Describe any 3 steps taken to strengthen the power of local self gover...
Steps taken to strengthen the power of local self government by the constitutional amendment 1992
1. Constitutional recognition of local self-government
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 has recognized local self-government as a third level of government in India. It inserted Part IX of the Constitution, which provides constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). The amendment act mandated the creation of three-tier Panchayati Raj systems in all states, namely, Gram Panchayats at the village level, Panchayat Samitis at the block level, and Zilla Parishads at the district level.
2. Reservation of seats for marginalized communities
The 73rd amendment act mandated that at least one-third of the total number of seats in PRIs should be reserved for women candidates. It also provided for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their population in the Panchayat area. This reservation of seats has increased the representation of these marginalized communities in the PRIs and has given them a voice in local decision-making.
3. Devolution of powers and functions to PRIs
The 73rd amendment act devolved several powers and functions to the PRIs, including the preparation of plans for economic development and social justice, implementation of schemes for the development of agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries, and the provision of basic services like water supply, sanitation, and primary health care. The act also provided for the transfer of funds and functions from the state government to the PRIs, giving them greater financial and administrative autonomy.
These steps have strengthened the power of local self-government in India and have given PRIs a greater say in local decision-making. It has also increased the participation of marginalized communities in local governance and has brought decision-making closer to the people.