Which of the following Schedules of the Indian Constitution specifies the powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats?

The correct answer is Eleventh Schedule.

Key Points

• The Eleventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution was added by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
• It contains a list of 29 subjects related to the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Panchayats.
• The subjects include areas such as agriculture, rural development, health, sanitation, education, and public distribution systems, among others.
• The Eleventh Schedule aims to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system by providing a clear framework for decentralized governance.
• This schedule empowers Panchayats to plan and implement programs for economic development and social justice in rural areas.

Additional Information

• 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992:
  • This amendment introduced Part IX and Article 243 to the Constitution, establishing a formal structure for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India.
  • It mandates the formation of Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zila Parishads at the village, intermediate, and district levels, respectively.
• Twelfth Schedule:
  • The Twelfth Schedule was added by the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
  • It contains 18 functional areas related to urban local bodies, such as urban planning, water supply, sanitation, and public health.
• Ninth Schedule:
  • The Ninth Schedule was added by the First Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951.
  • It protects laws that aim to address land reforms and abolish the zamindari system from judicial review.
• Eighth Schedule:
  • The Eighth Schedule lists the 22 official languages recognized by the Constitution of India.
  • These languages include Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and others.