Previous Year Question

Part IX—“The Panchayats” of the Constitution of India contains the constitutional provisions relating to rural local self-government. It comprises provisions from Article 243 to Article 243-O.

Part IX was inserted into the Constitution by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, and its provisions came into force on 24 April 1993. The amendment gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Article 243A deals with the Gram Sabha, while Article 243B provides for Panchayats at the village, intermediate and district levels in the States. However, a Panchayat at the intermediate level need not be constituted in a State having a population not exceeding 20 lakh.

Part IX contains important provisions relating to the composition, reservation of seats, duration, powers, finances, audit and elections of Panchayats. For example, Article 243E deals with their duration, Article 243G with powers and responsibilities, Article 243-I with the State Finance Commission and Article 243K with Panchayat elections.

The 73rd Amendment also inserted the Eleventh Schedule, linked with Article 243G. It contains 29 subjects, including agriculture, minor irrigation, animal husbandry, rural housing, drinking water, roads, education, health and poverty alleviation.

For examination purposes, Part IX and Part IX-A should be clearly distinguished—Part IX deals with Panchayats, whereas Part IX-A deals with Municipalities.