Salient Features and Provisions of Local Governance in India
Local governance in India, particularly through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), is a cornerstone of democratic decentralization. Understanding its salient features and provisions is crucial for mastering UPSC Polity and Constitution.
Constitutional Basis: The 73rd and 74th Amendments
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 and the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 are landmark legislations that constitutionalized local self-governance. They added Part IX (The Panchayats) and Part IX-A (The Municipalities) to the Constitution, respectively, providing a uniform framework for local governance across the country.
The 73rd Amendment established a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj.
The 73rd Amendment mandates a three-tier structure: Gram Panchayat at the village level, Panchayat Samiti at the block level, and Zila Parishad at the district level. This ensures representation and participation from the grassroots upwards.
The 73rd Amendment introduced Article 243 which defines Panchayats and mandates their establishment in every state at the village, intermediate (block), and district levels. Exceptions are made for states with populations not exceeding 20 lakh. This hierarchical structure aims to facilitate effective governance and service delivery at different administrative tiers.
The 74th Amendment brought uniformity to Urban Local Bodies.
The 74th Amendment provides for the establishment of Municipalities in urban areas, categorizing them into Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils, and Municipal Corporations based on population and function. It also outlines their powers, responsibilities, and composition.
Article 243P defines Municipalities and outlines different types of urban local bodies. The amendment specifies their territorial jurisdiction, election processes, and the composition of these bodies, including the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women. It also mandates the creation of Ward Committees in cities with populations exceeding three lakh.
Key Features and Provisions
| Feature | Panchayati Raj (73rd Amendment) | Urban Local Bodies (74th Amendment) |
|---|---|---|
| Establishment | Mandatory three-tier system (Village, Block, District) | Municipalities (Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation) |
| Reservation | Reservation of seats for SCs, STs, and women (not less than 1/3rd) | Reservation of seats for SCs, STs, and women (not less than 1/3rd) |
| Tenure | Fixed term of 5 years; dissolution before expiry leads to elections within 6 months | Fixed term of 5 years; dissolution before expiry leads to elections within 6 months |
| Powers & Functions | Eleventh Schedule: 29 subjects for development (e.g., agriculture, health, education) | Twelfth Schedule: 18 subjects for urban development (e.g., water supply, sanitation, town planning) |
| Finance | State Finance Commissions to recommend distribution of taxes, duties, tolls, fees | State Finance Commissions to recommend distribution of taxes, duties, tolls, fees |
| District Planning Committee | Constitution of DPCs for consolidating district development plans | Constitution of Metropolitan Planning Committees (MPCs) for metropolitan areas |
Gram Panchayat (village), Panchayat Samiti (block), and Zila Parishad (district).
29 subjects.
Not less than one-third (1/3rd) of the total seats.
The establishment of State Finance Commissions is a crucial provision that ensures financial autonomy and resource allocation for local bodies, enabling them to perform their mandated functions effectively.
Significance and Challenges
These constitutional provisions aim to empower local governments, making them vibrant units of self-governance and instruments for grassroots development. However, challenges such as financial dependence, lack of trained personnel, and political interference persist, impacting their effectiveness.
The structure of local governance in India, as established by the 73rd and 74th Amendments, creates a hierarchical yet interconnected system. The Panchayati Raj system operates from the village level upwards, while Urban Local Bodies cater to municipal areas. Both systems are designed with elected representatives, defined powers, and financial mechanisms, aiming for decentralized democracy. The diagram illustrates the flow of governance and the different tiers involved.
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Learning Resources
Direct access to the constitutional articles pertaining to Panchayati Raj Institutions, providing the legal foundation for their structure and functions.
Provides the constitutional articles governing Urban Local Bodies, detailing their establishment, powers, and responsibilities.
A detailed overview and analysis of the 73rd Amendment Act, explaining its objectives and key provisions for Panchayati Raj.
An in-depth explanation of the 74th Amendment Act, focusing on its impact on urban governance and the structure of Municipalities.
An educational resource explaining the concept, history, and functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions in India.
A blog post discussing the evolution and current state of urban local governance in India, highlighting key features and challenges.
A research paper examining the critical role of State Finance Commissions in ensuring financial health and decentralization for local bodies.
A video explaining the concept of decentralization in India, focusing on the constitutional framework of Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies.
A comprehensive Wikipedia article covering the history, structure, and evolution of Panchayati Raj in India.
A Wikipedia entry detailing the various types of municipalities in India and their constitutional provisions.