Indian Polity
Panchayati Raj System
Definition
The Panchayati Raj System is a three-tier local self-government structure in rural India consisting of Gram Panchayat (village level), Panchayat Samiti (block level), and Zilla Panchayat (district level). It was constitutionalized through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, making local governance a constitutional right.
Overview
## Panchayati Raj System
The Panchayati Raj System represents India's ambitious experiment in grassroots democracy and decentralized governance. Rooted in ancient Indian traditions of village self-governance, the modern system was constitutionalized through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
### Historical Evolution
The journey began with the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957), which recommended a three-tier structure after studying community development programs. The first Panchayat was established in Nagaur, Rajasthan in 1959. Subsequent committees like Ashok Mehta (1977) and G.V.K. Rao (1985) refined the concept.
### Constitutional Framework
The 73rd Amendment added Part IX to the Constitution, making Panchayats constitutional bodies. Key provisions include:
• Mandatory elections every five years
• 33% reservation for women
• Reservation for SC/ST based on population
• State Election Commission for conducting elections
• State Finance Commission for financial devolution
### Structure and Functions
1. Gram Panchayat (Village level): Basic unit covering 1-10 villages
2. Panchayat Samiti (Block level): Intermediate tier
3. Zilla Panchayat (District level): Top tier coordinating development
The 11th Schedule lists 29 subjects including agriculture, health, education, and rural development. However, actual devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries (3Fs) remains incomplete in many states, limiting the system's effectiveness in achieving true democratic decentralization.
The Panchayati Raj System represents India's ambitious experiment in grassroots democracy and decentralized governance. Rooted in ancient Indian traditions of village self-governance, the modern system was constitutionalized through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
### Historical Evolution
The journey began with the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957), which recommended a three-tier structure after studying community development programs. The first Panchayat was established in Nagaur, Rajasthan in 1959. Subsequent committees like Ashok Mehta (1977) and G.V.K. Rao (1985) refined the concept.
### Constitutional Framework
The 73rd Amendment added Part IX to the Constitution, making Panchayats constitutional bodies. Key provisions include:
• Mandatory elections every five years
• 33% reservation for women
• Reservation for SC/ST based on population
• State Election Commission for conducting elections
• State Finance Commission for financial devolution
### Structure and Functions
1. Gram Panchayat (Village level): Basic unit covering 1-10 villages
2. Panchayat Samiti (Block level): Intermediate tier
3. Zilla Panchayat (District level): Top tier coordinating development
The 11th Schedule lists 29 subjects including agriculture, health, education, and rural development. However, actual devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries (3Fs) remains incomplete in many states, limiting the system's effectiveness in achieving true democratic decentralization.