Answer in detail

Local self Government

VI. Answer in detail.

1. Write in details about the salient features of the 73rd & 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992).

• Panchayats and Minicipalities will be "institutions of self-government".

• Basic Units of Democratic System - Grama Sabhas (Villages) and Ward Committees (Municipalities) comprising all the adult members registered as voters

• Three-tier system of panchayats at village, intermediate block/taluk/mandal and district levels. Smaller states with population below 2 million only two tiers.

• Seats at all levels filled by direct election.

• To provide reservation of seats for scheduled castes and sheduled tribes at all levels.

• One third of the seats to be reserved for SCs and STs. Also one third to be reserved for women.

• To hold elections regularly every 5 years. In the event of dissolution, elections are compulsory within six months.

2. Describe the major problems and challenges faced by the local self governments.

• Lack of clear demarcation of powers and functions of local bodies

• Allocation of funds and needs assessment are not matched

• Combined with accountability, the local self governments demand for more autonomy and economic freedom may be addressed 

• Role of caste, class and religion in decision making at the local self governments

• Poor accountability of elected members and officials at the grassroots of democracy

VII. Activity (For Students)

1. Meet your Panchayat President / Municipal Chairman and discuss with him how the local self goverment is being administered.