PANCHAYATI RAJ
Polity
Panchayati Raj represents a three‑tier system of rural local governance aimed at ensuring democratic participation at the grassroots level. It reflects Gandhi’s vision of Gram Swaraj, empowering the “humblest and lowest Indian” to act as a ruler in true democracy.
AIM
- Establish local self‑governments at village, block, and district levels.
- Promote holistic and inclusive rural development.
- Strengthen democratic decentralisation.
EVOLUTION OF PANCHAYATI RAJ
- Gandhi: Advocated Panchayati Raj as foundation of India’s political system.
- 1870: Lord Mayo’s Resolution – administrative decentralisation.
- 1882: Ripon Resolution – “Magna Carta” of local democracy.
- 1907: Royal Commission – emphasised village panchayats.
- 1919: Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms – local self‑government as provincial subject.
- 1935: Government of India Act – provincial autonomy boosted panchayats.
- Constitution: DPSP under Article 40 – organising village panchayats.
- 1959: Rajasthan inaugurated Panchayati Raj (Nagaur district).
IMPORTANT COMMITTEES
1. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957)
- Recommended three-tier system.
- Direct elections at village; indirect at block & district.
- Real transfer of power; adequate finances.
- Zilla Parishad chaired by District Collector.
2. Ashok Mehta Committee (1977)
- Two-tier structure.
- Political party participation; social audit.
- Compulsory taxation powers.
- Nyaya Panchayats separate; minister for PRIs.
- Constitutional status to PRIs.
3. G.V.K. Rao Committee (1985)
- Zilla Parishad pivotal.
- District Development Commissioner role.
- Regular elections.
4. L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986)
- Constitutional status; Nyaya Panchayats.
- Reorganisation for viable Gram Panchayats.
- Judicial tribunals for PRI disputes.
5. Thungon Committee (1988)
- Three-tier system; 5‑year tenure.
- Reservation for SC/ST/Women.
- State Finance Commission; CEO = District Collector.
6. Gadgil Committee (1988)
- Constitutional status; 3‑tier structure.
- Direct elections; reservation.
- State Election Commission; State Finance Commission.
CONSTITUTIONALISATION OF PANCHAYATI RAJ
- 64th Amendment Bill (1989) failed.
- 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 enacted.
- Came into force: 24 April 1993.
- Added Part IX & Eleventh Schedule (29 subjects).
73RD AMENDMENT – SALIENT FEATURES
1. Gram Sabha (243A): Village assembly of all registered voters.
2. Three-tier system: Village – Block – District.
3. Elections:
- Members directly elected.
- Chairpersons: direct/indirect as per state law.
4. Reservation:
- SC/ST seats proportional.
- Women: not less than 1/3rd seats & chairpersons.
5. Tenure (243E): 5 years; elections within 6 months on dissolution.
6. Qualifications (243F): Same as State Legislature; minimum age 21.
7. State Election Commission (243K): Superintendence & control of elections.
8. Powers (243G): Local planning & implementation of schemes under 29 subjects.
9. Finances (243H):
- Local taxes, duties, tolls.
- State-assigned revenues.
- Grants‑in‑aid.
10. Finance Commission (243I): Every 5 years to review PRI finances.
11. Audit (243J): State legislature to prescribe audit procedures.
12. Application to UTs (243L): President may apply with modifications.
13. Areas excluded:
- Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram.
- Scheduled/Tribal areas.
- Hill areas of Manipur.
- Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council.
14. Courts barred from interfering in elections (243O).
FINANCES OF PANCHAYATI RAJ
- Union grants via Central Finance Commission (Art. 280).
- State devolution via State Finance Commission (Art. 243‑I).
- Loans and grants from State Governments.
- Funds under centrally sponsored schemes.
- Local taxes and non‑tax revenue.
REASONS FOR POOR FUNCTIONING OF PRIs
1. FINANCES
- Dependence on Union & State grants.
- Low internal revenue generation.
- Weak financial accountability; corruption.
- Limited fiscal autonomy.
2. FUNCTIONARIES
- Skill gaps; lack of trained staff.
- Bureaucratisation; vacancies at local levels.
3. FUNCTIONS
- Inadequate devolution by states.
- Political interference by MLAs/MPs.
- Weak Gram Sabha functioning.
- Proxy representation (Panch‑Pati phenomenon).
- Poor infrastructure; weak secretarial support.
SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT
- Clear delineation of responsibilities across tiers.
- Strengthen bottom‑up planning.
- Improve infrastructure and digital connectivity.
- Regular training for representatives.
- Fiscal incentives to states for effective devolution of 3Fs (Functions, Finances, Functionaries).
2ND ARC RECOMMENDATIONS
- Apply subsidiarity principle.
- Strengthen democratic decentralisation.
- Clear functional demarcation.
- Independent local body Ombudsman.
- Standing Committee in State Legislature for local bodies.
- Collegium-based appointment of State Election Commissioner.
- Integrated rural-urban development approach.
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Subject: Polity
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