The questions given above with reference to the Constitution, the 73rd Amendment Act are answered below:
(a) The 73rd Amendment Act has prudently sympathized with the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes by seeking reservation of the seats in all the Panchayati Raj bodies in proportion to their population. l/3rd of the total number of seats have been reserved for women. Offices of the Chairpersons of the Panchayats at all levels shall be reserved for SCs and STs in proportion to their population in the State. l/3rd offices of the Chairpersons shall also be reserved for women.
(b) Specific responsibilities have been entrusted to the Panchayats in respect of matters listed in Schedule XI of the Constitution. The Schedule confers 29 items such as agriculture and allied activities, minor irrigation schemes, land-reforms, small industries, rural housing, drinking- water, rural electrification, primary and secondary education, public distribution system and welfare schemes for weaker sections of society.