Question

Consider the following statements with respect to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment: Which of these is/are correct?

1. For 27% reservation to the Other Backward Classes.
2. That the chairperson of the panchayat at intermediate/district level shall be elected by, and from amongst the elected members thereof.
3. For reservation for SCs/STs.
4. For uniform five-year term for local bodies.

• A. 3, 4
• B. 1, 4
• C. 3 only
• D. 2, 3, 4

Answer 1

Answer:

D. 2, 3, 4

• The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) is a landmark legislation that provided constitutional status and a permanent structure to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India.

• It added Part IX (Articles 243 to 243-O) and the Eleventh Schedule (containing 29 functional items) to the Constitution.

For 27% reservation to the Other Backward Classes

• The Act does not mandate a specific percentage (like 27%) for OBCs. Instead, it provides a voluntary provision, stating that the state legislature may make provisions for the reservation of seats in any Panchayat or offices of chairpersons in favor of backward classes.

That the chairperson of the panchayat at intermediate/district level shall be elected by, and from amongst the elected members thereof

• This is a mandatory provision. While the chairperson at the village level is elected in a manner determined by the state legislature, the chairpersons at the intermediate (block) and district levels must be elected indirectly by and from the elected members

For reservation for SCs/STs

• The Act mandates the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in every panchayat in proportion to their population in the panchayat area

For uniform five-year term for local bodies

• The Act provides for a fixed five-year term of office for every panchayat at all levels.

• It also mandates that elections to constitute a new panchayat must be completed before the expiry of its five-year duration