With reference to Panchayats, which of the following statements is/are correct?1.Fifty percent seats shall be reserved for women of SC/ST categories.2.Gram Sabha is a body consisting of all persons living in the village.3.There will be a Panchayat at the intermediate level.Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. A

   1 only

   Statement 1 is false: the Constitution does not reserve fifty percent of all seats for SC/ST women. It provides reservation for SCs/STs in proportion to population and not less than one-third of total seats for women (including women among the reserved categories). ‘1 only’ is therefore wrong.

2. B

   2 and 3

   Statement 2 is false: Gram Sabha is the body of persons registered in the electoral rolls of the village, not every resident. Statement 3 is true, but pairing it with 2 is wrong.

3. C

   Both 1 and 2

   Both 1 and 2 are incorrect, so this code fails.

4. D

   3 only

   Only statement 3 is correct: Article 243B provides a Panchayat at the intermediate level (except that small States may not constitute one). That is why (d) is the official key.

Summary. Official key is (d) 3 only. Intermediate Panchayat is constitutional. 50 percent SC/ST women seats is a misstatement of 243D; Gram Sabha is electoral-roll based, not all inhabitants.