PR Committees & Balwantrai — Set 7

Correct Answer: A. Elected head of the Gram Panchayat who presides over meetings and represents the panchayat

The Sarpanch (or Gram Panchayat Pradhan in some states) is the elected head of the Gram Panchayat who presides over panchayat meetings, represents the panchayat in official dealings, and provides political leadership. The Sarpanch is directly elected by voters in most states, though some elect through ward members. The Sarpanch works with the Panchayat Secretary who is a government-appointed official providing administrative support. Women Sarpanchs have increased significantly due to the 33% reservation mandate.

Correct Answer: A. An annual development plan prepared by each gram panchayat with Gram Sabha participation for local development

The Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) is an annual development plan prepared by each gram panchayat with Gram Sabha participation for local development activities. Ministry of Panchayati Raj guidelines require all gram panchayats to prepare convergent GDPs integrating resources from multiple schemes. The GPDP covers key development themes like poverty reduction, human development, economic development, infrastructure, and disaster management. Gram Sabhas are held twice a year to prepare and review GDPs.

Correct Answer: A. The BDO is the chief executive of the Panchayat Samiti who implements development programmes at block level

The Block Development Officer (BDO) is the chief executive of the Panchayat Samiti who implements development programmes at block level and coordinates between gram panchayats and district administration. The BDO heads the block-level administrative setup called the Block Development Office. As chief executive the BDO implements schemes like MGNREGA, PM Awas Yojana, and other rural development programs. The BDO provides technical and administrative support to elected gram panchayats.

Correct Answer: A. A process where Gram Sabha reviews and audits the performance and accounts of Gram Panchayat

Social audit is a process where the Gram Sabha reviews and audits the performance and accounts of the Gram Panchayat, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. Social audit allows citizens to scrutinize muster rolls, beneficiary lists, and expenditure records in public hearings. MGNREGA mandates social audit every six months by the Gram Sabha. Social audit has been effective in detecting irregularities, reducing leakages, and ensuring genuine delivery of wages and benefits to rural workers.

Correct Answer: A. Eleventh Finance Commission 2000-2005

The Eleventh Finance Commission (2000-2005) specifically recommended that panchayats should function as basic units of fiscal decentralization and be given adequate financial resources. It recommended grants to local bodies with a portion earmarked for panchayats. Subsequent Finance Commissions have progressively increased grants to panchayats. The Fifteenth Finance Commission (2021-26) recommended enhanced and untied grants to gram panchayats for service delivery. Fiscal transfers from Finance Commissions have become a major source of panchayat finances.

Correct Answer: A. Article 243-O bars courts from interfering in panchayat elections except through election petition

Article 243-O bars courts from interfering in panchayat elections except through election petition filed before the prescribed authority. No court can stay or halt panchayat elections based on civil suits challenging electoral laws or processes. This provision mirrors Articles 329 and 105 which protect Parliamentary elections from court interference. Election disputes must go through the specific election petition mechanism under state panchayat laws. This prevents misuse of court orders to delay democratic panchayat elections.

Correct Answer: A. The Siwach Committee studied issues of Panchayati Raj in Union Territories and recommended measures for their strengthening

The Siwach Committee studied issues of Panchayati Raj in Union Territories and recommended measures for their strengthening, contributing to the broader discourse on decentralization. Various expert committees at state and national levels have examined specific aspects of panchayat functioning over the years. These committees along with the major national committees like Balwantrai Mehta, Ashok Mehta, GVK Rao, and L.M. Singhvi formed a body of policy thinking that culminated in the 73rd Amendment.

Correct Answer: A. Agriculture research extension and education with implications for village-level institutions

The Hanumantha Rao Committee 1994 was constituted to study agriculture research, extension, and education with implications for village-level institutions and panchayats. The committee examined how agricultural extension services could be linked to gram panchayats for better delivery. Following the 73rd Amendment, various committees studied how different development sectors could be linked to the newly empowered panchayats. Agriculture and rural development links to panchayats have been examined through several expert bodies.

Correct Answer: A. Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana where MPs adopt gram panchayats for holistic development

The Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) is a scheme where Members of Parliament adopt gram panchayats and work for their holistic development. Launched in 2014, the scheme aims to develop model villages that can inspire other villages. MPs are required to identify one gram panchayat per year and facilitate its development through convergence of government schemes. The scheme has highlighted the importance of gram panchayats as the institutional platform for village development.

Correct Answer: A. Balwantrai Mehta Committee recommended that panchayats should be given adequate powers to levy taxes for local development

The Balwantrai Mehta Committee recommended that panchayats should be given adequate powers to levy taxes for local development and not be entirely dependent on state grants. It recognized that financial autonomy was crucial for meaningful self-governance. The committee recommended that panchayats should have defined sources of revenue including taxation on land and buildings. This recommendation for tax powers was later incorporated in state panchayat acts and was strengthened by Finance Commission grants after the 73rd Amendment.