Previous Year Question

The Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution contains a total of 29 subjects. It is linked with Article 243G and concerns the powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats.

The Eleventh Schedule was inserted by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, and the relevant provisions came into force on 24 April 1993. The same Amendment also inserted Part IX—The Panchayats into the Constitution.

These 29 subjects include areas of local development such as Agriculture, land improvement, minor irrigation, animal husbandry, fisheries, rural housing, drinking water, roads, rural electrification, poverty alleviation, education, health and sanitation, women and child development, public distribution system and maintenance of community assets.

Article 243G enables a State Legislature to make laws endowing Panchayats with such powers and authority as may be necessary for them to function as institutions of self-government and to prepare and implement schemes for economic development and social justice, particularly in relation to matters listed in the Eleventh Schedule.

A useful distinction is—Eleventh Schedule = Panchayats = 29 subjects, whereas Twelfth Schedule = Municipalities = 18 subjects. Thus, the number 29 can be directly associated with Panchayati Raj.