**Question:** Consider the following statements: (1) Part-IX was inserted in the constitution by 73rd constitutional amendment. (2) Art. 243D provides reservation to women in Gram Panchayats. (3) Panchayats are not dependent on States for their budgets. (4) State legislature can’t make laws for auditing the accounts of Panchayats.
**Options:**
(A) (1) and (2) only
(B) (2) and (3) only
(C) (3) and (4) only
(D) (4) and (2) only
**Correct Answer:** A
**Explanation:** Panchayati Raj provisions: Statement 1 is correct – Part IX was inserted by 73rd amendment. Statement 2 is correct – Article 243D provides reservation for women. Statements 3 and 4 are incorrect.
*Published: September 04, 2025 at 10:19 AM*
*Tags: HPAS 2023, Prelims, General Studies, Himachal Pradesh Administrative Service*