The Constitution was amended in 1992 to make the third tier of democracy more powerful and effective.
(i) Now it is mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies.
(ii) Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these institutions for SC, ST and OBC'*.
(iii) At least 1/3rd of all positions and seats are reserved for *****.
(iv) An independent institution called state Election Commission has been created in each state to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
(v) The State Governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from state to state.
