Consider the following statements about Panchayats in India:
- 1. States with a population of less than twenty lakh have an option not to constitute Panchayats at the intermediate level.
- 2. Any person who has attained the age of twenty-one years is eligible to be chosen as a member of a Panchayat.
- 3. The provisions regarding Panchayats are not applicable to Union Territories.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- AOnly 1
- B1 and 2
- C2 and 3
- DAll of the above
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (b) 1 and 2
Explanation
Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
- Under Article 243B(2), a state with a population not exceeding 20 lakh need not set up Panchayats at the intermediate (block) level.
- Under Article 243F, a person is not disqualified on the ground of age if he or she has attained 21 years. So anyone of 21 or more, otherwise qualified, can be chosen as a member.
- Part IX does apply to Union Territories: under Article 243L, the President may direct how it applies to a Union Territory. So statement 3 is wrong.