Assertion (A): Part IX does not apply to Meghalaya. Reason (R): It has Sixth-Schedule autonomous district councils and customary institutions. Choose correctly.

Panchayati Raj is a rural local self-government system that enables democratic decentralization and local administration at village, block, and district levels.

The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommended the Panchayati Raj System in 1957.

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 gave constitutional status to Panchayats.

The three levels are: Gram Panchayat (Village Level) Panchayat Samiti (Block Level) Zila Parishad (District Level)

Gram Sabha is the basic unit of Panchayati Raj where village voters participate in local governance, planning, and decision-making.