Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, marked a watershed moment in Indian democracy by constitutionally recognizing and strengthening local self-governance in rural areas. Prior to this, Panchayats existed in many states but lacked constitutional sanction and were often subject to state government control. The Act aimed to decentralize power, promote participatory governance, and accelerate socio-economic development at the grassroots level by devolving functions, finances, and functionaries to these newly empowered institutions. This amendment fundamentally altered the landscape of rural governance in India, fostering a more inclusive and responsive system.
Devolution of Functions
The 73rd Amendment mandated the transfer of 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule to Panchayats. These subjects cover a wide range of areas crucial for rural development, including agriculture, land reform, irrigation, water management, health, sanitation, education, social welfare, and women and child development.
- Agriculture & Allied Sectors: Panchayats now play a significant role in implementing agricultural schemes, promoting sustainable farming practices, and providing support to farmers. For example, many Panchayats in Haryana actively promote crop diversification and water conservation techniques.
- Health & Sanitation: Panchayats are responsible for maintaining public health and sanitation facilities, organizing health camps, and promoting hygiene awareness. Kerala’s Kudumbashree program, while predating the 73rd Amendment, has been effectively implemented through Panchayats, improving health outcomes in rural areas.
- Education: Panchayats oversee primary schools, manage educational infrastructure, and promote literacy programs. In Rajasthan, Panchayats have been instrumental in improving school enrollment rates through community mobilization.
Devolution of Finances
Financial devolution is a cornerstone of effective decentralization. The 73rd Amendment envisioned Panchayats having access to their own revenue sources and receiving grants-in-aid from state governments. The State Finance Commissions (SFCs), constituted as per the Act, are responsible for recommending principles governing the distribution of taxes, duties, tolls, and fees between the state and Panchayats.
- Own Funds: Panchayats generate revenue through property taxes, user charges for services (water supply, sanitation), and local market fees. However, own revenue generation remains a significant challenge for many Panchayats due to limited tax base and weak collection mechanisms.
- State Finance Commission Grants: SFC recommendations have led to increased financial transfers to Panchayats in several states. For instance, Karnataka has consistently allocated a significant portion of its divisible pool of taxes to Panchayats based on SFC recommendations.
- Central Finance Commission Grants: The 14th and 15th Central Finance Commissions (2015 & 2020 respectively) significantly increased the share of central funds devolved to rural local bodies, boosting their financial capacity. The 15th FC recommended a total grant of ₹2,36,872 crore to Panchayats for the period 2021-26.
Devolution of Functionaries
The 73rd Amendment facilitated the transfer of administrative personnel and technical staff to Panchayats to support their functions. This included Block Development Officers (BDOs), Village Level Workers (VLWs), and engineers. However, the extent of functionary devolution varies significantly across states.
- Staffing Challenges: Many Panchayats face a shortage of qualified personnel, hindering their ability to effectively implement programs and manage finances.
- Capacity Building: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched several capacity-building initiatives, such as the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan (RGPSA), to train elected representatives and Panchayat staff.
- Convergence of Schemes: Devolution of functionaries has facilitated better convergence of various centrally sponsored schemes at the Panchayat level, leading to more efficient implementation and improved outcomes. For example, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is largely implemented through Panchayats, with VLWs playing a crucial role in identifying beneficiaries and monitoring works.
Achievements – Illustrative Examples
- Improved Water Management: In Andhra Pradesh, Panchayats have successfully implemented watershed development programs, leading to increased groundwater levels and improved agricultural productivity.
- Enhanced Sanitation Coverage: The Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) has witnessed significant success due to the active involvement of Panchayats in constructing toilets and promoting sanitation awareness.
- Empowerment of Women: The mandatory reservation of one-third of seats for women in Panchayats has led to increased female participation in local governance and decision-making.
Conclusion
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act has undeniably strengthened rural local governance in India, fostering greater participation, accountability, and responsiveness. While challenges related to financial sustainability, staffing shortages, and capacity building remain, the Act has laid a solid foundation for decentralized development. Continued efforts to strengthen the financial and administrative capabilities of Panchayats, coupled with effective monitoring and evaluation, are crucial to realizing the full potential of this landmark legislation and achieving inclusive and sustainable rural development.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.