The Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution of India contains a list of 29 subjects over which Panchayats (local self-government institutions) have the power to legislate. The Eleventh Schedule was added through the Seventy-third Amendment Act of 1992, which aimed to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system by defining the scope of the powers and functions of Panchayats.
The subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule cover a wide range of issues related to local governance, economic development, and social justice. The inclusion of these subjects ensures that Panchayats can actively participate in decision-making and implementation of policies in these areas. Here is a detailed explanation of the subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule:
1. Agriculture, including Agricultural Extension:
- Panchayats have the power to legislate on matters related to agriculture, crop planning, and the extension of agricultural practices.
2. Land Improvement, Implementation of Land Reforms, Land Consolidation, and Soil Conservation:
- Panchayats can legislate on activities aimed at improving land quality, implementing land reforms, and carrying out soil conservation measures.
3. Minor Irrigation, Water Management, and Watershed Development:
- Matters related to minor irrigation projects, water management, and watershed development fall under the jurisdiction of Panchayats.
4. Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Poultry:
- Panchayats can legislate on issues related to animal husbandry, dairying, and poultry, promoting local initiatives in these areas.
5. Fisheries:
- Matters related to fisheries, including inland and marine fisheries, are within the legislative domain of Panchayats.
6. Social Forestry and Farm Forestry:
- Panchayats can legislate on social forestry initiatives and farm forestry projects to promote environmental conservation.
7. Minor Forest Produce:
- Matters related to the collection and trade of minor forest produce, such as non-timber forest products, are under the purview of Panchayats.
8. Small-Scale Industries, including Food Processing Industries:
- Panchayats have the power to legislate on the development of small-scale industries, including those involved in food processing.
9. Khadi, Village, and Cottage Industries:
- Matters related to the promotion and development of khadi, village, and cottage industries fall within the legislative competence of Panchayats.
10. Rural Housing:
Panchayats can legislate on rural housing initiatives, including planning, construction, and maintenance.
11. Drinking Water:
Matters related to the supply of drinking water, water conservation, and water management are within the legislative domain of Panchayats.
12. Fuel and Fodder:
Panchayats can legislate on issues related to the supply and management of fuel and fodder.
13. Roads, Culverts, Bridges, Ferries, Waterways, and other means of communication:
Matters related to the construction and maintenance of roads, culverts, bridges, ferries, waterways, and other means of communication are under the jurisdiction of Panchayats.
14. Rural Electrification, including Distribution of Electricity:
Panchayats can legislate on rural electrification projects, including the distribution of electricity.
15. Non-Conventional Energy Sources:
Matters related to the promotion and development of non-conventional energy sources fall within the legislative competence of Panchayats.
16. Poverty Alleviation Programmes:
Panchayats have the power to legislate on poverty alleviation programs and initiatives aimed at improving the economic condition of the rural population.
17. Education, including Primary and Secondary Schools:
Matters related to education, including the establishment and management of primary and secondary schools, are under the legislative domain of Panchayats.
18. Technical Training and Vocational Education:
Panchayats can legislate on technical training and vocational education initiatives to enhance skill development in rural areas.
19. Adult and Non-formal Education:
Matters related to adult education and non-formal education programs are within the legislative competence of Panchayats.
20. Libraries:
Panchayats can legislate on the establishment and maintenance of libraries in rural areas.
21. Cultural Activities:
Matters related to the promotion of cultural activities, including traditional art forms, are under the jurisdiction of Panchayats.
22. Markets and Fairs:
Panchayats have the power to legislate on the establishment and regulation of markets and fairs in rural areas.
23. Health and Sanitation, including Hospitals, Primary Health Centres, and Dispensaries:
Matters related to health and sanitation, including the establishment and management of hospitals, primary health centers, and dispensaries, fall within the legislative domain of Panchayats.
24. Family Welfare:
Panchayats can legislate on family welfare programs and initiatives aimed at promoting the health and well-being of families in rural areas.
25. Women and Child Development:
Matters related to the development and welfare of women and children are within the legislative competence of Panchayat
