Article 243G of the Constitution, inserted by the 73rd Amendment, empowers State Legislatures to endow Panchayats with powers and authority to function as institutions of self-government for preparing plans and implementing schemes for economic development and ______ justice.

Answer: social

Article 243G Panchayat powers: (a) 73rd Amendment (1992): Article 243G empowers State Legislatures to endow Panchayats with powers/authority to function as institutions of self-government, (b) Functional domains: (i) Prepare plans for economic development, (ii) Implement schemes for social justice (welfare of marginalized groups, affirmative action implementation), (iii) 29 subjects in 11th Schedule: Agriculture, land improvement, minor irrigation, rural housing, drinking water, roads, rural electrification, poverty alleviation, education, health, women/child development, social welfare, etc., (c) Applications: (i) MGNREGA: Panchayats play key role in planning, implementation, social audit of rural employment scheme, (ii) Local development: Panchayats prepare village plans, prioritize infrastructure, welfare schemes based on local needs, (iii) Social justice: Implement reservation benefits, welfare schemes for SC/ST, women, disabled at grassroots, (d) Challenges: (i) Incomplete devolution: Many States have not fully devolved functions, funds, functionaries to Panchayats, (ii) Capacity gaps: Panchayat members need training on planning, financial management, governance, (iii) Political interference: State governments may undermine Panchayat autonomy through administrative control, (e) Illustrates grassroots federalism: Article 243G provides constitutional framework for local self-governance; effective devolution requires political will, capacity building, financial resources.