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. The context provided in Article 243D states that the reservation of seats for these groups will cease to have effect on the expiration of the period specified in article 334 (5). However, it also mentions that "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 favor of backward class of citizens" (Article 243D, clause 6). This implies that State Legislatures can introduce additional measures to support and empower Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women Chairpersons by passing legislation.