Polity Chapters

1. Evolution of Indian Constitution2. Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution3. Different Sources of the Indian Constitution4. Important Articles of the Constitution5. Important Amendments of the Constitution6. Some Special features of the Indian Constitution7. Federal and Unitary features of the Indian Union8. The Preamble9. Lapse of Paramountcy10. Integration and Merger of Indian States11. The Union and its Territories12. Reorganization of States13. Citizenship14. Fundamental Rights15. Directive Principles of State Policy16. Fundamental Duties17. Procedure of Amending the Constitution18. Executive of the Union19. The Parliament of India20. President of India21. Vice President22. Prime Minister23. Council of Ministers24. Lok Sabha25. Rajya Sabha26. Vidhan Sabha27. Vidhan Parishad28. Governor29. Chief Minister30. State Council of Ministers31. The Parliament of India32. NITI Aayog33. Executive of the States34. Special Position of J and K35. Panchayats36. Municipalities37. The Supreme Court38. The High Court39. Inter-State Council40. Finance Commission41. Planning Commission42. National Development Council43. National Integration Council44. Inter State Relations45. Emergency Provisions46. Public Service Commissions47. Election48. Delimitation Commission of India49. The Official Languages50. National Symbols51. Glossary of Constitutional Terms

Panchayats (Part IX of the Constitution)

“Panchayati Raj is a system of rural local self-government in India, introduced to promote decentralized governance and participatory democracy at the grassroots level.”

73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992

  • It added **Part IX** to the Constitution (Articles 243 to 243-O).
  • Inserted the **11th Schedule** containing 29 subjects related to Panchayats.
  • Came into effect on **24th April 1993** (celebrated as National Panchayati Raj Day).

Three-Tier Structure

  • Gram Panchayat: At the village level
  • Panchayat Samiti: At the block/intermediate level
  • Zila Parishad: At the district level

*States with population below 20 lakhs may not have the intermediate level (Panchayat Samiti).*

Duration and Elections

  • Panchayats have a tenure of **5 years**.
  • Elections must be held before the expiry of the term or within **6 months** of dissolution.
  • Elections are conducted by the **State Election Commission**.

Reservation in Panchayats

  • Seats are reserved for **SCs, STs, and women** (not less than one-third including SC/ST women).
  • States may provide for reservation for **OBCs**.

State Finance Commission

To review the financial position of Panchayats and recommend allocation of funds, a State Finance Commission is to be constituted every **5 years** by the Governor.

11th Schedule of the Constitution

Lists **29 functional areas** (like agriculture, rural housing, drinking water, health, etc.) to be devolved to Panchayats.

Previous Year Questions

  • HSSC 2019: Which amendment introduced Panchayati Raj in the Constitution?
  • 73rd Amendment Act, 1992
  • RRB JE 2018: What is the tenure of a Panchayat?
  • 5 years
  • SSC CGL 2017: Which schedule contains subjects related to Panchayats?
  • 11th Schedule

Conclusion

Panchayati Raj empowers local communities by allowing them to participate in governance and development. It is a vital part of India’s democratic framework, ensuring transparency, accountability, and inclusion at the grassroots level.

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