The Prime Minister’s recent address to sarpanches across the country through a video conference on National Panchayati Raj Day has sparked interest. This article will explore and dissect the main points addressed by the Prime Minister, the significance of the National Panchayati Raj Day celebration, the salient features of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, and the functionality of the Panchayats.
The Celebration of National Panchayati Raj Day
National Panchayati Raj Day was first celebrated in 2010 and is observed annually on April 24 in India. The key purpose of this day is to showcase the implementation of the Panchayati Raj in village life, emphasising its significant role in rural development. The most recent celebration saw the launch of two programs: e-GramSwaraj and Swamitva programme.
Newly Launched Programs: e-GramSwaraj and Swamitva Programme
e-GramSwaraj is a digital platform designed for monitoring rural infrastructure works and promoting e-governance. The Swamitva programme, on the other hand, facilitates the mapping of rural housing and land holdings using technology, including drones. This programme aims to enable rural India to tap into property leverage for institutional credit and other benefits.
Panchayati Raj and its History
Following the enforcement of the Constitution, Articles 40 and 246 laid the groundwork for Panchayats and state legislature’s ability to legislate pertaining to local self-government. The Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) was constitutionalized through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, an initiative aimed at promoting democracy at the grassroots level and entrusting the task of rural development.
Salient Features of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment
The Amendment added Part IX titled “The Panchayats” to the Constitution and introduced several features. Among these features were the establishment of a three-tier system of Panchayats, reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and women, and the provision for independent Election Commissions in each state.
Powers and Exemptions of Panchayats
Panchayats have been authorized to prepare plans for economic development and social justice. They are endowed with various sources of revenue, including collection and retention of the revenue it raises. However, this act doesn’t apply to states like Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and certain areas due to socio-cultural and administrative considerations.
Areas Exempted from The Act
Several areas are exempted from The Act due to socio-cultural and administrative considerations, including Scheduled areas and tribal areas in the states, hill areas of Manipur for which district councils exist, and Darjeeling district of West Bengal, where the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council exists.
Extension of Part IX to Vth schedule areas
The Parliament has extended the provisions of Part IX to Vth schedule areas through an Act called the Provisions of Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996. As of 2019, ten states have Vth Schedule Areas. These include Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Rajasthan.
Note on VIth Schedule Areas
Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) govern the VIth Schedule areas. These councils have been given Legislative, Administrative, and Judicial powers under the VIth Schedule. The district councils can also constitute Village councils and Village courts.
