Panchayati Raj Act (Amended 2020) - JKSSB Mock Test

Panchayati Raj forms the backbone of India's grassroots democracy, enabling citizens in villages to actively participate in governance and local development. Enshrined under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, it has significantly transformed rural governance in India. However, with evolving challenges in transparency, accountability, and digital governance, the Panchayati Raj Act was amended in 2020 to align with the changing needs of rural India.

Historical Background of Panchayati Raj

The concept of Panchayati Raj has deep roots in India’s traditional village administration systems. However, the formal establishment occurred with the 73rd Constitutional Amendment in 1992, which added Part IX to the Constitution, institutionalizing Panchayati Raj and mandating the creation of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across the country.

Key features of the 73rd Amendment:

• Three-tier structure: Gram Panchayat (village), Panchayat Samiti (intermediate), Zila Parishad (district).
• Direct elections for all seats in Panchayats.
• Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and women (not less than one-third).
• Establishment of State Election Commissions and State Finance Commissions.
• Devolution of powers and responsibilities through the 11th Schedule (29 subjects).

Need for the 2020 Amendments

Over the years, challenges like poor record-keeping, lack of transparency in fund utilization, and ineffective planning reduced the impact of Panchayati Raj. To address these, the government amended the Panchayati Raj Act in 2020, focusing on e-governance, transparency, and effective local planning.

The amendment aligns Panchayati Raj governance with initiatives like Digital India, Swachh Bharat Mission, and the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP).

Key Features of the Panchayati Raj Act (Amended 2020)

1. Introduction of e-GramSwaraj

The e-GramSwaraj platform was launched to bring transparency to Panchayat functioning. It allows Gram Panchayats to:

• Upload financial records.
• Record meeting minutes digitally.
• Monitor development works and assets.
• Enable real-time auditing and public monitoring.

2. Emphasis on Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP)

The amendment strengthened the GPDPGram Sabha, ensuring participatory governance at the grassroots level.

3. Transparency and Accountability

By mandating digital uploads of budgets, expenditures, and meeting records, the amendment ensures transparency and public scrutiny of Panchayat activities.

4. Strengthening Women’s Participation

Building on the 33% reservation for women, the amendment encouraged States to adopt 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj bodies (as seen in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh), promoting gender-inclusive governance.

5. Digital Payments and Online Auditing

All Panchayat transactions were encouraged to shift towards digital payments and online record maintenance, reducing corruption and delays in fund disbursal.

Benefits of the 2020 Amendments

• Transparency: Citizens can view financial records and work updates online.
• Efficiency: Faster fund transfers and project approvals.
• Citizen Participation: Strengthened Gram Sabha involvement in decision-making.
• Enhanced Monitoring: Real-time data enables effective monitoring by State and Central agencies.

Role of Panchayati Raj in Rural Development

Panchayati Raj Institutions play a crucial role in:

• Water supply and sanitation.
• Rural infrastructure (roads, health centres, schools).
• Implementation of welfare schemes.
• Agricultural development and social justice initiatives.

The 2020 amendments have equipped PRIs to function as effective agents of decentralized development, directly aligned with local aspirations and needs.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the progressive amendments, challenges remain:

• Capacity-building of Panchayat members in using digital platforms.
• Availability of infrastructure and internet connectivity in remote areas.
• Ensuring accountability without over-burdening Panchayats with paperwork.
• Need for regular auditing and feedback mechanisms to strengthen transparency further.

Conclusion

The Panchayati Raj Act (Amended 2020) has been a significant step towards empowering local self-governance through digitization, transparency, and enhanced planning processes. With platforms like e-GramSwaraj and the GPDP framework, Gram Panchayats are becoming more accountable and citizen-centric, directly contributing to India's rural transformation.

For aspirants preparing for UPSC, JKSSB, JKPSC, Panchayat Secretary, and other state PSC exams, understanding the Panchayati Raj Act, its 2020 amendments, and its implementation at the ground level is crucial. Questions around e-GramSwaraj, GPDP, and digital governance are increasingly becoming a part of competitive exams, making it essential for candidates to remain updated with these developments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the 73rd Amendment Act related to?
It institutionalized Panchayati Raj in India, providing a constitutional status to PRIs.

Q2. What is e-GramSwaraj?
It is a digital platform for Panchayats to record finances, activities, and plans to ensure transparency and efficiency.

Q3. What is GPDP?
The Gram Panchayat Development Plan is an annual plan prepared by Gram Panchayats for local area development with the active involvement of the Gram Sabha.

Q4. What major changes did the Panchayati Raj Act (Amended 2020) bring?
It focused on digitization of Panchayat records, transparency, accountability, strengthening GPDP, and use of e-GramSwaraj for effective governance.

Q5. How does the amendment contribute to rural development?
By enabling transparency and participatory planning, the amendments help in effective utilization of resources, aligning development with local needs.

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