Three Tier PR Structure — Set 3

Correct Answer: B. Scheme to strengthen PRIs capacities

Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to develop governance capabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions. It focuses on capacity building of elected representatives and officials. The scheme supports preparation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs). RGSA was revamped in 2018 to align with Sustainable Development Goals and national priorities.

Correct Answer: B. Rajasthan

Rajasthan was the first state to implement Panchayati Raj following the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommendations. The scheme was inaugurated on October 2, 1959, at Nagaur in Rajasthan by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Andhra Pradesh was the second state to implement PRIs in 1959. The Rajasthan model was considered a pioneering step in democratic decentralization in India.

Correct Answer: B. Two tiers

The correct answer is Two tiers. The Ashok Mehta Committee (1977) recommended a two-tier Panchayati Raj system: Mandal Panchayat at the village level and Zila Parishad at the district level. The committee felt the three-tier system was too complex and the middle tier (Panchayat Samiti) was unnecessary. The committee also recommended direct elections, political party participation, and regular audit of Panchayat accounts.

Correct Answer: C. Article 243-ZD

Article 243-ZD of the Constitution provides for the constitution of District Planning Committees to consolidate plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities in each district. This provision was added by the 74th Constitutional Amendment. The DPC prepares a draft development plan for the district as a whole. At least four-fifths of the DPC members must be elected from among elected members of Panchayats and Municipalities.

Correct Answer: B. To prepare annual village development plan

Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) is an annual plan prepared by the Gram Panchayat to address local development needs. It covers all sectors like agriculture, health, education, water, sanitation, and social welfare. The planning process involves participatory consultation with village communities through Gram Sabha. The GPDP is linked to various central and state government schemes for fund allocation.

Correct Answer: B. B. Two tiers

The Ashok Mehta Committee constituted in December 1977 under the Janata Party government recommended a two-tier Panchayati Raj system instead of the three-tier system. The two tiers recommended were Mandal Panchayat at the village level and Zila Parishad at the district level. The committee emphasized statutory devolution of financial and administrative powers to these bodies. However, these recommendations were not fully implemented due to the change in government.

Correct Answer: B. B. Making Zila Parishad the principal body for district planning

The GVK Rao Committee constituted in 1985 recommended making Zila Parishad the principal body for district planning and development. The committee observed that development had become bureaucratized and Panchayat institutions had become hollow. It recommended that the district should be the basic unit of planning and Zila Parishad should be strengthened as the key body. The committee also recommended a post of District Development Commissioner to help the Zila Parishad.

Correct Answer: B. B. Panchayat Samiti

In the three-tier Panchayati Raj system, the Panchayat Samiti occupies the intermediate or block level, situated between the Gram Panchayat at the village level and the Zila Parishad at the district level. The Panchayat Samiti supervises the work of Gram Panchayats within its jurisdiction and coordinates block-level development activities. It receives grants from both the state government and the Zila Parishad. Different states call it by different names.

Correct Answer: B. B. Part IX

Part IX of the Indian Constitution comprising Articles 243 to 243O deals with Panchayati Raj. This part was inserted by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992, giving constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions for the first time. Part IX-A (Articles 243P to 243ZG) deals with Urban Local Bodies, inserted by the 74th Amendment. The 11th Schedule (related to Part IX) lists 29 subjects that may be transferred to Panchayats.

Correct Answer: B. B. Urban Local Bodies

The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act 1992 provides constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies (municipalities), similar to how the 73rd Amendment did for Panchayats. It inserted Part IX-A into the Constitution. It also added the 12th Schedule listing 18 functions that may be transferred to urban local bodies. The amendment mandates Ward Committees for cities with over 3 lakh population and requires State Election Commissions for municipal elections.