The passing of the 73rd and 74th amendments to the Indian Constitution in 1992 marked a significant shift toward decentralization of power. The year 2023 ushers in the 30th anniversary of these amendments putting the spotlight back on the current state of India’s local government and its pressing need for technical, administrative, and financial reforms.
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1992 introduced Panchayati Raj Institutions into the constitution, adding a new Part-IX, spanning Articles 243 to 243 O along with the new 11th Schedule, detailing 29 functional items of the panchayats.
The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act focused on urban local governments, took effect on June 1st, 1993, under the regime of P.V. Narsimha Rao’s government. This act brought in Part IX -A with provisions cascading from Articles 243-P to 243-ZG and the 12th Schedule containing 18 functional items dedicated to municipalities.
The Contemporary Status of Democratic Decentralisation in India
Democratic decentralization offered numerous merits, empowering local communities, boosting accountability and transparency, and promoting diversity and inclusivity. By relinquishing more political power to local communities and giving them the liberty to execute development projects according to the specific needs and priorities of their territories, citizens found an increased role in governance and decision-making. This heightened participation resulted in more inclusive policies that cater to the interests of all citizens.
Problems Associated with Indian Decentralisation
However, the journey of decentralization has not been an easy one. It posed its fair share of problems primarily related to the uneven distribution of power and resources across states and regions in India. Some areas achieved greater success in implementing decentralization than others, leading to disparities in development outcomes.
The predominately ceremonial role of the Mayor in most states, at the municipal level as reported by the 2nd Administrative Reform Commission, serves to underscore the problem. The Municipal Commissioner appointed by the State Government wields most of the power, relegating the locally elected Mayor to a lower status.
Moreover, infrastructural issues plague many Gram Panchayats (GPs), with some lacking their own buildings, basic facilities including toilets, drinking water, and electricity, or having dysfunctional internet connections. This leads to inefficiencies as officials have to visit Block Development Offices for data entry, causing unnecessary delays.
Proposed Strategies for Improvement
To surmount these hindrances, local government institutions need strengthening in the form of increased autonomy, resources, and powers. Revising laws and procedures that limit the functionality of local governments can facilitate this change. Capacity building exercises involving training programs, exchange visits, and mentoring can equip local government officials and elected representatives with the skills needed to effectively perform their duties. Furthermore, promoting active citizen participation in decision-making and implementation of local plans via awareness campaigns, public meetings, and consultations is crucial for the success of democratic decentralization.
Preparing for UPSC Civil Services Examination
These topics often feature on the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Some questions from previous years include:
1. In the Prelims of 2017, one question asked, “Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in (a) Federalism(b) Democratic decentralisation(c) Administrative delegation(d) Direct democracy”, for which the answer was (b).
2. A Mains question from 2018 required candidates to “assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government” and to suggest sources for financing developmental projects apart from government grants.
Such information can provide useful insights for aspirants preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. As we move into the third decade since the implementation of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, understanding their impact on India’s local governments remains as relevant as ever.
