73rd Constitutional Amendment_ Panchayati Raj Institutions.pdf

73rd Constitutional Amendment_ Panchayati Raj Institutions

1. 73rd Constitutional
Amendment: Panchayati Raj
Institutions


Subject - Legal Issues and Professional Practice

2. Empowering Rural India: The 73rd Constitutional Amendment
A Step Towards Decentralized Governance

●Adopted in 1992
●Established Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as the third tier of government
●Aims to bring governance closer to the people
●Fosters participatory democracy at the grassroots level
●Empowers rural communities to address local issues

3. The Need for Decentralization
Rural India's Importance:
●Vast population residing in rural areas
●Backbone of the Indian economy
(agriculture, livestock)
●Rich cultural and social heritage
Challenges Faced by Rural India:
●Poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition
●Lack of basic amenities (healthcare,
education, sanitation)
●Inadequate infrastructure (roads,
electricity, irrigation)
Limitations of Centralized Governance:
●Delayed decision-making
●Lack of understanding of local issues
●Inefficient resource allocation

Need for Local Self-Governance:
●Empowering rural communities to
address their problems
●Promoting participatory democracy
●Ensuring equitable development

4. Key Provisions of the 73rd Amendment
1.Constitutional Backing: Part IX of the Constitution dedicated
to Panchayats
2.Three-Tier Structure:
● Gram Panchayat (Village level)
● Panchayat Samiti (Block level)
● Zilla Parishad (District level)
3.Regular Elections: Mandatory elections to ensure people's
representation
4.Reservation of Seats: Seats reserved for Scheduled Castes,
Scheduled Tribes, and Women
5.State Finance Commissions: Established to recommend
financial powers to Panchayats
6.Functions and Powers: As per 11th Schedule, covering a
wide range of areas like agriculture, education, health, and
rural development

5. Functions and Powers of Panchayats (11th Schedule)
Functions and Powers of Panchayats (11th Schedule)
The 11th Schedule of the Indian Constitution is a crucial
component of the Panchayati Raj system, which aims to
empower local self-governance. It outlines the powers and
responsibilities of Panchayats, which are elected local bodies
at the village, block, and district levels.
Purpose of the 11th Schedule
The primary objective of the 11th Schedule is to:
●Decentralize power: It transfers authority from the
state government to local bodies, enabling them to
address local issues effectively.
●Empower rural India: It provides a platform for rural
communities to participate in decision-making and
development processes.
●Promote self-reliance: It encourages Panchayats to
become self-sufficient and capable of managing their
own affairs.
Key Functions and Powers: The 11th Schedule lists 29 subjects
over which Panchayats have powers and authority. These include:
●Agriculture and Rural Development
●Infrastructure
●Education and Culture
●Social Welfare
●Other Functions
Importance of the 11th Schedule: The 11th Schedule has been
instrumental in:
●Development Catalyst: Panchayats are instrumental in
driving rural development by implementing various programs
at the local level.
●Women's Empowerment: Panchayats actively promote
gender equality and women's participation in governance.
●Good Governance: Decentralization through Panchayats
has enhanced transparency and accountability in public
administration.
●Democratic Foundation: Panchayats serve as platforms for
people's participation, strengthening grassroots democracy.

6. Impact : 73rd Constitutional Amendment
Challenges:
●Lack of financial resources
●Inadequate infrastructure
●Political interference
●Lack of skilled personnel
●Corruption
●Social disparities and inequalities
Opportunities:
●Potential for rural development and poverty alleviation
●Empowerment of women and marginalized communities
●Strengthening of democratic processes
●Innovation and experimentation in local governance
●Collaboration with other stakeholders (NGOs, private
sector, etc.)

7. Case Study : MGNREGA in Rajasthan: A Catalyst for Change
MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) is a flagship program of the Indian
government that guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural households. Rajasthan, with its arid climate and
agrarian economy, has been a focus state for MGNREGA implementation.
Impact on Rural Livelihoods
●Employment Generation: MGNREGA has significantly increased employment opportunities, especially for
women and marginalized communities.
●Asset Creation: The program has led to the creation of durable assets like water conservation structures, farm
ponds, and rural roads, improving infrastructure.
●Food Security: By providing wage employment, MGNREGA has contributed to enhancing food security among
rural households.
Challenges in Implementation
●Wage Delays: Irregular wage payments have been a persistent issue, affecting the livelihoods of beneficiaries.
●Corruption: Misappropriation of funds and poor quality of work have undermined the program's effectiveness.
●Geographical Constraints: The arid climate and scattered settlements in Rajasthan pose challenges for
worksite identification and execution.

8. Successful and Best Practices
●Jodhpur District: Known for effective implementation, Jodhpur has demonstrated success in creating
sustainable assets and ensuring timely wage payments.
●Women's Empowerment: Rajasthan has witnessed increased participation of women in MGNREGA, leading
to their economic empowerment.
●Convergence with Other Schemes: Integration of MGNREGA with other rural development programs has
enhanced its impact.
Way Forward
●Strengthen Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation are crucial to identify
bottlenecks and improve program outcomes.
●Promote Transparency and Accountability: Implementing robust grievance redressal mechanisms and
using technology for transparency can enhance accountability.
●Capacity Building: Strengthening the capacity of Panchayati Raj Institutions is essential for effective
program implementation.

9. Case Study 2: Kerala - Decentralization and Development
Kerala stands out as a pioneer in India in terms of decentralized governance. Its strong Panchayati Raj institutions have
played a pivotal role in achieving remarkable socio-economic development.

Decentralization and Development
●Strong Panchayati Raj
Foundation: Kerala's Panchayati
Raj system has deep roots, with a
history of grassroots democracy
and active community
participation.
●Focus on Human Development:
The state has achieved
impressive results in education,
health, and gender equality, with
Panchayats as key drivers.
●Participatory Planning: Kerala's
decentralized planning process
ensures that local needs and
priorities are reflected in
development initiatives.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Kerala's Panchayati Raj system is
commendable, it faces challenges such
as:
●Financial Constraints: Despite
progress, Panchayats still grapple
with resource limitations.
●Overdependence on Central
Schemes: Reducing reliance on
centrally sponsored schemes is
essential for long-term
sustainability.
●Urban-Rural Divide: Addressing
disparities between urban and
rural areas remains a challenge.

Key Success Factors
●Political Commitment:
Consistent political support
for Panchayati Raj has been
instrumental in its success.
●Capacity Building: Kerala
has invested significantly in
training Panchayat
representatives and officials.
●Financial Resources:
Adequate financial allocation
to Panchayats has
empowered them to
undertake development
projects.

10. Thank you