The Assam Panchayati Raj Act, 1986

The Assam Panchayati Raj Act, 1986 came into effect from September, 1990. It replaced the Assam Panchayati Raj Act 1972 and re-introduced the three-tier system of Panchayat Raj system i.e. Gaon panchayat, Anchalik Panchayat and Mahkuma Parishad. This act had provisions for the duties and responsibilities of each stage of the Panchayat in respect to educational, cultural and social welfare activities.

Features of Assam Panchayati Raj Act, 1986:

• Three-tier system of Panchayati Raj re-introduced.
• Gaon Panchayat area should have a population between six to ten thousand (6000 – 1000).
• Provision of ten (10) elected members in Gaon Panchayat.
• Provision of direct election of President of Gaon Panchayat.
• Anchalik Panchayat consisting of Gaon Panchayat Presidents, the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)s and Member of Parliament (MP)s of the area and State Government nominated officers.
• Mohkuma Parishad consist of all Presidents of the Anchalik Panchayats, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Sub-divisional Officer (SDO), MLAs and MPs representing the area; and  the State Government nominated officials.
• President and the Vice-President of the Mahkuma Parishad to be elected by members from among themselves.
• Thirty percent (30%) reservation of seats for the women both in Gaon Panchayat and Anchalik Panchayat.

Under the provision of the Assam Panchayati Raj Act, 1986, Panchayat elections were held in February 1992. A total of 2486 Gaon Panchayats, 196 Anchalik Panchayats and 43 Mahkuma Parishads were formed in Assam state of India. This Act enhanced the powers of the State Government and Panchayats lost the power to appoint their own staff. The Assam Panchayati Raj Act, 1986 subsequently got amended.