Question

Choose the correct statement(s) regarding the 73rd Constitutional Amendment:

i. It added Part IX to the Constitution, which includes Articles 243 to 243O, dealing with the Panchayati Raj system.

ii. It mandates that the election of Panchayat members must be conducted by the Election Commission of India.

• A. Only i
• B. Only ii
• C. Both i and ii
• D. Neither i nor ii

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Only ii

73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992

• Objective: To provide constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and to strengthen rural local self-government.
• Salient Features:
  • Part IX: Added Part IX to the Constitution, covering Articles 243 and 243O, dedicated to the Panchayati Raj system.
  • Gram Sabha: Provided for the 'Gram Sabha' as the foundation of the Panchayat system.
  • Three-Tier System: Mandated a three-tier structure of Panchayats at the village, intermediate, and district levels in all states with a population exceeding 20 lakh. States with populations less than 20 lakh may choose not to have intermediate-level Panchayats.
  • Uniform Term: Ensured a uniform term of five years for all tiers of Panchayats.
  • Reservation: Mandated reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women (not less than one-third) in Panchayats at all levels.
  • Panchayat Elections: Established State Election Commissions to conduct elections to Panchayats and Municipalities. This is a crucial point distinguishing it from the general election supervision by the Election Commission of India for Parliament and State Legislatures.
  • Finance Commission: Provided for the constitution of a State Finance Commission to review the financial position of Panchayats and recommend devolution of funds from the State to Panchayats.
  • Supervision of Elections: The State Election Commission is responsible for the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for, and the conduct of all elections to the Panchayats at the appropriate level in the state. The Election Commission of India, on the other hand, is responsible for elections to Parliament and State Legislatures.
• Significance:
  • It brought about uniformity in the structure and functioning of Panchayati Raj across the country.
  • It empowered rural local bodies and promoted decentralization of power.
  • It is considered a landmark amendment in the history of local self-government in India.