Local Government — Set 5
Indian Polity · स्थानीय शासन · Questions 41–50 of 70
Which body reviews the financial position of the municipalities every five years?
Correct Answer: B. State Finance Commission
The State Finance Commission reviews the financial position of municipalities. It is constituted by the Governor under Article 243-I and 243-Y. It recommends tax sharing and grants-in-aid.
The Thungon Committee (1988) is primarily known for recommending?
Correct Answer: D. Constitutional recognition for Panchayats
The Thungon Committee recommended constitutional recognition for Panchayats. It was a sub-committee of the Consultative Committee of Parliament. Its recommendations influenced the drafting of the constitutional amendment bill.
Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India are broadly classified into how many types?
Correct Answer: C. Eight
The correct answer is Eight. There are eight types of urban local bodies in India. These include Municipal Corporation, Municipality, Notified Area Committee, Town Area Committee, Cantonment Board, Township, Port Trust, and Special Purpose Agency. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
The reservation of seats for SCs and STs in Panchayats is based on?
Correct Answer: D. Proportion to their population
Reservation for SCs and STs is based on their proportion to the total population in the Panchayat area. This applies to both membership seats and chairperson offices. Article 243D mandates this reservation.
Which of the following acts as the intermediate tier in the Panchayati Raj system?
Correct Answer: C. Panchayat Samiti
The Panchayat Samiti constitutes the intermediate tier. It operates at the Block level, between the village (Gram Panchayat) and district (Zila Parishad) levels. States with a population under 20 lakhs may skip this tier.
A 'Township' is a type of urban government established by?
Correct Answer: A. Public sector enterprises for their employees
A Township is established by large public sector enterprises. It is created to provide civic amenities to the staff and workers living in housing colonies near the plant. It has no elected members; the enterprise appoints an administrator.
What is the primary source of income for Gram Panchayats?
Correct Answer: B. Levy duties and local taxes
Gram Panchayats are authorized to levy, collect, and appropriate certain taxes, duties, tolls, and fees. Examples include property tax, tax on fairs, and water tax. However, they heavily rely on grants from the State Government.
Who presides over the meetings of the Municipal Corporation?
Correct Answer: D. Mayor
The Mayor presides over the meetings of the Municipal Corporation council. The Mayor is the political head of the corporation. The post is largely ceremonial in many states, unlike the executive Commissioner.
In the context of the 74th Amendment, 'Wards Committees' are constituted for?
Correct Answer: C. Municipalities with population of 3 lakhs or more
Wards Committees are constituted for municipalities with a population of 3 lakhs or more. They consist of one or more wards within the territorial area. This ensures closer public participation in larger urban bodies.
Which article bars the interference of courts in electoral matters of Panchayats?
Correct Answer: A. Article 243O
Article 243O bars the interference of courts in electoral matters. It states that the validity of any law relating to delimitation or allotment of seats cannot be questioned in court. Election disputes must be raised before a specialized authority.