Three Tier PR Structure — Set 16

Correct Answer: B. B. Proactively disclose information and respond to RTI applications

Under the Right to Information Act 2005, Panchayats are required to proactively disclose information about their activities, decisions, funds, and plans (suo motu disclosure under Section 4). They must also respond to RTI applications filed by citizens seeking information about Panchayat activities within 30 days. This transparency requirement has significantly improved accountability in Panchayati Raj. Gram Panchayat secretaries are typically designated as Public Information Officers (PIOs) under the RTI Act.

Correct Answer: B. B. Gram Panchayat creating comprehensive plans covering all sectors

Integrated Village Development Planning refers to the Gram Panchayat preparing a comprehensive development plan (GPDP) that covers all sectors of village life — natural resources, economic development, human development, and social development. This integrated approach ensures that sectoral plans for water, sanitation, education, health, livelihood, and infrastructure are coordinated and aligned with local needs. The GPDP is the primary vehicle for integrated village development planning and links with national SDG goals.

Correct Answer: B. B. Reduce regional imbalances by strengthening local governance in backward areas

The Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF), now subsumed into other schemes, was designed to reduce regional imbalances and accelerate development in backward districts by strengthening local governance institutions. It provided untied grants to Panchayats and Municipalities in backward districts to address local needs. The BRGF was based on the principle that locally accountable governance through PRIs can more effectively address poverty and backwardness. It covered about 250 backward districts across India.

Correct Answer: A. A. A special revenue category for village settlement areas

Lal Dora refers to the village settlement area (abadi area) in the revenue records of many Indian states, particularly in Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi. These are areas around villages that were historically exempt from building regulations. The Gram Panchayat has jurisdiction over Lal Dora areas and is responsible for their development. However, the lack of proper land records and building regulations in Lal Dora areas has been a challenge for Gram Panchayats in managing urban sprawl and providing services.

Correct Answer: B. B. Parallel body problem or bypassing Panchayats

The 'parallel body problem' in Panchayati Raj refers to the creation of parallel structures and committees that bypass Gram Panchayats for implementing government schemes. Examples include Watershed Committees, School Management Committees, Village Health and Sanitation Committees, etc. While these bodies have legitimate roles, when they receive funds and implement schemes without accountability to the Gram Panchayat or Gram Sabha, they undermine the authority and relevance of elected Panchayats. This is a recognized challenge in strengthening Panchayati Raj.

Correct Answer: B. B. Proportional reservation based on ST population

Under Article 243D, seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes in Panchayats in proportion to their population in the Panchayat area. This extends to Chairperson positions at all levels. Under PESA Act 1996, in Fifth Schedule areas, the president of every Panchayat at all levels must be a member of a Scheduled Tribe. This ensures tribal communities have meaningful representation in governance of their own areas and protects their interests.

Correct Answer: B. B. Annual MGNREGA labor budget for a Gram Panchayat

The Gram Panchayat Resource Envelope under MGNREGA refers to the annual labor budget or resource allocation for each Gram Panchayat for implementing MGNREGA works. The resource envelope determines how many person-days of employment the Gram Panchayat can provide, what works can be undertaken, and the total funds available. Each Gram Panchayat prepares a labor budget and shelf of works based on local needs and the available resource envelope. This helps in systematic planning of MGNREGA implementation.

Correct Answer: B. B. It implemented the 73rd Amendment provisions in Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act 1994 was enacted to implement the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992 provisions in Andhra Pradesh. Like other states, AP enacted its own Panchayati Raj legislation to give effect to the constitutional mandate for democratic decentralization. The act established the three-tier system, mandated elections, provided for reservations, and defined the powers and functions of Panchayats. Telangana state (formed in 2014) initially operated under this AP act until enacting its own law.

Correct Answer: B. B. Ministry of Rural Development

Kurukshetra is a monthly journal published by the Ministry of Rural Development (through the Publications Division) that focuses on rural development, Panchayati Raj, agriculture, and related subjects. It provides information about government schemes, best practices, and case studies related to rural governance. The journal is widely read by Panchayat functionaries, government officers, and researchers working on rural development. It plays an important role in disseminating information about Panchayati Raj and rural development policies.

Correct Answer: B. B. All adults in the village can attend and vote

A Gram Sabha comprises all adults who are registered as voters in the electoral roll of the Gram Panchayat area. All adults (18 years and above) who are residents of the area can attend Gram Sabha meetings and participate in voting. There is no restriction based on gender, caste, education, or economic status. While the Gram Sabha is a powerful body that approves plans and holds the Panchayat accountable, it cannot overrule court orders.