Which of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution mentions about the organisation of ‘Village Panchayats’?

Correct option is D

Correct Answer: (d) Article 40
Article 40 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in the Indian Constitution directs the state to organize Village Panchayats and endow them with powers to function as self-governing units. This provision aims to promote decentralized governance and rural self-sufficiency.
Key Aspects of Article 40:
It mandates that states must take steps to establish Panchayati Raj institutions.
Forms the basis for the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which made Panchayati Raj a constitutional body.
Information Booster: 
1. 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992
● Gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
● Added Part IX and Schedule 11, listing 29 subjects under Panchayati Raj.
● Established a three-tier system – Gram Panchayat (Village Level), Panchayat Samiti (Block Level), and Zila Parishad (District Level).
2. Key Articles Related to Panchayati Raj
● Article 40 – Directs the state to organize Village Panchayats.
● Article 243A-243O – Provides details about structure, composition, and powers of Panchayati Raj.
● Article 243B – Defines three-tier governance system for Panchayats.
● Article 243D – Reservation of seats for SCs, STs, and women in Panchayati Raj institutions.
3. Importance of Panchayati Raj System
● Empowers local governance by involving people in decision-making.
● Promotes rural development and self-reliance.
● Strengthens participatory democracy in India.
Article 31: Deals with the Right to Property (abolished as a fundamental right by the 44th Amendment in 1978).
Article 38: Promotes welfare of the people and social justice under Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
Article 36: Defines Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) but does not mention Panchayats.