The constitution, composition, and reservation of seats in Panchayats, including the Gram Sabha, are governed by the provisions outlined in the Indian Constitution, particularly under Part IX (Articles 243 to 243O).
- Constitution: The constitution of Gram Sabha and other Panchayati Raj institutions is provided for under Article 243B of the Indian Constitution.
- Article 243B: It states that there shall be constituted in every state a Panchayat at the village, intermediate, and district levels.
- Composition: The composition of the Gram Sabha is provided for under Article 243A of the Indian Constitution.
- Article 243A: It states that the Gram Sabha shall consist of persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village within the area of the Panchayat at the village level.
- Reservation of Seats: The reservation of seats in Panchayats, including the Gram Panchayats, is provided for under Article 243D of the Indian Constitution.
- Article 243D: It provides for reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women in every Panchayat. The reservation is in proportion to their population.
- Additionally, Article 243T of the Indian Constitution empowers the state legislature to provide for reservations for backward classes in Panchayats.
- The percentage of reservation for SCs, STs, and women varies from state to state, as determined by the respective state legislatures. However, the Constitution mandates that not less than one-third of the total number of seats should be reserved for women in Panchayati Raj institutions, including Gram Panchayats, as per Article 243D(3).
These constitutional provisions aim to establish a framework for decentralized governance and empower local self-government institutions, ensuring inclusive participation and representation of various sections of society in the decision-making process at the grassroots level.
