73rd Constitutional Amendment

Notes

The 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 (in force 24 April 1993) gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj, adding Part IX (Art. 243-243O) and the Eleventh Schedule (29 subjects such as agriculture, minor irrigation, rural housing, drinking water, primary education).

Salient features

Gram Sabha (Art. 243A): all registered voters in the Panchayat area.
Three-tier system: village, intermediate (block) and district; States with population below 20 lakh may skip the intermediate level.
Direct elections to all seats; the Chairperson of the village Panchayat is elected as the State law provides.
Reservation: seats for SC and ST in proportion to population; one-third of seats for women (including SC/ST women) and one-third of Chairperson posts; States may provide more (many States have 50%) and for backward classes.
Five-year term; if dissolved, elections must be held within six months.
Art. 243K: State Election Commission conducts elections. Art. 243I: State Finance Commission every five years. Art. 243G: powers and responsibilities for economic development and social justice. Art. 243H: taxes and grants.
Minimum age to contest: 21 years. Art. 243-O: courts cannot interfere in electoral matters.
Exempt areas: Fifth and Sixth Schedule areas and certain hill areas (PESA 1996 extends Panchayats to Scheduled Areas). Delhi and J&K have their own provisions.

Compulsory vs voluntary provisions

Compulsory: Gram Sabha, three-tier structure, direct elections, reservation, five-year term, State Election Commission, State Finance Commission.
Voluntary: representation of MPs and MLAs, reservation for backward classes, and devolution of powers.

Key Points

Part IX (Art. 243-243O); Eleventh Schedule (29 subjects).
Three tiers; Gram Sabha; five-year term; elections within six months of dissolution.
One-third reservation for women; SC/ST in proportion.
State Election Commission (Art. 243K); State Finance Commission (Art. 243I).
In force from 24 April 1993.

MCQs

Q1. The Eleventh Schedule contains how many subjects? (a) 18 (b) 29 (c) 36 (d) 59 Ans: (b).

Q2. Which Article provides for the State Election Commission for Panchayats? (a) Art. 243I (b) Art. 243K (c) Art. 243G (d) Art. 243A Ans: (b).

Q3. The 73rd Amendment mandates reservation for women in Panchayats of: (a) 10% (b) 25% (c) At least one-third (d) 50% Ans: (c).