Question

What is 73rd constitutional amendment?

Hint:

To easily remember the 73rd and 74th Amendments: 73rd is for rural local bodies (Panchayats), and 74th is for urban local bodies (Municipalities). They were passed together in 1992 to empower local self-governance across the country.

Answer 1

Step 1: Key Concept:
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 is a landmark amendment that gave constitutional status and recognition to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as the third tier of governance in India. Its main objective was to empower local self-governments in rural areas and promote grassroots democracy.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The key features and provisions of the 73rd Amendment Act are:
1. Constitutional Status: It added a new Part IX to the Constitution, titled "The Panchayats," containing Articles 243 to 243-O. It also added the Eleventh Schedule, which lists 29 subjects on which Panchayats can have powers and responsibilities.
2. Three-Tier System: It provides for a uniform three-tier system of Panchayati Raj in every state: (i) Village Panchayat at the village level, (ii) Panchayat Samiti at the block level, and (iii) Zila Parishad at the district level (not mandatory for states with a population below 20 lakhs).
3. Reservation of Seats: It mandates the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in every Panchayat in proportion to their population. It also provides for the reservation of not less than one-third of the total seats for women.
4. State Election Commission: It provides for the creation of an independent State Election Commission in each state for the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to the Panchayats.
5. State Finance Commission: It mandates the constitution of a State Finance Commission every five years to review the financial position of the Panchayats and make recommendations to the Governor.