Examine the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies in deepening of democracy in India.

Constitutional Framework and Evolution

Prior to the 73rd and 74th Amendments, local bodies existed but lacked constitutional recognition and faced issues of irregular elections and limited autonomy. The amendments provided a constitutional mandate for establishing PRIs and ULBs, outlining their composition, functions, and powers.

• 73rd Amendment (1992): Deals with Panchayati Raj Institutions for rural areas. It added Part IX to the Constitution, titled ‘The Panchayats’.
• 74th Amendment (1993): Deals with Municipalities for urban areas. It added Part IXA to the Constitution, titled ‘The Municipalities’.
• Both amendments mandated state governments to devolve powers and responsibilities to these institutions, ensuring regular elections every five years.
• They also provided for reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women (at least one-third of seats), promoting inclusivity.

Role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)

PRIs are designed to function as institutions of self-governance at the village, intermediate (block/taluka), and district levels. Their roles are multifaceted:

• Planning and Implementation of Schemes: PRIs play a crucial role in identifying local needs and implementing centrally sponsored schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).
• Delivery of Basic Services: They are responsible for providing essential services like water supply, sanitation, primary education, healthcare, and maintenance of local infrastructure.
• Social Justice and Empowerment: Reservation policies within PRIs have increased the representation of marginalized communities, empowering them to participate in decision-making processes.
• Conflict Resolution: Traditional dispute resolution mechanisms are often integrated into PRI functioning, promoting social harmony.

Role of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)

ULBs, comprising Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, and Nagar Panchayats, are responsible for governing urban areas. Their functions include:

• Urban Planning and Development: ULBs are responsible for preparing city development plans, regulating land use, and ensuring planned urban growth.
• Provision of Urban Services: They provide essential services like water supply, sewerage, solid waste management, street lighting, and public transportation.
• Regulation of Building Activities: ULBs regulate building construction and ensure compliance with building codes.
• Revenue Generation: They generate revenue through property taxes, user charges, and other sources to finance urban development projects.

Deepening of Democracy: Successes and Challenges

PRIs and ULBs have significantly contributed to deepening democracy in India, but they also face several challenges.

Successes	Challenges
Increased political awareness and participation at the grassroots level.	Limited financial resources and dependence on state governments for funding.
Empowerment of marginalized communities through reservation policies.	Lack of adequate capacity building and training for PRI/ULB members.
Improved delivery of basic services in many areas.	Political interference and lack of autonomy in decision-making.
Enhanced accountability and transparency through social audits and Right to Information (RTI).	Weak enforcement of devolution of powers and functions by state governments.

Example: The success of Kudumbashree in Kerala, a community-based organization linked to local self-governments, demonstrates the potential of empowering women through PRIs and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Recent Developments: The Fifteenth Finance Commission (2020-2026) has recommended increased devolution of funds to PRIs and ULBs, recognizing their crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals.