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The three-tier system of local self-government in rural India — key facts, committees and the 73rd Amendment — a high-yield quick reference for competitive exams.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Meaning | System of rural local self-government |
| Constitutional status | Given by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 (in force 24 April 1993) |
| Part & Schedule | Part IX (Articles 243 to 243-O) and the Eleventh Schedule (29 subjects) |
| First state to establish | Rajasthan (Nagaur district, 2 October 1959) |
| Based on | Directive Principle of State Policy, Article 40 |
| Reservation | Seats reserved for SC, ST and women (not less than one-third) |
| Term | 5 years for every tier |
| National Panchayati Raj Day | 24 April |
| Tier | Level | Head |
|---|---|---|
| Gram Panchayat | Village level | Sarpanch |
| Panchayat Samiti (Mandal Parishad) | Block / Intermediate level | President |
| Zila Parishad | District level | Chairperson |
Gram Sabha: the assembly of all registered voters of a village — the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system.
| Committee | Year | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Balwant Rai Mehta Committee | 1957 | Recommended the three-tier Panchayati Raj system |
| Ashok Mehta Committee | 1977 | Recommended a two-tier system |
| G. V. K. Rao Committee | 1985 | Panchayats as the base of rural development |
| L. M. Singhvi Committee | 1986 | Recommended constitutional status for Panchayats |