Correct option is B
The correct answer is (b) Constitutional status and protection.
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), ensuring their formation, structure, and powers are safeguarded under the Constitution.
It introduced Part IX and the Eleventh Schedule in the Constitution and mandated the three-tier system (village, intermediate, and district levels).
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Article 243 to 243-O were added, defining the framework of PRIs.
Eleventh Schedule lists 29 subjects under PRIs' jurisdiction (e.g., agriculture, rural housing, education).
States are required to hold regular elections every 5 years.
It also introduced provisions for reservation of seats for SCs, STs, and women (minimum 33%).
State Finance Commissions were mandated to recommend the distribution of financial resources to PRIs.