Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction
   • Briefly introduce the concept of local government in India.
   • Mention the historical context of local governance leading up to the modern era.
2. Historical Evolution of Local Government
   • Discuss the early forms of local governance (e.g., Sabhas and Panchayats).
   • Highlight key milestones:
     • Establishment of local boards in 1882 by Lord Ripon.
     • Introduction of village panchayats under the Government of India Act 1919.
     • Continued development under the Government of India Act 1935.
     • Post-independence centralized governance approach (1947).
3. Need for Reform
   • Explain the recognition of the need for decentralized governance in the 1960s.
   • Mention significant committees like the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957) and Ashok Mehta Committee (1978) that recommended reforms.
4. The 73rd Amendment Act of 1992
   • Discuss the key changes introduced by the 73rd Amendment:
     • Three-Tier Structure: Establishment of a uniform three-tier system (Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad).
     • Elections: Mandatory elections within six months if a Panchayat is dissolved (Source: 73rd Amendment Act).
     • Reservations: One-third reservation for women, along with provisions for SCs and STs (Source: 73rd Amendment Act).
     • Transfer of Subjects: Addition of the 11th Schedule with 29 subjects to be transferred to PRIs (Source: 73rd Amendment Act).
     • State Election Commissioners: Requirement for states to appoint a State Election Commissioner (Source: 73rd Amendment Act).
     • State Finance Commission: Mandate for appointing a Finance Commission every five years (Source: 73rd Amendment Act).
5. Impact of the 73rd Amendment
   • Summarize how the amendment has strengthened local governance and increased public participation in decision-making.
   • Highlight the significance of local institutions in enhancing democracy.
6. Conclusion
   • Reinforce the importance of the evolution of local government and the transformative impact of the 73rd Amendment on Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Relevant Facts for the Answer

1. Early Governance: Self-governing village communities existed as ‘Sabhas’ (Source: Historical records).
2. Local Boards: Local government bodies were established in 1882 under the initiative of Lord Ripon (Source: Government records).
3. Government of India Acts: Village panchayats were formed after the 1919 and 1935 Acts, establishing a framework for local governance (Source: Government of India Acts).
4. Centralized Governance: Post-independence, local governments were seen as extensions of the state with limited autonomy (Source: Historical analyses).
5. Key Committees:
   • Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957): Recommended a two-tier system.
   • Ashok Mehta Committee (1978): Suggested constitutional status for local bodies (Source: Committee reports).
6. 73rd Amendment Act (1992): Introduced significant reforms in local governance, establishing a three-tier structure and ensuring elections, reservations, and subject transfers (Source: 73rd Amendment Act text).

By following this roadmap and utilizing these facts, you can construct a comprehensive and informed response to the question.