The correct answer is (a) Article 243A.
Article 243A of the Constitution of India provides for the establishment of Panchayats at the village, intermediate and district levels in every State. It also provides for reservation of seats for women in Panchayats.
The article states that one-third of the total number of seats reserved for each Panchayat shall be reserved for women. This reservation is to be made in such a manner that not less than one-third of the total number of seats reserved for each Panchayat shall be reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
The article also states that the reservation of seats for women shall not affect the number of seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
The article was inserted by the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution of India, which was passed in 1992. The amendment was aimed at decentralization of power and empowerment of the people at the grassroots level.
The reservation of seats for women in Panchayats has been a major step towards ensuring women’s participation in decision-making at the local level. It has also helped to improve the status of women in rural areas.
The following are the other options in the question:
(b) Article 243B: This article provides for the establishment of municipalities in every State. It does not provide for reservation of seats for women.
(c) Article 243C: This article provides for the establishment of Nagar Panchayats in every State. It does not provide for reservation of seats for women.
(d) Article 243D: This article provides for the establishment of Metropolitan Councils in certain States. It does not provide for reservation of seats for women.