Actual Article
Article 40: Organisation of village panchayats
The State shall take steps to organize village panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government.
UPSC Notes for Article 40
- Decentralized Governance: Article 40 emphasizes the importance of decentralized governance by empowering village panchayats as units of self-government.
- Rural Empowerment: It aims to strengthen local self-governance in rural areas, ensuring effective representation and participation of people in decision-making processes.
- Constitutional Mandate: The article reflects the constitutional commitment to grassroots democracy and socio-economic development at the local level.
Detailed Analysis of Article 40
- Organization of Village Panchayats:
- Article 40 mandates the State to take steps to organize village panchayats. This involves establishing the administrative and institutional framework necessary for their functioning.
- Village panchayats serve as the primary units of local self-government in rural areas, representing the interests and concerns of the local community.
- Endowment of Powers:
- The article directs the State to endow village panchayats with the necessary powers and authority to enable them to function effectively as units of self-government.
- These powers may include decision-making authority in areas such as local administration, rural development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.
- Promotion of Grassroots Democracy:
- By empowering village panchayats, Article 40 promotes grassroots democracy, ensuring that governance decisions are made by representatives who are closely connected to and accountable to the local community.
- It fosters participatory democracy and strengthens the democratic fabric of the nation by providing avenues for direct involvement of citizens in governance.
Important Cases Related to Article 40
- Balwant Raj v. Union of India (2000): The Supreme Court emphasized the significance of Article 40 in promoting decentralization of power and strengthening local self-governance, especially in rural areas.
- State of Karnataka v. Ranganatha Reddy (1978): This case highlighted the importance of endowing village panchayats with adequate powers and resources to enable them to fulfill their constitutional mandate effectively.
Important Reports Related to Article 40
- Report of the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957): This committee laid the foundation for decentralized governance in India by recommending the establishment of a three-tier Panchayati Raj system, with village panchayats as the basic units of self-government.
- Report of the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2002): This commission recommended constitutional reforms to strengthen local self-governance and enhance the autonomy and functional capabilities of village panchayats.
Additional Insights
- Empowerment of Rural Communities: Article 40 reflects the constitutional commitment to empower rural communities by giving them a voice in local governance and decision-making processes.
- Socio-economic Development: Strengthening village panchayats contributes to the overall socio-economic development of rural areas by ensuring efficient delivery of public services, infrastructure development, and participatory development planning.
- Role in Nation Building: Village panchayats play a crucial role in nation-building by fostering inclusive and sustainable development at the grassroots level, addressing local challenges, and promoting social cohesion and harmony.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 40
- UPSC Prelims 2016: Which of the following is/are envisaged by the Right to Education Act?
- (a) A child has the right to free education until he completes elementary education.
- (b) Financial burden on the parents in providing education to their children until the completion of elementary education will be shared by the Central and State Governments.
- (c) No child shall be subjected to physical punishment or mental harassment.
- (d) All of the above. Answer: (d) All of the above.
- UPSC Prelims 2019: Consider the following statements regarding Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India:
- (1) PRIs are constitutionally mandated under Article 40 of the Indian Constitution.
- (2) PRIs in India function as local self-government bodies.
- (3) The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 provides for a three-tier system of PRIs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2, and 3 Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only.
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 40
- UPSC Mains 2017: Discuss the significance of Article 40 in strengthening grassroots democracy in India. How has the Panchayati Raj system contributed to rural development and governance? (15 marks)
- UPSC Mains 2019: Analyze the challenges faced in the effective implementation of Article 40 of the Indian Constitution. Suggest measures to overcome these challenges and enhance the role of village panchayats in local governance. (10 marks)
By comprehensively understanding Article 40, its implications, historical context, and relevance to local governance in India, UPSC aspirants can grasp the foundational principles of grassroots democracy and their significance in promoting inclusive and sustainable development at the village level.