Explain salient features of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992.

The Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992, commonly known as the Panchayati Raj Act, was a landmark amendment aimed at decentralizing political power and empowering local self-government institutions in rural India. This amendment significantly strengthened the framework for rural governance by establishing a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj institutions, namely the Gram Panchayat at the village level, the Panchayat Samiti at the intermediate level, and the Zilla Parishad at the district level. The salient features of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992, are as follows:

1. Constitutional Recognition of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs):

• The amendment added Part IX to the Constitution, which includes provisions for PRIs.
• It mandated the establishment of Panchayati Raj institutions as elected bodies at the village, intermediate, and district levels to ensure democratic decentralization of power.

2. Three-tier System of Panchayati Raj Institutions:

• Gram Panchayat: The village-level institution responsible for local governance and development activities within its jurisdiction. It comprises elected representatives from the village.

• Panchayat Samiti: The intermediate-level institution that coordinates and supervises the functioning of Gram Panchayats within its area. It consists of elected members from various Gram Panchayats.

• Zilla Parishad: The district-level institution responsible for coordinating and overseeing the functioning of Panchayat Samitis and implementing district-level development programs. It includes elected members from Panchayat Samitis and Members of Parliament and State Legislatures representing the district.

3. Composition of Panchayati Raj Institutions:

• Members of PRIs are elected directly by the people through a process of direct elections based on adult suffrage.
• Seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their population in each Panchayat, ensuring representation of marginalized communities.

4. Reservation of Seats:

• The amendment introduced mandatory reservation of seats for women (not less than one-third of the total seats) in PRIs to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.
• One-third of the seats are reserved for SCs and STs in proportion to their population in each Panchayat.

5. Duration and Elections:

• The term of office for PRIs is five years.
• Regular elections are held to constitute new PRIs before the expiry of their term to ensure continuity in local governance.

6. Functions and Powers of Panchayati Raj Institutions:

• The amendment delineates the functions and powers of PRIs to enable them to plan and implement local development programs.
• Functions include rural development, agriculture, health, education, social justice, infrastructure development, and economic activities.

7. Financial Empowerment:

• PRIs are granted financial autonomy through the provision of funds from the state governments.
• State Finance Commissions are constituted to recommend the principles governing the distribution of finances between the state governments and PRIs.

8. State Legislation and Implementation:

• States are mandated to enact legislation to specify the powers, functions, and responsibilities of PRIs.
• State legislation also determines the manner of election, reservation of seats, and other operational aspects of PRIs.

9. Establishment of State Election Commissions:

• State Election Commissions are established to conduct regular elections to PRIs in a free and fair manner.

10. Role in Rural Development:

• PRIs play a crucial role in rural development by ensuring people's participation in decision-making processes and implementing development schemes tailored to local needs.

Impact and Significance:

The Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992, has had a profound impact on rural governance and development in India:

• It has empowered local communities by giving them a say in local governance and development planning.
• The reservation of seats for women and marginalized communities has promoted inclusive governance.
• PRIs have facilitated the implementation of grassroots-level development programs and improved service delivery in rural areas.
• The Act has contributed to the empowerment of women and marginalized sections of society, fostering a more inclusive and participatory democracy at the grassroots level.

In conclusion, the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992, was a transformative step towards decentralization and democratization of governance in rural India. It aimed to strengthen local self-government institutions, promote participatory democracy, and ensure inclusive development through the empowerment of PRIs. The Act continues to be instrumental in fostering grassroots democracy and addressing the developmental needs of rural communities across India.