1.
Introduction
Panchayati Raj is a system of rural self-government in India.
It is based on democratic decentralization and aims to promote local governance
and grassroots democracy.
Local Government is a State List subject under the Seventh Schedule of the
Constitution.
2. 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992
Added Part IX (Articles 243 - 243O) and Eleventh Schedule (29 functional items) to
the Constitution.
Passed by Parliament in December 1992, received Presidential assent on April 23,
1993, and came into effect on April 24, 1993.
April 24 is celebrated as Panchayati Raj Diwas since 2010.
3. Structure of Panchayati Raj
Three-tier system:
1. Gram Panchayat (Village level) – Headed by Sarpanch.
2. Panchayat Samiti (Intermediate/Block level) – Exists in states with a
population above 20 lakhs.
3. Zila Parishad (District level) – Apex body, chaired by Zila Pramukh.
All members are directly elected; Chairpersons of Zila Parishad and Panchayat
Samiti are indirectly elected.
Gram Sabha consists of all registered voters in the village.
4. Elections & Reservations
Held every 5 years; conducted by State Election Commission [Article 243K].
Reservations:
o SC/ST as per population proportion [Article 243D].
o 1/3rd seats for women, including SC/ST women (some states increased to
50%).
State laws decide Chairperson elections at the village level.
5. Powers & Functions
Economic development & social justice.
Implementation of government schemes (MGNREGA, PMAY, etc.).
Infrastructure, health, education, sanitation, water supply.
States can authorize Panchayats to levy taxes, duties, tolls, etc.
6. Financial Provisions
State Finance Commission (every 5 years) reviews the financial position of
Panchayats.
Revenue sources:
o Grants from Central & State governments.
o Local taxes & fees (property tax, market fees, etc.).
o Loans & donations.
7. PESA Act, 1996 (For Scheduled Areas)
Panchayati Raj provisions were not automatically applicable to Scheduled Areas
(5th Schedule).
PESA Act (1996) extended Panchayati Raj to tribal areas in 10 states.
Empowers tribal communities in self-governance and resource management.
Major Committees & Recommendations
1. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957):
o Recommended three-tier system.
o Emphasized direct and indirect elections.
o Panchayati Raj first introduced in Nagaur, Rajasthan (1959), followed by
Andhra Pradesh.
2. Ashok Mehta Committee (1978):
o Suggested two-tier system (Zila Parishad & Mandal Panchayat).
3. V.N. Gadgil Committee (1988):
o Laid the foundation for the 73rd Amendment Act.
8. Conclusion
The 73rd Amendment gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj, making it a key
pillar of democracy.
Decentralized governance has brought decision-making closer to rural people.
However, state interference, lack of funds, and implementation issues remain major
challenges.
Strengthening financial independence, transparency, and accountability is
necessary for effective rural governance.
Municipalities in India (Indian Polity)
Municipalities in India are urban local government bodies responsible for
administering cities and towns. They are governed by the 74th Constitutional
Amendment Act, 1992.
1. Constitutional Provisions
74th Amendment Act, 1992 added Part IX-A and Schedule 12 to the Constitution.
Defines the structure, composition, powers, and functions of municipalities.
Articles 243P to 243ZG deal with municipalities.
2. Types of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
Nagar Panchayat – For transitional areas (rural to urban).
Municipal Council (Nagar Palika) – For smaller cities.
Municipal Corporation (Nagar Nigam) – For large cities with high population density.
3. Composition of Municipalities
Members elected directly by the people from municipal wards.
Seats reserved for SCs, STs, OBCs, and women (1/3rd of total).
Chairperson/Mayor elected directly or indirectly.
4. State Control and Elections
Municipalities function under the supervision of the State Government.
Elections conducted by the State Election Commission (SEC) every 5 years.
