QUE: Discuss the main matters mentioned in Schedule XI(11) of the Indian Constitution.

There are currently a total of 12 Schedules under the Indian Constitution, of which Schedule 11 contains provisions that clarify the powers, rights and responsibilities of Panchayats. This Schedule was added to the Constitution by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992.

1. Powers of Panchayats

• The 11th Schedule describes the powers and functions of Panchayats in the areas of economic development, social justice and poverty alleviation. It also assigns 29 subjects to the Gram Panchayats.

2. Powers regarding taxes

• As mentioned in Article 243-H of the Constitution, Panchayats are given the power to levy and levy taxes for local governance and development purposes.

3. Elections and Reservation of Seats

• Article 243-K covers elections and 243-D covers reservation of seats, including delimitation of constituencies, reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes etc.

4. Financial Autonomy

• Article 243(I) of the Constitution provides for the constitution of a Finance Commission to review the financial position and collection of revenue, receipt of grants-in-aid from the State Government etc.

5. Social Justice Programmes

• Panchayats are responsible for planning and implementing social justice programmes for the benefit of SCs, STs and other disadvantaged groups.

6. Economic Development and Poverty Alleviation

• The 11th Schedule highlights the role of Panchayats in planning and implementing schemes for economic development and poverty alleviation and their earlier implementation.

7. Water Resource Management

• Panchayats have powers and responsibilities in the control and management of water resources including water supply, irrigation and watershed development.

8. Committee System and Inclusive Structure

• Panchayats are empowered to constitute committees to perform planning, finance, social justice and other specific functions, which consist of an Executive Committee, a Social Justice Committee and a Water Committee. These committees help in the efficient functioning of the Panchayats and implementation of development programmes. (Taluka and District Panchayats also have committees.)

Thus, the provisions of Schedule 11 of the Indian Constitution aim to empower the Panchayats as institutions of local self-government and facilitate their functions in the areas of planning, finance, elections, social justice and development. The three-tier Panchayati Raj structure in the Indian Constitution has gained an important place as a third world democracy, in which it is necessary to mention the 11th Schedule.