Three Tier PR Structure — Set 14

Correct Answer: C. C. Article 243F

Article 243F of the Constitution specifies the qualifications for membership in Panchayats. It states that a person shall be disqualified for being chosen as, or for being, a member of a Panchayat if they are so disqualified under any law for the time being in force for the purposes of elections to the Legislature of the State. It also specifies that a person shall be qualified to be a candidate for election to a Panchayat if they are not less than 21 years of age.

Correct Answer: B. B. By localizing SDGs through village-level development plans

Panchayats contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by localizing global goals to the village level through Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP). The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has mapped SDG targets to activities at the Gram Panchayat level under nine themes. Each Gram Panchayat is encouraged to create SDG-aligned GDPPs addressing poverty, health, education, clean water, sanitation, gender equality, and other local development needs. This grassroots implementation is key to India achieving its SDG commitments.

Correct Answer: B. B. Gram Sabha has first right over minor forest produce

Under the PESA Act 1996, Gram Sabhas in Fifth Schedule (tribal) areas have the first right over minor forest produce (MFP). This includes the right to own, manage, and utilize minor forest produce such as tendu leaves, bamboo, mahua flowers, herbs, and other non-timber forest products. The PESA Act recognizes traditional forest rights of tribal communities and empowers Gram Sabhas to regulate access to forest resources. This was a major step in recognizing tribal peoples' relationship with forests.

Correct Answer: B. B. It ensures Panchayats have staff to execute their functions

The devolution of functionaries (government staff) to Panchayats is important because without staff, Panchayats cannot execute their assigned functions even if they have funds and legal powers. Functionaries provide technical expertise, administrative support, and implementation capacity. Currently, most government staff at the local level are controlled by state departments rather than being accountable to Panchayats. True devolution requires that relevant staff be placed under the administrative and financial control of Panchayats.

Correct Answer: A. A. Self-government and autonomy

'Swaraj' in the context of Panchayati Raj means self-government and autonomy. It refers to the concept that villages and local communities should have the power to govern themselves without undue interference from higher authorities. Mahatma Gandhi's concept of Gram Swaraj (village self-rule) is the philosophical foundation of India's Panchayati Raj system. The scheme RGSA (Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan) is named after this concept. Swaraj implies that Panchayats should have real decision-making powers over local affairs.

Correct Answer: B. B. Article 243E read with 243K

Article 243E(3) along with Article 243K ensures that Panchayat elections take place on time. Article 243E mandates elections before expiry of five-year term and within six months of dissolution. Article 243K vests superintendence, direction, and control of elections in the State Election Commission, which is an independent constitutional body. The State Election Commission can compel the state government to hold elections. Courts have also intervened to ensure timely Panchayat elections.

Correct Answer: B. B. Article 40

Article 40 of the Constitution is a Directive Principle of State Policy that requires the State to take steps to organize village Panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government. Before the 73rd Amendment (1992), this was an aspirational directive. The 73rd Amendment gave constitutional teeth to this directive by making Panchayati Raj mandatory. Article 40 thus forms the philosophical basis of the constitutional Panchayati Raj mandate.

Correct Answer: B. B. Only remainder of the original 5-year term

Under Article 243E of the Constitution, if a Panchayat is dissolved before the completion of its five-year term and fresh elections are held, the newly constituted Panchayat serves only for the remainder of the original five-year period. It does not get a full five-year term. This provision is designed to ensure the electoral cycle remains synchronized. If less than six months remain of the original term when dissolution occurs, elections may not be mandatory.

Correct Answer: B. B. State Election Commission

The State Election Commission established under Article 243K is responsible for preparing and maintaining the electoral rolls (voter lists) for Panchayat elections. The electoral rolls are prepared based on the list of voters registered in each Gram Panchayat area. The State Election Commission supervises this process to ensure accuracy and completeness. Eligible voters who are at least 18 years of age and residents of the Panchayat area are registered on these rolls.

Correct Answer: B. B. PESA Act 1996

Tribal customary laws, traditions, and cultural practices in Fifth Schedule areas are protected under the PESA Act 1996 (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas). The Act mandates that state laws extending Panchayati Raj to these areas must be in consonance with customary law, social and religious practices, and traditional management practices of community resources. The Gram Sabha is empowered to safeguard and preserve these traditions and customs. The Forest Rights Act 2006 further strengthened forest-related rights.