Unit 5: Local Government and Special Provisions

1. Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI)

Panchayati Raj represents the Third Tier of Indian governance, aimed at realizing the dream of "Gram Swaraj" or village self-rule. It was constitutionally mandated by the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992.

Structure of PRI

The system follows a three-tier structure to ensure democratic decentralization at every level:

• Gram Panchayat: At the village level.
• Panchayat Samiti: At the block or intermediate level.
• Zila Parishad: At the district level.

Key Features of the 73rd Amendment

• Gram Sabha: The foundation of the system, consisting of all registered voters in the village.
• Reservation: Mandatory 1/3rd reservation for women; reservations for SCs/STs in proportion to their population.
• Duration: Fixed 5-year term; elections must be held within 6 months of dissolution.
• Finance Commission: State Finance Commissions are appointed every 5 years to review the financial position of Panchayats.

2. Urban Local Bodies (ULB)

Urban Local Bodies were given constitutional status by the 74th Amendment Act, 1992 to manage the growing needs of India's urban areas.

Classification of ULBs

There are three types of municipalities depending on the size and nature of the urban area:

1. Nagar Panchayat: For areas in transition from rural to urban.
2. Municipal Council: For smaller urban areas.
3. Municipal Corporation: For larger urban areas (metropolitan cities).

Functions of ULBs

Under the 12th Schedule, ULBs handle 18 functional items, including urban planning, water supply, public health, and fire services.

3. The 6th Schedule of the Constitution

The 6th Schedule provides for the administration of tribal areas in the four North-Eastern states: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.

Autonomous District Councils (ADCs)

Tribal areas are governed through Autonomous District Councils. These councils have legislative, judicial, executive, and financial powers. They can make laws on land, forests, marriage, and social customs.

"The 6th Schedule aims to protect tribal identity and culture while providing them with a degree of self-governance within the Indian state."

4. Administration of Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong

In Assam, the 6th Schedule is currently applied to specifically designated hill districts to ensure regional governance.

Key Districts

• Dima Hasao: Administered by the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council.
• Karbi Anglong: Administered by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.

Administrative Setup

These districts do not fall under the general Panchayati Raj system of the state. Instead, they have their own councils which perform the functions of local government, ensuring that tribal customs and lands are protected from outside interference.

5. Exam Focus: Tips and FAQs

Mnemonics

A-M-T-M: States under the 6th Schedule - Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram.