Panchayat Raj

Panchayat Raj – Basic Concept

• The main purpose behind introducing the Panchayati Raj system in India was the decentralisation of political power to the people.
• Self-governing institutions established in rural areas are commonly called Panchayati Raj.
• Self-governing rural local bodies are described as institutions of Panchayati Raj in the Indian context.

Panchayati Raj – Constitutional Provision

• Part IX of the Indian Constitution envisages the three-tier Panchayati Raj system.
• The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act came into force in 1993.
• The three-tier Panchayati Raj system consists of:
  • Village Panchayat
  • Intermediate Panchayat
  • District Panchayat
• Gram Sabha is not included as one of the three tiers of the local government system.

First State to Implement Panchayati Raj

• Rajasthan was the first state to implement the Panchayati Raj system.
• Nagaur was the first district in Rajasthan to establish Panchayati Raj.

Important Committees on Panchayati Raj

• Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommended the three-tier Panchayati Raj system.
• The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommended that Village Panchayats should be constituted with