How are the seats in Panchayats and the offices of Chairpersons distributed among different groups within society?
The seats in Panchayats and the offices of Chairpersons are distributed among different groups within society based on the proportion of their population to the total population of the state. Specifically, a certain percentage of these positions are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Additionally, not less than one-third of the total number of offices of Chairpersons in the Panchayats at each level must be reserved for women. The reservations for SCs, STs, and women are allotted by rotation to different Panchayats at each level. These reservations cease to have effect on the expiration of the period specified in Article 334. Furthermore, the Legislature of a State can make provisions for additional reservation of seats or offices of Chairpersons in favor of backward class of citizens. The duration of Panchayats is five years, with elections held before the expiry of this term.