Panchayati Raj & Local Self-Government in Rajasthan

[!IMPORTANT] Rajasthan holds a historic distinction as the state where India's first Panchayati Raj system was formally launched by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on 2 October 1959 at Nagaur.

1. Constitutional Framework (73rd & 74th Amendments)

• 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992): Gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). Added Part IX (Articles 243–243O) and 11th Schedule (29 subjects).
• 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992): Gave constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Added Part IX-A (Articles 243P–243ZG) and 12th Schedule (18 subjects).

2. Three-Tier Structure in Rajasthan

3. State Finance Commission (SFC) of Rajasthan

Constituated under Article 243-I for rural and Article 243-Y for urban bodies.

4. Key Rajasthan Legislations

• Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Act, 1953: First legislation for village panchayats.
• Rajasthan Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads Act, 1959: Implemented 3-tier system.
• Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Act, 1994: Current law harmonized with 73rd Amendment.
• Reservation: 50% reservation for women (enhanced from 33% in 2008).

5. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)

• Rajasthan Municipalities Act, 2009: Current governing law for urban areas.
• Structure: Nagar Nigam (Corporation), Nagar Parishad (Council), Nagar Palika (Board).
• Nagar Nigams (Corporations): Total 10 (Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Kota have 2 each; Ajmer, Bikaner, Udaipur, Bharatpur).

[!NOTE] Gram Sabha meets at least 4 times a year (usually Jan 26, May 1, Aug 15, Oct 2). In Rajasthan, Ward Sabhas are also constituted at ward level.