Which of the following is/are correct in relation to the Panchayiats ? 1. Only the Parliament may endow Panchayats with powers and authority 2. A state may devolve powers to Panchayats in preparation of plans for economic development and social justice 3. A state may devolve powers to Panchayats in implementation of schemes for economic develop¬ment and social justice Select the correct answer using the code given below:

According to Article 243G of the Constitution of India, the Legislature of a State, not the Parliament, is empowered to endow Panchayats with the necessary powers and authority to function as institutions of self-government [5]. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect as it wrongly attributes this power to the Parliament. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as the Constitution specifically provides that a State Legislature may, by law, provide for the devolution of powers and responsibilities upon Panchayats at the appropriate level [6]. This devolution includes the preparation of plans for economic development and social justice [4], as well as the implementation of schemes for economic development and social justice, including those related to the 29 matters listed in the Eleventh Schedule [6].

Sources

1. [1] Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: LOCAL GOVERNMENTS > Transfer of Subjects > p. 185
2. [3] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1784195
3. [5] https://www.tnrd.tn.gov.in/panchayatraj_inst/devolution_of_powers.html
4. [2] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 39: Panchayati Raj > III I Voluntary Provisions > p. 392
5. [6] https://cag.gov.in/uploads/media/LBAMChapter-3-20200721130808.pdf
6. [4] https://mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/Statistical_year_book_india_chapters/ch42.pdf