National Panchayati Raj Day: 24th April

National Panchayati Raj Day: 24th April

Part of: Prelims and GS- II – Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

• The Panchayati Raj system of local self-government was introduced by the 73rd Amendment of the Constitution of India.
• Part IX was inserted in the Constitution as a sequel to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment in 1993, bestowing the Constitutional mandatory status to the ‘Panchayats’.
• Panchayat, being “Local Government”, is a State subject and part of State list of Seventh Schedule of Constitution of India. Accordingly, the Panchayats are setup and operate through the respective State Panchayati Raj Acts.
• Article 243G of the Constitution of India empowers the Legislature of a State to make provisions, by law, for the devolution of power and responsibilities upon Panchayatat appropriate level.

Note: The Cholas were the pioneers in the formation of local bodies as part of a well-organised hierarchy to oversee the implementation of progressive plans.