Part IX: The Panchayats

Article 243: Definitions

Overview of Article 243: Definitions for Panchayats

Original Article:

In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires,—

  • “district”: A district in a State.
  • “Gram Sabha”: A body consisting of persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village comprised within the Panchayat area at the village level.
  • “intermediate level”: A level between the village and district levels specified by the Governor of a State by public notification for the purposes of this Part.
  • “Panchayat”: An institution (by whatever name called) of self-government constituted under Article 243B for the rural areas.
  • “Panchayat area”: The territorial area of a Panchayat.
  • “Population”: Population as ascertained at the last preceding census of which the relevant figures have been published.
  • “village”: A village specified by the Governor by public notification to be a village for this Part, including a group of villages so specified.

Amendments:

  • Omitted by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956.
  • Reintroduced by the Constitution (Seventy-third Amendment) Act, 1992.

Amendment Explanation:

The omission of the original Part IX in 1956 reflected India's focus on state-centric governance. However, the 73rd Amendment reintroduced Part IX to decentralize power and promote self-governance, empowering Panchayats through clear definitions of their scope and functioning.

Explanations:

Article 243 sets the foundation for rural governance in India, defining terms critical to Panchayat operations. It establishes clarity in governance structures, ensuring that roles, boundaries, and population considerations are uniformly understood across states.

Historical Significance:

Reintroducing Part IX through the 73rd Amendment marked a transformative phase in India's democratic evolution. It institutionalized grassroots governance, aligning with Mahatma Gandhi's vision of village self-rule and enabling participatory democracy in rural areas.

Debates and Deliberations:

  • Shri R. Venkataraman: Emphasized the need for defining "Gram Sabha" to reflect democratic traditions.
  • Dr. P.V. Narasimha Rao: Advocated for including "Panchayat area" as a territorial term to ensure clarity in governance.

Real-Life Examples:

  • Maharashtra: Effective governance at the Gram Sabha level has enhanced water conservation through community participation.
  • Kerala: Defined Panchayat areas have enabled targeted rural development projects under the Kudumbashree initiative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is a Gram Sabha?

It is a body comprising individuals listed on the electoral rolls within a Panchayat area at the village level.

Why are these definitions necessary?

They ensure uniform understanding and implementation of Panchayat governance across diverse regions.

What is meant by “village” in Article 243?

A village refers to an administrative unit designated by the Governor, which can include a group of villages, for the purposes of governance under this Part of the Constitution.

References:

  • The Constitution (Seventy-third Amendment) Act, 1992.
  • Panchayati Raj Act, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.
Article 242 Article 243A