Which Article of the Indian Constitution directs the State to take steps to organize Village Panchayats?
- A.Article 50
- B.Article 60
- C.Article 30
- D.Article 40
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Article 40
Explanation
The correct answer is D, Article 40. Article 40 directs the State to organise village panchayats and give them the powers they need to work as units of self-government. It is a Directive Principle of State Policy in Part IV, based on Gandhiji's idea of gram swaraj, so it guides the government but cannot be enforced in a court. The 73rd Amendment Act of 1992 gave panchayats constitutional status by adding Part IX and the Eleventh Schedule; it came into force on 24 April 1993, now observed as National Panchayati Raj Day. Jawaharlal Nehru started the first Panchayati Raj at Nagaur, Rajasthan, on 2 October 1959. A is wrong because Article 50 asks the State to separate the judiciary from the executive. B is wrong because Article 60 contains the oath of the President. C is wrong because Article 30 gives minorities the right to set up and run educational institutions. Exam tip: Gandhian Directive Principles: Art 40 (village panchayats), Art 43 (cottage industries), Art 46 (weaker sections), Art 47 (prohibition of intoxicants), Art 48 (cow protection).