List the clauses of the constitution that support better local government.
Share
Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.
Please briefly explain why you feel this question should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this user should be reported.
Constitutional Provisions for Strengthening Local Governance:
73rd and 74th Amendments: The 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution in 1992 mandated the establishment of Panchayats in rural areas and Municipalities in urban areas, respectively. These amendments laid the foundation for decentralized governance, empowering local bodies with administrative, financial, and legislative authority.
Article 243: This article deals with the composition of Panchayats. It specifies that seats in Panchayats shall be reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women in proportion to their population.
Article 243G: It mandates the State Finance Commission to determine the principles governing the distribution of finances between the state government and Panchayats.
Article 243W: This article empowers Municipalities to prepare plans for economic development and social justice, in addition to specifying the composition and powers of Municipalities.
Article 243ZD: It provides for the establishment of District Planning Committees to consolidate the plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities in the district.
Article 243ZE: This article mandates the constitution of Metropolitan Planning Committees in metropolitan areas to prepare a draft development plan for the metropolitan area.
Article 243Q: It empowers Panchayats to levy and collect taxes, duties, tolls, and fees.
Article 243Y: This article allows the Legislature of a State to make provisions with respect to the matters enumerated in the Twelfth Schedule, empowering Municipalities to deal with urban planning.
Eleventh and Twelfth Schedules: These schedules enumerate the powers and responsibilities of Panchayats and Municipalities, respectively. They cover a range of subjects, including urban planning, public health, sanitation, and economic and social planning.
These constitutional provisions collectively aim to strengthen local governance by providing constitutional status, defining powers and functions, ensuring reservations for marginalized sections, and establishing institutions like State Finance Commissions, District Planning Committees, and Metropolitan Planning Committees. They form the backbone of decentralized governance, fostering local development and participatory decision-making.