Panchayati Raj in Odisha
Odisha has a three-tier Panchayati Raj system for rural local self-governance. The system was constitutionally mandated by the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992.
Three-Tier Structure
- Gram Panchayat: The basic unit at the village level. Odisha has approximately 6,798 Gram Panchayats.
- Panchayat Samiti: The intermediate level at the block level. There are 314 Panchayat Samitis.
- Zilla Parishad: The district level. There are 30 Zilla Parishads, one for each district.
Key Features
- One-third of all seats are reserved for women at every level.
- Seats are reserved for SC/ST communities in proportion to their population.
- Elections are conducted by the State Election Commission every 5 years.
- Panchayats have powers to prepare plans for economic development and social justice.
Key Legislation
The Odisha Gram Panchayats Act, 1964 and the Odisha Panchayat Samiti Act, 1959 govern the functioning of Panchayati Raj institutions in the state.
References
73rd Constitutional Amendment Act; Odisha Gram Panchayats Act, 1964; Department of Panchayati Raj, Odisha