PR Committees & Balwantrai — Set 2

Correct Answer: B. Measure of powers, funds, and functionaries transferred to PRIs by states

The Devolution Index measures the extent to which state governments have transferred powers, funds, and functionaries (the 3Fs) to Panchayati Raj institutions. It evaluates how well states have implemented the 73rd Amendment in spirit. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj publishes this index annually. States are ranked based on their progress in devolving authority to PRIs.

Correct Answer: A. Grants given for specific purposes

Tied grants are funds given to Panchayats for specific, predetermined purposes and cannot be used for any other purpose. In contrast, untied grants can be used at the Panchayat's discretion. The Finance Commission grants include both tied and untied components. Tied grants typically cover specific schemes like sanitation, water supply, or solid waste management.

Correct Answer: B. Unified digital platform for Panchayat planning and financial reporting

e-Gram Swaraj is a unified digital platform launched in 2020 to bring greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of Panchayati Raj institutions. It integrates planning, budgeting, accounting, and reporting functions. The portal helps PRIs prepare Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) and track fund utilization. It was launched by Prime Minister Modi on National Panchayati Raj Day 2020.

Correct Answer: A. 1957

The Balwantrai Mehta Committee report was submitted in 1957, recommending a three-tier structure for Panchayati Raj. It was the first major committee to recommend democratic decentralization in independent India. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru accepted the report and it led to the establishment of Panchayati Raj in Rajasthan in 1959. The committee recommended that Panchayati Raj institutions should be invested with adequate powers, resources, and responsibilities.

Correct Answer: A. Gram Panchayat at village level

The Gram Panchayat at village level was the lowest tier recommended by the Balwantrai Mehta Committee in 1957. The three-tier structure consisted of Gram Panchayat at village level, Panchayat Samiti at block level, and Zila Parishad at district level. The committee emphasized that the Panchayat Samiti should be the basic unit of democratic decentralization. This structure became the foundation for Panchayati Raj in most Indian states.

Correct Answer: A. Rajasthan

Rajasthan was the first state to implement Panchayati Raj following the Balwantrai Mehta Committee recommendations in October 1959 when Prime Minister Nehru inaugurated the system at Nagaur. The second state was Andhra Pradesh in November 1959. The Balwantrai Mehta Committee report was accepted by the National Development Council in January 1958 and states were encouraged to implement the three-tier structure.

Correct Answer: A. 1977

The Ashok Mehta Committee was constituted in 1977 during the Janata Party government at the centre. It submitted its report in 1978 with 132 recommendations for revitalization of Panchayati Raj. The committee recommended a two-tier structure instead of the three-tier one recommended by Balwantrai Mehta. It also recommended that Zila Parishad should be the executive body and political parties should participate in elections.

Correct Answer: A. Mandal Panchayat and Zila Parishad

The Ashok Mehta Committee recommended a two-tier structure of Mandal Panchayat and Zila Parishad for Panchayati Raj. The Mandal Panchayat was to be a grouping of villages with a population of 15,000 to 20,000. The Zila Parishad was recommended as the executive body at the district level. The committee's recommendation for a two-tier structure was a departure from the three-tier structure recommended by Balwantrai Mehta.

Correct Answer: A. Planning Commission of India

The G.V.K. Rao Committee 1985 was appointed by the Planning Commission of India to study the administrative aspects of rural development and Panchayati Raj. The committee found that Panchayati Raj institutions had become 'bodies without life' with little power or resources. It recommended revitalization of Panchayati Raj institutions with real devolution of powers. The committee's report contributed to the momentum for constitutional amendment of Panchayati Raj.

Correct Answer: A. Gram Sabha should be given constitutional recognition as the base of panchayat democracy

The L.M. Singhvi Committee 1986 recommended that Gram Sabha should be given constitutional recognition as the base of panchayat democracy. The committee prepared a concept paper on revitalization of Panchayati Raj institutions. It also recommended that Nyaya Panchayats should be established for speedy justice at the village level. The committee's recommendations significantly influenced the drafting of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.