Local Government

Indian Polity · स्थानीय शासन · 17 facts

Added Part IX (Art 243 to 243-O) and 11th Schedule (29 subjects) to Constitution

Came into effect: 24 April 1993

Reservation: 1/3 seats for women (including SC/ST women), SC/ST in proportion to population

Term: 5 years for all 3 tiers. If dissolved early, elections within 6 months

Gram Sabha = assembly of ALL voters of a village (foundation of Panchayati Raj)

State Election Commission (Art 243-K) conducts Panchayat elections

State Finance Commission (Art 243-I) reviews financial position of Panchayats

Does NOT apply to: Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, J&K (then), and areas under 5th & 6th Schedule

Added Part IXA (Art 243-P to 243-ZG) and 12th Schedule (18 subjects)

Came into effect: 1 June 1993

1/3 reservation for women, SC/ST reservation in proportion to population

Term: 5 years. If dissolved, elections within 6 months

Ward Committees mandatory in municipalities with 3 lakh+ population

FIRST state to implement Panchayati Raj → Rajasthan (2 Oct 1959, Nagaur district)

Art 40 (DPSP) directs state to organize Panchayats — basis for 73rd Amendment

24 April = National Panchayati Raj Day

PESA Act 1996 extended Panchayati Raj to 5th Schedule areas (tribal)