What was the main objective of …

The 73rd amendment to the Constitution of India in 1992 contains provision for devolution of powers and responsibilities to local government agencies like panchayats. The features of the amendment are:

1. The amendment provides for a three tier system of local government at village, block and district levels.

2. It is mandatory for state governments to hold elections to these local government bodies every five years.

3. It provided for reservation of seats in local government bodies to scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and women.

4. The amendment mandates states to form a State Finance Commission to make recommendations as regards to the financial powers of the Panchayats. State goverments are required to share powers and revenues with local goverment bodies according to the recommendation of this Commission.

5. The amendment requires the constitution of a District Planning Committee to prepare a development plan draft for the district.