Panchayati Raj (Art 243) — Set 10
Constitution Special · पंचायती राज (अनु. 243) · Questions 91–100 of 140
The constitutional provision for holding elections to Panchayats before expiry of their term is in?
Correct Answer: A. Article 243E
Article 243E provides that elections to constitute a Panchayat shall be completed before the expiration of its duration of five years. If a Panchayat is dissolved before the expiry of its term, elections must be held within six months of the date of dissolution, and the newly constituted Panchayat shall hold office only for the remainder of the period for which the dissolved Panchayat would have continued. The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering elections.
The 73rd Amendment empowers state legislatures but also sets some minimum standards. The minimum standard for reservation for women is?
Correct Answer: C. 33% (one-third)
The 73rd Amendment under Article 243D mandates that not less than one-third of seats in Panchayats (and chairperson positions) shall be reserved for women. This is a minimum constitutional standard. States can enhance this (several states have 50% reservation), but cannot reduce it below one-third. This has significantly empowered women's participation in rural governance.
Article 243(d) defines 'intermediate level' as?
Correct Answer: B. A level between the village and district levels in Panchayati Raj
Article 243(d) defines 'intermediate level' as 'such level between the village and district levels as the Governor may, by public notification, specify'. In practice, this is the block or taluka level — the Panchayat Samiti in many states. The 73rd Amendment provides for three tiers but allows states to determine what the 'intermediate level' constitutes.
The Panchayat elections in India use which electoral system?
Correct Answer: B. Direct election from territorial constituencies by adult franchise
Article 243C(2) provides that all seats in a Panchayat shall be filled by persons chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies. Voters directly elect their Panchayat representatives. The election is by secret ballot and adult franchise (18 years and above). Unlike Parliament, Panchayat elections are not conducted on proportional representation basis.
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) was renamed as?
Correct Answer: B. Mahatma Gandhi NREGA (MGNREGA) in 2009
The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), enacted in 2005, was renamed as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in 2009, adding the prefix 'Mahatma Gandhi' to honor the father of the nation. The Act guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.
What was the outcome of the first Panchayati Raj elections held after the 73rd Amendment?
Correct Answer: B. Women constituted approximately one-third of elected representatives nationally
After the 73rd Amendment (1992) and the passage of state legislation, Panchayati Raj elections were held across India in the mid-1990s. With the mandatory one-third reservation for women, approximately one-third of all elected representatives were women — a historic achievement. In states like Rajasthan, women's participation was particularly significant.
Which Panchayati Raj committee recommended party-based elections?
Correct Answer: B. Ashok Mehta Committee (1977)
The Ashok Mehta Committee (1977) recommended that elections to Panchayati Raj bodies should be conducted on a party basis (as opposed to non-party basis). This recommendation was controversial as some believed party politics would divide villages along party lines. The committee also recommended that the Nyaya Panchayat be separated from the development Panchayat.
How does Article 243J secure the financial accountability of Panchayats?
Correct Answer: B. By requiring the Legislature to make provision for maintenance of accounts and audit
Article 243J requires the Legislature of a state to make provisions by law for maintenance of accounts by the Panchayats and the auditing of such accounts. This ensures financial accountability of Panchayati Raj Institutions. The CAG can audit panchayat accounts if directed by state law.
What is the minimum age to be elected as a member of a Panchayat under Article 243F?
Correct Answer: B. 21 years
Article 243F provides that a person shall not be eligible to be chosen to fill a seat in a Panchayat unless he is qualified to be chosen to fill a seat in the Legislature of the State. The state law determines the minimum age which is usually 21 years (same as for state legislative assembly). Some states require different minimum ages.
The concept of 'Gram Swaraj' that inspired the Panchayati Raj system was articulated by?
Correct Answer: C. Mahatma Gandhi
The concept of 'Gram Swaraj' (village self-rule) was articulated by Mahatma Gandhi, who envisioned a India where each village would be self-governing and self-sufficient. Gandhi believed that true democracy in India must begin at the village level. His vision of Gram Swaraj directly inspired the 73rd Amendment and the constitutionalization of Panchayati Raj.