Panchayati Raj (Art 243) — Set 13
Constitution Special · पंचायती राज (अनु. 243) · Questions 121–130 of 140
Under Article 243C, which is NOT a mandatory requirement for constitution of Panchayats?
Correct Answer: D. D) Proportional representation
Article 243C mandates that a state shall constitute Panchayats at three levels (village, intermediate, district) for states with population over 20 lakhs. It requires direct elections for all seats. Article 243D mandates reservation for SCs and STs proportionate to population and one-third for women. However, proportional representation is not a mandatory requirement for Panchayati Raj elections; it uses the First Past the Post system.
The 73rd Amendment made Panchayati Raj provisions justiciable in certain matters. Which matter is NOT justiciable?
Correct Answer: C. C) Powers and functions conferred on Panchayats
Article 243G relating to powers and functions of Panchayats is discretionary - it says that the Legislature may endow panchayats with powers, functions, and responsibilities. This is not justiciable as courts cannot force a state to transfer powers to panchayats. However, matters like elections, reservations, tenure, dissolution, and bar on interference by courts in election proceedings are justiciable provisions.
The concept of 'Social Audit' in Panchayati Raj is associated with which scheme?
Correct Answer: B. B) MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme)
Social Audit under MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) is a mandatory provision where Gram Sabhas review the implementation of the scheme. The Social Audit Unit in each state facilitates the audit of MGNREGS works. Social audit is conducted at least twice a year in each Gram Panchayat to ensure transparency and accountability in public expenditure.
Under the Constitution, elections to Panchayats are supervised by which body?
Correct Answer: B. B) State Election Commission
Article 243K provides for a State Election Commission (SEC) for superintendence, direction, and control of preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of elections to Panchayats. The SEC is distinct from the Election Commission of India which handles Parliamentary and State Assembly elections. Each state has its own SEC, and the State Election Commissioner has security of tenure similar to a High Court judge.
Article 243N provides that any law relating to Panchayats in force in a state immediately before the commencement of the 73rd Amendment shall continue to be in force until?
Correct Answer: A. A) 1 year from commencement of Amendment
Article 243N provides that notwithstanding anything in Part IX, any provision of any law relating to Panchayats in force in a state before the 73rd Amendment shall continue to be in force until the expiration of one year from the commencement of the 73rd Amendment (April 24, 1993), i.e., until April 24, 1994. This gave states one year to align their existing Panchayati Raj legislation with the new constitutional requirements.
The Gram Panchayat elections in India are primarily contested on what basis?
Correct Answer: C. C) Non-party or village faction basis in many states
Unlike Lok Sabha or State Assembly elections, Gram Panchayat elections in many Indian states are contested on a non-party basis or on the basis of local factions, caste groups, and personality-based alliances. However, some states like Kerala, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu have party-based Panchayat elections. The Constitution does not mandate party affiliation for Panchayat elections, leaving it to states.
Under the 73rd Amendment, what special provision exists for states with a population not exceeding 20 lakhs?
Correct Answer: B. B) They may not constitute the intermediate tier
Article 243B(2) provides that the Legislature of a State may, by law, not constitute Panchayats at the intermediate level in a State having a population not exceeding twenty lakhs. This exception recognizes that smaller states may not need all three tiers of Panchayati Raj. States like Goa, Sikkim, and some northeastern states have exercised this option to have only two-tier Panchayati Raj.
Who appoints the State Election Commissioner under the Constitution?
Correct Answer: C. C) Governor of the state
Under Article 243K, the Superintendent of elections to Panchayats is vested in the State Election Commission. The State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Governor of the state. Crucially, the State Election Commissioner can be removed only in the same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the High Court, ensuring security of tenure and independence from the state government.
Which article under Part IX of the Constitution deals with audit of accounts of Panchayats?
Correct Answer: B. B) Article 243J
Article 243J provides that the Legislature of a State may, by law, make provisions with respect to the maintenance of accounts by the Panchayats and the auditing of such accounts. The audit of Panchayat accounts ensures financial accountability. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India may also audit accounts of Panchayats that receive substantial grants from the Consolidated Fund.
The first Panchayati Raj was started in India during the time of which Prime Minister?
Correct Answer: B. B) Jawaharlal Nehru
The first Panchayati Raj institution was inaugurated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on October 2, 1959 in Nagaur, Rajasthan. This was done in accordance with the recommendations of the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957). Nehru believed in grassroots democracy and saw Panchayati Raj as a means of involving rural people in governance and development planning.