Democratic decentralisation and poverty allevation in India with reference to 73^rd constitutional amendment act, 1993

The 73^rd Amendment to the Constitution¹ formally recognized a third tier of government at the sub-State level, thereby creating the legal conditions for local selfrule - or Panchayati Raj.).Early experiences have also revealed considerable uncertainty and confusion about the precise political, administrative and fiscal powers Panchayats have in relation to the States, line ministries, and local user groups. India, of course, is not alone in this process. Decentralization has emerged as a dominant trend in world politics. Decentralization is also thought to create the conditions for a more pluralist political arrangement, in which competing groups can voice and institutionalize their interests in local democratic forums. The case for democratic decentralization is also predicated upon the notion that greater participation in local political affairs will improve the quality and reach of government services, particularly ones aimed at improving the lives of poor and politically marginal groups in society. The Indian state that emerged after Independence was deeply committed to ‘industrialization, economic growth and a modicum of income redistribution.’ In terms of poverty reduction, this involved an early attempt at improving agricultural productivity through the implementation of land reforms, agricultural co-operatives and local self-government. At the village level, the most important provisions relating to participation and accountability are those governing reservations and the Gram Sabha. Under the 73^rd Amendment one-third of all seats must be reserved for women. Likewise, reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) are made in proportion to their population.