Which Constitutional Amendment granted constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj system in India?

Correct option is A

Correct Answer: (a) 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992

Explanation:

• The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 granted constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj system in India.
• It inserted Part IX titled “The Panchayats” (Articles 243–243O) into the Constitution.
• It also added the Eleventh Schedule, listing 29 subjects to be handled by Panchayats.

Information Booster:

Key features introduced by the 73rd Amendment:

• Three-tier Panchayati Raj structure:
• Gram Panchayat → Village level
• Panchayat Samiti → Block level
• Zila Parishad → District level
• Reservation for SCs, STs, and at least 1/3rd seats for women.
• Five-year tenure for Panchayats.
• Creation of State Finance Commissions and State Election Commissions.
• Mandatory regular elections.

Additional Knowledge :

• (b) 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011: Related to cooperative societies, not Panchayati Raj.
• (c) 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992: Granted constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies (Municipalities).
• (d) 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976: Known as the “Mini Constitution”; made major changes.