Panchayat Raj Decentralization of power should be done by establishing a system, which was expected in the guidelines for state organization in the Constitution itself (Article 40). Accordingly, the Panchayat Raj system was established in 1992 by the 73rd constitutional amendment. There are some basic features of this system.

This amendment gave constitutional status to the Panchayat Raj system. Three tier structure of Panchayat Raj was determined. Accordingly, this three-level structure namely Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Parishad was officially accepted. It brought uniformity in Panchayat Raj system in many states. In this structure, village level structure was given special importance. Accordingly, the role of Gram Sabha became decisive. From registering voters to increasing participation in the political process, village-level political structures play a vital role.

The members of the local self-government bodies at all three levels viz. village, taluka and district started to be elected directly from the people. Local self-government bodies started getting preferential treatment from it. Provision of reserved seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was also made among these members. One-third of the total number of seats were reserved for women. This provision became very fundamental for social transformation. It was decided that the term of these local self-government bodies will be five years. The rules and conditions were laid down according to the eligibility/disqualification of the members.

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For the effective implementation of this structure, the State Election Commission was entrusted with a major responsibility. The commission is responsible for controlling, supervising and directing the local self-government bodies. The Commissioners of this State Election Commission are appointed by the Governor. This commission is expected to conduct the local level elections in a timely and smooth manner. How much power to give to these local bodies is the right of the legislature of that state. Accordingly, the state legislatures can make provisions for social justice and economic development. Legislatures can determine the jurisdiction of local self-government bodies in respect of taxation, collection etc. It may also make rules in accordance with the subjects in the eleventh schedule. Eleventh Schedule has total 29 subjects for Panchayat Raj Institutions. Some of its provisions are mandatory, while others are optional. For example, setting up Gram Sabha, reserved seats for Scheduled Castes and Tribes are some of the mandatory provisions, while reservation for Backward Classes or representation of MPs and MLAs in local bodies are optional.

Such various provisions increased the participation of people in politics. This schedule eventually led to the passing of the ‘Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas Act’ (PESA Act). This act helped in good governance in tribal areas. Adivasis got space to fight for their rights. Panchayat Raj system increased the participation of women. Underprivileged, oppressed groups began to get opportunities to raise their voice. Helped to root democracy till the grass root level. Democracy requires a journey from representative democracy to participatory democracy for it to make sense. Panchayat Raj system started the movement towards participatory democracy. Although many reforms are needed in the Panchayat Raj system, it is undoubtedly true that Article 243 has paved the way for participatory democracy. We all have a collective responsibility to strengthen democracy.

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