Panchayati Raj (Art 243) — Set 7

Correct Answer: B. State Election Commission

Elections to Panchayats are conducted by the State Election Commission (established under Article 243K), not by the Election Commission of India. Each state has its own State Election Commission headed by the State Election Commissioner, who is appointed by the Governor. The Election Commission of India conducts elections only to Parliament, State Legislatures, and offices of President and Vice-President.

Correct Answer: B. Members of Armed Forces and Police

Article 33 empowers Parliament to restrict or abrogate the Fundamental Rights of members of the Armed Forces, the Forces charged with the maintenance of public order (like police), persons employed in any bureau or organization established by the State for purposes of intelligence or counter-intelligence, and persons employed by the State in establishments for communications. Parliament can make special laws for these categories in the interest of discipline and proper functioning. Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India, consisting of the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha.

Correct Answer: C. Article 20(3)

Article 20(3) provides protection against self-incrimination by stating that no person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself. This right applies from the moment of accusation, not just during trial. The Supreme Court has held that this right covers not just oral testimony but also documentary evidence. However, this protection does not extend to real or physical evidence like fingerprints, blood samples, or DNA tests.

Correct Answer: B. The Legislature of a State shall by law make provisions with respect to the composition of Panchayats

Article 243C(1) states that subject to the provisions of this Part, the Legislature of a state shall, by law, make provisions with respect to the composition of Panchayats. Article 243C(2) requires that all seats in a Panchayat shall be filled by persons chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.

Correct Answer: C. Article 19 - Six Freedoms

Article 19 with its six fundamental freedoms (freedom of speech, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession) is available only to citizens of India, not to foreign nationals. In contrast, Articles 14, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28 are available to all persons (citizens and non-citizens alike). This distinction is important as it limits certain freedoms to those with a special bond with the Indian state.

Correct Answer: A. Article 243E

Article 243E(3) provides that before the expiration of its duration, a Panchayat may be dissolved or superseded in accordance with such procedure as may be provided by or under any law made by the Legislature of the State. However, elections must be held within 6 months, and the dissolved Panchayat cannot be kept in abeyance for more than 6 months. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.

Correct Answer: B. To consolidate plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities for the entire district

Article 243ZD provides for the constitution of a District Planning Committee in every district to consolidate the plans prepared by the Panchayats and the Municipalities in the district and to prepare a draft development plan for the district as a whole. The DPC integrates both rural (Panchayat) and urban (Municipality) plans. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.

Correct Answer: B. Gram Panchayats

MGNREGA 2005 specifically designates Gram Panchayats as the principal authority for planning and implementation of the scheme. Gram Panchayats are responsible for: identifying works, preparing labour budgets, verifying muster rolls, and ensuring implementation. This is a landmark delegation of responsibilities to Panchayati Raj institutions.

Correct Answer: A. Article 243

Article 243 contains definitions for Part IX. 'Panchayat' is defined as 'an institution (by whatever name called) of self-government constituted under article 243B, for the rural areas'. Similarly, 'Gram Sabha' means 'a body consisting of persons registered in the electoral rolls of a village'. These definitions form the foundation for the entire Part IX.

Correct Answer: C. Bihar

Bihar was among the first states to implement 50% reservation (increased from the mandatory 33%) for women in Panchayat elections in 2006. Rajasthan and some other states followed suit. The Constitution mandates a minimum of one-third reservation for women in Panchayats (Article 243D), but states can provide higher reservations.