Which schedule was added to the constitution by the 73rd constitutional amendment?

Which schedule was added to the constitution by the 73rd constitutional amendment?

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, passed in 1992, added the Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. The Eleventh Schedule is a crucial component of the amendment and provides a comprehensive list of 29 functional areas for which Panchayats are entrusted with the responsibility of planning and implementation. In this response, I will explore the significance of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, the role of the Eleventh Schedule, and the functional areas it covers.

 

Introduction to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act:

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, also known as the Panchayati Raj Act, was passed by the Parliament of India in 1992. The amendment aimed to empower rural areas and promote local self-governance by extending the provisions of the Panchayati Raj system to the grassroots level. It sought to decentralize power, ensure the participation of people in decision-making, and foster effective delivery of public services at the village level.

 

Significance of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act:

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act holds immense significance for Indian democracy and governance due to the following reasons:

1. Decentralization of Power: The amendment aimed to decentralize power by establishing a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj institutions at the village, block, and district levels. This decentralization aimed to bring governance closer to the people, enable local decision-making, and promote participatory democracy.

2. Grassroots Democracy: The amendment aimed to strengthen grassroots democracy by empowering people at the village level. It recognized the importance of the Gram Sabha, the village assembly, as the foundation of local self-governance, ensuring the participation of citizens in decision-making processes.

3. Inclusive Representation: The amendment made provisions for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women in Panchayati Raj institutions. This provision aimed to promote social justice, inclusivity, and representation of marginalized sections in local governance.

4. Devolution of Powers: The amendment emphasized the devolution of powers, functions, and responsibilities to Panchayati Raj institutions. It aimed to provide local bodies with the authority to plan and implement programs and schemes related to economic development, social justice, and infrastructure.

 

The Eleventh Schedule:

The Eleventh Schedule is an integral part of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act. It outlines the functional areas for which Panchayats are responsible for planning and implementation. The inclusion of the Eleventh Schedule in the Constitution signifies the expanded role of Panchayats in developmental activities and public service delivery. The Eleventh Schedule covers a wide range of subjects that fall within the purview of Panchayats' responsibilities.

Functional Areas Covered by the Eleventh Schedule:

The Eleventh Schedule covers 29 functional areas that fall within the jurisdiction of Panchayats. These functional areas are as follows:

1. Agriculture, including agricultural extension.
2. Land improvement, implementation of land reforms, and agricultural loans.
3. Minor irrigation, water management, and watershed development.
4. Animal husbandry, dairying, and poultry.
5. Fisheries.
6. Social forestry and farm forestry.
7. Minor forest produce.
8. Small-scale industries, including food processing industries.
9. Khadi, village, and cottage industries.
10. Rural housing.
11. Drinking water.
12. Fuel and fodder.
13. Roads, culverts, bridges, and ferries.
14. Rural electrification, including distribution of electricity.
15. Non-conventional energy sources.
16. Poverty alleviation programs.
17. Education, including primary and secondary schools.
18. Technical training and vocational education.
19. Adult and non-formal education.
20. Libraries.
21. Cultural activities.
22. Markets and fairs.
23. Health and sanitation, including hospitals, dispensaries, and family welfare.
24. Family welfare programs.
25. Women and child development.
26. Social welfare, including the welfare of differently-abled persons and the mentally ill.
27. Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
28. Public distribution system.
29. Maintenance of community assets.

 

Significance of the Eleventh Schedule:

The Eleventh Schedule plays a pivotal role in defining the functional areas for which Panchayats are responsible. It provides a clear framework for the planning and implementation of developmental activities at the village level. The inclusion of such a comprehensive list in the Constitution ensures the clarity and accountability of Panchayats in carrying out their responsibilities.

By delineating specific functional areas, the Eleventh Schedule enables Panchayats to address the diverse needs of their respective areas effectively. It promotes a holistic approach to rural development, encompassing various sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, education, health, and social welfare. This ensures a more comprehensive and integrated approach to local development, enhancing the overall well-being of rural communities.

The Eleventh Schedule also serves as a guide for resource allocation and financial planning. It helps in channeling funds and resources towards specific functional areas, ensuring effective utilization and prioritization of developmental projects. This aids in achieving equitable and sustainable development in rural areas.

 

Conclusion:

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, introduced in 1992, marked a significant milestone in promoting local self-governance and grassroots democracy in India. The inclusion of the Eleventh Schedule in the Constitution expanded the role of Panchayats and outlined their responsibilities in 29 functional areas. The Eleventh Schedule has played a crucial role in decentralizing power, empowering rural communities, and ensuring a comprehensive approach to local development. By defining the functional areas, the Eleventh Schedule has provided clarity and accountability to the functioning of Panchayats, enhancing their effectiveness in addressing the needs of rural areas and fostering inclusive and sustainable development.

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