Question

Which of the following statements are correct regarding the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act?

i. It added Part IX to the Constitution, dealing with Panchayats.

ii. It introduced the Eleventh Schedule, which lists 29 subjects under the purview of Panchayats.

iii. It mandates that elections to Panchayati Raj institutions be conducted by the Election Commission of India.

iv. It came into force on 24 April 1993, which is observed as Panchayati Raj Day.

• A. i, ii, and iv only
• B. i, iii, and iv only
• C. ii and iii only
• D. All are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

A. i, ii, and iv only

73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992

• Part IX Added: This amendment incorporated Part IX into the Constitution of India, specifically addressing the provisions related to 'The Panchayats'. This was a landmark step in institutionalizing local self-government.

• Eleventh Schedule Introduced: The Act introduced the Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution. This schedule enumerates 29 subjects that are to be transferred to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), granting them powers and responsibilities for rural development and local governance.

• Mandatory Provisions: The Act made certain provisions compulsory for all states, including the establishment of Panchayats at the village, intermediate, and district levels.

• Panchayat Elections: While the amendment provides for the creation of State Election Commissions to conduct elections to the Panchayats, it is the State Election Commission (and not the Election Commission of India) that is responsible for these elections. Statement (iii) is incorrect on this point.

• Effective Date and Observance: The 73rd Amendment Act came into force on 24 April 1993. Consequently, 24 April is celebrated annually as 'Panchayati Raj Day' in India to commemorate the enactment of this significant legislation.

• Constitutional Status to PRIs: Prior to this amendment, Panchayati Raj institutions were largely ad-hoc and lacked constitutional backing. The 73rd Amendment provided them with constitutional status, thereby ensuring their regularity, legitimacy, and effectiveness.

• Reservation of Seats: The Act mandates reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and women in Panchayats at all levels, promoting inclusive representation in local governance.

• Uniformity and Flexibility: While the amendment aimed at bringing uniformity in the Panchayati Raj system across the country, it also allowed states flexibility in adopting certain provisions based on their specific contexts.