Q4 of 9 Page 193

What were the main differences between the local governments before 73rd amendment and after that amendment?

The main differences between the local government before 73rd amendment and after that amendment are following:

1. After the 73rd amendment the local government has now been divided into an uniform three-tier Panchayati Raj structure.


2. Before the 73rd amendment act the state administration was responsible for conducting elections in the Panchayati Raj institution but after the amendment it is the state government which appoints the state election commission for the purpose. Establishment of an independent State Election Commission in every State ensures timely and free and fair election to these bodies.


3. After the 73rd amendment the revenue distribution between state government and local government and also the urban, rural government is completed by the state election commission.


4. This amendment made it mandatory to hold the elections of Panchayats on a regular basis in due time. It also makes provisions for the reservations in favour of women, the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes implementing various positions in local government.


5. The subjects of the state list in the 11th schedule of the constitution which has 29 subjects have been transferred to the institution of Panchayati Raj.


6. The age bar has been changed now the minimum age required to become a member of the Panchayats has been reduced to 21 years.


7. The Panchayats a unit of self governance have been given powers to charge, collect and correct such taxes, duties, tolls and fees in accord with the provisions made by the State government this ensures their financial autonomy and viability.


More from this chapter

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2

Suppose you are entrusted to evolve a local government plan of a State, what powers would you endow to the village panchayats to function as units of self-government? Mention any five powers and the justification in two lines for each of them for giving those powers.

3

What are the provisions for the reservations for the socially disadvantaged groups as per the 73rd amendment? Explain how these provisions have changed the profile of the leadership at the village level.

5

Read the following conversation. Write in two hundred words your opinion about the issues raised in this conversation.

Alok: Our Constitution guarantees equality between men and women. Reservations in local bodies for women ensure their equal share in power.


Neha: But it is not enough that women should be in positions of power. It is necessary that the budget of local bodies should have separate provision for women.


Jayesh: I don’t like this reservations business. A local body must take care of all people in the village and that would automatically take care of women and their interests.

6

Read the provisions of the 73rd Amendment. Which of the following concerns does this amendment address?

A. Fear of replacement makes representatives accountable to the people.


B. The dominant castes and feudal landlords dominate the local bodies.


C. Rural illiteracy is very high. Illiterate people cannot take decisions about the development of the village.


D. To be effective the village panchayats need resources and powers to make plans for the village development.