Part IX: The Panchayats

Article 243B: Constitution of Panchayats

Original Article:

(1) There shall be constituted in every State, Panchayats at the village, intermediate, and district levels in accordance with the provisions of this Part.

(2) Notwithstanding anything in clause (1), Panchayats at the intermediate level may not be constituted in a State having a population not exceeding twenty lakhs.

Amendments:

• Introduced through the Constitution (Seventy-third Amendment) Act, 1992, effective from 24th April 1993.

Amendment Explanation:

The 73rd Amendment Act added Article 243B to institutionalize the three-tier Panchayati Raj system across states, allowing flexibility for smaller states based on population size.

Explanations:

Article 243B mandates the creation of Panchayats at village, intermediate (block), and district levels, fostering decentralized governance and ensuring that governance reaches rural communities effectively.

Historical Significance:

This article was pivotal in fulfilling the vision of participatory governance, inspired by Gandhian ideals and the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee's recommendations on Panchayati Raj in 1957.

Debates and Deliberations:

• Shri Balwantrai Mehta: Advocated for the three-tier Panchayat system as essential for rural empowerment.
• Shri K. Santhanam: Highlighted the flexibility provided to smaller states under Clause (2) for efficient governance.

Real-Life Examples:

• Kerala: Known for robust Panchayat systems, Kerala implemented three-tier governance effectively for social welfare programs.
• Mizoram: Operates without intermediate-level Panchayats due to its small population, showcasing the flexibility of Article 243B.

References:

• The Constitution (Seventy-third Amendment) Act, 1992.
• Balwant Rai Mehta Committee Report (1957).