Question

Which Constitutional amendments introduced Local Self Government?

• A. 42\textsuperscript{nd} and 44th
• B. 73rd and 74th
• C. 12th and 13th
• D. 50th and 51st

Hint:

Remember this pair together: the 73rd Amendment is for rural self-government (Panchayats), and the 74th Amendment is for urban self-government (Municipalities).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understand "Local Self-Government". Local Self-Government refers to the management of local affairs by representatives elected by the local people themselves. In India, this means Panchayats in rural areas and Municipalities in urban areas.

Step 2: Recall the history. While these institutions existed before, they did not have constitutional status, which made them weak and dependent on state governments. To strengthen them and make them uniform across the country, two major constitutional amendments were passed in 1992.

Step 3: Identify the specific amendments. (S) The 73\textsuperscript{rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992}, gave constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (for rural areas). It added a new Part IX and the 11th Schedule to the Constitution. (T) The 74\textsuperscript{th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992}, gave constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies (Municipalities, for urban areas). It added a new Part IX-A and the 12th Schedule to the Constitution. Together, these two amendments are considered revolutionary for bringing democracy to the grassroots level.