Panchayati Raj

Passed in 1992, the 73rd Amendment of the Indian Constitution is an amendment to the Constitution that directed on standardising the village bodies of Gram Panchayats and gave them a much-needed title of local self-government. With this Act, a new part of Part IX was added to the Constitution which contains various provisions from Article 243 to 243 O to resolve the issue and weaknesses existing in the system of Panchayat at the village local levels.

Challenges faced by PRIs in India

Lack of financial resources: PRIs often do not have sufficient financial resources to carry out their functions effectively. This can limit their ability to implement development projects and provide basic services to their communities.
Limited powers and functions: PRIs have limited powers and functions compared to other levels of government, which can hinder their ability to address local issues.
Weak capacity and lack of trained personnel: Many PRIs lack the capacity and trained personnel to carry out their functions effectively. This can lead to poor planning and implementation of development projects.
Limited participation of women and disadvantaged groups: PRIs often have low levels of participation from women and disadvantaged groups, which can limit their ability to represent the needs and interests of the entire community.
Political interference: PRIs can be subject to political interference, undermining their independence and decision-making processes.
Limited access to information: PRIs often have limited access to information, hindering their ability to make informed decisions and plan development projects.
Poor coordination with other levels of government: PRIs can face difficulties coordinating with other levels of government, which can hinder their ability to implement development projects and provide services to their communities.

73rd Amendment of the Indian Constitution is an amendment to the Constitution that directed on standardising the village bodies of Gram Panchayats and gave them a much-needed title of local self-government.

How can PRIs be strengthened in India?

2nd ARC recommendations on local governance

The Second ARC made several recommendations for improving Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India. Some of these recommendations include

Strengthening the financial position of PRIs: The Second ARC recommended that PRIs be provided with a greater share of resources and financial autonomy to enable them to carry out their functions effectively.
Second ARC recommended boosting PRIs’ authority and functions, advocating greater responsibility for local issue resolution.
Improving the capacity and training of PRI functionaries: The Second ARC recommended a National Institute for Panchayat Leadership and Training to strengthen capacity-building and training for PRI officials.
Promoting the participation of women and disadvantaged groups: The Second ARC recommended increasing women and disadvantaged groups’ participation in PRIs through seat reservations, training, and support.
Ensuring the independence of PRIs: The Second ARC recommended measures to ensure the independence of PRIs and protect them from political interference.
Enhancing the coordination of PRIs with other levels of government: The Second ARC proposed improving PRI coordination with other government levels and aligning their plans and projects accordingly.

Provisions for women in the 73^rd amendment act:

The Act provides for the reservation of not less than one-third of the total number of seats for women (including the number of seats reserved for the SCs and STs).
The mandates necessitate reserving at least one-third of chairperson positions in Panchayats at every level for women. This would be rotate among different Panchayats at each level.

Women empowerment through 73^rd Amendment Act:

Women’s experience of being involved with the PRl has transformed many of them. They have gained a sense of empowerment by asserting control over resources, officials & most of all, by challenging men. They have become articulate & conscious of their power.

Political empowerment: The Act provides for the reservation of not less than one-third of the total number of seats for women. It is an attempt to ensure greater participation of women in election process directly and indirectly. It would be the nursery of creating women politicians for national politics. Participation of ordinary women in activities like attending Gram Sabha meetings has seen a reported increase (68-78 percent).
Economic empowerment: Women are actively participating in rural development as per their capacity right from labourers to policy-makers. This empower them economically and help them in being independent.
Decision-making: The participation of women as elected as well as non-elected members are rising due to reservation for women. It acts as pull factor for women to participate in meeting. They give their suggestions for various works and problems faced by them. This empower them and enable them to take decisions in different spheres of life.
Raise in voice: Despite their low- literacy level, they have been able to tackle the political & bureaucratic system successfully. They’ve utilized their elected authority to tackle crucial issues: education, water, family planning, health, and village development.
Empowerment of other women:Women serve as agents of change, voicing against injustice and atrocities in society. Women role has led to raise of voice by women against domestic violence and other atrocities. Active voice: Society is empowering women to actively participate and increasing women’s awareness about their rights and power.