PRI Study

Main Features of the Seventy-Third Amendment of the Constitution

Article 243 contains the provisions on Panchayats, which are as follows:

• Gram Sabha is accorded constitutional status, which may exercise such powers and perform such functions at the village level as determined by the law of the state.
• Constitution of Panchayats in every state giving out a three-tier structure –at village level, intermediate level and at the district level. Intermediate tier may not be formed where the state population does not exceed 20 lakhs.
• The state can determine a composition of Gram Panchayat, intermediate and district levels. The members of Panchayats will be elected ones- at the village level on non-party basis.
• Reservation of seats for SCs /STs according to the proportion of their population and at least one-third of the seats shall be reserved for women in the reserved and unreserved categories.
• Reservation of seats for SCs/STs and women in three tiers for offices of presidents and chairpersons at all levels.
• The Panchayats shall continue for five years from the date appointed for its first meeting.
• Powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats and members shall be prescribed by the states in such manner as to enable them to function as institutions of self governance which will broadly cover the preparation and implementation of plans and schemes for economic development and social justice in relation to the matter listed in the eleventh schedule. There are 29 items transferred to PR institutions, which can be grouped into seven major sectors.
• The governor of the state shall constitute finance commission to review the financial position and recommend the devolution of funds to three-tier of Panchayati Raj and measures for improving their financial conditions.
• Formation of state election commission and responsibility of conducting the elections to Panchayats shall be vested with the commission.