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 for these groups under clauses (1) and (2) and the reservation of offices of Chairpersons under clause (4) shall cease to have effect on the expiration of the period specified in article 334. However, Article 243E (6) states that nothing in this Part shall prevent the Legislature of a State from making any provision for reservation of seats or offices of Chairpersons in favor of backward classes of citizens. This indicates that State Legislatures have the power to introduce additional measures and support systems for these groups beyond the minimum requirements laid out by the context provided.