Question

State the main features of Panchayati Raj System.

Hint:

Remember the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992. It came into force on {April 24, 1993}, which is now celebrated as National Panchayati Raj Day in India.

Answer 1

Step 1: Introduction
The Panchayati Raj System is a system of rural local self-government in India. It was constitutionalized through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 to build democracy at the grass-root level.
Step 2: Main Features

• Three-Tier Structure: The system provides for a three-tier structure of local self-government:
  • Gram Panchayat at the village level.
  • Panchayat Samiti (Block Committee) at the intermediate/block level.
  • Zila Parishad at the district level.
• Direct Elections: All members of the panchayats at the village, intermediate, and district levels are elected directly by the people. The elections are held every 5 years.
• Reservation of Seats:
  • Seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their population.
  • At least one-third (33%) of the total number of seats are reserved for women.
• Gram Sabha: The Gram Sabha is the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system. It is a body consisting of all persons registered in the electoral rolls of a village comprised within the area of the Panchayat.
• State Election Commission: The superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to the Panchayats is vested in a State Election Commission.
• State Finance Commission: The Governor of a State shall, after every five years, constitute a Finance Commission to review the financial position of the Panchayats.