Three Tier PR Structure — Set 2

Correct Answer: B. Block/Taluk level

Panchayat Samiti functions at the block or taluk level, which is the middle tier of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system. It coordinates the work of all Gram Panchayats within the block. The Panchayat Samiti supervises rural development programmes, primary education, and public health at the block level. It serves as a link between the Gram Panchayat and the Zila Parishad.

Correct Answer: B. 33%

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment mandated reservation of not less than one-third (33%) of seats for women in Panchayati Raj institutions. This applies to both elected seats and offices of chairpersons. Several states including Bihar, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan have increased women's reservation to 50%. This was a landmark step towards women's political empowerment at grassroots level.

Correct Answer: C. District level

Zila Parishad operates at the district level, which is the highest tier of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system. It coordinates all development activities in the district and supervises Panchayat Samitis. The Zila Parishad prepares the district development plan and administers funds from state and central governments. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zila Parishad is an IAS officer appointed by the state government.

Correct Answer: B. 11th Schedule

The correct answer is 11th Schedule. The 11th Schedule of the Constitution, added by the 73rd Amendment, lists 29 subjects that may be transferred to Panchayati Raj institutions. These subjects include agriculture, land improvement, minor irrigation, animal husbandry, fisheries, social forestry, primary and secondary education, technical training, adult education, libraries, cultural activities, markets, health, women and child development, social welfare, and poverty alleviation. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.

Correct Answer: C. Article 243-I

Article 243-I mandates the Governor of each state to constitute a State Finance Commission every five years to review the financial position of Panchayats. The SFC recommends the distribution of taxes, duties, tolls and fees between the state and Panchayats. It also recommends grants-in-aid to Panchayats from the Consolidated Fund of the State. The 73rd Amendment made this a constitutional requirement.

Correct Answer: B. Scheduled Tribal areas

The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act 1996, known as PESA, extends the provisions of Panchayati Raj to Schedule V tribal areas. PESA gives tribal communities control over their natural resources, traditional practices, and local governance. It covers 10 states with Schedule V areas: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan.

Correct Answer: B. Every 5 years

Panchayat elections must be held every five years as mandated by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. The State Election Commission is responsible for superintendence, direction, and control of preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of elections. Elections must be completed before the expiry of the five-year term. If a Panchayat is dissolved, elections must be held within six months.

Correct Answer: B. Village court at grassroots level

Gram Nyayalayas are village courts established under the Gram Nyayalayas Act 2008 to provide inexpensive justice at the doorstep of rural people. They operate at the Panchayat level and handle both civil and criminal matters up to specified limits. The Nyayadhikari (judge) must be qualified as a judicial officer. These courts aim to reduce the burden on district courts and provide speedy justice in rural areas.

Correct Answer: C. 73rd Amendment

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992 gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions. It came into force on April 24, 1993, which is now celebrated as National Panchayati Raj Day. The amendment inserted Part IX (Articles 243 to 243-O) and the 11th Schedule into the Constitution. It transformed PRIs from statutory bodies to constitutional bodies.

Correct Answer: B. National Panchayati Raj Day

April 24 is celebrated as National Panchayati Raj Day because the 73rd Constitutional Amendment came into force on this date in 1993. The day is marked by the Prime Minister and other dignitaries addressing elected Panchayati Raj representatives. The occasion is used to announce new initiatives for rural development and governance. It highlights the importance of grassroots democracy in India.