To which of the following states is the 73^rd Constitutional Amendment Act related to the Panchayati Raj system NOT applicable?

The correct answer is Meghalaya.

Key Points

• The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, which came into force on 24 April 1993, provides a framework for the establishment and functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India.
• This amendment is not applicable to the states of Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland, and to certain other areas due to their unique administrative and cultural contexts.
• Meghalaya, being a Sixth Schedule area, is exempted from the Panchayati Raj system as it already has a traditional autonomous governance system in place.
• Article 243M of the Constitution specifically excludes the application of the 73rd Amendment to these areas.

Additional Information

• Panchayati Raj System
  • The Panchayati Raj system is a three-tier system of local self-government in rural India, consisting of Gram Panchayat at the village level, Panchayat Samiti at the block level, and Zila Parishad at the district level.
  • This system aims to decentralize power and governance, bringing it closer to the grassroots level.
  • The 73rd Amendment Act mandates the creation of such bodies and the conduct of regular elections every five years.
• Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution
  • The Sixth Schedule provides for the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
  • It allows for the formation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) that have legislative, judicial, and administrative autonomy.
  • These councils govern areas traditionally inhabited by indigenous tribes, preserving their unique cultural and social practices.
• Article 243M
  • Article 243M of the Indian Constitution specifically excludes certain areas and states from the application of Part IX, which pertains to Panchayats.
  • This exclusion is meant to respect the unique administrative and cultural contexts of these regions.
  • The excluded areas include Scheduled Areas, tribal areas, and states with traditional governance systems.
• Traditional Governance in Meghalaya
  • Meghalaya has traditional governance structures such as the Syiemships, Nokmaships, and Dolloiships, which are led by traditional chiefs.
  • These systems have been in place for centuries and continue to play a vital role in the administration and social organization of the tribes.
  • The traditional governance system is considered more suitable for the tribal population of Meghalaya, preserving their customs and way of life.