Three Tier PR Structure — Set 12
Revenue & Panchayati Raj · तीन स्तरीय पंचायती राज · Questions 111–120 of 160
A key difference between the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments is:
Correct Answer: B. B. The 73rd deals with rural Panchayats, 74th with urban municipalities
The key difference between the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (both enacted in 1992) is that the 73rd Amendment deals with rural Panchayati Raj institutions (Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, Zila Parishads) while the 74th Amendment deals with Urban Local Bodies (Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils, Municipal Corporations). The 73rd inserted Part IX and the 11th Schedule, while the 74th inserted Part IX-A and the 12th Schedule. Both were aimed at democratic decentralization in India.
What is the maximum term of the State Election Commissioner?
Correct Answer: B. B. 6 years or age 65, whichever is earlier
The Constitution does not specify the exact term for the State Election Commissioner. However, most state laws provide for a term of 5 or 6 years or until age 65, whichever is earlier. The exact service conditions are determined by the state legislature. The key protection is that the conditions of service of the State Election Commissioner cannot be varied to their disadvantage after appointment, ensuring stability and independence.
Panchayati Raj institutions are primarily meant to govern which sector?
Correct Answer: B. B. Rural areas
Panchayati Raj institutions are primarily meant to govern rural areas in India. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment applies to all states but specifically targets rural local self-governance. The counterpart for urban areas is Urban Local Bodies under the 74th Constitutional Amendment. Together, both systems aim to bring governance to the doorstep of citizens — Panchayati Raj for rural areas and Urban Local Bodies for towns and cities. India has approximately 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats covering rural India.
Which ministry oversees implementation of the 73rd Amendment?
Correct Answer: B. B. Ministry of Panchayati Raj
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, established in 2004, is the nodal ministry for overseeing the implementation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment and all policies related to Panchayati Raj institutions. It formulates policies, provides technical assistance, monitors progress of devolution, and runs capacity building schemes like RGSA. The ministry also maintains data on Panchayati Raj through portals like e-Gram Swaraj and publishes the Annual Report on Panchayati Raj.
Panchayati Raj elections in some states use Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Who supplies these?
Correct Answer: B. B. State Election Commission arranges for EVMs
The State Election Commission (SEC) manages Panchayat elections and makes arrangements for voting equipment including Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) where used. Some state SECs use EVMs for Panchayat elections, while others use ballot papers. The State Election Commission either procures its own EVMs or requests them from the Election Commission of India. The conduct of elections, including the voting process, is entirely under the supervision of the State Election Commission.
What is the constitutional provision for conducting elections before expiry of Panchayat term?
Correct Answer: B. B. Elections must be completed before expiry of 5-year term
Article 243E(3) of the Constitution mandates that elections to constitute a Panchayat shall be completed before the expiry of its duration of five years. This ensures continuity in democratic governance. If the Panchayat is dissolved before the completion of its term, the elections must be held within six months from the date of dissolution. This constitutional safeguard prevents the creation of a governance vacuum in rural areas.
The Nagar Panchayat in urban areas is the equivalent of which rural body?
Correct Answer: A. A. Gram Panchayat
The Nagar Panchayat in urban areas is established for transitional areas (areas transitioning from rural to urban) and is the urban equivalent of the Gram Panchayat in rural areas in terms of its basic local governance function. Like a Gram Panchayat, a Nagar Panchayat governs a smaller population area. It is established under the 74th Constitutional Amendment for urban governance. The counterpart governing structure at the district level is the Zila Parishad (rural) vs. Municipal Corporation (urban).
What is the number of Gram Panchayats approximately in India today?
Correct Answer: C. C. 2,50,000
India has approximately 2,50,000 (2.5 lakh) Gram Panchayats covering the rural areas across all states and Union Territories. This vast network of local governance institutions employs over 30 lakh elected representatives and functional staff. The Gram Panchayat is the basic unit of rural governance that directly interfaces with approximately 65-70% of India's population living in villages. The establishment of this network was driven by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment 1992.
Which state has the lowest number of Gram Panchayats?
Correct Answer: C. C. Sikkim
Sikkim, being a small northeastern state with a small population, has the lowest number of Gram Panchayats among Indian states. Goa also has a small number due to its small area and population. States like Goa and Sikkim have populations below 20 lakh, which exempts them from constituting intermediate Panchayat tiers under Article 243B(2). Their Panchayati Raj systems are simpler and have fewer tiers than larger states.
The 'Sabhadhipati' is the head of which local body in West Bengal?
Correct Answer: C. C. Zila Parishad
In West Bengal, the head (chairperson) of the Zila Parishad (district-level Panchayat) is called Sabhadhipati. The term is derived from Bengali and means the head of the assembly. West Bengal uses distinct terminology for its Panchayati Raj institutions. The Sabhapati is the head of Panchayat Samiti in West Bengal. West Bengal is known for having one of the more functional and devolved Panchayati Raj systems in India.