Three Tier PR Structure — Set 9

Correct Answer: B. B. Rs 4,36,361 crore

The 15th Finance Commission (2021-26) under N.K. Singh recommended grants amounting to Rs 4,36,361 crore for local bodies (Panchayati Raj institutions and Urban Local Bodies) over the five-year period. This is the largest ever grant devolution to local bodies in India's history. Of this, Rs 2,36,805 crore is for rural local bodies (Gram Panchayats). The grants include both tied grants (for specific purposes like sanitation and drinking water) and untied grants for general local needs.

Correct Answer: B. B. Determined by state law

The minimum population norm for constituting a Gram Panchayat is determined by state law, as the Constitution gives states the discretion to prescribe this. Different states have different norms: for example, in Rajasthan the minimum population for a Gram Panchayat is around 1000-2000, while in other states it may be different. The Constitution (Article 243C) only specifies that the composition of Panchayats must be determined by the state legislature. This flexibility accommodates the diverse demographic patterns across India.

Correct Answer: C. C. Article 243H

Article 243H of the Constitution empowers the State Legislature to authorize Panchayats to levy, collect, and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls, and fees in accordance with such procedure and subject to such limits as may be specified. It also allows the state to assign to Panchayats taxes, duties, tolls, and fees collected by the state, and to provide grants-in-aid from the Consolidated Fund of the State. This article is the financial empowerment provision for Panchayati Raj institutions.

Correct Answer: B. B. Finance Commission devolution and own-source revenue of Panchayats

Fiscal federalism at the local level is strengthened through Finance Commission devolution to Panchayats and by enabling Panchayats to generate their own source revenue through local taxes and fees. The State Finance Commission (SFC) makes recommendations for sharing state taxes with Panchayats, while the central Finance Commission also makes grants to local bodies. Own-source revenue generation makes Panchayats financially sustainable and accountable. Strong fiscal federalism at the local level is key to effective Panchayati Raj.

Correct Answer: B. B. Intermediate (block-level) Panchayat

In Uttar Pradesh, the intermediate (block-level) tier of Panchayati Raj is called Kshetra Panchayat (literally 'area council'). It is the equivalent of Panchayat Samiti in other states. The UP three-tier system consists of Gram Panchayat (village), Kshetra Panchayat (block), and Zila Panchayat (district). The Kshetra Panchayat oversees development activities at the block level and coordinates between Gram Panchayats and the Zila Panchayat.

Correct Answer: B. B. Power transferred from higher levels to Panchayats

Devolved power in Panchayati Raj means power that has been transferred from higher levels of government (state and central) to Panchayati Raj institutions. True devolution involves transferring functions (what Panchayats are responsible for), finances (adequate money to perform those functions), and functionaries (staff to execute the work). Without all three, devolution remains incomplete. The 73rd Amendment mandated this devolution, but actual implementation varies widely across Indian states.

Correct Answer: B. B. GPDP (Gram Panchayat Development Plan)

The e-Gram Swaraj portal is directly linked with the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) for Panchayat planning. The portal provides a unified platform for decentralized planning, progress reporting, and work-based accounting. Panchayats upload their GPDP plans, track expenditures, and report outcomes through this portal. The integration ensures that all Gram Panchayat activities are digitally recorded and monitored for transparency and accountability.

Correct Answer: B. B. Planning and implementation of local development at grassroots

The Gram Panchayat is the primary implementing agency for rural development at the grassroots level. It plans and executes development works including construction of roads, buildings, wells, and sanitation facilities. It implements central and state government schemes like MGNREGA, PM Awas Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Jal Jeevan Mission. The Gram Panchayat also coordinates with other departments to ensure integrated development of the village.

Correct Answer: B. B. Gram Sabha

The Social Audit of MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) is conducted by the Gram Sabha. This mandatory audit examines the works done, funds spent, and beneficiaries enrolled under MGNREGA in a transparent public forum. The Gram Sabha Social Audit Forum consists of community members who verify muster rolls, work completion certificates, and payment records. Social auditing under MGNREGA has helped expose corruption and ensure timely payment of wages to workers.

Correct Answer: B. B. Article 243G

Article 243G of the Constitution gives power to state legislatures to endow Panchayats with powers and authority to enable them to function as institutions of self-government. This may include devolution of powers and responsibilities for preparation of plans for economic development and social justice, and for implementation of schemes for the subjects listed in the 11th Schedule. The actual extent of powers given to Panchayats depends on the legislative decisions of each state.