Solution

Explanation: •           The 73rd Amendment 1993 added a new Part IX to the Constitution titled “The Panchayats”. •         It proposed to add a new Part relating to Panchayats in the Constitution to provide Gram Sabha in a village. •         Article 243: - This article defines “Gram Sabha” as a body consisting of persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village within the area of Panchayat at the village level. •         Article 243A: – A Gram Sabha may exercise such powers and perform such functions at the village level as the Legislature of a State may, by law, provide. Functioning of Gram Sabhas (GSs) •         GSs provide citizens a direct say in the decision-making process out of respect for their villages. •         However, functioning of GS is often criticised due to lack of regularity and transparency, low participation, irregular Gram Sabha meetings, absence of a coherent Gram Sabha agenda, etc. •         Also, the vulnerable sections of the village community hesitate to voice opinions due to inhibitions on account of their financial and social standing. •         The elected representatives of the Gram Panchayat, especially the Sarpanch, exercise significant powers and reduces Gram Sabhas to mere symbolic platform.