Question

Which of the following is related to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992?
1. Panchayati Raj
2. Municipality
3. Anti-defection law
4. Fundamental duty

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Panchayati Raj

The correct answer is Panchayati Raj.

• The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 deals with Panchayati Raj.
  • The 73rd Amendment envisages the Gram Sabha as the foundation of the Panchayat Raj system, which carries out the functions and powers assigned by the State Legislatures.
  • The 73rd Amendment 1992 added a new Part IX to the Constitution, titled "Panchayats", which includes provisions from Articles 243 to 243(O), and a new Eleventh Schedule covering 29 subjects within the functions of Panchayats.
  • This amendment invokes Article 40 of the DPSP which states that "the State shall take steps to organize village panchayats and to endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government". "
  • This has upgraded them from the non-justiciable to the just and put a constitutional obligation on the states to implement the Panchayati Raj Acts in accordance with the provisions of Part IX.

• The positive impact of the 73rd Amendment in rural India is clearly visible as it has changed power equations significantly. Elections to the Panchayats in most states are being held regularly.
• It makes provisions for the reservation of seats at all three levels in favor of women, the scheduled castes, the scheduled tribes, and the other backward classes.