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Which among the following is not a feature of Part IX of the Constitution of India?
Explanation
Part IX of the Constitution of India, introduced by the 73rd Amendment, mandates specific features for Panchayats. Article 243E establishes a five-year tenure for Panchayats [c1][t7]. Article 243D provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their population [c3][t1]. It also mandates that not less than one-third of the total seats must be reserved for women [c4][t2]. Regarding elections, Article 243C(2) specifies that all seats in a Panchayat at the village, intermediate, and district levels shall be filled by persons chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies [t1][t7]. While the Chairperson of intermediate and district levels is elected indirectly, the members themselves are directly elected. Therefore, the statement claiming indirect election for all seats is incorrect and not a feature of Part IX.
Sources
- [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > PANCHAYATS > p. 702
- [2] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 39: Panchayati Raj > Salient Features > p. 389
- [3] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 39: Panchayati Raj > Salient Features > p. 389
- [4] https://www.mea.gov.in/Images/pdf1/Part9.pdf
- [5] https://mahasec.maharashtra.gov.in/Upload/PDF/Constitutional%20Provisions%20IX%20-%20Panchayats%20(Rural).pdf