LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENTS
Local self-government empowers communities to manage their local affairs effectively.
It operates at the grassroots level, ensuring democratic participation and development.
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts of 1992 marked a turning point
in India's decentralization by institutionalizing Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and
Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
1. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992:-
Key Features:
1. Applicability:
o Relates to rural areas, introducing the Panchayati Raj system.
o Applicable to all states except Jammu and Kashmir (at the time), Nagaland,
Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
2. Three-Tier Structure:
o Gram Panchayat: Village level.
o Panchayat Samiti: Block level.
o Zila Parishad: District level.
3. Gram Sabha:
o Comprises all voters in a village.
o Acts as the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system, ensuring direct
democratic participation.
4. Reservations:
o Seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and
Women (33%).
o Provision for extending this reservation to the Chairperson's positions.
5. Five-Year Term:
o Elected bodies have a fixed tenure of five years.
o Elections to be conducted before the expiry of the term or within six months
in case of dissolution.
6. State Election Commission: Established to ensure free and fair elections for
Panchayats.
7. 11th Schedule: Lists 29 subjects transferred to Panchayati Raj Institutions,
including agriculture, rural development, education, and public health.
11th Schedule of the Constitution: The 11th Schedule contains 29 subjects under
the jurisdiction of Panchayats. Examples include:
Agriculture and irrigation.
Rural housing.
Drinking water.
Health and sanitation.
Public distribution system.
2. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992:-
Key Features:
1. Applicability: Relates to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), such as Municipal
Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats.
2. Three-Tier Structure:
o Municipal Corporation: For larger urban areas.
o Municipal Council: For smaller urban areas.
o Nagar Panchayat: For transitional areas (from rural to urban).
3. Reservations: Similar to the 73rd Amendment, with reservations for SCs, STs,
and Women (33%).
4. Five-Year Term: Fixed term for elected bodies, with elections held before the
term's expiry or within six months of dissolution.
5. State Finance Commission: Established to review financial distribution between
the state government and local bodies.
6. 12th Schedule: Lists 18 subjects transferred to Urban Local Bodies, including
urban planning, water supply, sanitation, and slum improvement.
12th Schedule of the Constitution: The 12th Schedule contains 18 subjects under
the jurisdiction of Urban Local Bodies. Examples include:
Urban planning.
Regulation of land use.
Water supply.
Fire services.
Slum improvement.
3. Composition and Functions:-
A. Zila Parishad:
Composition:
1. Elected Members: Members elected by the people from constituencies within the
district.
2. Chairperson: Elected from among the members of the Zila Parishad.
3. Officials: District Collector and other government officials act as ex-officio
members.
Functions:
1. Developmental Functions:
o Implement rural development programs.
o Promote agriculture, irrigation, and sanitation projects.
2. Supervisory Role: Supervise Panchayat Samitis and Gram Panchayats.
3. Financial Functions:
o Manage funds from state governments and central schemes.
o Approve budgets of Panchayat Samitis.
4. Educational and Health Functions: Oversee primary education and health
services.
B. Municipal Corporation:
Composition:
1. Councilors: Elected by the public from municipal wards.
2. Mayor: Acts as the ceremonial head, elected from among the councilors.
3. Municipal Commissioner: Appointed by the state government as the executive
head.
Functions:
1. Civic Functions: Provide water supply, sanitation, waste management, and public
health services.
2. Infrastructure Development: Maintain roads, bridges, and public buildings.
3. Regulatory Functions: Regulate land use, trade licenses, and building
permissions.
4. Social Functions: Promote education, healthcare, and welfare of marginalized
groups.
Comparison: Zila Parishad vs. Municipal Corporation:-
Aspect Zila Parishad Municipal Corporation
Jurisdiction Rural areas within a district. Urban areas within a city.
Aspect Zila Parishad Municipal Corporation
Elected members, Chairperson, Councilors, Mayor, Municipal
Composition
officials. Commissioner.
Functions Focus on rural development. Focus on urban civic amenities.
Revenue Grants from state and central
Property tax, trade licenses, grants.
Sources schemes.
Conclusion: The 73rd and 74th Amendments have strengthened grassroots
governance by institutionalizing democratic processes in rural and urban areas.
They have empowered communities to play an active role in local development
while promoting inclusive growth and decentralized governance.
