The Panchayati Raj system is a three-tier system of local self-governance in rural India. It empowers villages, blocks, and districts to take decisions for local development.
👉 Part IX (Articles 243-243O) of the Indian Constitution deals with Panchayati Raj.
👉 Introduced by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 and came into effect on April 24, 1993.
What is the Panchayati Raj System?
✅ A system of rural self-governance to promote democracy at the grassroots level.
✅ Divided into three levels:
- Gram Panchayat (Village level)
- Panchayat Samiti (Block level)
- Zila Parishad (District level)
✅ Ensures decentralization of power by giving financial and decision-making authority to local bodies.
Evolution of Panchayati Raj in India
- 1957 – Balwant Rai Mehta Committee:
- Recommended a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj.
- First implemented in Nagaur, Rajasthan (1959).
- Ashok Mehta Committee (1977):
- Suggested a two-tier system, but not implemented.
- 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992):
- Made Panchayati Raj a constitutional body.
- Ensured direct elections to Panchayats.
Structure of Panchayati Raj Institutions
1. Gram Panchayat (Village Level)
- Head: Sarpanch (Pradhan) – Elected by the Gram Sabha.
- Members: Ward members (Panchs), elected by villagers.
- Function: Manages local development, water supply, sanitation, and primary education.
2. Panchayat Samiti (Block Level)
- Head: Elected Chairperson.
- Function: Implements development programs at the block level.
3. Zila Parishad (District Level)
- Head: Zila Adhyaksh (President).
- Function: Coordinates all Panchayats in the district and manages government schemes.
Important Provisions of the 73rd Amendment (1992)
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| Article 243B | Establishment of Panchayati Raj in all states. |
| Article 243C | Direct elections to Panchayats. |
| Article 243D | Reservation for SCs, STs, and women (33%). |
| Article 243E | Panchayat tenure: 5 years. |
| Article 243G | Powers and responsibilities of Panchayats. |
| Article 243H | Powers to impose taxes. |
| Article 243I | State Finance Commission (reviews Panchayat finances). |
State Finance Commission (SFC)
✅ Established under Article 243I.
✅ Reviews Panchayat finances every 5 years.
✅ Recommends financial grants to Panchayats.
Powers and Functions of Panchayati Raj Institutions
✅ Planning for economic development and social justice.
✅ Implementation of government schemes (MGNREGA, PMAY, Swachh Bharat).
✅ Management of schools, roads, health centers.
✅ Collection of taxes on markets, water, and property.
Significance of Panchayati Raj
✔ Brings democracy to the grassroots level.
✔ Encourages local participation in governance.
✔ Improves accountability and transparency.
✔ Reduces dependence on the Central and State Governments.
Challenges in Panchayati Raj System
❌ Lack of funds – Panchayats depend on state grants.
❌ Political interference – State governments control major decisions.
❌ Lack of awareness – Many villagers are unaware of their rights.
❌ Corruption – Misuse of public funds in development schemes.
MCQs on Panchayati Raj
1. Which Constitutional Amendment introduced the Panchayati Raj System?
A) 42nd Amendment
B) 73rd Amendment
C) 44th Amendment
D) 86th Amendment
Answer: B) 73rd Amendment
2. What is the tenure of Panchayats?
A) 3 years
B) 4 years
C) 5 years
D) 6 years
Answer: C) 5 years
3. Who is the head of a Gram Panchayat?
A) Collector
B) Zila Parishad President
C) Sarpanch
D) MLA
Answer: C) Sarpanch
4. Which is the highest tier in the Panchayati Raj system?
A) Gram Panchayat
B) Panchayat Samiti
C) Zila Parishad
D) Municipal Corporation
Answer: C) Zila Parishad
5. Which Article provides for the reservation of seats for women in Panchayati Raj?
A) Article 243B
B) Article 243D
C) Article 243E
D) Article 243G
Answer: B) Article 243D
6. Which state first implemented the Panchayati Raj System?
A) Gujarat
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Rajasthan
D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: C) Rajasthan (Nagaur, 1959)
7. Who appoints the State Finance Commission?
A) Governor
B) President
C) Chief Minister
D) Prime Minister
Answer: A) Governor
8. How often does the State Finance Commission review Panchayat finances?
A) Every 2 years
B) Every 5 years
C) Every 10 years
D) Every 3 years
Answer: B) Every 5 years
9. Which Article empowers Panchayats to collect taxes?
A) Article 243E
B) Article 243G
C) Article 243H
D) Article 243I
Answer: C) Article 243H
10. Which committee recommended the three-tier Panchayati Raj System?
A) Sarkaria Committee
B) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
C) Ashok Mehta Committee
D) Malimath Committee
Answer: B) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
Conclusion
✅ The Panchayati Raj System empowers villages through local self-governance.
✅ The 73rd Amendment (1992) made it a constitutional requirement.
✅ Panchayats have the power to plan and implement development programs.
✅ Challenges like lack of funds and corruption need to be addressed.
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