introduction
The 73rd Amendment of the Indian Constitution, enacted in 1992, marked a significant milestone in India’s democratic framework by empowering local self-governance. This amendment introduced a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs) in rural areas, aiming to decentralize power and ensure grassroots participation in governance. By granting constitutional status to PRIs, the amendment provided them with autonomy, authority, and a structure for regular elections, as well as reserved seats for women and marginalized communities. The amendment was designed to promote inclusive development, increase accountability, and strengthen democracy at the village level, thus aligning with the principles of Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of empowering rural India.
constitutional provisions
The 73rd Amendment to the Indian Constitution, enacted in 1992 and effective from April 24, 1993, is a landmark reform that aimed to empower rural local self-governance through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). It added Part IX to the Constitution and introduced the Eleventh Schedule, which lists 29 functions that PRIs could manage. Key provisions of the 73rd Amendment include:
- Three-Tier System: The amendment mandates a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj for states, which includes Village Panchayats, Intermediate Panchayats (at the block level), and District Panchayats.
- Regular Elections: It mandates regular elections every five years for Panchayats to ensure continuity and effective governance at the grassroots level.
- Reservation for Women and Marginalized Groups: The amendment reserves at least one-third of the seats for women in all Panchayat levels and also provides reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their population in each Panchayat.
- Constitution of State Election Commissions: It establishes independent State Election Commissions responsible for conducting Panchayat elections, ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
- State Finance Commissions: It mandates that every state form a Finance Commission every five years to review and recommend financial allocations to Panchayats.
- Decentralization of Powers and Functions: The amendment gives Panchayats the authority to prepare plans and implement schemes for economic development and social justice, covering a range of functions listed in the Eleventh Schedule, such as agriculture, health, education, and rural development.
The 73rd Amendment was pivotal in strengthening democracy at the grassroots level, providing a constitutional framework for decentralized governance, and enabling rural citizens to have a say in their development.