Discuss the main provision of the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendment and what are their limitation
Answers
Main Problems:
The panchayat raj system has been experiencing ups and downs over the years. The activities of these institutions are broad based but its resource base is very weak. In view of this, the PRIs constituted in various states could not live up to the expectations of the people. Deficient in funds and authority, the panchayats in most states were largely inactive until late 1970s.
Some of the major problems and shortcomings that adversely affected the functioning of these institutions are:
i. Elections not being held regularly;
ii. Lack of adequate transfer of powers and resources;
ADVERTISEMENTS:
iii. Lack of power to generate their own resource; and
iv. Non-representation of women and weaker sections in the elected bodies.
In 1989, the Government of India took two major initiatives to enhance the role of panchayats. First, it initiated the Jawahar Employment Plan (Jawahar Rozgar Yojana) which provided funding directly to village councils to create jobs for unemployed through public works.
Second, it also proposed the 64th Constitution Amendment Bill to make it mandatory for all states to establish a three tiered (village, block and district) system of Panchayats in which representatives would be directly elected for five year terms. Panchayats were to be given expanded authority and funding over local development efforts. Despite the popular appeal of transferring power to panchayats, the 64th amendment bill was rejected by Rajya sabha.
"In 1992, the government of India has passed an amendment that is 73 & 74 th constitutional amendment. The main aim of this 73rd is “The Panchayats” and 74th is “The municipalities” These are the two main provisions of 73rd and 74th amendment.
The urban localities have Nagar Palika but must get power from the state government whereas the powers of rural localities have comes under the control of the Panchayat Raj system.
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