Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Panchayati Raj is the system of local self-government in rural India, established through constitutional amendments to promote decentralization and democratic governance.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each of the given statements:
- Statement (A): The landmark amendment that established Panchayati Raj Institutions was the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, not the 75th.
Thus, Statement (A) is incorrect.
- Statement (B): India has a 3-tier Panchayati Raj system, comprising the Gram Panchayat (village level), Panchayat Samiti (block level), and Zilla Parishad (district level), not a 7-tier system.
Thus, Statement (B) is incorrect.
- Statement (C): The 11th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, added by the 73rd Amendment, outlines 29 functional items over which Panchayats have power and authority, defining the distribution of power between the state legislature and the Panchayats.
Thus, Statement (C) is correct.
- Statement (D): Under Article 243D, seats are reserved for SCs and STs in proportion to their population in the Panchayat area, not a fixed one-third flat rate.
The mandatory one-third reservation is specifically designated for women.
Thus, Statement (D) is incorrect.
Therefore, only statement (C) is correct.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is 3, which includes (C) only.