Which Act provided constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj institutions?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992.

Explanation:

• The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act was passed in 1992 to provide constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj institutions.
• This Act aimed at strengthening the system of local governance in rural areas and ensuring more decentralized administration in India.
• Before this amendment, Panchayati Raj institutions existed, but they did not have a constitutional mandate.
• This act made them a part of the Indian Constitution, thereby empowering local bodies and ensuring their accountability and responsibilities.
  

1.Insertion of Part IX: The Act added Part IX to the Constitution, which deals specifically with the Panchayats.

2.Direct Elections: It mandated the direct election of Panchayat members, ensuring greater public participation in local governance.

3.Three-tier System: The Act established a three-tier system of Panchayats:

• Gram Panchayat (at the village level)
• Panchayat Samiti (at the block level)
• Zila Parishad (at the district level)

4.Reservation: The Act also introduced a provision for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women, ensuring social equity.

5.State Election Commission: Each state was required to have its own State Election Commission to oversee the conduct of Panchayat elections.

6.Devolution of Powers: The Act mandated that states should devolve powers and responsibilities to Panchayats for local development, administration, and the delivery of essential services.