Correct Answer: Article 40

Solution : The correct answer is Article 40.

Article 40 of the Indian Constitution addresses the establishment of village panchayats. It empowers these Gram Panchayats to function as self-governing bodies, ensuring they have the necessary authority and autonomy. In line with Article 40, a third tier of local government known as Panchayati Raj was established to facilitate this decentralization of power and governance in rural areas.