Consider the following statements about local government in India : 1. Article 40 of Indian Constitution provides for the State to organize village panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to make them function as units of self-government 2. The 73rd and 74th Constitution Amendments inserted Part IX and IX A in the Constitution. 3. The provisions in Parts IX and IX A of Indian Constitution are more or less parallel and analogous. 4. The 73rd Constitution Amendment is applicable to all states irrespective of size of population. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct answer is Option 2 (1, 2, and 3 only). Here is the comprehensive explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Article 40, under the Directive Principles of State Policy, mandates the State to organize village panchayats as basic units of self-government.
• Statement 2 is correct: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts (1992) added Part IX (The Panchayats) and Part IX-A (The Municipalities) respectively to provide a constitutional framework for local governance.
• Statement 3 is correct: Both parts are analogous as they share similar provisions regarding three-tier structures, reservation of seats (including for women), a fixed five-year tenure, and the establishment of State Finance Commissions and State Election Commissions.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: The 73rd Amendment allows an exception for states with a population below 20 lakhs, which are not required to constitute the intermediate (Block) level panchayats. Additionally, certain tribal areas under the Fifth Schedule are exempt unless extended via PESA.

Therefore, while statements 1, 2, and 3 are constitutionally accurate, the universal applicability claimed in statement 4 is incorrect due to specific population-based exemptions.