With reference to Panchayati Raj system in India, consider the following statements:1.It was given a constitutional status by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act. 2.It provides for compulsory reservation of seats for SCs, STs and OBCs in the panchayats at all levels. 3.It provides for 21 years to be the minimum age for contesting elections. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[A] 1 only

[B] 1 and 3 only

[C] 2 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2, and 3

Answer: B

Notes:

Statement 1 is correct: It was given a constitutional status by the 73^rdConstitutional Amendment Act. Provisions were made under Part IX-A of the Constitution.
Statement 2 is not correct: It provides for compulsory reservation of seats for SCs and STs in the panchayats at all levels. The provision for reservation of seats for OBCs can be made by the state government but it is not compulsory.
Statement 3 is correct: 21 years to be the minimum age for contesting elections.