Correct option is B
Correct Answer: (b) Panchayati Raj Institutions
Explanation: In the Indian political system, reservation for women is explicitly provided in Panchayati Raj Institutions. According to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, a minimum of 33% of seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions, including Gram Panchayats, Block Panchayats, and Zila Parishads, are reserved for women. Some states, like Bihar and Rajasthan, have increased this reservation to 50%.
The reservation aims to ensure the active participation of women in local governance and decision-making processes, addressing gender inequality at the grassroots level. There is currently no reservation for women in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, or State Assemblies, though there is ongoing debate on the Women's Reservation Bill to reserve 33% of seats in these legislative bodies.
Key Facts about Women's Reservation in Panchayati Raj:
· Implemented through the 73rd Amendment.
· Applies to all tiers of Panchayati Raj Institutions in states and Union Territories with rural governance.
· Reserved seats are rotated periodically to ensure wider representation.
· Includes the posts of Chairpersons (Sarpanches) in Panchayati Raj bodies.
Information Booster:
· Women occupy at least one-third of all elected seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions.
· States like Rajasthan and Haryana have extended reservation to 50%.
· Panchayati Raj empowers women to address local issues, including education and health.
· Reservation is a key step in achieving gender equality in political representation.
· Urban local bodies also have similar provisions under the 74th Amendment.