Topic 02 of 5 · Chapter 12 · Indian Polity
Panchayati Raj — Three-Tier Structure
Three-tier structure, Gram Sabha, composition, election, reservation for women, State Election Commission, and State Finance Commission.
📋 In This Article
1. Three-Tier Structure
| Tier | Level | Name (varies by State) | Presiding Officer |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Tier | Village level | Gram Panchayat | Sarpanch / Pradhan |
| Second Tier | Block/Taluk level | Panchayat Samiti / Mandal Panchayat / Taluk Panchayat | President / Chairman |
| Third Tier | District level | Zila Parishad / District Panchayat | President / Adhyaksha |
💡 Key Idea: The three-tier structure is mandatory for States with a population of more than 20 lakh. States with smaller populations may have only two tiers. The names of the tiers vary from State to State.
2. Gram Sabha
The Gram Sabha is the body of voters registered in a village. It is the foundation of Panchayati Raj. Key features:
- All voters in a village are members of the Gram Sabha
- Meets at least twice a year
- Approves annual plans and budgets of Gram Panchayat
- Reviews the work of Gram Panchayat
- Selects beneficiaries for government schemes
⭐ Exam Fact: The L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986) recommended that the Gram Sabha should be the foundation of Panchayati Raj. The 73rd Amendment gave constitutional status to the Gram Sabha (Article 243A).
3. Reservation
The 73rd Amendment provides for reservation in Panchayati Raj:
- Women: Not less than 1/3 of total seats reserved for women (in all three tiers)
- SC/ST: Seats reserved in proportion to their population in the Panchayat area
- Offices of Chairpersons: Reservation for SC, ST, and women in offices of Chairpersons at all levels
- Many States have increased women’s reservation to 50% (e.g., Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttarakhand)
✅ Remember: The 73rd Amendment provides for minimum 1/3 reservation for women. Many States have gone beyond this and provided 50% reservation. The reservation for OBCs is not mandatory under the 73rd Amendment — it is left to the States.
4. State Election Commission
The State Election Commission (SEC) is an independent constitutional body established under Article 243K. Key features:
- Superintendence, direction, and control of preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of elections to Panchayats
- State Election Commissioner appointed by the Governor
- Can be removed only by the process similar to removal of a HC judge
- Separate from the Election Commission of India (which conducts Parliamentary and State Assembly elections)
5. State Finance Commission
The State Finance Commission (SFC) is established under Article 243I. Key features:
- Constituted by the Governor every 5 years
- Reviews the financial position of Panchayats
- Recommends distribution of taxes between State and Panchayats
- Recommends grants-in-aid to Panchayats
6. Key Points for Exam
🔑 Must-Remember Facts
- Three tiers: Gram Panchayat, Intermediate Panchayat, District Panchayat
- Gram Sabha: Article 243A; all voters in a village
- Women’s reservation: Not less than 1/3 seats
- SC/ST reservation: In proportion to their population
- State Election Commission: Article 243K; conducts Panchayat elections
- State Finance Commission: Article 243I; every 5 years
- Three-tier mandatory for States with population > 20 lakh
- Many States have increased women’s reservation to 50%
- OBC reservation: Not mandatory under 73rd Amendment
- Panchayati Raj Diwas: April 24