PR Committees & Balwantrai — Set 11

Correct Answer: A. Gram Panchayats are the primary implementing agency for MGNREGA responsible for preparing shelf of works and executing at least 50% of works

Gram Panchayats are the primary implementing agency for MGNREGA responsible for preparing shelf of works and executing at least 50% (later reduced to specific categories) of works. Gram Sabhas approve the list of works and social audits are conducted by Gram Sabhas. Panchayats facilitate registration, job card issuance, work demand, and wage payment under MGNREGA. The 73rd Amendment framework makes Gram Panchayats central to MGNREGA implementation demonstrating how constitutional decentralization connects to flagship programmes.

Correct Answer: A. The Commission highlighted that panchayats were not given real powers funds and functionaries by state governments

The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) 2002 chaired by Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah highlighted that panchayats were not given real powers, funds, and functionaries by state governments despite the 73rd Amendment. The Commission observed that devolution remained nominal in most states. It recommended measures to strengthen fiscal devolution, ensure genuine transfer of functionaries, and make District Planning Committees functional. The NCRWC report provided an important assessment of the gaps between constitutional intent and ground reality.

Correct Answer: A. GPDP convergence integrates funds from multiple central and state schemes into a single village-level plan prepared through Gram Sabha participation

GPDP convergence integrates funds from multiple central and state schemes into a single village-level plan prepared through Gram Sabha participation. Different central schemes like MGNREGA, PM Awas Yojana, Swachh Bharat, and National Health Mission are reflected in a single plan avoiding duplication and gaps. Gram Sabhas provide the democratic participation for identifying needs and priorities. The GPDP approach represents the vision of using gram panchayats as the platform for convergent local development planning.

Correct Answer: A. Maharashtra Zilla Parishads, Panchayat Samitis, Gram Panchayats and Nagar Panchayats Act 1961

The Maharashtra Zilla Parishads, Panchayat Samitis, Gram Panchayats and Nagar Panchayats Act 1961 is the principal state law governing Panchayati Raj in Maharashtra. Maharashtra had a relatively advanced Panchayati Raj system even before the 73rd Amendment. After the 73rd Amendment, states were required to amend their existing panchayat acts to conform to constitutional requirements. Maharashtra's act is an example of a comprehensive state law that pre-dated but was aligned with the constitutional framework for Panchayati Raj.

Correct Answer: A. The 73rd Amendment excluded Scheduled Areas in the Fifth Schedule but PESA 1996 later extended panchayat provisions to tribal areas with modifications

The 73rd Amendment excluded Scheduled Areas listed in the Fifth Schedule from its provisions. However, the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act 1996 later extended panchayat provisions to these tribal areas with important modifications protecting tribal rights. Under PESA gram sabhas have special powers over natural resources, prevention of land alienation, and customary law. This extension was important because significant tribal populations live in Fifth Schedule areas of states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh.

Correct Answer: A. Gram Panchayats help identify the most destitute households for AAY below poverty line ration cards

Gram Panchayats help identify the most destitute households for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) below poverty line ration cards as panchayats have direct knowledge of local poverty conditions. Gram Sabhas play a role in verifying and endorsing BPL lists. Panchayat certification supports the identification of genuinely poor households for targeted welfare schemes. The linkage between gram panchayats and welfare scheme targeting demonstrates how local knowledge in panchayats can improve the effectiveness of central welfare programmes.

Correct Answer: A. Mandal panchayat covers a larger area of 15000-20000 population of several villages while gram panchayat typically covers one village

The mandal panchayat recommended by Ashok Mehta Committee covers a larger area of 15,000-20,000 population covering several villages, while the gram panchayat recommended by Balwantrai Mehta typically covers one village or a group of hamlets. The Ashok Mehta Committee envisioned the mandal panchayat as the basic unit of democratic decentralization replacing the gram panchayat. The larger size was intended to ensure financial viability. However, most states retained the gram panchayat structure following the 73rd Amendment.

Correct Answer: A. NABARD provides financial support for village infrastructure and livelihood activities through rural credit and grants via panchayats

NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) provides financial support for village infrastructure and livelihood activities through rural credit and grants that often flow through panchayats. NABARD's Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) finances rural infrastructure projects implemented by gram panchayats. NABARD also supports self-help group linkage programmes and watershed development that work through panchayat platforms. NABARD's collaboration with panchayats helps bridge rural infrastructure financing gaps.

Correct Answer: A. Village Courts or Nyaya Panchayats should be established for expeditious justice at the grassroots level

The L.M. Singhvi Committee 1986 recommended that Village Courts or Nyaya Panchayats should be established for expeditious justice at the grassroots level to reduce the burden on civil courts and provide accessible dispute resolution. The committee felt that minor disputes between villagers could be resolved locally without expensive formal court proceedings. Some states have Gram Nyayalayas (village courts) under the Gram Nyayalayas Act 2008. Nyaya Panchayats provide informal dispute resolution covering civil and minor criminal matters.

Correct Answer: A. Article 243H enables state legislatures to authorize panchayats to levy taxes duties and fees

Article 243H enables state legislatures to authorize panchayats to levy taxes, duties, tolls, and fees as may be specified by law. States must pass legislation specifically authorizing panchayats to impose taxes. This differs from the central government whose taxation powers are directly from the Constitution. The article also provides for assignment of share of taxes to panchayats. Own revenues through taxation are essential for financial autonomy of panchayats but most gram panchayats have very limited tax collection due to political reluctance to levy taxes.