Panchayati Raj (Art 243) — Set 11
Constitution Special · पंचायती राज (अनु. 243) · Questions 101–110 of 140
Under Article 243B, the three-tier structure can be reduced to two-tier in states where?
Correct Answer: B. Population is less than 20 lakh
Article 243B(2) provides that a state having a population not exceeding twenty lakhs may not constitute the intermediate level Panchayat, effectively making it a two-tier structure (only village and district level). This exception recognizes that for smaller states, a three-tier structure may be administratively unwieldy. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.
What does Article 243M provide regarding the 73rd Amendment's applicability?
Correct Answer: B. It does not apply to scheduled areas, states of Nagaland/Meghalaya/Mizoram, hill areas of Manipur, and Darjeeling
Article 243M specifies that Part IX (Panchayati Raj) shall not apply to: (a) scheduled areas and tribal areas in Article 244; (b) states of Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram; (c) hill areas of Manipur for which District Councils exist; and (d) Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Parliament can extend provisions to these areas with modifications by law. The power to amend the Constitution is a special power that cannot be used to destroy its basic structure.
The Twelfth Schedule (Urban Local Bodies functions) was added by which amendment?
Correct Answer: B. 74th Amendment
The Twelfth Schedule was added to the Constitution by the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992), which deals with Urban Local Bodies. The Twelfth Schedule lists 18 functions that may be transferred to Municipalities, including urban planning, regulation of land use, construction of buildings, roads and bridges, water supply, public health, sanitation, fire services, and safeguarding the interests of weaker sections. The power to amend the Constitution is a special power that cannot be used to destroy its basic structure.
Which article of the Constitution contains the provision that before a Panchayat is dissolved, it must be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard?
Correct Answer: A. Article 243E(3)
Article 243E(3) provides that before dissolving a Panchayat, the relevant authority must follow the procedure provided by state law. The Supreme Court has interpreted this to include a principle of natural justice — the Panchayat must be given an opportunity to be heard before dissolution. This prevents arbitrary dissolution of Panchayats.
The concept of 'People's participation in planning and development' at the local level is operationalized through?
Correct Answer: B. Gram Sabhas and District Planning Committees (Article 243ZD)
People's participation in local planning is operationalized through: (1) Gram Sabhas (Article 243A) — where all voters in a village directly participate; and (2) District Planning Committees (Article 243ZD) — which consolidate plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities for the district. This represents a bottom-up approach to development planning. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.
Under the 73rd Amendment, reservation of seats for OBCs (Other Backward Classes) in Panchayats is?
Correct Answer: B. Optional — states may provide for it
Article 243D(6) specifically provides that nothing in this article shall prevent the Legislature of a state from making any provision for reservation of seats in any Panchayat or offices of Chairpersons in the Panchayats at any level in favour of backward class of citizens. This means OBC reservation in Panchayats is discretionary — states may provide for it, but it is not constitutionally mandatory. The power to amend the Constitution is a special power that cannot be used to destroy its basic structure.
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992 added which Schedule to the Constitution related to Panchayati Raj institutions?
Correct Answer: B. B) Eleventh Schedule
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992 added the Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution, which contains 29 subjects that can be transferred to Panchayati Raj institutions for implementation. These subjects include agriculture, land improvement, minor irrigation, animal husbandry, fisheries, social forestry, primary and secondary education, and rural electrification, among others. The power to amend the Constitution is a special power that cannot be used to destroy its basic structure.
Under Article 243B, Gram Sabha is constituted at what level?
Correct Answer: C. C) Village level
Under Article 243A, a Gram Sabha consists of persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village within the area of Panchayat at the village level. Article 243B mandates the constitution of Panchayats at three levels: village, intermediate, and district. The Gram Sabha at the village level is the foundational democratic body of Panchayati Raj where all eligible voters of the village are members.
Under the 73rd Amendment, what is the tenure of Panchayat members?
Correct Answer: C. C) 5 years
The correct answer is C) 5 years. Article 243E of the Constitution prescribes a five-year tenure for every Panchayat. If a Panchayat is dissolved before its term, fresh elections must be held within six months from the date of dissolution. The newly elected Panchayat after dissolution will serve only the remainder of the original five-year term, not a fresh five-year term.
Under Article 243D, what is the minimum reservation for Scheduled Castes in Panchayati Raj institutions?
Correct Answer: B. B) Proportionate to their population
Article 243D mandates that seats shall be reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in every Panchayat in proportion to their population. Additionally, not less than one-third of total seats must be reserved for women. States may provide for reservation of offices of Chairpersons in Panchayats for SCs, STs and women. The reservation for SCs and STs is mandatory under the Constitution.