The provision for the reservation of seats in Panchayati Raj institutions for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in proportion to their population is provided under which of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution?

The correct answer is 243D.

Key Points

• Article 243D of the Indian Constitution provides for the reservation of seats in Panchayati Raj institutions for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in proportion to their population.
• The seats reserved under this article are filled by direct election from the territorial constituencies in the Panchayat area.
• This article also mandates that not less than one-third of the total number of seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes shall be reserved for women belonging to these categories.
• Article 243D ensures the inclusion of marginalized communities in the governance process at the grassroots level.

Additional Information

• Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
  • Panchayati Raj is the system of local self-government in rural India.
  • It was constitutionalized by the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992.
  • PRIs are responsible for local administration and developmental activities.
  • They operate at three levels: Village, Intermediate, and District.
• 73rd Amendment Act, 1992
  • This act introduced Part IX to the Constitution, which is titled "The Panchayats".
  • It added a new Schedule 11 to the Constitution, which lists 29 functional items that panchayats are responsible for.
  • The act mandates the establishment of a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj in every state.
  • It also provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women.
• Reservation for Women
  • Article 243D(3) mandates that not less than one-third of the total number of seats filled by direct election in every Panchayat shall be reserved for women.
  • This reservation is applicable in the case of both Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
  • Such seats may be allotted by rotation to different constituencies in a Panchayat.
  • This provision aims to promote gender equality and empower women in rural governance.