**Gram Panchyat comes under which article?**
VerifiedGram Panchayats are governed under Article 243 of the Indian Constitution, which falls under Part IX. This article was added through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1992, which revolutionized local self-governance in rural India. The amendment made it mandatory for all states to establish a three-tier Panchayati Raj system at the village, intermediate, and district levels.
Article 243 specifically deals with the definitions related to Panchayats. It defines key terms such as "district," "Gram Sabha," "intermediate level," "Panchayat," "Panchayat area," "population," and "village." The Gram Sabha, as defined in this article, consists of persons registered in the electoral rolls of a village within the area of a Panchayat at the village level.
The Panchayati Raj system established under Part IX (Articles 243 to 243O) aims to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level. Gram Panchayats serve as the foundation of this system, being the closest governing body to rural communities. They are responsible for implementing various development schemes, maintaining basic infrastructure, and addressing local issues affecting villagers' daily lives.
Under this constitutional framework, Gram Panchayats have been given significant powers and responsibilities. They handle matters related to agriculture, rural development, health, education, sanitation, and water supply. The 73rd Amendment also ensured reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women in these local bodies, promoting inclusive participation in governance.
The constitutional provision under Article 243 has transformed rural governance by making it more democratic and participatory. It has empowered rural communities to take charge of their development and has brought government services closer to the people. This decentralization of power has been crucial in addressing local needs more effectively and ensuring that development reaches every corner of rural India.
