Emphasize the transfer of authority granted by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts. Do you believe that thus far, the devolution process has not been entirely satisfactory? (Answer in 200 words)
Rights Under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution 1. Right to Life and Personal Liberty: Article 21 guarantees the fundamental right to life and personal liberty. This includes not only the right to live with dignity but also protection against arbitrary deprivation of life and personal freedom. 2.Read more
Rights Under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution
1. Right to Life and Personal Liberty:
Article 21 guarantees the fundamental right to life and personal liberty. This includes not only the right to live with dignity but also protection against arbitrary deprivation of life and personal freedom.
2. Right to Privacy:
The Supreme Court recognized the right to privacy as an intrinsic part of Article 21 in the landmark K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India (2017) case. This encompasses personal space and control over personal information.
3. Right to Livelihood:
The right to a livelihood, necessary for a meaningful existence, falls under Article 21. For example, the NREGA provides guaranteed employment, contributing to the right to livelihood.
4. Right to Health and Education:
The right to health and education has been reinforced as part of Article 21. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to improve access to quality education, addressing this right.
5. Right to a Clean Environment:
Recent judgments have extended Article 21 to include the right to a clean and healthy environment, as seen in Vellore Citizens’ Welfare Forum vs. Union of India (1996).
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts were landmark reforms aimed at strengthening local self-governance in India through the devolution of powers to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Key features of the devolution of powers under these amendments include thRead more
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts were landmark reforms aimed at strengthening local self-governance in India through the devolution of powers to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Key features of the devolution of powers under these amendments include the establishment of a three-tier system of Panchayats, the mandatory holding of regular elections, the devolution of 29 subjects from the state list to Panchayats, and the recognition of municipalities as the third tier of governance with the devolution of 18 subjects.
However, the process of devolution has been less than satisfactory in many parts of the country. Challenges include the lack of functional devolution, inadequate financial resources, capacity constraints of local bodies, and political interference by state governments.
To address these challenges and strengthen local self-governance, a more concerted effort is needed by both the central and state governments to empower PRIs and ULBs through adequate devolution of powers, resources, and capacity-building support. This would enable local bodies to fulfill their responsibilities effectively and contribute to the overall development and democratic governance of the country.
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