Panchayat System (1960 –1990)

Description

The Panchayat System was a partyless political structure introduced by King Mahendra in 1960 AD (2017 BS) and formalized by the Constitution of Nepal 1962.

System Structure & Features

Partyless Governance: All political parties were banned; participation was based on individual capacity.
Four-Tier Hierarchy: The system was structured across four levels:
1. Village/Town Panchayat (Gaun/Nagar)
2. District Panchayat (Zilla)
3. Zonal Assembly (Anchal)
4. National Panchayat (Rastriya Panchayat)
Royal Supremacy: The King remained the ultimate sovereign authority, possessing executive, legislative, and judicial veto powers.
End of the System: The system lasted for 30 years until it was overthrown by the 1990 People's Movement (Jana Andolan I).

Period

Democracy

Year (BS)

2017

Year (AD)

1960

CMAT Significance

The Panchayat system's structure and duration (1960 –1990) are commonly tested in CMAT political science and history sections.