is at this level that the power must remain.
Whatever the final shape of the reorganisation of the Indian system of government, the Indian National Green Party recognise and support the preservation of a system of local government which reflects the desire for local community identity and self-determination. We believe that power should reside in the most localised sphere of government that is able to deal with the issue.
2.2 Goals
While the Indian National Green Party support local autonomy, we also acknowledge that giving unbridled power to local councils could lead to further problems, especially irreversible environmental ones.
The Indian National Green Party propose:
a) a Code of Ethics and a Bill of Rights and Responsibilities based on green principles to ensure that, among other things, local activities are socially advantageous and environmentally benign;
b) a review of local government electoral processes, with a view to recommending proportional representation;
c) a review of the revenue base of local government; and
d) better coordination with other levels of government to avoid duplication and unnecessary waste of resources.
2.3 Short Term Targets
In recognising that local government must play an expanded and more autonomous role while maintaining its accountability if we are to achieve a truly democratic system of government in India, the Indian National Green Party propose:
a) financial support for those elected to local government, in recognition of the part they must play in decision-making;
b) increased involvement of local government at other levels of government;
c) that State of the Environment reporting include criteria for measuring the environmental impact of developments;
d) that those people who are found to have acted in a corrupt way be barred from ever holding public office again and as well, that they forfeit any superannuation payments they may have made while holding that office and that they lose the right to any termination payments for which they would otherwise have been eligible;
e) that local councils require all new buildings, subdivisions and developments to conform to Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) principles;
f) a regular flow of information to the community via community radio, newsletters and noticeboards to give equal voice to a range of ideas and to encourage community participation in local government;
g) that all spheres of government take immediate steps to familiarise all citizens with their rights and with all aspects of the present electoral system; and
h) that there be appropriate and adequate consultation to better gauge opinions on issues of concern.