Local Government

📖 Before 1992

Local self-government existed in India even before independence, but for decades it depended entirely on state laws — with no constitutional guarantee of regular elections, funding, or powers. This changed with two landmark amendments in 1992.

🏘️ 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 — Panchayati Raj

Added Part IX and the Eleventh Schedule (29 subjects) to the Constitution. It establishes a uniform three-tier structure — Gram Panchayat (village), Panchayat Samiti (block/intermediate), and Zila Parishad (district) — with direct elections every 5 years, and mandatory reservation of seats for SCs, STs and women.

🏙️ 74th Amendment Act, 1992 — Municipalities

Added Part IX-A and the Twelfth Schedule (18 subjects). It provides for three types of urban local bodies depending on population and characteristics — Nagar Panchayat (transitional area), Municipal Council (smaller urban area), and Municipal Corporation (larger urban area).

🗳️ Common features

Elections conducted by an independent State Election Commission, not the Election Commission of India.
A State Finance Commission is constituted every 5 years to recommend the distribution of funds to local bodies.
Reservation of at least one-third of seats (many states now provide 50%) for women, and proportional reservation for SC/ST.

💡 Key Facts

73rd Amendment (Panchayats): Part IX, 11th Schedule (29 subjects).
74th Amendment (Municipalities): Part IX-A, 12th Schedule (18 subjects).
Both amendments passed in 1992; local body elections are conducted by the State Election Commission, not the ECI.
A State Finance Commission is set up every 5 years for local body fund devolution.

🔖 60-Second Revision

73rd Amendment = Panchayati Raj → Part IX + 11th Schedule.
74th Amendment = Municipalities → Part IX-A + 12th Schedule.
Both from 1992; three-tier Panchayat structure (Gram → Block → District).
State Election Commission (not ECI) conducts local body elections.
Reservation: SC/ST proportional, women at least 1/3rd.