Part IX & IXA - Panchayats & Municipalities • Article

Article 243T Simplified: Reservation of seats

Article 243T mandates the reservation of seats in every Municipality for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their population, as well as a mandatory reservation of at least one-third of the total seats for women (including SC/ST women), rotated across wards. State legislatures may also reserve seats or chairperson offices for Backward Classes (OBCs).

Official Text

(1) Seats shall be reserved for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in every Municipality and the number of seats so reserved shall bear, as nearly as may be, the same proportion to the total number of seats to be filled by direct election in that Municipality as the population of the Scheduled Castes in the Municipal area or of the Scheduled Tribes in the Municipal area bears to the total population of that area and such seats may be allotted by rotation to different constituencies in a Municipality. (2) Not less than one-third of the total number of seats reserved under clause (1) shall be reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes or, as the case may be, the Scheduled Tribes. (Part IXA.—The Municipalities) (3) Not less than one-third (including the number of seats reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes) of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election in every Municipality shall be reserved for women and such seats may be allotted by rotation to different constituencies in a Municipality. (4) The offices of Chairpersons in the Municipalities shall be reserved for the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and women in such manner as the Legislature of a State may, by law, provide. (5) The reservation of seats under clauses (1) and (2) and the reservation of offices of Chairpersons (other than the reservation for women) under clause (4) shall cease to have effect on the expiration of the period specified in article 334. (6) Nothing in this Part shall prevent the Legislature of a State from making any provision for reservation of seats in any Municipality or offices of Chairpersons in the Municipalities in favour of backward class of citizens.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

To make sure everyone has a voice, seats in city councils are set aside for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes based on their population. Also, at least one-third of all seats must be reserved for women.

Student Mode

Article 243T outlines mandatory reservations in Municipalities: (1) SC and ST seats in proportion to their population in the municipal area, (2) not less than one-third of SC/ST reserved seats for SC/ST women, (3) not less than one-third of total seats (including SC/ST ones) for women, and (4) reservation of Chairperson offices. The SC/ST reservations are linked to Article 334 timelines, and state legislatures are allowed to provide reservations for Backward Classes.

Example

In a municipal council election, certain ward seats are reserved exclusively for women, SC, or ST candidates, and the office of the Mayor/President of the municipality is also reserved for a woman candidate under the rotation rules established by the state.

Key Takeaway

Article 243T ensures social inclusivity and gender empowerment in urban local governance through mandatory reservations for SCs, STs, and women.

FAQs

Is reservation of seats for women in Municipalities mandatory under the Constitution?

Yes, Article 243T(3) mandates that not less than one-third of the total number of seats filled by direct election in every Municipality must be reserved for women, and these seats may be allotted by rotation.

Can state legislatures reserve seats for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Municipalities?

Yes, Article 243T(6) permits state legislatures to make any provision for reservation of seats or chairperson offices in favor of backward class citizens.

Quiz

What is the minimum percentage of seats reserved for women in Municipalities under Article 243T?

Answer: 33% (One-third)

Which article's expiration timeline is linked to the SC/ST seat reservations in municipalities?

Answer: Article 334