Which Article of Indian Constitution provides for the formation of Gram Panchayat by the State?
- AOption (a)
Article 39
- BOption (b)
Article 40
- COption (c)
Article 41
- DOption (d)
Article 42
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Correct answer
Article 40
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is Article 40.
Key Points
- Article 40 of the Indian Constitution specifically mandates the State to organize village panchayats and endow them with necessary powers and authority.
- It falls under Part IV of the Constitution, which deals with the Directive Principles of State Policy.
- This article is aimed at promoting local self-governance in rural areas, ensuring decentralized administration.
- The directive under Article 40 is not enforceable by any court but serves as an essential guideline for the State's governance policies.
- Article 40 emphasizes the importance of democratic decentralization, advocating for a grassroots-level democratic framework.
Additional Information
- Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP):
- DPSPs are guidelines for the framing of laws by the government, aimed at establishing social and economic democracy.
- They are contained in Part IV (Articles 36-51) of the Indian Constitution.
- Although DPSPs are non-justiciable, they are fundamental in the governance of the country.
- The principles laid down under DPSPs act as a yardstick for measuring the government's performance in achieving social and economic justice.
- Gram Panchayat:
- A Gram Panchayat is the basic unit of local administration in villages.
- It is a grassroots-level democratic institution, often referred to as the village council.
- Gram Panchayats play a crucial role in rural development and local governance.
- They are responsible for various functions including sanitation, public health, and maintenance of local infrastructure.
- Local Self-Government:
- Local self-government refers to the administration of local areas by locally elected representatives.
- It includes institutions such as municipalities and Panchayati Raj institutions.
- The concept emphasizes the decentralization of power, allowing communities to manage their own affairs.
- Local self-governments are crucial for participatory democracy and empowerment of local communities.
- 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act:
- This amendment, enacted in 1992, provided constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj institutions.
- It introduced a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj for all states having a population of over 20 lakhs.
- The act mandated the establishment of Gram Sabha as the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system.
- It aimed at strengthening the process of democratic decentralization.