In which year the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act was enacted by Parliament of India? 

The correct answer is 1992.

Key Points

• The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act was enacted by Parliament in the year 1992 and came into effect on 24th April 1993.
• This amendment introduced Panchayati Raj institutions as the third tier of governance in rural areas, providing a constitutional status to these bodies.
• It added Part IX to the Indian Constitution, titled "The Panchayats," and inserted Articles 243 to 243-O.
• The act mandated the establishment of Gram Sabha and introduced a structure of governance consisting of village, intermediate, and district levels.
• The amendment included the Eleventh Schedule, which contains 29 subjects that Panchayati Raj institutions can work on.

Additional Information

• Panchayati Raj System:
  • The term "Panchayati Raj" refers to the rural local governance system in India.
  • It is based on the principle of decentralization and aims to empower the local population in decision-making.
  • The system operates at three levels: Gram Panchayat (village), Panchayat Samiti (block), and Zila Parishad (district).
• Eleventh Schedule:
  • Inserted by the 73rd Amendment, it enumerates 29 subjects on which Panchayati Raj institutions can formulate plans and implement schemes.
  • Examples include agriculture, education, health, sanitation, and public distribution systems.
• Significance of Gram Sabha:
  • Gram Sabha consists of all adult members of a village and acts as the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system.
  • It provides a platform for direct democracy, where villagers can discuss and decide on local issues and development plans.
• State Legislatures and Panchayati Raj:
  • The 73rd Amendment empowers state legislatures to determine the composition, powers, and functions of Panchayati Raj institutions.
  • States are required to conduct regular elections for these bodies every five years.