Topic 01 of 5 · Chapter 12 · Indian Polity
Panchayati Raj — History & 73rd Amendment
History of Panchayati Raj, key committees, and the landmark 73rd Amendment (1992) that gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj.
📋 In This Article
1. History of Panchayati Raj
Panchayati Raj (village self-governance) has a long history in India. Key milestones:
- Ancient India: Village assemblies (sabhas and samitis) existed in ancient India
- British period: Lord Ripon’s Resolution (1882) — first attempt at local self-government
- Post-independence: Article 40 (DPSP) directed the State to organise village panchayats
- Community Development Programme (1952): First major rural development initiative
- National Extension Service (1953): Extended community development
💡 Key Idea: Despite Article 40 (DPSP) directing the State to organise village panchayats, Panchayati Raj remained weak and ineffective for decades. The 73rd Amendment (1992) gave it constitutional status and made it mandatory.
2. Key Committees
| Committee | Year | Key Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Balwant Rai Mehta Committee | 1957 | Recommended three-tier Panchayati Raj system (Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad); “democratic decentralisation”; Rajasthan was first State to implement (1959) |
| Ashok Mehta Committee | 1978 | Recommended two-tier system (Mandal Panchayat and Zila Parishad); political parties should participate in Panchayat elections; not fully implemented |
| G.V.K. Rao Committee | 1985 | Recommended strengthening Panchayati Raj; called it “grass-roots planning” |
| L.M. Singhvi Committee | 1986 | Recommended constitutional status for Panchayati Raj; Gram Sabha should be the foundation; led to 73rd Amendment |
| P.K. Thungon Committee | 1988 | Recommended constitutional status for Panchayati Raj |
⭐ Exam Fact: Rajasthan was the first State to implement Panchayati Raj on October 2, 1959 (Gandhi Jayanti). Andhra Pradesh was the second State. The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee’s recommendations were the basis for this.
3. 73rd Amendment (1992)
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992) gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions. It added:
- Part IX (Articles 243 to 243O) to the Constitution
- 11th Schedule — 29 subjects for Panchayats
The amendment came into force on April 24, 1993 — now celebrated as Panchayati Raj Diwas.
4. Key Provisions of 73rd Amendment
- Three-tier structure: Gram Panchayat (village level), Intermediate Panchayat (block level), District Panchayat (district level)
- Gram Sabha: Body of voters in a village — foundation of Panchayati Raj
- Elections: Direct elections to all three tiers
- Reservation: Not less than 1/3 seats reserved for women; reservation for SC/ST in proportion to their population
- Term: 5 years; fresh elections within 6 months of dissolution
- State Election Commission: Independent body to conduct Panchayat elections
- State Finance Commission: To review financial position of Panchayats every 5 years
- 11th Schedule: 29 subjects that may be devolved to Panchayats (agriculture, land improvement, rural housing, drinking water, education, etc.)
✅ Remember: The 73rd Amendment is compulsory for States — they must establish three-tier Panchayati Raj. However, the devolution of powers (11th Schedule subjects) is discretionary — States may or may not devolve these powers to Panchayats.
5. Key Points for Exam
🔑 Must-Remember Facts
- Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957): Three-tier Panchayati Raj
- Rajasthan: First State to implement Panchayati Raj — October 2, 1959
- L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986): Recommended constitutional status
- 73rd Amendment (1992): Added Part IX and 11th Schedule
- 73rd Amendment came into force: April 24, 1993 (Panchayati Raj Diwas)
- Three tiers: Gram Panchayat, Intermediate Panchayat, District Panchayat
- Reservation for women: Not less than 1/3 seats
- 11th Schedule: 29 subjects for Panchayats
- State Election Commission: Conducts Panchayat elections
- State Finance Commission: Reviews financial position every 5 years