National Panchayati Raj Day 2025

Why in News ? National Panchayati Raj Day 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Panchayati Raj as a constitutionally mandated system of local governance in India. Observed annually on April 24, this day commemorates the enforcement of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which came into effect on April 24, 1993. This act provided a formal structure and legal backing to India’s grassroots democracy.

Key Highlights of the News:

Historic Significance:

1. • The term “Panchayati Raj” originates from the traditional village council system where elders resolved disputes and made decisions for the community.
   • The 73rd Constitutional Amendment formalized this system into a three-tier structure of governance: Gram Panchayat (village level), Panchayat Samiti (block level), and Zilla Parishad (district level).

Importance of April 24, 1993:

1. • This date marks the day the 73rd Amendment Act came into force, empowering states to establish Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
   • These institutions provide local self-governance, enabling rural communities to manage their own affairs.

Introduction of National Panchayati Raj Day:

1. • Initiated in 2010 by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the day serves to celebrate the importance of grassroots democracy.
   • The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, established in 2004, plays a pivotal role in promoting and managing Panchayati Raj systems. It is currently led by Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh).

Constitutional Provisions of the Panchayati Raj System:

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, added Part IX (Articles 243 to 243-O) and the Eleventh Schedule to the Indian Constitution, institutionalizing the Panchayati Raj System. Below are the key constitutional provisions, organized by theme:

1. Definition and Structure (Article 243)

• Panchayat: Defined as an institution of self-government for rural areas.

Three-Tier System:

• 1. Gram Panchayat at the village level.
  2. Panchayat Samiti at the intermediate/block level (optional if population <20 lakh).
  3. Zila Parishad at the district level.
• States with populations below 20 lakh may opt for a two-tier system.

2. Gram Sabha (Article 243A):

• Role: The Gram Sabha, comprising all registered voters in a village, is the foundation of the Panchayati Raj System.
• Functions: Approves plans, budgets, and audits; identifies beneficiaries for schemes; and ensures accountability.
• Significance: Acts as a participatory democracy platform, empowering villagers to influence local governance.

3. Composition of Panchayats (Article 243C):

• Elected Representatives: Members are directly elected at all three tiers.
• Chairpersons: Elected as per state laws (e.g., Sarpanch for Gram Panchayat).
• State Flexibility: States can decide the mode of election for chairpersons and other details.

4. Reservation of Seats (Article 243D):

• Mandatory Reservations:

• Seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) proportional to their population.
• At least one-third of seats reserved for women (including SC/ST women).

• Optional Reservations: States may reserve seats for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
• Rotation: Reserved seats rotate across constituencies in each election cycle.
• Chairperson Posts: Similar reservations apply to chairperson positions at all levels.

5. Duration and Elections (Article 243E):

• Tenure: Panchayats have a five-year term.

Elections:

• Must be held before the expiry of the term or within six months if dissolved.
• Conducted by the State Election Commission (Article 243K).

• Continuity: Dissolution does not affect ongoing programs, ensuring development continuity.

6. Powers, Functions, and Responsibilities (Article 243G):

• Devolution: States are to endow PRIs with powers to prepare and implement plans for economic development and social justice.

Eleventh Schedule: Lists 29 subjects for PRIs, including:

• Agriculture, irrigation, and rural electrification.
• Education, health, and sanitation.
• Poverty alleviation, women’s development, and social welfare.

Autonomy: PRIs can function as units of self-government, subject to state legislation.

7. Finance and Funding (Article 243H):

Financial Powers:

• PRIs can levy and collect taxes, duties, tolls, and fees as authorized by states.
• States assign taxes and provide grants-in-aid.

State Finance Commission (Article 243I):

Constituted every five years to recommend:

• Distribution of net proceeds of state taxes between state and PRIs.
• Grants-in-aid to PRIs.
• Measures to improve PRI finances.

Reports are submitted to the state legislature.

8. Audit and Accountability (Article 243J):

• States are responsible for maintaining accounts and auditing PRIs to ensure transparency and financial accountability.

9. State Election Commission (Article 243K):

• Independent Body: A State Election Commission, appointed by the Governor, oversees PRI elections.
• Functions: Prepares electoral rolls, conducts elections, and ensures free and fair polls.

10. Exemptions (Article 243M):

• Non-Applicability: The provisions do not apply to:

• Certain states (e.g., Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya) and areas (e.g., hill areas of Manipur).
• Union Territories like Delhi and specific tribal areas, unless extended by Parliament.

• PESA Act, 1996: Extends PRI provisions to Scheduled Areas with modifications, empowering Gram Sabhas.

11. Bar on Judicial Interference (Article 243O):

• Courts cannot interfere in PRI elections or related matters, except through election petitions as per state laws, ensuring timely polls.

12. Continuance of Existing Laws (Article 243N):

• Pre-existing state laws on panchayats remain valid unless inconsistent with the 73rd Amendment, with a one-year period for alignment.