Correct option is C
Ans. (c) 1/3
The reservation for women in panchayat institutions is mandated by the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992, which reserves one-third (1/3) of the total positions for women at all levels of panchayat institutions, including village, intermediate, and district levels. This ensures increased participation of women in rural governance.
Important Key Points:
Knowledge Booster:
- The 73rd Amendment Act, 1992, aimed at strengthening local self-governance and enhancing women's participation in politics.
- The one-third reservation applies not only to direct election positions but also to the posts of chairpersons in panchayats.
- The reservation includes women from all categories, such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
- It applies to both rural and urban local bodies, though the percentage may vary in urban areas.
- Women’s representation has been instrumental in bringing more gender-sensitive policies and initiatives at the grassroots level.
- The reservation is implemented through a system of rotational reservation, which means that the reserved seats for women rotate in each election cycle.
- One-third reservation for women in panchayats aims to address historical gender imbalances in political representation, promoting gender equality.
- This provision has been a key factor in the rise of women in local governance, enabling them to influence policies related to rural development, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
- While the reservation exists at all levels of panchayats, one-third also refers to the minimum number of positions reserved, and states may reserve additional seats depending on local conditions or legal provisions.