Three Tier PR Structure — Set 4
Revenue & Panchayati Raj · तीन स्तरीय पंचायती राज · Questions 31–40 of 160
Article 243D mandates what minimum reservation for women in Panchayat Chairperson positions?
Correct Answer: B. B. One-third
Article 243D mandates that not less than one-third of the total number of offices of Chairpersons of Panchayats at each level in the State shall be reserved for women. This reservation applies to Chairpersons at Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad levels. The reserved offices rotate among different Panchayats in successive elections. This has opened leadership roles for women in rural governance across India.
In Karnataka, the intermediate Panchayat tier is called:
Correct Answer: C. C. Taluk Panchayat
In Karnataka, the intermediate tier of Panchayati Raj is called Taluk Panchayat. Karnataka has a three-tier system: Gram Panchayat (village level), Taluk Panchayat (intermediate level), and Zila Panchayat (district level). This naming convention is specific to Karnataka, while other states use different names for the same tier such as Panchayat Samiti in Maharashtra, Mandal Parishad in Andhra Pradesh, and Kshetra Panchayat in Uttar Pradesh.
Which state was the second to establish Panchayati Raj after Rajasthan in 1959?
Correct Answer: B. B. Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh was the second state in India to establish Panchayati Raj, doing so in November 1959, just weeks after Rajasthan inaugurated it on 2 October 1959. This early adoption reflected Andhra Pradesh's commitment to democratic decentralization. Subsequently, many other states also established their own Panchayati Raj systems, though the quality and extent of devolution varied widely. The 73rd Amendment in 1992 made uniform Panchayati Raj mandatory for all states.
Article 243O bars courts from questioning:
Correct Answer: B. B. Delimitation of Panchayat constituencies
Article 243O of the Constitution bars courts from questioning the validity of any law relating to the delimitation of constituencies or allotment of seats in Panchayat elections. It also bars courts from questioning any election to any Panchayat except by an election petition presented in accordance with state law. This provision ensures stability in the Panchayat electoral process and prevents unnecessary judicial interference in local elections.
How often must the State Finance Commission be constituted?
Correct Answer: B. B. Every 5 years
Article 243I mandates that the Governor of each state shall, as soon as may be within one year from the commencement of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act 1992, and thereafter at the expiration of every fifth year, constitute a State Finance Commission. The State Finance Commission reviews the financial position of Panchayats and makes recommendations on devolution of funds. This periodic review ensures regular financial empowerment of Panchayati Raj institutions.
The State Election Commissioner's independence is protected by:
Correct Answer: C. C. Appointment by the Supreme Court
The independence of the State Election Commissioner is protected through tenure security similar to that of a High Court judge. The State Election Commissioner can only be removed through a process similar to removing a judge of the High Court, requiring an address to the President by the state legislature. Also, the conditions of service of the State Election Commissioner cannot be varied to his/her disadvantage after appointment. This ensures the conduct of free and fair Panchayat elections.
What powers does Article 243G grant to Panchayats?
Correct Answer: B. B. Power to prepare plans for economic development and social justice
Article 243G of the Constitution empowers the State Legislature to endow Panchayats with powers and authority to enable them to function as institutions of self-government. This includes responsibility for the preparation of plans for economic development and social justice. The state legislature may also devolve powers for implementation of schemes relating to the 29 subjects in the Eleventh Schedule. The actual extent of these powers is determined by state legislation.
The word Panchayat derives from Sanskrit meaning:
Correct Answer: B. B. Assembly of five
The word Panchayat is derived from two Sanskrit words: Panch meaning five and Ayat meaning assembly or gathering, so Panchayat literally means assembly of five. It historically referred to a council of five wise elders chosen by the community to govern village affairs and settle local disputes. In modern usage, it refers to the elected local self-government body at the village level. The ancient concept has been modernized and given constitutional status through the 73rd Amendment.
Kerala's People's Planning Campaign (1996) is cited as a model of:
Correct Answer: B. B. Successful devolution with participatory planning
Kerala's People's Planning Campaign launched in 1996 is widely cited as one of the most successful examples of decentralization and participatory planning in India. The campaign transferred 35-40% of the state's plan funds to local self-governments (Panchayats and Municipalities). It involved mass participation of citizens in planning processes and led to improvements in health, education, and infrastructure at the grassroots level. Kerala's model demonstrated that genuine devolution of powers and funds can transform local governance.
Which article mandates audit of accounts of Panchayats?
Correct Answer: C. C. Article 243J
Article 243J of the Constitution mandates that the Legislature of a State shall by law make provisions with respect to the maintenance of accounts by Panchayats and the auditing of such accounts. This ensures financial accountability and transparency in Panchayat operations. States have enacted their own audit laws and procedures for Panchayat accounts. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) may also audit accounts of Panchayats that receive substantial central grants.