[Free PDF] Panchayati Raj in India - SSC UPSC Notes
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[Free PDF] Panchayati Raj in India - SSC UPSC Notes

Panchayats constitute functional institutions of grassroot governance in villages of India. The Balwant Rai Committee (1957) recommended a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj in India. This post provides detailed notes on the structure, functions, and significance of Panchayati Raj institutions in India.

Table of Contents

Historical Evolution and Development of Panchayati Raj System in India

The concept of Panchayati Raj has its roots in the ancient Indian system of local self-governance.

Key Committees and Major Milestones in Panchayati Raj History

  • Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957): Recommended the establishment of a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj
  • First Implementation: Adopted by Rajasthan in Nagaur district on 2nd October 1959
  • Ashok Mehta Committee (1978): Recommended a two-tier system, replacing the three-tier system (not fully implemented)
  • LM Singhvi Committee (1986): Recommended constitutional status for Panchayati Raj institutions
  • Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992: Inserted Part IX in the Constitution, establishing Panchayati Raj institutions at village, block, and district levels

Constitutional Framework: Part IX of the Constitution and Panchayati Raj Provisions

Part IX of Indian Constitution

Salient Features of 73rd Constitutional Amendment

  1. Term Duration: Five years unless dissolved earlier
  2. Reservation Policy:
    • Mandatory reservation for SCs and STs in proportion to their population
    • One-third of total seats reserved for women
    • State Legislature’s discretion for Backward Classes reservation
  3. Three-Tier System: Village, intermediate, and district levels
  4. State Finance Commission: Reviews financial position of Panchayats
  5. State Election Commission: Directs, controls, and prepares elections to Panchayats

Three-Tier Structure of Panchayati Raj System: Village, Block and District Levels

1. Village Panchayat (Gram Panchayat): Foundation of Rural Local Governance

  • Basic Unit: Village-level governance
  • Components: Gram Sabha (village assembly) and Gram Panchayat (village council)
  • Leadership: Sarpanch (Chairman) elected as determined by state legislature
  • Responsibilities: Village administration, sanitation, water supply, infrastructure development
  • Gram Sabha: Comprises all adult residents; approves annual budget and development plans
  • Reservation: For SC, ST, and women

2. Block Level (Panchayat Samiti): Intermediate Tier of Panchayati Raj

  • Intermediate Level: Group of Gram Panchayats
  • Function: Coordinates activities of Gram Panchayats in the block
  • Leadership: Chairperson elected by Panchayat Samiti members

3. District Level (Zila Parishad): Apex Body of Panchayati Raj System

  • Apex Level: Representatives from all Panchayat Samitis in the district
  • Function: Overall district development and coordination among Panchayat Samitis
  • Leadership: Chairperson elected by Zila Parishad members

Urban Local Bodies: Municipalities and Urban Governance (Articles 243P-243ZG)

Constitutional Provision for Urban Local Self-Government

The Constitution (74th Amendment) Act, 1992, provides for the establishment of Municipalities in urban areas.

Types of Municipalities in India: Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council and Corporation

  1. Nagar Panchayat: Areas transitioning from rural to urban
  2. Municipal Council: Smaller urban areas
  3. Municipal Corporation: Larger urban areas

Key Features of Urban Local Bodies and Municipal Governance

  • Services: Water supply, sanitation, waste management, urban planning
  • Elections: State Election Commission directs and controls municipal elections
  • Reservation: Proportional reservation for SCs and STs; one-third seats for women
  • Planning: District Planning Committee (Article 243ZD) prepares draft development plans

Significance and Importance of Panchayati Raj in Indian Democracy

Panchayati Raj institutions serve as the foundation of democratic governance in rural India by:

  • Empowering local communities in decision-making processes
  • Ensuring effective implementation of development programs at grassroots level
  • Promoting decentralization of power
  • Enhancing accountability in governance
  • Fostering local self-governance and democratic participation