Local Government — Set 1
Indian Polity · स्थानीय शासन · Questions 1–10 of 70
Which committee recommended the three-tier structure of the Panchayati Raj system in India?
Correct Answer: B. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee was appointed in 1957. It recommended the establishment of a three-tier Panchayati Raj system. This structure includes the Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad.
Which Constitutional Amendment Act gave constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj Institutions?
Correct Answer: A. 73rd Amendment Act
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act was passed in 1992. It granted constitutional status and protection to Panchayati Raj Institutions. It added Part IX to the Constitution of India.
The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 added which Part to the Indian Constitution?
Correct Answer: C. Part IX-A
The 74th Amendment Act added Part IX-A to the Constitution. This part is titled 'The Municipalities' and deals with urban local governance. It covers Articles 243-P to 243-ZG.
Which Schedule was added to the Constitution by the 73rd Amendment Act?
Correct Answer: A. Eleventh Schedule
The Eleventh Schedule was added by the 73rd Amendment Act. It contains 29 functional items placed within the purview of Panchayats. These items relate to rural development and welfare.
Who is empowered to constitute the State Finance Commission to review the financial position of Panchayats?
Correct Answer: D. The Governor of the State
The Governor of the State constitutes the State Finance Commission every five years. It reviews the financial position of the Panchayats and Municipalities. The Commission recommends the distribution of taxes between the State and local bodies.
What is the minimum age required to contest elections for Panchayats and Municipalities?
Correct Answer: D. 21 years
The minimum age to contest elections for local bodies is 21 years. This is lower than the age required for Lok Sabha or State Assembly elections. The voting age, however, remains 18 years.
Which article of the Indian Constitution directs the State to organize Village Panchayats?
Correct Answer: C. Article 40
Article 40 is a Directive Principle of State Policy. It directs the State to take steps to organize village panchayats. It also mandates endowing them with powers to function as units of self-government.
The Ashok Mehta Committee (1977) recommended which type of structure for the Panchayati Raj?
Correct Answer: C. Two-tier system
The Ashok Mehta Committee recommended a two-tier system. It proposed the Zila Parishad at the district level and the Mandal Panchayat below it. This was a departure from the three-tier model suggested earlier.
Which was the first state in India to establish the Panchayati Raj system in 1959?
Correct Answer: A. Rajasthan
Rajasthan was the first state to establish the Panchayati Raj system. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on October 2, 1959. The inauguration took place in the Nagaur district.
Under the 73rd Amendment, what is the mandatory reservation of seats for women in Panchayats?
Correct Answer: C. Not less than one-third
The 73rd Amendment mandates reservation for women. Not less than one-third of the total seats and offices of chairpersons must be reserved for women. Some states have increased this reservation to 50%.