The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments were enacted in 1992 to empower local self-governments in rural and urban areas, respectively. These amendments aimed to decentralize governance by creating Panchayats at the village level and Municipalities at the urban level. Here's an overview of rural and urban governance with reference to the 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts:
73rd Amendment Act (1992) - Rural Governance:
1. Panchayats:
o The 73rd Amendment added a new Part IX to the Constitution, which deals with Panchayats. It mandated the creation of a three-tier system of Panchayats at the village, intermediate (block), and district levels.
2. Reservation of Seats:
o The Amendment introduced the provision of reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women in Panchayats. It ensured the participation of marginalized sections in local governance.
3. Devolution of Powers:
o Panchayats were given powers and authority to prepare plans for economic development and social justice. They were also empowered to implement schemes for economic development and social justice.
4. Finance Commission:
o State Finance Commissions were mandated to be constituted to allocate resources to Panchayats from the state government.
5. Elections:
o Regular elections were to be held for Panchayats every five years. The State Election Commission was responsible for conducting these elections.
74th Amendment Act (1992) - Urban Governance:
1. Municipalities:
o The 74th Amendment added a new Part IX-A to the Constitution, which deals with Municipalities. It mandated the creation of Municipalities in urban areas, organized into Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils, and Municipal Corporations.
2. Reservation of Seats:
o Similar to Panchayats, the Amendment provided for the reservation of seats for SCs, STs, and women in Municipalities to ensure inclusive representation.
3. Devolution of Powers:
o Municipalities were given powers to plan for economic development, social justice, and public services within their jurisdiction. They were also empowered to levy taxes, fees, and duties.
4. Ward Committees:
o The Amendment recommended the formation of Ward Committees to facilitate citizen participation at the local level.
5. Metropolitan Planning Committees:
o For metropolitan areas, Metropolitan Planning Committees were mandated to be constituted to plan for integrated development.
6. District Planning Committees:
o District Planning Committees were to be constituted to consolidate plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities within the district.
Rural and Urban Governance:
1. Decentralization:
o Both amendments aimed at decentralizing governance by bringing it closer to the people. Panchayats and Municipalities were given substantial powers to plan and implement development schemes.
2. Inclusive Representation:
o Reservation of seats ensured the representation of marginalized sections such as SCs, STs, and women, promoting inclusive governance.
3. Empowerment of Local Bodies:
o Both sets of amendments aimed at empowering local bodies with financial resources, administrative authority, and planning capabilities.
4. Democratic Local Governance:
o Regular elections at the local level ensured democratic representation and accountability.
5. Participatory Governance:
o The creation of Ward Committees and Metropolitan Planning Committees encouraged citizen participation in decision-making.
These amendments were significant steps toward strengthening grassroots democracy and promoting local governance for rural and urban development. They have played a crucial role in enhancing the role of local bodies in the overall governance framework of India.
