Advocacy & Policymaking

Sahil Ninawe

March 29, 2023

Activities,Advocacy & Policymaking

Advocacy & Policymaking

The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, passed in 1992, brought about significant changes in local governance in India. Here are some major achievements of Indian governance after these amendments:

Establishment of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs): The 73rd Amendment provided for the establishment of PRIs at the village, intermediate, and district levels, empowering local self-government bodies. This has led to increased participation of people at the grassroots level and decentralization of power.
Strengthening of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): The 74th Amendment focused on strengthening urban local governance by providing a framework for the establishment of municipalities and municipal corporations. It aimed to enhance citizen participation in urban governance and ensure better delivery of services.
Devolution of Powers: The amendments mandated the devolution of powers and functions to PRIs and ULBs, ensuring the transfer of responsibilities related to local planning, implementation of schemes, and provision of basic services like education, health, sanitation, and infrastructure. This has helped in better decision-making and resource allocation at the local level.
Reservation of Seats: The amendments mandated the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in PRIs and ULBs, ensuring better representation and participation of marginalized communities in local governance.
Women’s Empowerment: The amendments also made provisions for the reservation of one-third of the seats for women in PRIs and ULBs, leading to increased women’s representation in decision-making processes. This has contributed to women’s empowerment and gender equality at the local level.
Financial Empowerment: The amendments introduced financial decentralization by establishing State Finance Commissions (SFCs) to recommend the distribution of financial resources between the state government and local bodies. This has helped in ensuring adequate financial resources for effective local governance and service delivery.
Improved Service Delivery: The strengthening of PRIs and ULBs has resulted in improved service delivery at the local level, including better infrastructure development, provision of healthcare facilities, education, water supply, sanitation, and waste management.
Transparency and Accountability: The amendments also emphasized transparency and accountability in local governance. They mandated the establishment of State Election Commissions (SECs) to conduct free and fair elections for PRIs and ULBs, promoting democratic processes and accountability.

Overall, the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments have brought about significant positive changes in Indian governance, empowering local self-government institutions and ensuring effective participation of citizens in decision-making processes.

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