Panchayati Raj (Art 243) — Set 1

Correct Answer: A. Part IX, Articles 243-243O

Part IX of the Constitution (Articles 243 to 243O), added by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992, contains provisions for Panchayati Raj Institutions. The 73rd Amendment also added the Eleventh Schedule with 29 functions that may be transferred to Panchayats. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.

Correct Answer: B. Panchayati Raj Institutions — Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992), which added Part IX and the Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution, gave constitutional status and recognition to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). It established a three-tier structure: Gram Panchayat (village level), Panchayat Samiti (intermediate level), and Zila Parishad (district level). The power to amend the Constitution is a special power that cannot be used to destroy its basic structure.

Correct Answer: C. Three levels — village, intermediate, and district (in states with population above 20 lakh)

Article 243B provides that there shall be constituted in every State, Panchayats at the village, intermediate, and district levels. However, the Governor may by order specify that the intermediate level Panchayat shall not be constituted in a state having a population not exceeding twenty lakhs. So for smaller states, it can be two-tier.

Correct Answer: B. SCs and STs proportionately, and not less than one-third of total seats for women

Article 243D mandates: (1) Seats shall be reserved for SC/ST members in proportion to their population; (2) Not less than one-third of total seats shall be reserved for women; (3) Offices of chairpersons at each level shall also be reserved. States can provide for reservation of seats for OBCs under Article 243D(6). Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.

Correct Answer: C. 5 years

Article 243E provides that every Panchayat shall continue for five years from the date appointed for its first meeting. Elections must be held before the expiry of the five-year term. If a Panchayat is dissolved before the completion of its term, elections must be held within 6 months, and the newly constituted Panchayat shall hold office only for the remainder of the term.

Correct Answer: A. Article 243, all voters registered in a panchayat area

Article 243A defines the Gram Sabha as a body consisting of persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village comprised within the area of Panchayat at the village level. It is the fundamental democratic institution at the grassroots level, comprising all voters in a panchayat area. The Gram Sabha meets periodically to discuss village affairs.

Correct Answer: B. Fundamental Rights enforcement

Article 12 defines 'State' to determine against whom Fundamental Rights can be enforced. It includes the Government of India, Parliament, state governments, local bodies, and other authorities. The broad definition ensures Fundamental Rights can be enforced against all government entities. This is the gateway article for Part III of the Constitution.

Correct Answer: C. 29 subjects

The Eleventh Schedule, added by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992), contains 29 subjects that may be transferred to Panchayati Raj Institutions. These include agriculture, land improvement, minor irrigation, animal husbandry, fisheries, social forestry, minor forest produce, rural roads, poverty alleviation programmes, primary and secondary education, and rural electrification. The power to amend the Constitution is a special power that cannot be used to destroy its basic structure.

Correct Answer: C. Article 32

Article 32 guarantees the Right to Constitutional Remedies, which allows citizens to directly approach the Supreme Court for enforcement of Fundamental Rights. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called it the 'heart and soul of the Constitution.' The Supreme Court can issue writs like habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, and quo warranto. This right itself is a Fundamental Right and cannot be suspended except during National Emergency.

Correct Answer: A. Reasonable classification

Article 14 guarantees equality before law (negative concept from English law) and equal protection of laws (positive concept from US Constitution). The Supreme Court has held that Article 14 permits reasonable classification but prohibits arbitrary classification. The doctrine of reasonable classification allows different treatment for persons who are not similarly situated. The twin tests are: intelligible differentia and rational nexus with the object.