Three Tier PR Structure — Set 8

Correct Answer: B. B. Article 243A

Article 243A of the Indian Constitution deals with the Gram Sabha. It defines the Gram Sabha as a body consisting of persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village comprised within the area of a Panchayat at the village level. The Gram Sabha may exercise such powers and perform such functions at the village level as the Legislature of a State may by law provide. This makes Gram Sabha the foundation of democratic governance at the village level.

Correct Answer: B. B. Democratic decentralization and grassroots governance

The Panchayati Raj system aims to achieve democratic decentralization by bringing governance closer to the people at the grassroots level. It seeks to empower local communities to plan, implement, and monitor development activities through elected representatives. The system promotes participatory democracy where citizens are not just voters but active participants in governance. The 73rd Amendment gave constitutional backing to this goal of democratic decentralization.

Correct Answer: B. B. Gram Sabha

Under the PESA Act 1996, the Gram Sabha in Fifth Schedule (tribal) areas has the right to manage minor forest produce (MFP) such as tendu leaves, bamboo, mahua flowers, and other non-timber forest products. The Gram Sabha is empowered to own, manage, and utilize minor forest produce for the benefit of the tribal community. This recognizes the traditional rights of tribal communities over forest resources. The Forest Rights Act 2006 further strengthened these rights.

Correct Answer: B. B. Community-based needs assessment for local planning

Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) is a community-based methodology for needs assessment and local planning where community members actively participate in identifying problems, resources, and solutions. In Panchayati Raj, PRA tools are used during Gram Sabha meetings and GPDP preparation to ensure that development plans reflect actual community needs. PRA techniques include community mapping, resource mapping, seasonal calendars, and focus group discussions. It empowers communities as agents of their own development.

Correct Answer: B. B. Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of Gram Panchayats in India, with over 59,000 Gram Panchayats. This reflects the large rural population and numerous villages in the state. The total number of Gram Panchayats across India is approximately 2.5 lakh (250,000). Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh also have large numbers of Gram Panchayats. The large number reflects the extensive rural governance network in India created by the Panchayati Raj system.

Correct Answer: B. B. Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)

The capacity building of elected Panchayat representatives and functionaries is funded under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA). This centrally sponsored scheme provides training, exposure visits, and orientation programs for Panchayat members to improve their governance capabilities. RGSA also supports e-Gram Swaraj, State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), and District Institute of Rural Development (DIRD) for training. The goal is to help Panchayats function as effective local self-government institutions.

Correct Answer: B. B. After 73rd Amendment implementation

After the implementation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1993, India saw the election of approximately 10 lakh (1 million) representatives to Panchayati Raj institutions. This was a massive expansion of democratic participation at the grassroots level. Today, the number has grown to over 30 lakh elected Panchayat representatives, including more than 14 lakh women elected representatives. This makes Panchayati Raj India's largest democratic exercise after general elections.

Correct Answer: B. B. Article 243ZD

The District Planning Committee (DPC) is mandated by Article 243ZD of the Constitution. Every district must have a DPC to consolidate plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities in the district and prepare a draft development plan for the district. Not less than four-fifths of the members of the DPC must be elected members of Panchayats and Municipalities. The DPC chairman forwards the development plan to the state government for implementation.

Correct Answer: B. B. Coordinating block-level Panchayats and district planning

The Zila Parishad is the apex body of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system at the district level. It coordinates the activities of Panchayat Samitis within the district, oversees district-level development planning, allocates resources among blocks, and monitors implementation. It receives grants from both the central and state governments and allocates them to lower-tier bodies. The Zila Parishad also acts as a supervisory body for the Panchayat Samitis and Gram Panchayats under it.

Correct Answer: B. B. Panchayat Samiti

In Maharashtra, the intermediate tier of the Panchayati Raj system is called Panchayat Samiti, which operates at the block or taluka level. Maharashtra has a well-developed three-tier Panchayati Raj system with Gram Panchayat at the village level, Panchayat Samiti at the taluka level, and Zila Parishad at the district level. The Maharashtra Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti Act of 1961 governs this structure. Maharashtra is known for its relatively well-funded and functional Panchayati Raj institutions.