The 73rd Amendment Act of 1992 added Part IX to the Indian Constitution, which deals with the establishment and functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in rural areas. This part includes Articles 243 to 243-O and a new Eleventh Schedule, which lists 29 functional items of the Panchayats. The purpose of Part IX is to decentralize power to the grassroots level and ensure self-governance in rural India. It provides a constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj system, which was earlier operating in a non-uniform and advisory manner. Structure of Panchayati Raj Part IX mandates a three-tier system of Panchayats: Gram Panchayat at the village level. Panchayat Samiti at the intermediate (block or tehsil) level. Zila Parishad at the district level. However, for smaller states with populations less than 20 lakhs, the intermediate tier may not be established. Composition and Elections The members of Panchayats at all levels are elected directly by the people. The chairpersons of Panchayats at the intermediate and district levels are elected indirectly by the elected members. The State Election Commission is responsible for conducting these elections. It is an independent body constituted under Article 243K. Reservation of Seats To ensure social justice and inclusion, Part IX provides for: Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in every Panchayat in proportion to their population. One-third reservation for women, including SC/ST women, in both membership and chairperson positions. States can increase this quota voluntarily. Powers, Authority, and Responsibilities According to Article 243G, the State Legislature may endow Panchayats with powers and responsibilities to: Prepare plans for economic development and social justice. Implement schemes for the subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule, such as agriculture, rural housing, drinking water, education, health, and women & child development. However, the actual devolution of power depends on state governments, and the extent of decentralization varies across states. Finance and Resources A State Finance Commission (Article 243-I) is to be established every five years to recommend the distribution of funds between the state and Panchayats. Panchayats can also levy, collect, and appropriate taxes as authorized by the state legislature. Duration and Dissolution The tenure of every Panchayat is five years (Article 243E). If a Panchayat is dissolved before its term, elections must be held within six months. Bar to Interference in Elections Article 243-O prohibits interference in Panchayat elections through the courts, except via an election petition filed as per the state law. Conclusion Part IX of the Indian Constitution is a landmark provision for promoting grassroots democracy. It empowers ordinary citizens in villages to participate directly in governance and local development. Despite challenges like lack of funds, political interference, and capacity constraints, Panchayati Raj Institutions continue to play a vital role in rural India’s democratic and developmental processes. If you'd like this in a PDF or want to explore another part (like Part X for Scheduled and Tribal Areas or Part XIV on services), let me know!