Local Bodies & Panchayati Raj
Overview
Local self-government in India underwent transformative change with the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992), which granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in rural areas and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in urban areas. Before these amendments, local bodies existed under state legislation with no constitutional protection, leading to irregular elections, inadequate powers, and resource constraints.
For UPSSSC PET, this topic tests your understanding of the three-tier Panchayati Raj structure, the role of Gram Sabha, composition and powers of PRIs and ULBs, reservation provisions, and the constitutional framework governing local governance. Questions often focus on constitutional articles, committee recommendations (Balwant Rai Mehta, Ashok Mehta), functions of different tiers, and state-specific implementations in Uttar Pradesh. Mastery requires clarity on which powers belong to PRIs versus ULBs, the distinction between obligatory and discretionary functions, and the role of State Election Commissions.
The topic connects directly to grassroots democracy, decentralisation of power, and participatory governance — key themes in Indian polity that appear consistently across competitive examinations. Understanding the constitutional provisions, particularly Part IX and Part IX-A, forms the foundation for this section.