📢 Too many exams? Don’t know which one suits you best? Book Your Free Expert 👉 call Now!


    Question

    Which of the following best describes Article 243U of

    the Constitution about Finance Commissions and Gram Sabhas?
    A Article 243U mandates Gram Sabhas to be given a role in matters pertaining to economic development and social justice relating to community resources, and state laws must empower Gram Sabhas; it strengthens participatory local governance. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B Article 243U abolishes Gram Sabhas. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C Article 243U gives Gram Sabhas power to levy customs duties. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D Article 243U centralizes all Gram Sabha powers in the District Collector. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E Article 243U is about Article 356 only. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    Article 243A empowers the Gram Sabha to exercise such powers and perform such functions as the State Legislature may provide. The Gram Sabha is the foundation of direct democracy in rural India and plays a crucial role in participatory governance. Its importance has been emphasized in laws like the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), which grants Gram Sabhas authority over natural resources and development decisions in tribal areas. Courts have recognized Gram Sabhas as instruments of grassroots empowerment, ensuring that decentralization is not merely administrative but democratic in substance.

    Practice Next

    Relevant for Exams:

    ask-question