PR Committees & Balwantrai — Set 5

Correct Answer: A. 2010

India celebrated the first National Panchayati Raj Day on 24 April 2010 to mark the 17th anniversary of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment coming into force in 1993. Since then April 24 is celebrated annually as National Panchayati Raj Day. The occasion is used to recognize outstanding panchayats and gram sabhas through national awards. It also provides an opportunity to review the status of Panchayati Raj and renew commitment to grassroots democracy.

Correct Answer: A. Awards given to outstanding panchayats and elected representatives for excellence in rural governance

The Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan (RGPSA) and associated awards recognize outstanding panchayats and elected representatives for excellence in rural governance. These awards are given on National Panchayati Raj Day (April 24) by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Awards categories include best gram panchayat, best panchayat samiti, best zila parishad, and best gram sabha. The awards motivate better performance and provide national recognition to exemplary local governance.

Correct Answer: A. Article 243K

Article 243K provides for the State Election Commission to superintend, direct, and control the preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of elections to panchayats. The State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Governor and can only be removed in a manner similar to removal of a High Court judge. This constitutional protection ensures independence of the SEC in conducting panchayat elections. The SEC is the same body that also conducts municipal elections under Article 243-ZA.

Correct Answer: A. Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad

The three-tier Panchayati Raj structure recommended by Balwantrai Mehta Committee consists 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 three-tier structure was adopted by most Indian states after the committee's recommendation in 1957 and was subsequently incorporated in the 73rd Amendment framework.

Correct Answer: A. PESA 1996 extends Panchayati Raj to tribal scheduled areas with special provisions to protect tribal rights and self-governance

The Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act 1996 extends Panchayati Raj to tribal Scheduled Areas with special provisions to protect tribal rights and customs. Scheduled Areas in Fifth Schedule states were exempt from the 73rd Amendment but PESA bridged this gap. Under PESA, Gram Sabhas have special powers to manage natural resources, give consent for land acquisition, and control money-lending. PESA covers tribal areas in Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

Correct Answer: A. Balwantrai Mehta Committee 1957

The Balwantrai Mehta Committee 1957 recommended that people's participation in development was a prerequisite for effective Panchayati Raj. The committee found that the Community Development Programme was failing due to lack of democratic participation. It argued that development programmes cannot succeed without institutional mechanisms to ensure people's involvement. This insight that participation was fundamental to development effectiveness became a cornerstone of India's approach to rural governance.

Correct Answer: A. Gram Panchayat is responsible for collection, segregation, and disposal of solid waste in rural areas

The Gram Panchayat is responsible for collection, segregation, and disposal of solid waste in rural areas as a core sanitation function. The Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin works through Gram Panchayats for rural sanitation improvements. Panchayats can levy user charges for waste collection services. The 11th Schedule includes water supply, sanitation, and public health among the 29 subjects that can be devolved to panchayats. Solid waste management is increasingly important for rural quality of life.

Correct Answer: A. Bodies without life because of lack of real power and resources

The GVK Rao Committee 1985 described Panchayati Raj institutions as 'bodies without life' because of lack of real power and resources. The committee observed that development administration had been taken over by district-level bureaucracy bypassing elected panchayats. It recommended revitalization of panchayats with genuine devolution of power, functions, and finances. The committee's diagnosis that panchayats had become empty shells was influential in pushing for the constitutional amendment that led to the 73rd Amendment.

Correct Answer: A. Gram Panchayats are responsible for distribution of electricity under rural electrification schemes

Gram Panchayats play an important role in rural electrification schemes including RGGVY (now Saubhagya scheme) by maintaining village-level distribution infrastructure, managing local electricity connections, and resolving disputes. The 11th Schedule includes 'non-conventional energy sources' as a function that can be devolved to panchayats. Panchayats can set up mini grids and manage solar village electrification. Electrification is one of the key development functions that Gram Panchayats are increasingly being empowered to handle.

Correct Answer: A. Property tax, house tax, water rates, fees for services, and various other local levies imposed by the panchayat

Own revenue sources for Gram Panchayats include property tax, house tax, water rates, fees for services, and various other local levies imposed by the panchayat under state municipal laws. These own revenues make panchayats financially accountable and less dependent on state transfers. Most gram panchayats have very low own revenue collection due to political reluctance to levy taxes. Improving own revenue collection is crucial for panchayat financial sustainability as per Finance Commission recommendations.