Essays

Constitution (64th Amendment) Kill

Introduction. The constitution (64th Amendment) Bill, 1989, known as Panchayati Raj Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Ma 15, 1989. The Bill was claimed, 'historic and revolutionary' because it seeks to implement the policy resolution adopted by the AICC. Conference for the development of 'power to the people'.

Objects and reasons of the Bill. The statement of the objects and reasons of the Bill says that a review of the working of Panchayati Raj institutions has shown that is many States they have become weak and ineffective owing to a variety of reasons. The reasons include to hold periodical elections, prolonged super sections indicate inadequate representation to the weaker section like Scheduled Castes, Schedulded Tribes and women, lack of financial resources 'and inadequate devolution of powers and responsibilities on them.

Bill aims at making the Panchayat Units of self Government Although the local governments fall under the State list, the Central government is undertaking this move on the authority derived under Article 368 of the Constitution. The Article 40 of the constitution (Directive Principle of State Policy) enjoins on the Central Government to take steps to organise Village Panchayat and give them such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of sell-government.

The main features of the Bill. The main features of the Bill are:-

(i) All States will establish a three tyre system of Panchayats at the village, intermediate and district levels. However, States with a population of less than 20 lakh would r" • he obliged to establish Panchayals at the intermediate le'-d

(ii) All seats in the Panchayats at all levels shall be filled by direct elections.

(iii) The Election Commission shall have the power of superintendence direction and control of the elections to the Panchayats at all the three stages.

(iv) There shall be secured by the State's representation of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and women in the Panchayats.

(v) The Comptroller and Auditor General of India shall cause the account of the Panchayats audited in such manner as he may deam fit.

(vi) The Panchayats, shall have a fixed tenure of 5 years and if a Panchayat is dessolved before the expiry of the term, elections must be held within 6 months of the dissolution to reconstitute the Panchayats for the remainder of the term.

(vii) Devolution by the State legislative powers and Response ileitis upon the Panchayats.

Conclusion. The Panchayats as organised under the Bill will be made responsible for implements development schemes assigned to them by the States/They may include agriculture, land improvement irrigation, diversification of rural country,

Vocabulary. Was claimed, Revolutionary,   Implement, Infective, Enjoin upon.