Subject: Polity
Under the 73rd Amendment, certain provisions for Panchayati Raj are compulsory for all states while others are left to the discretion of individual states. Compulsory provisions include the establishment of a three-tier Panchayat system, holding regular elections, and ensuring reserved seats for women and disadvantaged communities. These mandatory measures aim to create a uniform structure across the country.
In simple language, all states must follow these basic rules, but they also have the flexibility to introduce additional measures that suit local needs. This balance allows for national consistency in rural governance while giving states room to innovate based on their unique social and economic conditions. For instance, some states have adopted advanced digital record-keeping for Panchayat elections, while others have introduced additional training programs for elected representatives.
This dual approach is designed to ensure that while the core principles of Panchayati Raj are maintained, there is also room for local adaptation and improvement.