Correct Option
The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, institutionalized the Panchayati Raj System in India. It mandates a uniform three-tier structure of Panchayats in every state, ensuring democratic decentralization at the village, intermediate, and district levels.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Gram Panchayat functions at the village level. Under the Act, a "village" is defined by the Governor by public notification and may consist of a single village or a group of villages depending on the population and area.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: While the Act generally mandates a three-tier structure (Village, Intermediate, and District), Article 243B provides an exemption. States having a population not exceeding 20 lakhs may not constitute Panchayats at the intermediate level. Therefore, it is not mandatory for all states regardless of size.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The Zilla Panchayat (District Panchayat) constitutes the apex of the three-tier structure. It has jurisdiction over the entire rural area of the district. Urban areas within the district fall under the jurisdiction of Municipalities (governed by the 74th Amendment Act).
Key Takeaway
Key Takeaway: The three-tier system of Panchayati Raj is mandatory for states, with a specific constitutional exemption for the intermediate level in states with a population of less than 20 lakhs.