What are the provisions for the reservations for the socially disadvantaged groups as per the 73rd amendment? Explain how these provisions have changed the profile of the leadership at the village level.

After a lengthy discussion and consideration, the Parliament passed two Constitutional Amendment Acts (73rd and 74th) in 1993. After passing of these Acts the rural and urban institutions of local self-government have received much needed constitutional recognition like the State, Legislatures and the Union Parliament. In fact, it is a constitutional recognition of grass-root level democratic set up. The provisions of 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1993, related to Panchayati Raj bodies in rural areas. It makes provisions for the reservations of seats at all three levels in favour of women, the scheduled castes, the scheduled tribes and the other backward classes. The Panchayats have been given the power and responsibility of local planning and mobilisation of their own resources. The provision for reservation for women at the Panchayats has ensured the presence of a significant number of women in local bodies. As this reservation is also applicable for the position of Sarpanch and Adhyaksha, a large number of women elected representatives have come to occupy these positions. There are more than 80,000 women Sarpanchas in Gram Panchayats.