The essentials
Panchayati Raj means self-government at the village level. The idea of village councils is old, but they were often dominated by elders of upper castes and excluded women and lower castes. Gandhi saw self-governing villages as the basis of a free India, while B.R. Ambedkar warned that the village could be a "den of localism" and caste oppression. The Constitution included the organisation of village panchayats among the Directive Principles (Article 40). The Balwantrai Mehta Committee (1957) recommended a three-tier system of local government.
Panchayats gained constitutional status through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, passed in 1992 and in force from 1993. Its main features are:
- A three-tier structure at village, block (intermediate) and district levels, except in small states.
- Regular elections every five years, conducted by a State Election Commission.
- Reservation of at least one-third of seats for women, and reservation for SCs and STs in proportion to their population.
- A Gram Sabha consisting of all adult voters of the village, which approves plans and checks the panchayat.
- A State Finance Commission to recommend sharing of funds.
The 74th Amendment created a similar framework for urban local bodies.
Key points
- Reservation for women has brought many women into local leadership.
- In practice, elected women or Dalit representatives sometimes face pressure from family members or dominant castes.
- Some tribal areas have traditional councils with their own customs of self-rule.
- Local democracy increases participation and accountability.
Exam tips
Remember: one-third for women, five-year term, Gram Sabha of all adult voters, three tiers.
Common mistakes
Do not confuse the 73rd (rural) with the 74th (urban) Amendment.