The Constitution (102nd Amendment) Act, 2018 has brought significant changes to Panchayati Raj institutions in India. The following are the key features and implications of the act: 1. The amendment has made it mandatory for states to constitute District Planning Committees to prepare development plans. 2. The act has clarified the distribution of powers between states and local bodies, making it easier for Panchayati Raj institutions to carry out their functions. 3. The amendment has increased the reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions to 50%. 4. It has given constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes, which will now have the power to examine complaints regarding the non-inclusion of persons in the list of backward classes. The significance of the amendment is that it strengthens the Panchayati Raj institutions by ensuring more participation of women and better distribution of powers. It also gives a constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes, which will help address the concerns of the backward classes more effectively.