Which part of the Indian Constitution deals with the Panchayats?

The Indian Constitution is organized into Parts, each grouping the provisions dealing with a particular institution or subject area. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 inserted a new Part to give constitutional status to rural local self-government bodies, along with a new set of Articles and a new Schedule listing subjects for devolution to them.

That newly inserted Part is Part IX, titled "The Panchayats." It contains Articles 243 to 243-O and came into force on 24 April 1993, covering the composition, powers, elections, and finances of Panchayats at the village, intermediate, and district levels.

The other Parts offered cover unrelated subjects, which confirms Part IX as the answer:

• Part X (Articles 244, 244A) deals with the administration of Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas.

• Part XI (Articles 245-263) deals with relations between the Union and the States.

• Part XII (Articles 264-300A) deals with Finance, Property, Contracts, and Suits.