Panchayati Raj and 73rd Amendment Act

Panchayati Raj and the 73rd Amendment Act

Introduction

• The 73rd Amendment Act, 1992, was a landmark legislation that introduced significant changes to the Panchayati Raj system in India.

Key Features of Panchayati Raj

• Three-tier system: The Act introduced a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj, consisting of:
  1. Gram Panchayat (Village Level)
  2. Panchayat Samiti (Block Level)
  3. Zilla Parishad (District Level)
• Elected Representatives: The Act provided for the election of representatives at each level, ensuring people's participation in local governance.
• Reservation for Women: The Act reserved one-third of the seats for women in Panchayati Raj institutions.

Powers and Functions of Panchayati Raj Institutions

• Gram Panchayat: Responsible for implementing local development projects, maintaining law and order, and providing basic amenities.
• Panchayat Samiti: Oversees the implementation of schemes and programs at the block level.
• Zilla Parishad: Coordinates and supervises the activities of Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis.

Significance of the 73rd Amendment Act

• Constitutional Status: The Act gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions, ensuring their autonomy and stability.
• Decentralization of Power: The Act decentralized power and decision-making authority to the local level, promoting grassroots democracy.
• Improved Governance: The Act aimed to improve governance and accountability at the local level, leading to more effective and responsive administration.

Impact of the 73rd Amendment Act

• Increased Participation: The Act increased participation of women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes in the decision-making process.
• Improved Service Delivery: The Act led to improved delivery of basic services, such as healthcare, education, and sanitation, at the local level.
• Empowerment of Local Communities: The Act empowered local communities to take charge of their development, promoting self-governance and autonomy.

Panchayati Raj and the 73rd Amendment Act

Introduction

• The 73rd Amendment Act, 1992, introduced significant changes to the Panchayati Raj system in India.

Key Features of Panchayati Raj

• The Act introduced a three-tier system consisting of Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zilla Parishad.
• The three-tier system ensures people's participation in local governance through elected representatives.
• One-third of the seats in Panchayati Raj institutions are reserved for women.

Powers and Functions of Panchayati Raj Institutions

• Gram Panchayat is responsible for implementing local development projects, maintaining law and order, and providing basic amenities.
• Panchayat Samiti oversees the implementation of schemes and programs at the block level.
• Zilla Parishad coordinates and supervises the activities of Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis.

Significance of the 73rd Amendment Act

• The Act gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions, ensuring their autonomy and stability.
• The Act decentralized power and decision-making authority to the local level, promoting grassroots democracy.
• The Act aimed to improve governance and accountability at the local level, leading to more effective and responsive administration.

Impact of the 73rd Amendment Act

• The Act increased participation of women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes in the decision-making process.
• The Act led to improved delivery of basic services, such as healthcare, education, and sanitation, at the local level.
• The Act empowered local communities to take charge of their development, promoting self-governance and autonomy.

Panchayati Raj

• Introduced by the 73rd Amendment Act in 1992, a decentralized form of government at the rural level to empower rural communities and provide them with a greater say in governance.
• Consists of three tiers: Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zilla Parishad.
• Aims to promote participatory democracy, local self-governance, and rural development.

Gram Panchayat

• The lowest tier, responsible for implementing development programs at the village level.
• Implements schemes related to agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.

Panchayat Samiti

• The intermediate tier, responsible for coordinating activities between Gram Panchayats and higher authorities.
• Provides technical guidance, monitors implementation of schemes, and allocates funds to Gram Panchayats.

Zilla Parishad

• The highest tier, responsible for overall development and coordination at the district level.
• Prepares district plans, allocates funds, and monitors the performance of Panchayat Samitis and Gram Panchayats.

Gram Sabha

• The primary unit of the Panchayati Raj system, comprising all registered voters in a village.
• Responsible for approving the budget and development plans of the Gram Panchayat, identifying beneficiaries for development programs, monitoring and evaluating the performance of the Gram Panchayat, and electing members to the Gram Panchayat.
• Meets at least twice a year, with meetings chaired by the Chairperson of the Gram Panchayat.
• Has the power to approve or reject the resolutions of the Gram Panchayat, demand accountability from the Gram Panchayat, and take decisions on matters related to village development.