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Indian Constitution: Panchayati Raj Institutions

Overview

This document outlines the key articles of the Indian Constitution related to Panchayati Raj Institutions, focusing on Articles 243 to 243-O.

The Panchayati Raj Institutions are discussed in the constitution from Article 243 to Article 243-O.

Article 243: Definitions

• Article 243 (a): District: A district is defined, as notified by the Governor through a public notification.
• Article 243 (b): Grama Sabha: Gram Sabha refers to the body of people consisting the registered voters within the area of a village panchayat.
• Article 243 (c): Mandal Parishad: Mandal Parishad is the intermediate level between the Gram Panchayat and the Zilla Parishad, as notified by the Governor.
• Article 243 (d): Panchayat: "Panchayat" is an institution (by whatever name called) of self-government constituted under article 243B, for the rural areas;
• Article 243 (e): Panchayat area: "Panchayat area" means the territorial area of a Panchayat.
• Article 243 (f):Population: "population" means the population as ascertained at the last preceding census of which the relevant figures have been published.
• Article 243 (g):Village: "village" means a village specified by the Governor by public notification to be a village for the purposes of this Part and includes a group of villages so specified.

Summary Table of Article 243

The following table provides a concise summary of the definitions within Article 243.

Sub-Article	Definition
243 (a)	District
243 (b)	Gram Sabha
243 (c)	Mandal Parishad
243 (d)	Panchayat
243 (e)	Panchayat Area
243 (f)	Population
243 (g)	Village

Article 243A: Gram Sabha

Article 243A deals with the Gram Sabha. It reiterates the definition: A body consisting of persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village comprised within the area of Panchayat at the village level.

It's crucial to understand that both Article 243(b) (small b) and Article 243A (capital A) address the concept of the Gram Sabha.

Article 243B: Constitution of Panchayats

Article 243B discusses the establishment (constitution) of Panchayats. It outlines a three-tier system:

• Gram Panchayat at the village level.
• Mandal Parishad at the intermediate level.
• Zilla Parishad at the district level.

However, states with a population of less than 20 lakhs may choose not to constitute Panchayats at the intermediate level (Mandal Parishad).

Article 243C: Composition of Panchayats

Article 243C deals with the structure (composition) of Panchayats.

• A Gram Panchayat is divided into wards.
• A Mandal Parishad is also divided into wards.
• A Zilla Parishad is similarly divided into wards.

Ward members of Gram Panchayats and Mandal Parishads are to be directly elected by the people.

Election of Sarpanch(Head of Gram Panchayat)

• The election of the Sarpanch (head of the Gram Panchayat) can be either direct or indirect, as determined by the State Legislature.

Election of Mandal Parishad and Zilla Parishad Heads

• The election of the heads of the Mandal Parishad and Zilla Parishad must be indirect.

Representation in Meetings

The State Legislature determines who is entitled to participate and have representation in the meetings of Gram Panchayats, Mandal Parishads, and Zilla Parishads.

Article 243D: Reservation of Seats

Article 243D deals with the Reservation of seats in Panchayats.

The specifics of reservation (for SC/STs, women, etc.) are detailed in this article, but were not provided in the original text. A complete understanding requires consulting the full text of Article 243D.