The correct option is 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Explanation
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts (1992) conferred constitutional status on Panchayati Raj Institutions (rural) and Urban Local Bodies (urban), respectively. To ensure a uniform democratic structure across the country, the 74th Amendment incorporates several core institutional and mandatory provisions that parallel those in the 73rd Amendment.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- 1. Direct Elections: Correct. Both Amendments mandate that all seats in Panchayats (Article 243C) and Municipalities (Article 243R) shall be filled by persons chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies.
- 2. Reservations: Correct. Both Acts provide for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their population, and for women (not less than one-third of the total seats). This is mandated under Article 243D for Panchayats and Article 243T for Municipalities.
- 3. State Election Commission: Correct. The superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections to both Panchayats and Municipalities are vested in the State Election Commission (Article 243K and Article 243ZA).
- 4. State Finance Commission: Correct. The Governor is required to constitute a State Finance Commission every five years to review the financial position of both Panchayats and Municipalities and recommend principles for the distribution of funds (Article 243I and Article 243Y).
Key Takeaway:
The 73rd and 74th Amendments share a common structural framework regarding elections (State Election Commission), finance (State Finance Commission), reservations, and tenure (5 years), differing primarily in their jurisdiction (Rural vs. Urban) and functional domains (Schedule 11 vs. Schedule 12).