Question

Discuss the basic changes introduced in Panchayati Raj by the 73rd Amendment Act.

Answer 1

Basic Changes Introduced by the 73rd Amendment Act:

1. Constitutional Status: Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) were given constitutional recognition by adding Part IX and the 11th Schedule to the Constitution.
2. Three-Tier System: Reaffirmed the three-tier structure:
   1. Village Level – Gram Panchayat
   2. Intermediate Level – Panchayat Samiti (Block/Taluka/Tehsil Level)
   3. District Level – Zila Parishad
      (States with populations less than 20 lakhs were exempted from forming the intermediate tier).
3. Gram Sabha Empowered: Strengthened Gram Sabha as the base of Panchayati Raj, giving it statutory recognition.
4. Regular Elections: Mandated regular elections every 5 years for all Panchayati Raj bodies.
5. State Election Commissions: Established State Election Commissions to conduct and oversee Panchayat elections.
6. Reservations:

   • SCs and STs: Reservation in proportion to their population.

   • Women: 1/3rd (now 1/2) of the seats and chairperson posts are reserved for women, including women from SC/ST communities.

7. Tenure and Dissolution: Fixed tenure of five years. In case of dissolution, elections must be held within six months, and the new body serves the remaining term.
8. State Finance Commissions: Each state must establish a Finance Commission every five years to review the financial position of Panchayats and recommend revenue distribution.
9. 11th Schedule – Functional Domains: Added 11th Schedule listing 29 subjects (like agriculture, education, health, sanitation, etc.) under Panchayats’ purview.
10. Empowering Panchayats: Panchayats were given more functions, financial powers, and sources of revenue to enhance local governance.

These reforms were introduced to eliminate past weaknesses and ensure that Panchayati Raj institutions function efficiently, regularly, and democratically as instruments of grassroots governance and rural development.