Structure and functioning

1. Introduction

  1. The 73rd Amendment Act of 1992 provided a constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj system.
  2. It added a new Part IX to the Constitution, titled "The Panchayats", and Article 243 to 243O.
  3. The amendment came into effect on April 24, 1993.

2. Structure of Panchayati Raj

  1. Introduced a three-tier system of local governance at the village, intermediate, and district levels.
  2. The structure includes:
    • Gram Panchayat at the village level.
    • Panchayat Samiti at the intermediate level.
    • Zilla Parishad at the district level.
  3. The intermediate level is optional for states with a population below 20 lakh.

3. Composition

  1. Members are elected directly by the people at all levels.
  2. The Chairpersons of the Panchayats are elected as per state legislation.
  3. Seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and women (not less than 33%).

4. Functions of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)

  1. Preparation of plans for economic development and social justice.
  2. Implementation of schemes related to agriculture, health, education, rural development, and more.
  3. Responsibility for ensuring proper use of local resources and addressing local issues.

5. Powers and Authority

  1. Empowered to levy and collect taxes, duties, and fees.
  2. States are required to transfer powers, responsibilities, and funds to PRIs as per the 11th Schedule.
  3. Functions assigned include irrigation, drinking water, roads, housing, education, and more.

6. Finance

  1. Introduction of the State Finance Commission (SFC) to recommend financial allocations to Panchayats.
  2. Panchayats receive funds from state governments, central government schemes, and local taxes.
  3. The 15th Finance Commission emphasized improving funding for PRIs.

7. Gram Sabha

  1. The Gram Sabha includes all eligible voters in a village.
  2. It is the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system and oversees the functioning of the Gram Panchayat.
  3. Discusses and approves development plans and audits Panchayat accounts.

8. Significance

  1. Empowered rural citizens through grassroots democracy.
  2. Promoted inclusive development with the involvement of marginalized communities.
  3. Enhanced transparency and accountability in rural governance.

9. Challenges

  1. Inadequate devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries to PRIs.
  2. Lack of capacity building and training for Panchayat members.
  3. Prevalence of political interference and lack of financial independence.
  4. Limited awareness among citizens about the role of PRIs.

10. Conclusion

The 73rd Amendment strengthened grassroots democracy by institutionalizing the Panchayati Raj system. It is a significant step toward achieving decentralized governance and empowering rural India. Addressing challenges and ensuring the effective functioning of PRIs are crucial for holistic rural development.

Category
Panchayati Raj System (73rd Amendment)
Local Governance
Indian Polity and Governance
Which amendment to the Constitution introduced the Panchayati Raj System in India?
In which year was the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act enacted?
Which article of the Constitution deals with the establishment of Panchayati Raj Institutions?
How many tiers are there in the Panchayati Raj system as per the 73rd Amendment?
Which level of the Panchayati Raj system functions at the village level?
What is the term of office for members of the Panchayati Raj Institutions?
The Panchayati Raj system is primarily intended to strengthen which level of government?
What is the primary source of income for Panchayati Raj Institutions?
Which body is responsible for planning and development at the district level in the Panchayati Raj system?
The 73rd Amendment Act mandates the creation of which body at the village level?
What is the role of the Gram Sabha in the Panchayati Raj system?
Which article provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women in Panchayati Raj Institutions?
Who conducts elections for the Panchayati Raj Institutions?
Which level of the Panchayati Raj system is responsible for coordinating between Gram Panchayats?
How many subjects are included in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, which pertains to the Panchayati Raj system?
What is the minimum age for contesting elections in Panchayati Raj Institutions?
The Panchayati Raj Institutions were first established in independent India in which state?
Which committee's recommendations led to the adoption of the 73rd Amendment Act?
Which level of the Panchayati Raj system is at the top of the three-tier structure?
The 73rd Amendment Act provides for the audit of accounts of Panchayati Raj Institutions by whom?
What is the minimum population required to establish an intermediate Panchayat as per the 73rd Amendment?
Which of the following is not a function of Panchayati Raj Institutions?
Which article provides for the continuity of Panchayati Raj Institutions even after their dissolution?
The 73rd Amendment mandates which body to recommend measures to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions?
Which level of Panchayati Raj is responsible for maintaining basic education and healthcare facilities?
Under the Panchayati Raj system, the Gram Sabha consists of whom?
Who is the executive head of the Gram Panchayat?
Which of the following is a discretionary function of Panchayati Raj Institutions?
The 73rd Amendment guarantees the Panchayati Raj Institutions constitutional status under which part of the Constitution?
Who has the power to dissolve a Panchayat before the completion of its term?
The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee advocated for the establishment of which type of governance?
The 73rd Amendment Act came into effect on which date?
Which of the following is not included in the 29 subjects under the Eleventh Schedule?