Local Government
Panchayati Raj Institutions
Establishment
- Panchayati Raj System was introduced to decentralize power and involve local communities in governance.
- First Panchayati Raj Institution was established in Rajasthan in 1959.
- First State to adopt Panchayati Raj was Rajasthan in 1959.
- First Panchayat was established in Nagaur District, Rajasthan in 1959.
Key Provisions of 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992)
| Article | Content | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Article 243 | Definitions - Provides definitions of Panchayat, Gram Sabha, Village, Intermediate Level, District, Population etc. | 1992 |
| Article 243A | Gram Sabha - Body of all adult voters, entitled to exercise powers assigned by State Government. | 1992 |
| Article 243B | Three Tier System - Village level, Intermediate level/Block Level, District Level. [If population is below 20 lakhs intermediate level not required]. | 1992 |
| Article 243C | Composition of Panchayat - Structure and composition as decided by the State Government, members directly elected from territorial constituencies, but Chairperson of intermediate and District Level may be elected indirectly. | 1992 |
| Article 243D | Reservation of Seats for SC/ST - Reservation as per proportion in population, women reservation should not be less than 1/3rd, and 1/3rd chairperson offices must be reserved for women. | 1992 |
| Article 243E | Duration of Panchayats - Five year term, re-election should be done within 6 months before expiration, if dissolved earlier then remaining term will be considered. | 1992 |
| Article 243F | Disqualifications - Same as per state legislature unless modified by state law. | 1992 |
| Article 243G | Powers, Authority and Responsibilities - Panchayats may exercise powers on 29 matters illustrated in Eleventh Schedule, and any other power assigned by the state government. | 1992 |
| Article 243H | Powers to Impose Taxes - State government could authorize Panchayat to levy, collect, and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls and fees, may also provide grants from the state government and assign revenues to Panchayats. | 1992 |
| Article 243I | State Finance Commission - Constitute after 5 years to review Financial status of the Panchayats. | 1992 |
| Article 243J | Audit of Panchayat Accounts - State legislature may appoint to audit the Panchayats accounts. | 1992 |
| Article 243K | State Election Commission - Ensures free and fair elections. | 1992 |
| Article 243L | Application to Union Territories - Part IX applies to UTs with necessary modifications, President may issue regulations. | 1992 |
| Article 243M | Exceptions and Exemptions - Part IX does not apply to Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas, Hill areas of Darjeeling and certain matters in hill areas of Manipur Parliament [PESA ACT]. | 1992 |
| Article 243N | Continuance of Existing Laws - Existing state laws relating to Panchayats continue until modified or repealed. | 1992 |
| Article 243O | Bar on Interference of Courts - Courts cannot interfere in Panchayats elections and no election to be questioned except through an election petition after completion of Election. | 1992 |
Key Terms
- Panchayat Samiti: Intermediate level body.
- Gram Panchayat: Village-level body.
- Zila Parishad: District-level body.
- Panchayat Raj Act: State-specific legislation implementing Panchayati Raj.
Important Dates
- 1959: First Panchayati Raj Institution established in Rajasthan.
- 1992: 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act passed, giving constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Key Facts for Exams
- Panchayati Raj Institutions are the grassroots level of local governance.
- Article 243 and Article 243A are the constitutional basis for Panchayati Raj.
- 73rd Constitutional Amendment is the main legal framework for Panchayati Raj.
- Gram Sabha is the village assembly of a Panchayat.
Municipalities
Establishment
- Municipalities are local self-governing bodies for urban areas.
- First Municipal Corporation was established in Bombay (Mumbai) in 1857.
- First Municipal Corporation in India was established in Bombay in 1857.
- First Municipal Corporation in British India was established in Bombay in 1857.
- First Municipal Corporation in post-independence India was established in Delhi in 1957.
Constitutional Provisions
| Article | Content | Year of Incorporation |
|---|---|---|
| Article 40 | Organization of village panchayats | 1950 |
| Article 41 | Right to adequate means of livelihood | 1950 |
| Article 42 | Just and human conditions of work | 1950 |
| Article 43 | Living wage and working conditions | 1950 |
| Article 44 | Uniform civil code | 1950 |
| Article 45 | Free and compulsory education for children | 1950 |
| Article 46 | Promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other backward classes | 1950 |
| Article 47 | Prohibition of consumption of intoxicating drinks and other drugs | 1950 |
| Article 48 | Organization of agriculture and animal husbandry | 1950 |
| Article 49 | Protection of monuments and objects of artistic or historic interest | 1950 |
| Article 50 | Separation of Judiciary from Executive | 1950 |
| Article 51A | Fundamental Duties | 1975 |
Key Provisions of 74th Constitutional Amendment (1992)
| Article | Content | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Article 243 | Constitution of Panchayats | 1992 |
| Article 243A | Constitution of Panchayats in States | 1992 |
| Article 243B | Composition of Panchayats | 1992 |
| Article 243C | Delimitation of Panchayat areas | 1992 |
| Article 243D | Election of Panchayats | 1992 |
| Article 243E | Powers and Functions of Panchayats | 1992 |
| Article 243F | Finance, Accounts and Audit | 1992 |
| Article 243G | Powers of State Governments to make laws | 1992 |
| Article 243H | Constitution of Municipalities | 1992 |
| Article 243I | Composition of Municipalities | 1992 |
| Article 243J | Delimitation of Municipal areas | 1992 |
| Article 243K | Election of Municipalities | 1992 |
| Article 243L | Powers and Functions of Municipalities | 1992 |
| Article 243M | Finance, Accounts and Audit of Municipalities | 1992 |
| Article 243N | Powers of State Governments to make laws | 1992 |
Key Terms
- Municipal Corporation: City with a population of more than 10 lakh.
- Municipal Council: City with a population between 2 lakh and 10 lakh.
- Nagar Panchayat: Transitional body for towns with a population between 1 lakh and 2 lakh.
- Nagar Nigam: Common term for Municipal Corporation or Municipal Council.
Important Dates
- 1857: First Municipal Corporation established in Bombay.
- 1957: First Municipal Corporation in post-independence India established in Delhi.
- 1992: 74th Constitutional Amendment Act passed, giving constitutional status to Municipalities.
Key Facts for Exams
- Municipalities are the urban counterpart of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
- Article 243H and Article 243I are the constitutional basis for Municipalities.
- 74th Constitutional Amendment is the main legal framework for Municipalities.
- Nagar Panchayat is a transitional body for towns with a population between 1 lakh and 2 lakh.
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