Panchayati Raj & 73rd Amendment — Set 16
Revenue & Panchayati Raj · पंचायती राज और 73वां संशोधन · Questions 151–160 of 200
Article 243H of the Constitution empowers State Legislatures to authorise Panchayats to do which of the following?
Correct Answer: B. Levy and collect taxes
Article 243H empowers State Legislatures to authorise Panchayats to levy, collect, and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls, and fees. This article provides Panchayats with own-source revenues to ensure financial autonomy. Common Panchayat taxes include house tax, water tax, professional tax, and advertisement tax. Own-source revenue is critical for making Panchayats genuinely self-governing.
Which article provides for constitution of a State Finance Commission for Panchayats?
Correct Answer: B. Article 243I
Article 243I provides for constitution of a Finance Commission in every State to review the financial position of Panchayats. The State Finance Commission is constituted by the Governor every five years. It recommends principles governing distribution of tax proceeds between the State and Panchayats. It also recommends grants-in-aid from the State's Consolidated Fund to Panchayats.
Which committee recommended establishment of Panchayati Raj in India in 1957?
Correct Answer: C. Balwantrai Mehta Committee
The Balwantrai Mehta Committee was appointed in 1957 to examine the Community Development Programme and National Extension Service. It recommended establishment of democratic decentralised local self-government known as Panchayati Raj. The committee recommended a three-tier structure — Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad. Rajasthan became the first state to implement this on October 2, 1959.
The Ashok Mehta Committee 1977 on Panchayati Raj recommended which type of structure?
Correct Answer: B. Two-tier structure
The Ashok Mehta Committee appointed in 1977 recommended a two-tier structure — Mandal Panchayat at the base and Zila Parishad at the top. It felt the three-tier structure was too complex and recommended simplification. It also recommended that political parties should openly participate in Panchayat elections. The committee's recommendations were not fully implemented but influenced subsequent Panchayati Raj reforms.
The GVK Rao Committee 1985 was primarily concerned with which subject?
Correct Answer: B. Administrative arrangement for rural development
The GVK Rao Committee was appointed in 1985 to review administrative arrangement for rural development and poverty alleviation programs. It found that PRIs had become weak and inactive, calling the situation 'grass without roots'. It recommended the District Collector be made the principal coordinator of all development activities at district level. It emphasised that PRIs should be actively involved in planning and implementation of rural development programs.
Which committee recommended granting constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions?
Correct Answer: D. LM Singhvi Committee
The LM Singhvi Committee appointed in 1986 recommended that Panchayati Raj Institutions be given constitutional recognition and status. It also recommended that Nyaya Panchayats should be established for clusters of villages. It suggested that village Panchayats should have more financial resources. Its recommendations were influential in framing the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992.
Which was the first State to implement Panchayati Raj as recommended by the Balwantrai Mehta Committee?
Correct Answer: C. Rajasthan
Rajasthan was the first State to implement Panchayati Raj on October 2, 1959. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated the system in Nagaur district of Rajasthan. Andhra Pradesh was the second State to implement it on November 11, 1959. The establishment of Panchayati Raj marked a major step towards grassroots democracy in India.
The e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project is primarily aimed at which goal?
Correct Answer: C. Computerisation of Panchayat processes and service delivery
The e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project aims to computerise the functioning of about 2.55 lakh Panchayats across India. It includes software applications like PRIASoft for accounting, PlanPlus for planning, and the National Panchayat Portal. The project brings efficiency, transparency, and accountability to Panchayat functioning. It enables citizens to access Panchayat information and services online.
PRIASoft developed under e-Panchayat is used for which specific purpose?
Correct Answer: B. Panchayat fund accounting and audit
PRIASoft (Panchayati Raj Institutions Accounting Software) is a web-based accounting software under the e-Panchayat initiative. It helps Panchayats maintain accounts, track fund utilisation, and generate audit reports. The software ensures transparency and accountability in Panchayat financial management. It tracks funds from Central Finance Commission grants, State Finance Commission grants, and MGNREGS.
The Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar (RGGSP) recognises outstanding performance of which body?
Correct Answer: B. Outstanding Gram Sabha performance
The RGGSP is a national award by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to recognise outstanding Gram Sabha performance. It encourages Gram Sabhas to become more active, vibrant, and effective. The award recognises exemplary work in social audits, participatory planning, and community development. It is presented on National Panchayati Raj Day on April 24 each year.