PR Committees & Balwantrai — Set 10

Correct Answer: A. A centrally sponsored scheme for capacity building of elected panchayat representatives and strengthening panchayat governance

Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) is a centrally sponsored scheme for capacity building of elected panchayat representatives and strengthening panchayat governance. It aims to develop responsive, effective, and accountable local self-government at the grassroots level. RGSA provides training and capacity building support to elected members and panchayat functionaries. It also supports e-enablement of panchayats, infrastructure development, and good governance practices through the e-Gram Swaraj portal.

Correct Answer: A. States were required to amend their panchayat laws to conform to constitutional requirements within one year

The 73rd Amendment required states to amend their panchayat laws to conform to constitutional requirements within one year of the amendment's enactment. States had to provide for regular elections through State Election Commissions, establish State Finance Commissions, ensure reservation for SC/ST and women, and constitute three tiers of panchayats. While the constitutional framework was uniform, states retained discretion in many implementation details. This balance between constitutional mandates and state autonomy was a key feature of the 73rd Amendment's design.

Correct Answer: A. Training programmes to build knowledge and skills of elected sarpanchs, ward members, and panchayat staff for effective governance

Capacity building for panchayat elected representatives includes training programmes to build knowledge and skills of elected sarpanchs, ward members, and panchayat staff for effective governance. Training covers roles and responsibilities, financial management, scheme implementation, record keeping, and citizen service delivery. Programs like RGSA and State Training Institutes (STIs) provide such training. There is wide recognition that elected representatives especially women and first-time sarpanchs need substantial capacity support to exercise their roles effectively.

Correct Answer: A. Typically 10% of registered voters or a fixed number whichever is lower must be present for a quorum

Most state panchayat acts stipulate that typically 10% of registered voters or a fixed number whichever is lower must be present for a quorum at Gram Sabha meetings. Low quorum requirements recognize the difficulty of assembling large numbers of voters for every meeting. Some states have higher quorum requirements for special decisions. Ensuring adequate participation in Gram Sabha meetings remains a challenge in many states with attendance often being low except for major decisions about beneficiary selection or public works.

Correct Answer: A. Village republics where every village would be self-sufficient and self-governing like a complete republic

Mahatma Gandhi's vision of village republics where every village would be self-sufficient and self-governing like a complete republic significantly influenced the philosophy of Panchayati Raj. Gandhi believed that true democracy would be established when the village was the basic unit of governance. Article 40 of the Directive Principles reflects this Gandhian vision. The concept of Gram Swaraj (village self-rule) draws directly from Gandhian philosophy. While India opted for parliamentary democracy the Panchayati Raj system embodies Gandhi's vision of decentralised governance.

Correct Answer: A. Genuine devolution of 3Fs including real transfer of functions funds and functionaries to elected panchayats

Planning Commission and Ministry of Panchayati Raj reports have consistently identified genuine devolution of 3Fs (Functions, Funds, and Functionaries) including real transfer of functions, funds, and functionaries to elected panchayats as the area most needing improvement. Most states have made panchayats responsible for certain functions but without transferring matching funds or staff. This creates a gap between constitutional intent and ground reality. Improving devolution requires both political will at the state level and administrative reforms to restructure state development departments.

Correct Answer: A. Article 243-ZD of the 73rd Amendment mandates constitution of District Planning Committees

Article 243-ZD of the 73rd Amendment mandates constitution of District Planning Committees in every district to consolidate plans of panchayats and municipalities and prepare draft development plans. Four-fifths of DPC members are to be elected from elected members of panchayats and municipalities. The DPC is the constitutional mechanism for integrated rural-urban planning at district level. Despite constitutional mandates DPCs remain non-functional in many states with planning still largely centralised at the state level.

Correct Answer: A. State Election Commission, State Finance Commission, and elections every five years are mandatory provisions

The State Election Commission, State Finance Commission, and elections every five years are mandatory provisions of the 73rd Amendment that apply to all states. Constitution of these bodies and ensuring regular elections are non-negotiable. However, provisions like the three-tier structure and devolution of 29 functions are enabling provisions that states may choose to implement as per their discretion. Certain provisions also do not apply to states with small populations which may have two-tier instead of three-tier structures.

Correct Answer: A. Ministry of Panchayati Raj manages the e-Gram Swaraj portal for online planning, budgeting, and accounting by gram panchayats

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj manages the e-Gram Swaraj portal for online planning, budgeting, and accounting by gram panchayats. e-Gram Swaraj integrates panchayat plans, budgets, and implementation data in one platform for transparency and accountability. Gram panchayats upload their Gram Panchayat Development Plans on the portal. The portal also enables citizens to monitor panchayat work and expenditure. e-Gram Swaraj is part of the Digital India initiative applied to grassroots governance.

Correct Answer: A. Recommended strengthening of Panchayat finances through greater devolution and innovative revenue mobilization

The Hanumanthappa Committee 2013 (Parliamentary Standing Committee) recommended strengthening of Panchayat finances through greater devolution and innovative revenue mobilization. The committee examined implementation of the 73rd Amendment and found significant gaps in devolution across states. It made specific recommendations for states to strengthen their panchayat systems. Parliamentary standing committee reports on Panchayati Raj periodically review progress and recommend course corrections for improving grassroots governance.