Question

The 73rd and 74th Amendments were enacted in % Refers to the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts in India.

• A. 1950, along with the Indian Constitution
• B. 1990, following the Mandal Commission recommendations
• C. 1992, aiming to decentralize power and improve local governance
• D. 2011, as part of a larger economic reforms program

Hint:

\textbf{73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992):} Pertains to Panchayati Raj Institutions (rural local self-government).
\textbf{74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992):} Pertains to Municipalities (urban local self-government).
Both were passed by Parliament in December 1992 and came into effect in 1993.
\textbf{Main Aim:} To strengthen local self-governance by giving constitutional status, powers, and responsibilities to local bodies (decentralization).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts of India are landmark legislations related to local self-governance.
73rd Amendment Act (1992): Relates to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in rural areas. It gave constitutional status to Panchayats (village, intermediate, and district levels) and mandated regular elections, reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women, and devolution of powers and responsibilities for local planning and development.
74th Amendment Act (1992): Relates to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) or Municipalities. It gave constitutional status to Municipalities (Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils, Municipal Corporations) and included provisions similar to the 73rd Amendment regarding elections, reservations, and devolution of powers for urban planning, development, and civic functions. Both amendments were passed by the Indian Parliament in December 1992 and came into force in 1993 (73rd in April 1993, 74th in June 1993). The primary aim of these amendments was to decentralize power and strengthen local self-government institutions, enabling them to function as vibrant units of local governance and participate more effectively in planning and development. Let's evaluate the options:
(a) 1950, along with the Indian Constitution: The Indian Constitution was adopted in 1949 and came into force in 1950. The 73rd/74th Amendments were much later.
(b) 1990, following the Mandal Commission recommendations: The Mandal Commission recommendations (related to reservations for Other Backward Classes - OBCs) were a major issue around 1990, but the 73rd/74th Amendments on local governance were distinct and enacted slightly later.
(c) 1992, aiming to decentralize power and improve local governance: This accurately states the year of enactment by Parliament and the primary objective of these amendments.
(d) 2011, as part of a larger economic reforms program: This is incorrect. Major economic reforms in India began in 1991. These amendments were focused on governance. Therefore, the 73rd and 74th Amendments were enacted in 1992 (came into force in 1993) with the aim of decentralizing power and improving local governance. \[ \boxed{\text{1992, aiming to decentralize power and improve local governance}} \]