The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, enacted in 1992, ushered a new era of grassroots democracy in India by establishing Panchayats and Municipalities at the village, block, and district levels. These amendments have had a significant impact on empowering local communities and promoting power decentralisation.
One of the most significant consequences of these amendments is an increase in the participation of women and marginalised communities in local governance. The reservation of seats in Panchayats and Municipalities for women and scheduled castes/tribes has ensured their representation in decision-making bodies, which was previously limited to a few elites.
The Amendments also resulted in the delegation of powers and functions from state governments to local governments, promoting greater accountability and responsiveness to local needs. Panchayats and municipalities are given the authority to plan and carry out a variety of development activities such as water supply, sanitation, healthcare, and education. This resulted in improved service delivery and quality of life for people in both rural and urban areas.
However, there are some difficulties in putting these amendments into effect. Their effectiveness has been hampered by a lack of financial resources and capacity-building at the local level. Furthermore, political interference and corruption at the local level have undermined these institutions’ democratic principles.
Finally, by encouraging decentralisation and empowering local communities, the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments have had a significant impact on grassroots democracy in India. However, additional reforms are required to address the challenges and ensure that these institutions function effectively.
