Implemented provisions: Uniform Civil Code, Panchayati Raj

Introduction

  1. The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) aim to guide the state in establishing a welfare state and achieving socio-economic justice.
  2. Some DPSP provisions have been implemented over time, including the Uniform Civil Code and the Panchayati Raj system.
  3. These implementations reflect the state's commitment to realizing constitutional ideals.

Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

  1. Article 44 of the Constitution directs the state to secure a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for all citizens.
  2. The UCC aims to ensure equality and uniformity in personal laws across all religions, addressing issues like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.
  3. It seeks to eliminate discrimination based on religion in matters of personal law.
  4. Challenges in implementation:
    • Opposition from various religious communities.
    • Concerns over violation of religious freedom under Article 25.
    • Complexity of India's pluralistic society.
  5. The UCC remains partially implemented, with certain laws like the Special Marriage Act (1954) providing secular alternatives.
  6. Landmark judgments:
    • Shah Bano Case (1985): The Supreme Court emphasized the need for a UCC to promote equality and justice.
    • Sarla Mudgal Case (1995): Reiterated the importance of implementing a UCC to address personal law issues.

Panchayati Raj System

  1. Article 40 of the Constitution directs the state to organize village panchayats and empower them as units of self-governance.
  2. The Panchayati Raj system was formally established through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992).
  3. Key features of the Panchayati Raj system:
    • Three-tier structure: Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad.
    • Mandatory elections every five years.
    • Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and women.
    • Devolution of powers and responsibilities for planning and implementation of local development programs.
  4. The Eleventh Schedule lists 29 subjects under the Panchayati Raj system.
  5. Significance of the Panchayati Raj system:
    • Strengthens grassroots democracy.
    • Empowers rural communities in decision-making.
    • Enhances local self-governance and development.

Significance of Implemented Provisions

  1. Reflect the state's commitment to achieving socio-economic justice.
  2. Promote the ideals of equality, justice, and inclusiveness enshrined in the Constitution.
  3. Address the needs of a diverse and pluralistic society through progressive laws.

Challenges in Implementation

  1. Religious and cultural diversity often creates resistance to uniformity in personal laws.
  2. The lack of awareness and participation in the Panchayati Raj system hampers its effectiveness.
  3. Insufficient financial and administrative powers for panchayats limit their ability to function autonomously.

Conclusion

The implementation of provisions like the Uniform Civil Code and Panchayati Raj highlights the gradual realization of the DPSP. While challenges remain, these measures are vital steps toward achieving a democratic, inclusive, and equitable society as envisioned in the Constitution.

Category
Directive Principles of State Policy
Indian Polity and Governance
Which article of the Indian Constitution mentions the Uniform Civil Code under Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)?
The Panchayati Raj system in India is implemented under which Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP)?
The Uniform Civil Code aims to achieve:
Which state in India was the first to implement the Uniform Civil Code?
Article 44 of the Indian Constitution directs the state to:
Panchayati Raj is linked to which Gandhian principle in the DPSP?
Which amendment to the Constitution provided constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj system?
The idea of the Uniform Civil Code in India is inspired by which country’s legal system?
The Panchayati Raj system implements which level of governance?
Which Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP) promotes the establishment of village panchayats?
The 73rd Amendment to the Indian Constitution is associated with:
The Uniform Civil Code is considered part of which classification of DPSP?
The aim of the Panchayati Raj system is to:
Which committee is associated with the recommendation for the Uniform Civil Code?
The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee is associated with which governance reform?
Article 44 is applicable to which type of laws in India?
The 73rd Amendment provides for the establishment of Panchayati Raj institutions at which levels?
Uniform Civil Code seeks to address inequalities in:
Which Indian leader strongly advocated for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code?
Panchayati Raj institutions derive their power from which schedule of the Constitution?
Which principle is embedded in Article 40 regarding Panchayati Raj?
Which judgment emphasized the need for implementing the Uniform Civil Code?
Which level of Panchayati Raj institution is directly elected by the people?
The Uniform Civil Code is expected to ensure:
The Panchayati Raj system is supported by which type of DPSP?
The 74th Amendment to the Constitution is associated with:
What does the Uniform Civil Code seek to replace?
Which Indian state does not have a formal Panchayati Raj system?
The concept of village self-governance aligns with which DPSP classification?
Which of the following is a key benefit of implementing a Uniform Civil Code?
Which institution was primarily established under the 73rd Amendment for Panchayati Raj?