Question

Choose the correct statement(s) regarding the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments:

1. The 73rd Amendment added Part IX to the Constitution, dealing with Panchayats, while the 74th Amendment added Part IX-A, dealing with Municipalities.

2. The Eleventh Schedule, added by the 73rd Amendment, lists 29 subjects under the purview of Panchayats.

3. The 74th Amendment mandates that one-third of the seats in Municipalities be reserved for women.

How many of the above statements are correct? A) Only one B) Only two C) All three D) None of the above

• A. Only one
• B. Only two
• C. All three
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

C. All three

73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments

• 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992:

  • This amendment institutionalized Panchayats at the village, intermediate, and district levels, bringing uniformity to the rural local self-government system across India.

  • It added a new Part IX to the Constitution, titled 'The Panchayats'.

  • It also inserted the Eleventh Schedule, which contains a list of 29 functional items that Panchayats are empowered to deal with. These include subjects like agriculture, land improvement, poverty alleviation, rural housing, and education.

  • It mandates the reservation of not less than one-third of the total seats for women, as well as for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, in every Panchayat at all levels.

  • It provides for the establishment of a State Election Commission to conduct elections to the Panchayats.

• 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992:

  • This amendment accorded constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies (Municipalities), bringing them under a uniform framework.

  • It added a new Part IX-A to the Constitution, titled 'The Municipalities'.

  • It also inserted the Twelfth Schedule, which contains a list of 18 functional items that Municipalities are empowered to deal with. These include subjects like urban planning, regulation of land use, and roads.

  • Similar to the 73rd Amendment, it mandates the reservation of seats for women and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Municipalities. The reservation for women is also not less than one-third of the total seats.

  • It provides for the establishment of a State Election Commission for conducting elections to the Municipalities.

• Significance for Competitive Exams:

  • These amendments are crucial for understanding the decentralization of power in India and the role of local self-government.

  • Questions often revolve around the specific Parts and Schedules added, the number of subjects listed in the Schedules, and the reservation provisions for women and weaker sections.

  • Be aware of the differences and similarities between the provisions for Panchayats and Municipalitie