Describe the salient features of the Rural and Urban Local Governance under the 73rd and 74th…

Question

Describe the salient features of the Rural and Urban Local Governance under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Act.

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

The 73rd Amendment created a three-tier Panchayati Raj system with regular elections, reservation, 29 Eleventh Schedule subjects and State Finance Commissions, while the 74th created Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils and Corporations with 18 Twelfth Schedule functions. Both reserve at least one-third of seats for women.

**Introduction**

The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments⟦1⟧ of 1992 institutionalized rural and urban local governance, aiming to decentralize power and promote inclusive development. These amendments constitutionally mandated local self-governance, enhancing democratic participation at the grassroots level.

**Key Features of Rural Local Governance**

2. **Reservation and Devolution of Powers**: It reserves one-third of seats for women and seats for SC/STs in proportion to population, and devolves 29 subjects such as agriculture, rural development, health, and sanitation to Panchayats. State Finance Commissions⟦2⟧ recommend financial resource distribution, while District Planning Committees consolidate local plans for integrated development.

**Key Features of Urban Local Governance**

3. **Classification and Functions of Urban Bodies**: The 74th Amendment classifies urban local bodies into Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils, and Corporations, with functions listed in the Twelfth Schedule including urban planning, land use regulation, water supply, and sanitation. This allows governance tailored to urban size and complexity.

**Challenges and Andhra Pradesh⟦3⟧ Example**

5. **Implementation Gaps**: Urban local bodies face inadequate financial devolution and limited autonomy. ==Andhra Pradesh== CAG 2025 audit reveals gaps⟦4⟧ in urban solid waste management across 123 ULBs, highlighting challenges in fulfilling constitutional mandates despite legal provisions.

**Way Forward**

6. **Financial Autonomy and Capacity Building**: States must fully implement State Finance Commission recommendations to enhance local bodies’ financial resources. Institutionalizing continuous training for elected representatives and officials is essential to improve governance quality and service delivery.

**Conclusion**

The Amendments provide a robust framework for decentralized governance but require enhanced financial and institutional support to realize effective local self-government and inclusive development.

Model answer

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స్థానిక పాలన (73వ/74వ) మరియు రాజ్యాంగ సంస్థలు13 questions

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