Article 243 of Constitution of India – Definitions
Article 243 of Constitution of India deals with Definitions
Original Text of Article 243 of Constitution of India
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.
Questions related to Article 243 of Constitution of India
Article 243 provides definitions for terms used in Part IX of the Constitution, which pertains to Panchayats. It defines ‘district’, ‘Gram Sabha’, ‘intermediate level’, ‘Panchayat’, ‘Panchayat area’, ‘population’, and ‘village’. These definitions are essential for understanding the structure and functioning of Panchayats in rural areas.
Article 243 serves as a foundational element within Part IX of the Indian Constitution, which deals with the Panchayati Raj system. It works in conjunction with other Articles, such as Articles 243B (which establishes Panchayats), 243C (which outlines the composition of Panchayats), and 243D (which addresses the reservation of seats), to create a comprehensive framework for rural self-governance in India.
For a comprehensive understanding of Article 243, including its legislative history and judicial interpretations, you can refer to resources like Indian Kanoon. Additionally, the official website of the Constitution of India provides in-depth information.
Article 243 lays the groundwork for the Panchayati Raj system by providing clear definitions of key terms related to rural governance. This clarity ensures that the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution are implemented effectively, promoting decentralized governance and empowering local communities.
Yes, Article 243M outlines exceptions where the provisions of Part IX do not apply, such as in Scheduled Areas, tribal areas, and specific states like Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. It also excludes certain hill areas and areas with existing local governance structures, ensuring that the Panchayati Raj system is adapted to diverse regional contexts.
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