Institution of Local Self Governance and its Linkages with Tourism

proportion to their percentage in the total population of the area.Similarly, not less than one-third of the offices of chairman are tobe reserved for women. These too are to be on rotation basis.Opportunity for the emergence of a new leadership: Allowingpersons who have attained the age of 21 years to be eligible forcontesting elections in Panchayat bodies will provide opportunitiesfor the younger generation to participate actively in thedevelopment process and share power5) Regular Elections: The Act provides for a normal term of five­Years for a Panchayat. The act also lays down that a Panchayatcannot be dissolved before its normal term by resorting toamendment of any law in force. In case of any dissolution, a newpanchayat is to be re-constituted before the expiry of the fiveYears term or within six months from the date of dissolution.6) Provisions of a State Election Commission and bar tointerference of courts in electoral matters : The Act providesfor conduct of elections under the overall supervision of the StateElection Commission consisting of a State Election Commissionerto be appointed by the governor. The State ElectionCommissioner is responsible for the superintendence, directionand control of election to the panchayats including preparation ofelectoral rolls. To ensure the independence of the commission,the State Election Commissioner can be removed only in thesame manner and on the same ground as a judge of a HighCourt. The state legislatures have the power to make provisionswith respect to all other matters relating to or in connection with,elections to the Panchayats.7) Powers and Functions: The Panchayats have been empoweredwith such powers and authorities as are necessary to enable themto function f'lS institutions of self-governance. Under the Act thestates legislature has the legislative powers to confer in thePanchayat such powers and authority so as to enable them toprepare plan and implement schemes for economic developmentand social justice on various subjects including those mentioned21