Why this matters now
Panchayati Raj is examined for the 73rd Amendment features — the three tiers, reservations, the Gram Sabha, the State Election Commission and State Finance Commission — and for the GS-2 debate on decentralisation, devolution of funds-functions-functionaries, and the gap between design and reality.
The three-tier structure
The Amendment mandates a three-tier structure (states with population over 20 lakh):
- Gram Panchayat — at the village level;
- Panchayat Samiti / Block (Mandal) Panchayat — at the intermediate level;
- Zila Parishad — at the district level.
The Gram Sabha — the assembly of all registered voters of a village — is the foundational body of direct democracy.
Key compulsory features
- Regular elections every 5 years, conducted by a State Election Commission;
- Reservation of seats for SCs and STs (in proportion to population) and at least one-third for women (many states have raised this to 50%);
- A State Finance Commission every five years to review panchayat finances;
- The Eleventh Schedule lists 29 functional subjects that may be devolved to panchayats.
Design vs reality
While the constitutional framework is strong, actual devolution varies widely across states. The persistent challenge is the inadequate transfer of the 3 Fs — Funds, Functions and Functionaries — leaving many panchayats dependent and under-empowered. PESA (1996) extends panchayat provisions to Fifth Schedule (tribal) areas with special safeguards. Strengthening genuine devolution and own-source revenue remains the reform agenda.
UPSC angle
Remember the 73rd Amendment essentials — three tiers, Part IX + Eleventh Schedule (29 subjects), 5-yearly elections via State Election Commission, SC/ST/women reservation, State Finance Commission — and the “3 Fs” devolution gap.
Frequently asked questions
What did the 73rd Amendment do?
It gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions, creating a uniform three-tier system of rural local self-government by adding Part IX and the Eleventh Schedule.
What is the three-tier structure of Panchayati Raj?
Gram Panchayat (village), Panchayat Samiti / Block (intermediate), and Zila Parishad (district) levels.
What reservations does the 73rd Amendment provide?
Reservation of seats for SCs and STs in proportion to population, and at least one-third of seats for women (raised to 50% in many states).
What are the "3 Fs" in Panchayati Raj?
Funds, Functions and Functionaries — their inadequate devolution by states is the main reason panchayats remain under-empowered.