Actual Article
Article 243: Definitions
In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires,—
- (a) “district” means a district in a State;
- (b) “Gram Sabha” means a body consisting of persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village comprised within the area of Panchayat at the village level;
- (c) “intermediate level” means a level between the village and district levels specified by the Governor of a State by public notification to be the intermediate level for the purposes of this Part;
- (d) “Panchayat” means an institution (by whatever name called) of self-government constituted under Article 243B, for the rural areas;
- (e) “Panchayat area” means the territorial area of a Panchayat;
- (f) “population” means the population as ascertained at the last preceding census of which the relevant figures have been published;
- (g) “village” means a village specified by the Governor by public notification to be a village for the purposes of this Part and includes a group of villages so specified.
UPSC Notes for Article 243
Explanation:
- Scope and Definitions: Article 243 provides definitions for key terms used in this Part of the Constitution, which deals with Panchayats. These definitions are crucial for understanding the provisions related to the establishment and functioning of Panchayats.
- Key Definitions:
- District: Refers to a district within a State.
- Gram Sabha: A body consisting of all persons registered in the electoral rolls of a village within a Panchayat area.
- Intermediate Level: A level between village and district levels, as specified by the Governor.
- Panchayat: An institution of self-government for rural areas, constituted under Article 243B.
- Panchayat Area: The territorial jurisdiction of a Panchayat.
- Population: Based on the last census data.
- Village: Defined by the Governor and may include a group of villages.
Key Points:
- Foundation for Panchayati Raj: These definitions form the foundation for the Panchayati Raj system, which aims to decentralize governance and promote self-government in rural areas.
- Clarity and Consistency: By clearly defining these terms, the Constitution ensures clarity and consistency in the application and interpretation of the provisions related to Panchayats.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 243
Cases:
- No specific landmark cases interpreting the definitions in Article 243, as this article primarily provides foundational definitions.
Commissions:
- Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957): Recommended the establishment of a three-tier Panchayati Raj system.
- Ashok Mehta Committee (1978): Suggested measures to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions.
Important Reports Related to Article 243:
- National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2000): Reviewed the effectiveness of Panchayati Raj institutions and recommended measures for their improvement.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 243
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) What does the term “Gram Sabha” mean as per Article 243?
- A. A group of elected Panchayat members
- B. A body of persons registered in the electoral rolls of a village
- C. A village headman
- D. A meeting of village elders Correct Answer: B. A body of persons registered in the electoral rolls of a village
- (UPSC Prelims 2018) According to Article 243, who specifies a village for the purposes of this Part?
- A. The President of India
- B. The Governor of the State
- C. The Chief Minister of the State
- D. The Gram Sabha Correct Answer: B. The Governor of the State
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 243
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of the definitions provided in Article 243 for the implementation of the Panchayati Raj system in India.”
- Mains 2019: “Evaluate the role of Article 243 in promoting decentralized governance and self-government in rural areas of India.”
Additional Insights:
- Promoting Grassroots Democracy: Article 243 and its associated provisions aim to promote grassroots democracy by empowering local self-governments.
- Decentralization of Power: These definitions support the broader goal of decentralizing power and bringing governance closer to the people in rural areas.
Understanding Article 243 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it provides the foundational definitions necessary for interpreting the provisions related to Panchayats. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the Panchayati Raj system and its role in promoting decentralized governance.