Can State Legislatures introduce additional measures to support and empower Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women Chairpersons?
Yes, State Legislatures can introduce additional measures to support and empower Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women Chairpersons. According to the context provided in Article 243D (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." This indicates that State Legislatures can make provisions for additional measures in support of these groups. Additionally, Article 243E(6) states, "Nothing in this Part shall prevent the Legislature of a State from making any provision for reservation of seats in any Panchayat or offices of Chairpersons in the Panchayats at any level in favour of backward class of citizens." This also implies that State Legislatures can introduce additional measures to support and empower these groups.