The question asks to identify which aspect of Panchayats is dealt with by Article 243C of the Indian Constitution. To answer this, one needs to recall the specific provisions of Article 243C, which is part of Part IX of the Constitution, dealing with Panchayats.
C) Composition of Panchayats
Article 243C of the Indian Constitution primarily deals with the composition of Panchayats. It specifies that all the seats in a Panchayat shall be filled by persons chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies in the Panchayat area. It also provides for the manner of election of the Chairperson of a Panchayat at the village, intermediate, or district level, and the representation of chairpersons of Panchayats at the village level in Panchayats at the intermediate level, and so on.
The question asks about the election method for members of a Panchayat as per Article 243C of the Indian Constitution. This requires knowledge of the constitutional provisions related to Panchayati Raj institutions.
A) Direct election from territorial constituencies
Article 243C(2) explicitly states that "all the members of a Panchayat shall be elected by direct election from territorial constituencies in the Panchayat area and for this purpose each Panchayat area shall be divided into territorial constituencies in such manner that the ratio between the population of each constituency and the number of seats allotted to it shall, so far as practicable, be the same throughout the Panchayat area." This confirms that direct election from territorial constituencies is the prescribed method.
The question asks about the specific Article in the Indian Constitution that deals with the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Panchayats. This falls under Part IX of the Constitution, which pertains to Panchayats.
B) Article 243D: This Article specifically deals with the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Panchayats, as well as the reservation for women.
The question asks about the minimum proportion of seats reserved for women in Panchayats, as mandated by Article 243D of the Indian Constitution. This requires knowledge of the constitutional provisions related to Panchayati Raj institutions.
Correct Option: C) Not less than one-third
The question asks about the fixed duration of every Panchayat as per Article 243E of the Indian Constitution. This requires knowledge of the constitutional provisions related to Panchayats.
B) Five years from the date of its first meeting. This is directly in line with Article 243E(1) of the Indian Constitution.
This question tests knowledge of the constitutional provisions related to the duration and dissolution of Panchayats in India. Specifically, it asks about the timeframe for holding fresh elections if a Panchayat is dissolved prematurely.
Correct Option: C) Six months from the date of dissolution