Constitution of India · Section Article 243
Definitions
Article 243 — Definitions
- (a) “district” means a district in a State;
- (b) “Gram Sabha” means a body consisting of persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village comprised within the area of Panchayat at the village level;
- (c) “intermediate level” means a level between the village and district levels specified by the Governor of a State by public notification to be the intermediate level for the purposes of this Part;
- (d) “Panchayat” means an institution (by whatever name called) of self-government constituted under article 243B, for the rural areas;
- (e) “Panchayat area” means the territorial area of a Panchayat;
- (f) “Population” means the population as ascertained at the last preceding census of which the relevant figures have been published;
- (g) “village” means a village specified by the Governor by public notification to be a village for the purposes of this Part and includes a group of villages so specified.
Plain English Summary
This article defines key terms used when talking about local self-governance in rural India, such as what a district, a village, and a Panchayat are. It sets the framework for how local government structures are understood under the Constitution.
Key Points
- District: A specific administrative division within a State.
- Gram Sabha: The body of registered voters in a village area managed by the Panchayat at the village level.
- Panchayat: An institution set up for self-government in rural areas under Article 243B.
- Village and Panchayat Area: These terms are specifically defined by the Governor through public notification.
Why It Matters
This article is crucial because it establishes the legal definitions necessary to understand and implement the system of rural local self-governance across India.
Landmark Judgements
No major landmark judgements.