The correct option is Intermediary level.
Explanation
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, institutionalized the Panchayati Raj System in India. Article 243B of the Constitution mandates a uniform three-tier structure of local self-government in rural areas to ensure democratic decentralization.
Tiers of the Panchayati Raj System:
- Base Level (Village Level): The Gram Panchayat functions at the village level and serves as the primary unit of local governance.
- Intermediary Level (Block Level): The Panchayat Samiti, also referred to as the Mandal Panchayat, Taluka Panchayat, or Block Panchayat, operates at the intermediate level. It acts as a link between the village and district levels. The Constitution stipulates that states with a population of less than 20 lakhs are not required to constitute this intermediate tier.
- Apex Level (District Level): The Zila Parishad functions at the district level and coordinates the activities of the lower tiers.
Key Takeaway:
Mandal or Taluka Panchayats represent the intermediary tier (Block level) in the three-tier Panchayati Raj structure, positioned between the Gram Panchayat (Village level) and the Zila Parishad (District level).