What does the 11th Schedule of the Constitution of India contain? Write any four subjects of the Schedule.

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Points to Remember:

  • The 11th Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with Panchayats.
  • It lists 29 functional items devolved to Panchayats.
  • The Schedule aims to empower Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
  • Understanding the subjects helps in assessing the extent of decentralization in India.

Introduction:

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 added the Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. This amendment aimed to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system, a three-tier system of local self-government at the village, intermediate, and district levels. The 11th Schedule is crucial because it outlines the functional responsibilities entrusted to these Panchayats, thereby defining the scope of their authority and empowering them to participate in rural development. The addition of this schedule signifies a significant step towards decentralization and participatory democracy in India.

Body:

Subjects Listed in the 11th Schedule:

The 11th Schedule contains 29 functional items. While listing all 29 is beyond the scope of this answer, four key subjects are:

  1. Agriculture, including agricultural extension: This empowers Panchayats to play a vital role in promoting agricultural practices, providing extension services, and improving agricultural productivity within their jurisdiction. This includes initiatives like promoting better farming techniques, providing access to credit and inputs, and facilitating market linkages for farmers.

  2. Rural development: This broad subject encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at improving the quality of life in rural areas. This can include implementing poverty alleviation programs, providing infrastructure like roads and sanitation, and promoting rural employment schemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

  3. Implementation of schemes for providing social justice including welfare of weaker sections: This mandates Panchayats to actively participate in ensuring social justice and welfare for marginalized communities. This involves implementing government schemes targeting Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other vulnerable groups, ensuring their access to benefits and resources.

  4. Preparation of plans for economic development and social justice: This crucial function allows Panchayats to participate in the planning process at the grassroots level. They can identify local needs and priorities, prepare development plans, and participate in their implementation, ensuring that development is locally relevant and responsive.

Conclusion:

The 11th Schedule of the Indian Constitution is a cornerstone of India’s decentralized governance structure. The 29 subjects listed in the Schedule provide a comprehensive framework for empowering Panchayats to effectively address local issues and contribute to national development. While the success of the Panchayati Raj system depends on various factors, including adequate funding, capacity building, and political will, the 11th Schedule provides a strong foundation for achieving its objectives. Moving forward, a continued focus on capacity building of PRI members, ensuring adequate financial resources, and promoting transparency and accountability will be crucial for realizing the full potential of the Panchayati Raj system and fostering inclusive and sustainable rural development in line with constitutional values. This will lead to a more participatory and equitable society, strengthening the foundations of Indian democracy.

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