Part IX: The Panchayats

Article 243D: Reservation of Seats

Original Article:

(1) Seats shall be reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in every Panchayat, proportional to their population in the Panchayat area...

(2) Not less than one-third of these reserved seats shall be allocated for women from SCs and STs...

(3) At least one-third of the total seats in every Panchayat shall be reserved for women, rotating between constituencies...

Amendments:

• Introduced through the Constitution (Seventy-third Amendment) Act, 1992, effective from 24th April 1993.

Amendment Explanation:

This amendment ensures representation of marginalized communities in Panchayats by reserving seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women at all levels of Panchayati Raj institutions.

Explanations:

Article 243D strengthens inclusivity in local governance by providing mandatory representation for marginalized groups in Panchayats.

Historical Significance:

This provision institutionalized affirmative action in local governance, promoting equality and ensuring diverse representation at the grassroots level.

Debates and Deliberations:

• Shri R. Venkataraman: Advocated for SC/ST reservations to address historical exclusion from governance.
• Shri Rajiv Gandhi: Highlighted the importance of women’s representation for equitable development.

Real-Life Examples:

• Rajasthan: The reservation policy enabled SC/ST women to lead several Panchayats, promoting inclusive governance.
• Kerala: Women leaders, elected under this reservation, have transformed rural development through targeted welfare schemes.

References:

• The Constitution (Seventy-third Amendment) Act, 1992.
• State Panchayati Raj Acts.