Panchayat Raj and decentralised governance structures. - One Line Questions
1.
The 73rd Amendment Act also provides for the reservation of seats for women in Panchayats. What is the minimum percentage of reservation for women? —
33.33% (one-third)
2.
The 73rd Amendment Act added a new Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution, which contains a list of subjects that Panchayats can deal with. How many such subjects are listed? —
29
3.
If a Panchayat is dissolved prematurely, elections must be held within what period? —
6 months
4.
What is the term of office for a Panchayat, as stipulated by the 73rd Amendment Act? —
5 years
5.
Which constitutional amendment act is primarily associated with the strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions in India? —
73rd Amendment Act, 1992
6.
What is the minimum number of members required for a Gram Panchayat to be functional, as per the 73rd Amendment Act? —
There is no specific minimum number prescribed by the Act.
7.
The term 'Nyaya Panchayat' refers to: —
A body for settling minor civil and criminal disputes at the village level
8.
The G.V.K. Rao Committee (1985) emphasized the role of Panchayati Raj institutions in rural development and recommended that they should be associated with the planning process. What did it suggest regarding their structure? —
Strengthening of Zila Parishad as the main executive body
9.
The L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986) recommended constitutional status for Panchayati Raj institutions. What else did it suggest? —
Inclusion of 'Nyaya Panchayats'
10.
The 73rd Amendment Act applies to which of the following? —
All states except those specifically exempted by Parliament
11.
Which article mandates the establishment of a State Election Commission to conduct elections to Panchayats and Municipalities? —
Article 243K
12.
Which article of the Constitution mandates the State to organize village Panchayats and endow them with powers and authority to function as units of self-government? —
Article 40
13.
Which committee is often called the 'father of the Panchayati Raj' in India for its recommendations on decentralization? —
Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
14.
What is the main objective of the Panchayati Raj system? —
Decentralization of power and local self-governance
15.
The 'Gram Swaraj' concept, popularized by Mahatma Gandhi, is closely related to the philosophy of: —
Panchayati Raj and village self-sufficiency
16.
Which of the following is a key principle of decentralised governance? —
Participation of local communities in decision-making
17.
The PESA Act, 1996, empowers Gram Sabhas to: —
Regulate the sale and consumption of liquor, manage village markets, and exercise control over minor forest produce
18.
How are the members of the Panchayats at the village level elected, according to the 73rd Amendment Act? —
Direct election by the people of the village
19.
The State Finance Commission is constituted to review the financial position of Panchayats and Municipalities and recommend measures for improving it. What is its recommended frequency of constitution? —
Every five years
20.
The 73rd Amendment Act ensures that Panchayats have the necessary powers and authority to function as institutions of self-government. This is an example of: —
All of the above
21.
The funds for Panchayats are primarily derived from: —
Grants from the Central and State Governments and local taxes
22.
Which of the following is NOT a tier in the three-tier Panchayati Raj system? —
Nagar Panchayat
23.
Which institution is responsible for the overall supervision and guidance of Panchayati Raj Institutions at the district level? —
Zila Parishad
24.
The Ashok Mehta Committee (1977) recommended a two-tier system of Panchayati Raj. What were the recommended tiers? —
Mandal Panchayat and Zila Parishad
25.
What is the primary source of funds for the development activities undertaken by Panchayats, besides government grants? —
Local taxation and user charges
26.
What is the significance of the PESA Act (Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996)? —
It extends the provisions of the 73rd Amendment to Scheduled Areas.
27.
Which of the following is a key feature of the 'Gram Sabha' as defined by the 73rd Amendment? —
It is a general body comprising all adult members registered as voters in the village.
28.
Part IX of the Indian Constitution, added by the 73rd Amendment Act, deals with which subject? —
The Panchayats
29.
The concept of decentralised governance is crucial for effective: —
Rural development and poverty alleviation
30.
The State Election Commission is responsible for conducting elections to which level of Panchayati Raj Institutions? —
All levels of Panchayati Raj Institutions
31.
Which of the following is a challenge faced by Panchayati Raj Institutions in India? —
Lack of funds and functionaries
32.
The Sarpanch is the head of which tier of the Panchayati Raj system? —
Gram Panchayat
33.
Reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Panchayats is mandated by which part of the Constitution? —
Part IX (The Panchayats)
34.
Decentralised governance aims to bring administration closer to the: —
People
35.
The 73rd Amendment Act aims to ensure democratic decentralization by: —
Empowering elected local bodies with powers and responsibilities
36.
Which of the following is a function of the Gram Panchayat? —
Providing primary education and healthcare facilities
37.
The 'intermediate' level of Panchayati Raj is known by different names in different states. Which of the following is a common name for this tier? —
All of the above
38.
Which body is responsible for preparing the draft of the annual budget of a Gram Panchayat? —
The Gram Panchayat
39.
Who presides over the Gram Sabha meetings? —
The Sarpanch
40.
Who is responsible for auditing the accounts of Panchayats? —
The State Government's Directorate of Local Fund Audit
41.
Under the PESA Act, 1996, which body has the authority to manage minor forest produce? —
The Gram Sabha
42.
What is the role of the Gram Sabha? —
To approve the budget and annual accounts of the Gram Panchayat
43.
What is the ultimate goal of strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions and decentralised governance structures? —
To achieve grass-roots democracy and inclusive development
44.
What is the primary function of the 'Panchayat Samiti' (intermediate level)? —
To act as a link between Gram Panchayats and Zila Parishad, and to oversee development activities
45.
What is the role of the District Planning Committee (DPC) as envisaged by the 74th Amendment Act (though related to urban governance, it has implications for rural-urban linkages)? —
To prepare development plans for the district
46.
What is the role of the 'Gram Sevak' or 'Panchayat Secretary' in a Gram Panchayat? —
To be the chief executive officer and record keeper
47.
The concept of 'devolution of powers' in Panchayati Raj refers to: —
Transfer of powers from the state to the local bodies
48.
The Panchayati Raj system in India is an embodiment of which constitutional principle? —
Directive Principles of State Policy (specifically Article 40)
49.
The 73rd Amendment Act provides for the creation of Panchayats at which level(s)? —
Village, intermediate, and district levels