The correct answer is option 4. Explanation & Key Takeaways: Directly elected Sarpanch in Maharashtra - • The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government amended the Maharashtra Grampanchayat Act 1958, to pave the way for direct elections of sarpanch to the gram sabha. • The elected members vote through a secret ballot to choose a sarpanch. • The amendment will also provide constitutional protection to the sarpanch from being impeached. • A no-confidence motion can now only be moved against the sarpanch with approval of two-thirds of members and passed with a three-fourth majority. Hence statement 1 and 2 is correct. • A motion earlier could be moved with just a one-third majority. • The motion would need, once passed, final ratification from the gram sabha and if rejected, they cannot be tabled for another two years. Hence statement 3 is correct. • The deputy sarpanch will continue to be elected by the members of the panchayat, as per the new rules. • “No motion can now be moved in the first two years and the last six months of his (sarpanch) tenure,” said an official of the Maharashtra Rural Development Department (RDD). Hence statement 4 is incorrect. • The proposal of the RDD was moved under the ambit of the 73rd amendment to the Constitution made in the 1990s. • The 11th schedule of the amendment had then empowered the State governments to enact laws to endow powers. • Authority to the panchayats to ‘enable them all the functions of a local government’.