winners local bodies 8

Article 243D: Reservation of Seats in Panchayats

Article 243D deals with the reservation of seats in Panchayats.

• SC/STs reservations are based on their population proportion.
• The percentage of reservations for Backward Classes (BCs) is determined by the State Legislature.
• Not less than one-third (1/3) of the total seats must be reserved for women.
• Not less than one-third (1/3) reservation should be given to women belonging to the reserved category.

Article 243E: Duration of Panchayats

Article 243E addresses the term of Panchayats.

• The term of a Panchayat is five years from the date of its first meeting.
• If a seat becomes vacant, by-elections must be held within six months.
• If a by-election occurs with less than six months remaining in the term of the Panchayat, then a by-election is not required.
• A person elected in a by-election serves only for the remaining term, not a full five years.

Article 243F: Disqualifications for Membership

Article 243F lists the disqualifications for membership in Panchayats. These are often framed in terms of *not* having certain qualifications. Since you want to focus on the *qualifications*, I'll present the information this way, and you can easily infer the disqualifications:

Qualifications for Panchayat Membership:

• Must be a citizen of India.
• Must not hold any office of profit under the Central or State governments.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Should not have more than two children after 1995 (this can vary by state legislation).
• Must be a registered voter within the Panchayat's area.
• Must not be in arrears of any dues to the Panchayat.
• Must meet any other qualifications prescribed by the State Legislature.

The above are the *qualifications*. The *disqualifications* are the opposites of these. For example, "not being a citizen of India" is a disqualification.

Article 243G: Powers, Authority and Responsibilities of Panchayats

Article 243G deals with powers, authority, and responsibilities of panchayats.

Panchayats are given power over 29 subjects,as listed in the 11th schedule.

The 11th Schedule of the Indian constitution deals with the powers and the responsibilities of the Gram Panchayat. It contains the following 29 subjects.

1. Agriculture, including agricultural extension.
2. Land improvement, implementation of land reforms, land consolidation and soil conservation.
3. Minor irrigation, water management and watershed development.
4. Animal husbandry, dairying and poultry.
5. Fisheries.
6. Social forestry and farm forestry.
7. Minor forest produce.
8. Small scale industries, including food processing industries.
9. Khadi, village and cottage industries.
10. Rural housing.
11. Drinking water.
12. Fuel and fodder.
13. Roads, culverts, bridges, ferries, waterways and other means of communication.
14. Rural electrification, including distribution of electricity.
15. Non-conventional energy sources.
16. Poverty alleviation programme.
17. Education, including primary and secondary schools.
18. Technical training and vocational education.
19. Adult and non-formal education.
20. Libraries.
21. Cultural activities.
22. Markets and fairs.
23. Health and sanitation, including hospitals, primary health centres and dispensaries.
24. Family welfare.
25. Women and child development.
26. Social welfare, including welfare of the handicapped and mentally retarded.
27. Welfare of the weaker sections, and in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
28. Public distribution system.
29. Maintenance of community assets.

Article 243H: Powers to Impose Taxes by, and Funds of, the Panchayats

Article 243H covers the financial resources of Panchayats, including:

• Grants from the Central government.
• Grants from the State government.
• Revenue from taxes levied by the Panchayat itself (e.g., house tax, water tax, etc.).
• Rents collected by the Panchayat.
• Donations.
• Income from the sale of Panchayat properties.