What were the main differences between the local governments before 73rd amendment and after that amendment?
Before the 73rd Amendment, local government was a 'State subject', and States were free to make their own laws on this subject. There was no constitutional recognition for local government bodies. While some States like Gujarat and Maharashtra adopted elected local bodies around 1960, many States did not establish elected local bodies at all. In many instances, local bodies were dissolved and local government was handed over to government officers. The local bodies that existed did not have enough powers and functions to look after local development and were very much dependent on the State and central governments for financial assistance.
After the 73rd Amendment came into force in 1993, local governments received constitutional recognition. States were required to change their laws within one year to bring them in conformity with the amended Constitution. The amendment introduced direct elections to local bodies, provisions for reservations, and mandated the transfer of subjects from State government to local bodies. Two important constitutional bodies were established — the State Election Commission to conduct elections and the State Finance Commission to address financial matters. The amendment ensured an element of uniformity in the structure and functioning of local governments across the country. All States have now passed legislation to implement these provisions, and most States have held at least two rounds of elections to local bodies since 1994.
Explanation
This question tests students' understanding of the transformative impact of the 73rd Amendment on Panchayati Raj institutions. The textbook context clearly outlines the weaknesses of the pre-1992 system — lack of constitutional status, irregular elections, insufficient powers, and financial dependency. The 73rd Amendment addressed these issues by mandating constitutional recognition, regular elections through State Election Commissions, financial support through State Finance Commissions, and uniformity in structure. Students should highlight the contrast between the discretionary nature of local governments before 1992 and the mandatory constitutional provisions after the amendment.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the status of local governments before 73rd Amendment — State subject, no constitutional recognition, irregular elections, financial dependency.
Step 2: Identify the key changes brought by 73rd Amendment — constitutional status, mandatory elections, reservations, State Election Commission, State Finance Commission, transfer of subjects.
Step 3: Structure the answer to show clear contrast between 'before' and 'after' scenarios.
Step 4: Conclude with the implementation outcome — all States passed legislation, regular elections held.