NCERT Class 11 Political Science — Chapter 8: Local Governments

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What was the obligation of State governments following the enactment of the 73rd and 74th Amendments?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe amendments moved "Local Government" from the State List to the Union List.
BStates had to change their laws to conform to the amendments within a specific timeframe.
CThe amendments gave the Central Government direct control over local body elections.
DStates were free to ignore the amendments if they had existing local government laws.

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Solution

The correct option is States had to change their laws to conform to the amendments within a specific timeframe..

Explanation

The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, 1992, conferred constitutional status upon Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies. While "Local Government" remained a subject under the State List, the amendments introduced Part IX and Part IX-A to the Constitution, mandating a uniform structure and specific provisions across all States.

Analysis of Options:

States had to change their laws to conform to the amendments within a specific timeframe. is Correct: Upon the enactment of these amendments, States were constitutionally obligated to adopt the new system. A transition period of one year was provided (ending on April 24, 1994) during which States had to amend or repeal their existing laws to bring them into conformity with the new constitutional provisions.
The amendments moved "Local Government" from the State List to the Union List. is Incorrect: "Local Government" continues to be a subject under Entry 5 of the State List (List II) in the Seventh Schedule. The amendments did not transfer it to the Union List.
States were free to ignore the amendments if they had existing local government laws. is Incorrect: The provisions of the 73rd and 74th Amendments are binding. While there are "voluntary" provisions where States have discretion, the "compulsory" provisions (such as regular elections, reservation of seats, and the constitution of State Election Commissions) could not be ignored.
The amendments gave the Central Government direct control over local body elections. is Incorrect: The amendments established the State Election Commission (Article 243K and 243ZA) in every State to conduct elections for local bodies. The Central Government does not have direct control over these elections.

Key Takeaway:
The 73rd and 74th Amendments did not alter the federal distribution of powers regarding "Local Government" (State List) but mandated that State laws must conform to the constitutional framework within one year of commencement.

Your note

More from Chapter 8: Local Governments

Who advocated the vision that "Independence must begin at the bottom" with every village as a republic?

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Which statement characterizes the status of local bodies before the 73rd Amendment?

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With reference to the three-tier structure introduced by the 73rd Amendment, consider the following statements: 1. The Gram Panchayat covers a village or a group of villages. 2. The intermediary level body is mandatory for all states regardless of size. 3. The Zilla Panchayat covers the entire rural area of the district. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Who constitutes the "Gram Sabha" under the 73rd Amendment?

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Consider the following statements regarding the tenure and dissolution of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs): 1. The standard term for every Panchayat body is five years. 2. If a State government dissolves a Panchayat, fresh elections must be held within one year. 3. The amendment ensures that elected local bodies cannot be dissolved under any circumstance. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is States had to change their laws to conform to the amendments within a specific timeframe..

Explanation

Analysis of Options:

States had to change their laws to conform to the amendments within a specific timeframe. is Correct: Upon the enactment of these amendments, States were constitutionally obligated to adopt the new system. A transition period of one year was provided (ending on April 24, 1994) during which States had to amend or repeal their existing laws to bring them into conformity with the new constitutional provisions.
The amendments moved "Local Government" from the State List to the Union List. is Incorrect: "Local Government" continues to be a subject under Entry 5 of the State List (List II) in the Seventh Schedule. The amendments did not transfer it to the Union List.
States were free to ignore the amendments if they had existing local government laws. is Incorrect: The provisions of the 73rd and 74th Amendments are binding. While there are "voluntary" provisions where States have discretion, the "compulsory" provisions (such as regular elections, reservation of seats, and the constitution of State Election Commissions) could not be ignored.
The amendments gave the Central Government direct control over local body elections. is Incorrect: The amendments established the State Election Commission (Article 243K and 243ZA) in every State to conduct elections for local bodies. The Central Government does not have direct control over these elections.