Historical Background
Before 1992
Pre-Amendment Status:
- Constitution included preamble to local government but no mandatory structure
- Gandhi's vision: Gram Swaraj (village self-governance)
- But no constitutional enforcement
- Existed only where states implemented
Issues:
- No uniform system across India
- Local government weak and unreliable
- No regular elections in many states
- Dominated by state governments
- Neglected democratic institution
73rd Amendment (1992) - Panchayati Raj System
Constitutional Framework
Articles Added: Articles 243-243O (Part IX)
What was Done:
- Made three-tier Panchayati Raj mandatory
- Required regular elections
- Mandatory reservations
- Defined functions and powers
- Created Finance Commission for devolution
Three-Tier System (Article 243B-E)
Tier 1: Village Level (Gram Panchayat)
- Covers village population
- Gram Sabha: all adult citizens in village
- Gram Panchayat: elected body (council of members)
- Functions: Local development, agriculture support, social welfare, basic services
Tier 2: Block Level (Block Panchayat/Intermediate)
- Covers multiple villages (one block)
- Indirectly elected (elected by gram panchayat members)
- Functions: Inter-panchayat coordination, developmental schemes, health, education
Tier 3: District Level (District Panchayat/Zilla Parishad)
- Covers entire district
- Elected by block panchayat members (indirectly)
- Functions: District-level planning, coordination, major infrastructure
Elections and Reservations (Article 243D, 243E)
Elections:
- Every 5 years
- Separate electoral rolls for panchayat elections
- Direct election at gram panchayat level
- Indirect at block and district levels
Reservations (mandatory):
- 1/3 Seats for Women: All three tiers must reserve 1/3 seats for women
- Rotating basis: different seats reserved in different elections
- Some states reserve more (50%)
- SC/ST Reservations: Proportional to SC/ST population in area
- Reserved for categories in rotation
Significance of Women's Reservation:
- First time women got constitutional guarantee in governance
- Increased women's political participation (now ~1.3 million women elected)
- Changed power dynamics in villages
- Visible impact on local development priorities
Functions and Powers (Article 243G)
Obligatory Functions:
- Agriculture
- Animal husbandry
- Education (primary and secondary)
- Roads and bridges
- Water supply
- Sanitation
- Health services
- Social forestry
Optional Functions (states can add):
- Welfare schemes
- Public facilities
- Economic development
- Environmental protection
Finance Commission and Devolution (Article 243I)
Finance Commission for Panchayats:
- Every 5 years: recommends resource transfer from state to panchayats
- Determines: grants, revenue sharing, equalization grants
- State must follow recommendations
Revenue Sources for Panchayats:
- Transfers from state budget
- Local taxes (property, vehicle)
- Grants for specific schemes
- Government program funds
- Private donations
Impact:
- Ensured financial sustainability
- Panchayats became more independent
- Can plan and implement schemes
Gram Sabha (Article 243)
What is Gram Sabha:
- All adult citizens of village
- Highest authority in village
- Approves panchayat plans
- Reviews accounts
- Participatory democracy
Functions:
- Approves annual plans and budgets
- Reviews performance
- Grievance redressal
- Participatory role
Impact:
- Direct democracy element
- Citizens participate in governance
- Accountability mechanism
74th Amendment (1992) - Municipal Corporations and Municipalities
Constitutional Framework
Articles Added: Articles 243P-243ZG (Part IX-A)