Question

When was the Panchayati Raj system introduced in Kerala under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment?

• A. 1992
• B. 1993
• C. 1994
• D. 1996

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 1993

Panchayati Raj System in Kerala: A Brief Overview:

Historical Background

• Pre-British Period: Kerala had village-level self-governing units based on caste, like the ‘’Gramams’’ and the ‘’Tharas’’. These units, though non-democratic, maintained administrative continuity through various regimes.

• British Period: Local bodies were introduced under Lord Ripon with municipal and sanitary boards, and by 1920, panchayats became recognized entities. At Kerala’s formation in 1956, local bodies existed across Travancore, Cochin, and Malabar regions, but their powers were limited.

Key Legislation and Reforms:

• Kerala Panchayat Act (1960): Introduced local governance with limited powers, focusing on infrastructure like roads, sanitation, and basic registration.

• Post-73rd and 74th Amendments (1992): The Kerala Panchayat Raj Act (1994) expanded local governance and brought reforms. Amendments in 1995 and 1996 refined these changes.

• Kerala Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act (1999): This act added provisions for transparency, auditing, and public participation, and established institutions like the Ombudsman and Appellate Tribunals for accountability.