Three Tier PR Structure — Set 10

Correct Answer: B. B. Determined by state law based on population

The number of members (Ward Members or Panchs) in a Gram Panchayat is determined by state law based on the population of the Gram Panchayat area. Typically, a Gram Panchayat has between 5 and 31 members (ward representatives) plus the Sarpanch (head). States prescribe different formulas for determining the number of wards and members. In larger population areas, the Gram Panchayat has more members to ensure proportional representation.

Correct Answer: B. B. Piped drinking water to every household

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) aims to provide functional household tap connections (FHTC) for piped drinking water to every rural household in India by 2024. Gram Panchayats play a central role in implementing JJM by forming Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSC) or Paani Samiti. The Gram Panchayat is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the village water supply scheme after installation. This mission directly strengthens the service delivery capacity of Gram Panchayats.

Correct Answer: B. B. 73rd Amendment

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992 introduced the concept of ward-based elections in Gram Panchayats. According to this, Gram Panchayat areas are divided into wards, and one representative is elected from each ward. This ward system ensures representation from all parts of the Gram Panchayat area. The number of wards and their delimitation is determined by the State Election Commission or the state government. Ward representatives (Panchs) collectively form the Gram Panchayat body.

Correct Answer: B. B. Both Parliament and state legislatures to legislate on certain subjects

The Concurrent List in the 7th Schedule of the Constitution contains subjects on which both Parliament and state legislatures can make laws. In case of conflict, the central law prevails. Panchayati Raj is in the State List (Entry 5), not the Concurrent List. This means states have exclusive power to legislate on Panchayati Raj, which is why India has diverse Panchayati Raj systems across states. The 73rd Amendment provided a constitutional framework within which states must legislate.

Correct Answer: B. B. National Policy on Panchayati Raj

India's National Policy on Panchayati Raj was formulated in 2011 to provide a roadmap for strengthening decentralization and local self-governance. It focused on full devolution of the three Fs (Funds, Functions, Functionaries), improving accountability, and strengthening Gram Sabha. The policy emphasized that Panchayats should be truly autonomous and empowered institutions. It also highlighted the need for capacity building of elected representatives and supporting Panchayats through technology.

Correct Answer: B. B. Inadequate devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries

The main challenge faced by Panchayati Raj institutions in India is inadequate devolution of the three Fs — Funds, Functions, and Functionaries. While the 73rd Amendment mandated devolution, most states have not fully devolved the 29 subjects to Panchayats, and most Panchayats depend heavily on grants from higher levels with little own-source revenue. Bureaucratic resistance, capacity constraints, and political unwillingness have limited effective decentralization. This is the core challenge to making Panchayati Raj truly functional.

Correct Answer: B. B. Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP)

The Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) is the annual plan prepared by each Gram Panchayat for local development. The GPDP covers all sectors including natural resources, economic development, human development, and social development. It is prepared with active Gram Sabha participation, identifying local needs and priorities. The GPDP links with national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and integrates various central and state government schemes for holistic village development.

Correct Answer: B. B. Governor

The State Election Commission is constituted by the Governor of each state under Article 243K of the Constitution. The Governor appoints the State Election Commissioner who heads the commission. The State Election Commission is independent of the government and has constitutional protection. The State Election Commissioner can only be removed through a process similar to removing a High Court judge, ensuring independence. The commission is responsible for superintending, directing, and controlling elections to Panchayats.

Correct Answer: B. B. Identifying beneficiaries and supervising construction

Under PM Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), the Gram Panchayat plays a key role in identifying eligible beneficiaries from the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data and local surveys. The Gram Sabha approves the beneficiary list, and the Gram Panchayat supervises the construction of houses. The Gram Panchayat also maintains records of houses constructed and ensures quality. The direct benefit transfer to beneficiaries is linked with Gram Panchayat verification to ensure funds reach genuine beneficiaries.

Correct Answer: B. B. Providing adequate financial resources and autonomy to Panchayats

Fiscal decentralization in Panchayati Raj refers to providing adequate financial resources and financial autonomy to Panchayats so they can discharge their functions effectively. This includes both revenue decentralization (allowing Panchayats to levy and collect their own taxes) and expenditure decentralization (allowing Panchayats to decide how to spend allocated funds). The State Finance Commission and central Finance Commission play key roles in fiscal decentralization through their grant recommendations to local bodies.