The correct option is In both general and reserved categories (SC/ST)..
Explanation
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, incorporated Article 243D into the Constitution of India to ensure the representation of marginalized sections, including women, Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs), in Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Constitutional Provisions regarding Women's Reservation:
- Reservation in Total Seats: Article 243D(3) mandates that not less than one-third of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election in every Panchayat shall be reserved for women. This calculation includes the number of seats reserved for women belonging to SCs and STs.
- Reservation within SC/ST Categories: Article 243D(2) specifically stipulates that not less than one-third of the seats reserved for SCs and STs shall be reserved for women belonging to these respective categories.
- Reservation for Chairpersons: Article 243D(4) extends this principle to the offices of Chairpersons, stating that not less than one-third of the total number of offices of Chairpersons in the Panchayats at each level shall be reserved for women.
Consequently, the reservation for women is not limited to the general category or the SC/ST category alone; it applies horizontally across both. Furthermore, it applies to both the posts of members and chairpersons.
Key Takeaway: Under Article 243D, the mandatory one-third reservation for women applies to the total strength of the Panchayat, within the reserved SC/ST quotas, and to the offices of Chairpersons at all three levels.