PR Committees & Balwantrai — Set 6

Correct Answer: A. Article 243A

Article 243A provides for powers and functions of Gram Sabha, stating that a Gram Sabha may exercise such powers and perform such functions at the village level as the legislature of a state may by law provide. The Gram Sabha is the body consisting of all registered voters in the village panchayat area. It is the foundational democratic institution of Panchayati Raj. The Gram Sabha reviews panchayat accounts, approves plans, selects beneficiaries, and conducts social audits.

Correct Answer: A. Consolidates and coordinates development plans of all panchayat samitis in the district

The Zila Panchayat or Zila Parishad consolidates and coordinates development plans of all panchayat samitis in the district and prepares a district-level development plan. It allocates resources to lower tiers, supervises scheme implementation, and liaises with state government departments. The Zila Parishad also provides technical assistance to gram panchayats. District Planning Committees are meant to work in coordination with Zila Parishads for integrated rural-urban planning under constitutional provisions.

Correct Answer: A. Village self-rule where gram panchayats exercise genuine autonomy over local affairs with adequate resources

Gram Swaraj refers to village self-rule where gram panchayats exercise genuine autonomy over local affairs with adequate resources, reflecting Mahatma Gandhi's vision of village republics. The concept envisions gram panchayats as real governments at the village level controlling their own development. e-Gram Swaraj portal launched by the Government of India provides an integrated platform for panchayat planning, accounting, and governance. The Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan aimed at achieving gram swaraj.

Correct Answer: A. In proportion to their population in the panchayat area

Under Article 243D of the 73rd Amendment, seats must be reserved for Scheduled Castes in proportion to their population in the panchayat area. Similarly seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes in proportion to their population. States may also provide reservation for other backward classes. The reserved seats rotate after each election among different constituencies. This constitutional provision ensures representation of marginalized communities in panchayat governance.

Correct Answer: A. The Dantwala Committee 1978 recommended integrated rural development including strengthening local bodies

The Dantwala Committee 1978 recommended integrated rural development including strengthening local bodies as part of its recommendations. The committee studied rural development programmes and found that fragmented implementation without strong local institutions was ineffective. Its recommendations contributed to the broader discourse on decentralization and the need for strong panchayats. Along with other committees like GVK Rao and Ashok Mehta the Dantwala Committee influenced thinking on institutional reforms for rural development.

Correct Answer: A. Not less than one-third of total seats including reserved seats

Not less than one-third of total seats including reserved seats must be reserved for women in Panchayati Raj institutions as per Article 243D of the 73rd Amendment. The reservation applies to seats at all three tiers of panchayats. The one-third reservation for women in panchayats preceded the Women's Reservation Bill for Parliament. Several states like Rajasthan, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand have increased women's reservation in panchayats to 50%.

Correct Answer: A. 1957

The Balwantrai Mehta Committee was constituted in 1957 to examine the functioning of the Community Development Programme and National Extension Service and to suggest measures for better working. It was formally known as the Committee on Plan Projects. The committee was chaired by Balwantrai Mehta who was a veteran Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Bombay. The committee submitted its report in 1957 recommending the establishment of Panchayati Raj institutions.

Correct Answer: A. The Ashok Mehta Committee recommended direct elections to Mandal Panchayats with political party participation

The Ashok Mehta Committee recommended direct elections to Mandal Panchayats with political party participation in 1977-78. This was significant because it endorsed political party involvement in panchayat elections which had been controversial. The committee argued that political parties would bring organizational capacity and ideological commitment to rural governance. It also recommended that Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes be adequately represented in the two-tier structure.

Correct Answer: A. RTI applies to Panchayati Raj institutions requiring them to disclose information about schemes, funds, and decisions

The Right to Information Act 2005 applies to Panchayati Raj institutions requiring them to disclose information about schemes, funds, and decisions. RTI can be used to access information about MGNREGA muster rolls, scheme beneficiary lists, panchayat accounts, and meeting minutes. This helps citizens hold panchayats accountable. RTI along with social audit under MGNREGA and Gram Sabha oversight forms a multi-layered accountability framework for panchayat governance in India.

Correct Answer: A. Significantly increased grants to gram panchayats based on population and area criteria for basic services

The Fourteenth Finance Commission significantly increased grants to gram panchayats based on population and area criteria for basic services. The Commission recommended untied grants of Rs 200 per capita per year (later enhanced by 15th Finance Commission). The grants were specifically for delivery of basic services including drinking water, sanitation, solid waste management, and maintenance of community assets. This significantly enhanced the financial resources available to gram panchayats for service delivery.