Last reviewed 4 Nov 2026 · 2 min read
1. A pioneering history
- Karnataka was among the first states to give real power to panchayats.
- Karnataka Zilla Parishads, Taluk Panchayat Samithis, Mandal Panchayats and Nyaya Panchayats Act, 1983 — implemented with elections in 1987 under Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde and Rural Development Minister Abdul Nazir Sab.
- Mandal Panchayats covered a group of villages; Zilla Parishads got real funds and staff.
- Abdul Nazir Sab was called "Neer Sab" for his drinking-water borewell programme.
- This model influenced the 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992).
2. The present law
- The Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (renamed the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act) puts the 73rd Amendment into effect.
Three tiers
| Tier | Level | Head / officer |
|---|---|---|
| Gram Panchayat | Village / group of villages | Adhyaksha (president), Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) |
| Taluk Panchayat | Taluk (block) | Adhyaksha, Executive Officer |
| Zilla Panchayat | District | Adhyaksha, Chief Executive Officer (usually IAS) |
Key features
- Gram Sabha — all voters of the panchayat area; approves plans and selects beneficiaries of schemes. Ward Sabhas are held for each ward.
- Reservation: seats and chairpersons' posts for SC, ST and backward classes, and 50 % for women (above the constitutional one-third).
- Elections by the State Election Commission; term 5 years.
- State Finance Commission (every five years, Art. 243-I) recommends sharing of state revenue with local bodies.
- Functions follow the 29 subjects of the Eleventh Schedule — drinking water, rural roads, sanitation, primary education, health, MGNREGA works and others.