Local Self-Government

6 months

As per the provisions of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, if the Governor dissolves a Panchayat (Village Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Zila Parishad) before its five-year term ends, fresh elections must be held within 6 months of such dissolution. This provision prevents indefinite postponement of elections and ensures continuous democratic functioning at the local level. The same rule applies to municipalities under the 74th Amendment.

The Governor of the State

According to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, the elections to Panchayati Raj bodies are conducted by the State Election Commissioner, who is appointed by the Governor of the State. The rank of the State Election Commissioner is equivalent to that of a High Court judge. This ensures independence and impartiality in conducting local body elections. The Chief Election Commissioner of India conducts general elections to Parliament and State Assemblies, not local body elections.

24th April

The Government of India issued an order to State governments on 24th April 1993 to implement the new Panchayati Raj system within a year. Hence, Panchayati Raj Day is observed on 24th April every year. 2nd October is Gandhi Jayanti – the date in 1959 when the Panchayati Raj system was inaugurated at Nagaur, Rajasthan. 26th January is Republic Day and 15th August is Independence Day.

Gram Panchayat

The Gram Sabha is the general body consisting of all eligible voters in a village. The Gram Panchayat is the executive wing of the Gram Sabha – it implements the decisions and plans approved by the Gram Sabha. The Gram Panchayat is directly elected by voters through secret ballot. Its members range from 5 to 31, and it must hold at least one meeting per month. The Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad are higher-level bodies.