Panchayati Raj (Art 243) — Set 3
Constitution Special · पंचायती राज (अनु. 243) · Questions 21–30 of 140
Which committee recommended a three-tier Panchayati Raj structure in India?
Correct Answer: B. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957) was the first to recommend a democratic decentralization through a three-tier Panchayati Raj structure: Gram Panchayat (village level), Panchayat Samiti (block level), and Zila Parishad (district level). The report led to the establishment of Panchayati Raj in Rajasthan in 1959, inaugurated by PM Nehru at Nagaur. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.
In which state was the Panchayati Raj first established after independence?
Correct Answer: C. Rajasthan
Rajasthan was the first state to establish Panchayati Raj after independence. The Panchayati Raj system was inaugurated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru at Nagaur in Rajasthan on October 2, 1959. Andhra Pradesh was the second state to adopt it shortly after.
Cultural and Educational Rights under Articles 29-30 protect?
Correct Answer: B. Rights of linguistic and religious minorities
Articles 29-30 protect the cultural and educational rights of minorities. Article 29 gives every section of citizens the right to conserve its distinct language, script, or culture. Article 30 gives religious and linguistic minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. The State shall not discriminate against minority institutions in granting aid. These rights protect the diverse cultural fabric of India.
Abolition of untouchability is provided under which Article?
Correct Answer: C. Article 17
Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. Enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability shall be an offence punishable under law. The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (earlier Untouchability Offences Act 1955) was enacted to give effect to Article 17. Article 17 applies not only against the State but also against private individuals, making it one of the unique Fundamental Rights.
Article 16 provides equality of opportunity in matters of?
Correct Answer: B. Public employment
Article 16 guarantees equality of opportunity to all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State. It prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, or residence. Article 16(3) allows Parliament to make laws prescribing residence requirements for certain state employment. Article 16(4) allows reservation for backward classes inadequately represented in state services.
The Ashok Mehta Committee (1977) recommended which system for Panchayati Raj?
Correct Answer: B. Two-tier system — Mandal Panchayat and Zila Parishad
The Ashok Mehta Committee (1977) recommended a two-tier system: Mandal Panchayat (covering a population of 15,000-20,000) and Zila Parishad at the district level. The committee also recommended that elections be held on a party basis and that there should be a transfer of resources and functions to panchayats. These recommendations were not fully implemented.
Abolition of titles is provided under which Article?
Correct Answer: C. Article 18
Article 18 abolishes titles and provides that no title (except military or academic distinctions) shall be conferred by the State. No citizen shall accept any title from a foreign State without the President's consent. No person holding an office of profit under the State shall accept any present, emolument, or office from any foreign State without the President's consent. This article promotes republicanism and equality by eliminating hereditary distinctions.
Right to Education as a Fundamental Right was added by which Constitutional Amendment?
Correct Answer: A. 86th Amendment 2002
The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 inserted Article 21-A which provides for free and compulsory education to all children between 6 and 14 years as a Fundamental Right. Accordingly, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE Act) was enacted in 2009. The 86th Amendment also amended Article 45 (Directive Principle) and Article 51A (Fundamental Duties) to reflect this change. India became the 135th country to make education a fundamental right.
Which article prohibits courts from interfering in election matters to Panchayats?
Correct Answer: B. Article 243O
Article 243O provides that courts shall not entertain any election petition in respect of elections to Panchayats except on grounds specified in the state election law. It bars interference of courts in electoral matters before elections are completed. This is similar to Article 329, which bars court interference in Parliamentary election matters.
Which Fundamental Right was deleted by the 44th Constitutional Amendment?
Correct Answer: A. Right to Property
The 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978 deleted the Right to Property (Article 31) from the list of Fundamental Rights. Now property rights are only a legal right under Article 300-A which states that no person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law. The 44th Amendment was passed by the Janata government under Prime Minister Morarji Desai. The right to property as a Fundamental Right was always controversial due to land reform legislation.