Local Government — Set 2
Indian Polity · स्थानीय शासन · Questions 11–20 of 70
Who conducts the elections to the Panchayats and Municipalities?
Correct Answer: C. State Election Commission
The State Election Commission conducts elections for local bodies. It is an independent constitutional authority created by the 73rd and 74th Amendments. The Election Commission of India deals with Parliament and State Legislature elections.
Which committee recommended giving constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions?
Correct Answer: B. L.M. Singhvi Committee
The L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986) recommended constitutional status for Panchayats. It emphasized that local self-government should be constitutionally recognized and protected. This paved the way for the 73rd Amendment.
The Twelfth Schedule of the Constitution contains how many functional items for Municipalities?
Correct Answer: A. 18 items
The Twelfth Schedule contains 18 functional items. These items fall under the purview of Municipalities for planning and development. Examples include urban planning, public health, and fire services.
What is the normal tenure of a Panchayat as per the Constitution?
Correct Answer: A. 5 years
The normal tenure of a Panchayat is five years from the date of its first meeting. If dissolved earlier, fresh elections must be held within six months. This ensures the continuity of local governance.
The District Planning Committee is constituted under which Article?
Correct Answer: A. Article 243ZD
The District Planning Committee (DPC) is constituted under Article 243ZD. Its function is to consolidate plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities in the district. It prepares a draft development plan for the district.
Which Act extended the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution to Scheduled Areas?
Correct Answer: D. PESA Act, 1996
The PESA Act (Provisions of the Panchayats Extension to the Scheduled Areas Act), 1996 extended Part IX to Scheduled Areas. It grants special powers to Gram Sabhas in tribal areas. It aims to preserve tribal traditions and self-governance.
A 'Nagar Panchayat' is constituted for which type of area?
Correct Answer: D. An area in transition from rural to urban
A Nagar Panchayat is constituted for a transitional area. This is an area that is shifting from a rural character to an urban one. It sits at the bottom of the urban local body hierarchy.
Who is known as the 'Father of Local Self-Government' in India?
Correct Answer: C. Lord Ripon
Lord Ripon is known as the Father of Local Self-Government in India. His Resolution of 1882 is considered the 'Magna Carta' of local self-government. He sought to introduce local administration with elected representatives.
The Community Development Programme was launched in which year?
Correct Answer: B. 1952
The Community Development Programme was launched on October 2, 1952. It was the first major development program aimed at rural areas. Its failure eventually led to the study by the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee.
Which body is responsible for preparing the draft development plan for a Metropolitan area?
Correct Answer: B. Metropolitan Planning Committee
The Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC) prepares the draft development plan for a metropolitan area. It is constituted under Article 243ZE. A metropolitan area generally has a population of ten lakhs or more.