11th NCERT Political Science Part 2 Chapter 8

One third of the positions in all panchayat institutions are reserved for women. Reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are also provided for at all the three levels, in proportion to their population. If the States find it necessary, they can also provide for reservations for the other backward classes (OBCs). It is important to note that these reservations apply not merely to ordinary members in Panchayats but also to the positions of Chairpersons or 'Adhyakshas' at all the three levels. Further, reservation of one-third of the seats for women is not merely in the general category of seats but also within the seats reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and backward castes.

The main differences include the shift from indirect elections to direct elections, reservation of one-third of the seats for women, and reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward classes. Additionally, the amendment involved the transfer of subjects from the State list to the Panchayati Raj institutions, marking a significant change in the functioning and composition of local governments.

Neha believes that in addition to women holding positions of power through reservations, it is necessary that the budget of local bodies should have a separate provision for women.

The 73rd Amendment addresses concerns such as making representatives accountable to the people to avoid fear of replacement, preventing dominance of local bodies by dominant castes and feudal landlords, addressing rural illiteracy by ensuring effective decision-making by the village panchayats, and providing resources and powers to village panchayats for village development plans.

The stories in the chapter highlight the importance of local government in empowering individuals like Geeta Rathore and the Gram Panchayat of Vengaivasal village to address local issues, undertake development projects, fight against social injustices, and advocate for the rights of the community. These stories showcase the transformative role of local government in promoting grassroots leadership and fostering community development.