Polity

Panchayati Raj and the 73rd Amendment Act

Panchayati Raj is the system of rural local self-government. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which came into force on 24 April 1993, gave it constitutional status through Part IX (Articles 243 to 243O) and the Eleventh Schedule of 29 subjects.

Last reviewed 2026-10-15

Structure and features

Three tiers: village (Gram Panchayat), intermediate (block) and district. States with a population below 20 lakh may skip the intermediate tier.
The Gram Sabha consists of all registered voters of the village.
Five-year term, and elections are held by the State Election Commission.
Seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in proportion to population, and at least one-third of seats for women (Article 243D).
A State Finance Commission is set up every five years to review the finances of panchayats.

Background

The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957) recommended the three-tier system.
Rajasthan (Nagaur) was the first state to introduce it, on 2 October 1959.
Article 40, a Directive Principle, directs the State to organise village panchayats.
The 74th Amendment (1992) did the same for urban local bodies through Part IXA and the Twelfth Schedule of 18 subjects.

Frequently asked questions

Which amendment gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj?

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.

When is National Panchayati Raj Day observed?

On 24 April.

How many subjects are in the Eleventh Schedule?

29.