Panchayati Raj and Local Government
Overview
Panchayati Raj and Local Government form the backbone of grassroots democracy in India. Established under Part IX (Articles 243–243O) and Part IX-A (Articles 243P–243ZG) of the Constitution by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992), these institutions empower rural and urban local bodies. SSC CGL and CHSL papers frequently test amendment numbers, articles, committee names, reservation provisions, and the role of State Finance Commissions and Election Commissions.
Typed Notes
73rd Constitutional Amendment, 1992 — Key Provisions
The 73rd Amendment added Part IX (Articles 243–243O) and the 11th Schedule to the Constitution. It made Panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs) constitutional bodies. Key features: three-tier system (Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad) for states with population above 20 lakh; Gram Sabha as foundation; five-year term; reservation of seats for SC, ST, and women (minimum 1/3); State Election Commission for conducting elections; State Finance Commission every five years to review financial position of PRIs.
74th Constitutional Amendment, 1992 — Urban Local Bodies
The 74th Amendment added Part IX-A (Articles 243P–243ZG) and the 12th Schedule covering 18 subjects for municipalities. It provides for three types of urban bodies: Nagar Panchayat (transitional area), Municipal Council (smaller urban area), and Municipal Corporation (larger urban area). Key provisions include five-year term, reservation for SC/ST/women (1/3 minimum), District Planning Committee (Article 243ZD), and Metropolitan Planning Committee (Article 243ZE) for cities with population above 10 lakh. Ward Committees are mandatory for cities above 3 lakh population.
Important Committees on Panchayati Raj
Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957): First to recommend democratic decentralisation; proposed 3-tier Panchayati Raj — village, block, district. Ashok Mehta Committee (1977–78): Recommended 2-tier system (Mandal Panchayat and Zila Parishad); suggested compulsory powers of taxation. G.V.K. Rao Committee (1985): Recommended strengthening district-level planning. L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986): Recommended constitutional status for PRIs and Gram Sabha; directly inspired the 73rd Amendment. P.K. Thungon Committee (1988): Recommended constitutional recognition of PRIs. Exam tip: Balwant Rai Mehta = 3-tier; Ashok Mehta = 2-tier.
State Finance Commission and State Election Commission
State Finance Commission (SFC): Constituted by the Governor every five years under Article 243I (for PRIs) and Article 243Y (for ULBs). It reviews financial position and recommends distribution of taxes, duties, tolls between state and local bodies. State Election Commission (SEC): An independent constitutional body under Article 243K (PRIs) and Article 243ZA (ULBs). The State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Governor and can only be removed like a High Court judge. SEC superintends, directs, and controls preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of elections to local bodies.
Key Concepts
Revision ke liye ek nazar — exam se pehle yahi padhna hai.
- 0173rd Amendment (1992) → Panchayati Raj; 74th Amendment (1992) → Urban Local Bodies (Municipalities)
- 02Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957) recommended 3-tier Panchayati Raj system — village, block, district
- 03Article 243G grants Panchayats power over 29 subjects listed in the 11th Schedule
- 04Article 243W grants Municipalities power over 18 subjects listed in the 12th Schedule
- 05Reservation: 1/3 seats for women in Panchayats (many states now 50%); SC/ST seats proportional to population
Questions & Solutions
Pehle khud try karo — phir solution kholo. Yahi tariqa topper banata hai.
Which amendment gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions and in which year?
Name the committee that first recommended a three-tier Panchayati Raj system and the year of its report.
How many subjects are listed in the 11th Schedule and the 12th Schedule of the Constitution?
What is the role of the State Finance Commission and how often is it constituted?
What is the minimum reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions as per the 73rd Amendment?
The 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992) gave constitutional status to rural and urban local bodies respectively. Part IX covers Panchayats (11th Schedule, 29 subjects) and Part IX-A covers Municipalities (12th Schedule, 18 subjects). Key bodies include State Finance Commission (every 5 years) and State Election Commission. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957) recommended the 3-tier Panchayati Raj system. Minimum 1/3 seats are reserved for women in both rural and urban local bodies.
Chapter-end quiz
4 MCQsOption tap karo — turant pata chalega sahi ya galat, explanation ke saath.
Q1.Which article of the Constitution deals with the composition of State Finance Commission for Panchayats?
Q2.The 74th Constitutional Amendment is related to which of the following?
Q3.Which committee recommended giving constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions, directly inspiring the 73rd Amendment?
Q4.Rajasthan implemented Panchayati Raj for the first time in India on which date?
Mark karo — dashboard par progress dikhega.