Implementation of 73rd and 74th Amendments

How many local bodies exist in rural and urban India post the amendments?

Post the 73rd and 74th amendments, rural India has over 600 Zilla Panchayats, approximately 6,000 block or intermediary Panchayats, and around 2,40,000 Gram Panchayats. Urban areas host more than 100 city Corporations, 1400 town Municipalities, and over 2000 Nagar Panchayats.

What impact have reservation policies had on the representation of women in local governance?

Reservation policies have ensured a significant presence of women in local governance. Approximately 13 lakhs out of over 32 lakh members elected to local bodies every five years are women. These policies have empowered women and increased their participation in decision-making roles across various tiers of Panchayati Raj and Nagarpalika institutions.

How have the social dynamics within local bodies changed due to reservations for marginalized communities?

Reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Castes have diversified the social profile of local bodies. While reflecting a more inclusive representation, it has also led to tensions as dominant social groups resist relinquishing power. However, such tensions signify a struggle towards meaningful democracy and equitable power distribution.

What are the major challenges hindering the effective functioning of local bodies?

Limited autonomy and inadequate resource allocation are major challenges hindering the effective functioning of local bodies. Despite raising a mere fraction of their total expenditure, heavy reliance on state and central grants undermines their operational capacity.

What steps are needed to enhance the autonomy and financial independence of local governments?

Enhancing the autonomy and financial independence of local governments requires measures such as decentralization of powers, fiscal devolution, and capacity building. Empowering local bodies to generate revenue through local taxation and providing them greater control over their finances are crucial steps towards achieving this goal.

Since the enactment of the 73rd and 74th amendments, significant progress has been made in the implementation of local governance structures across India.

States have adopted legislation to align with these amendments, leading to multiple rounds of elections at the local level.