Panchayati Raj — Set 4
Bihar GK · पंचायती राज · Questions 31–40 of 50
Which Article of the Indian Constitution directs the State to organize Village Panchayats?
Correct Answer: C. Article 40
Article 40 of the Directive Principles of State Policy directs the State to organize Village Panchayats. It was a Gandhian principle included in the Constitution. It laid the foundation for future legislation on local self-government.
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, which gave constitutional status to Panchayats, came into force in which year?
Correct Answer: D. 1993
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act came into force on April 24, 1993. Although passed by Parliament in 1992, it became effective the following year. This date is celebrated as National Panchayati Raj Day.
Who is known as the 'Father of Local Self-Government' in India?
Correct Answer: A. Lord Ripon
Lord Ripon is known as the 'Father of Local Self-Government' in India. His Resolution of 1882 democratized local bodies and gave them financial powers. He believed in political education through local governance.
Which committee recommended the three-tier structure of Panchayati Raj in 1957?
Correct Answer: B. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommended the three-tier structure in 1957. It coined the term 'Democratic Decentralization'. The three tiers suggested were Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad.
How many functional items are listed in the 11th Schedule of the Constitution for Panchayats?
Correct Answer: C. 29
The 11th Schedule lists 29 functional items for Panchayats. These include agriculture, health, education, and rural housing. States are expected to devolve powers related to these subjects to local bodies.
Which Constitutional Amendment gave Panchayati Raj Institutions a constitutional status?
Correct Answer: D. 73rd Amendment
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions. It added Part IX to the Constitution. This ensured regular elections and financial autonomy for rural local bodies.
The Ashok Mehta Committee (1977) recommended which type of Panchayati Raj structure?
Correct Answer: A. Two-tier
The Ashok Mehta Committee recommended a Two-tier structure. The proposed tiers were Zila Parishad (district) and Mandal Panchayat (group of villages). However, these recommendations were not fully implemented at the national level.
Which Article of the Constitution defines the 'Gram Sabha'?
Correct Answer: B. Article 243A
Article 243A defines the powers and functions of the Gram Sabha. It states that the Gram Sabha may exercise such powers as the State Legislature may provide. It is the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system.
Which body is responsible for reviewing the financial position of Panchayats and recommending grant-in-aids?
Correct Answer: C. State Finance Commission
The State Finance Commission reviews the financial position of Panchayats. It is constituted by the Governor every five years under Article 243I. It recommends the sharing of taxes between the state and local bodies.
Under the 73rd Amendment, the election of members to all three tiers of Panchayats is?
Correct Answer: D. Direct
The election of members to all three tiers (Village, Intermediate, District) is Direct. However, the Chairperson at the Intermediate and District levels is elected indirectly. This ensures democratic representation at the grassroots.