According to Article 40, the state shall take steps to organise village panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them:

Correct option is B

Ans. (b)
Article 40 of the Constitution directs the state to organize village panchayats and endow them with the power and authority to function as units of self-government. This is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) aimed at achieving decentralization and participatory governance.
Information Booster
1. Panchayati Raj is the institutionalized form of rural local governance in India.
2. Article 40 is a guideline for states to empower local governments.
3. It led to the enactment of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992).
4. Panchayats are responsible for implementing schemes for economic development and social justice.
5. This system aligns with the Gandhian principle of Gram Swaraj (village self-rule).
6. Panchayati Raj includes a three-tier system: village, block, and district levels.
7. States can decide on additional powers as per local requirements.
Additional Knowledge
· Development: A key responsibility, but Article 40 focuses on self-government.
· Decentralised government: Panchayats enable it but are not the primary aim of Article 40.
· Social justice: Achieved indirectly through Panchayat programs and schemes.