Correct Option
The Constitution (Seventy-Third Amendment) Act, 1992, introduced a new Part IX to the Constitution, providing for a three-tier Panchayati Raj system and empowering these institutions. The Act mandates several provisions to ensure their effective functioning and democratic decentralization. All three statements are correct in this context:
- 1. Constitution of District Planning Committees: Article 243ZD, inserted by the Constitution (Seventy-Fourth Amendment) Act, 1992, mandates the formation of District Planning Committees (DPCs). These committees are responsible for consolidating the plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities to prepare a draft development plan for the entire district. While primarily introduced by the 74th Amendment, the DPC's function of integrating rural and urban planning is crucial for the holistic development and effective functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions, which the 73rd Amendment aims to promote.
- 2. State Election Commissions to conduct all panchayat elections: Article 243K, inserted by the 73rd Amendment, provides for the constitution of a State Election Commission (SEC) in each state. The SEC is entrusted with the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to the Panchayats. This ensures free and fair elections at the local level.
- 3. Establishment of State Finance Commission: Article 243I, also inserted by the 73rd Amendment, mandates the Governor to constitute a State Finance Commission (SFC) every five years. The SFC reviews the financial position of the Panchayats and makes recommendations regarding the distribution of net proceeds of taxes, duties, tolls, and fees between the state and the Panchayats, and the grants-in-aid to Panchayats from the Consolidated Fund of the State. This aims to ensure fiscal decentralization.
Incorrect Options
Options (a), (b), and (c) are incorrect because they omit one or more of the provisions that are integral to the constitutional framework for Panchayati Raj Institutions established by the 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts. Since all three statements accurately describe provisions or aims related to the promotion of Panchayati Raj Institutions, option (d) is the correct answer.