Test your knowledge with 20 MCQs on Rural Governance in India: Panchayati Raj & 73rd Constitutional Amendment
Test your knowledge of rural governance in India with 20 MCQs on Panchayati Raj, the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, and local governance structures. Includes answers and explanations.
1. Which constitutional amendment established the Panchayati Raj system in India?
a) 42nd Amendment
b) 52nd Amendment
c) 73rd Amendment
d) 86th Amendment
Answer: c) 73rd Amendment
Explanation: The 73rd Amendment Act of 1992 granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
2. When did the 73rd Constitutional Amendment come into effect?
a) 1990
b) 1992
c) 1993
d) 1995
Answer: c) 1993
Explanation: The 73rd Amendment was passed in 1992 and came into effect on April 24, 1993.
3. How many tiers does the Panchayati Raj system have?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) Four
Answer: c) Three
Explanation: The Panchayati Raj system consists of Gram Panchayat (village level), Panchayat Samiti (block level), and Zila Parishad (district level).
4. Which schedule of the Indian Constitution contains the provisions of the Panchayati Raj system?
a) 10th Schedule
b) 11th Schedule
c) 12th Schedule
d) 7th Schedule
Answer: b) 11th Schedule
Explanation: The 11th Schedule (added by the 73rd Amendment) lists 29 subjects under Panchayati Raj governance.
5. The Panchayati Raj system is based on which article of the Indian Constitution?
a) Article 40
b) Article 243
c) Article 21
d) Article 72
Answer: b) Article 243
Explanation: Article 243 of the Constitution provides for the establishment and functioning of Panchayati Raj institutions.
6. What is the tenure of a Panchayat as per the 73rd Amendment?
a) 3 years
b) 4 years
c) 5 years
d) 6 years
Answer: c) 5 years
Explanation: The tenure of a Panchayat is 5 years, and elections must be conducted before the completion of the term.
7. Who conducts elections for Panchayati Raj Institutions?
a) Election Commission of India
b) State Election Commission
c) Gram Sabha
d) District Magistrate
Answer: b) State Election Commission
Explanation: The State Election Commission (created under Article 243K) conducts elections for local bodies.
8. What is the role of the Gram Sabha?
a) Approving village development plans
b) Conducting elections
c) Managing district-level administration
d) Overseeing judicial matters
Answer: a) Approving village development plans
Explanation: The Gram Sabha consists of all adult members of a village and approves development plans and budgets.
9. Who is the head of a Gram Panchayat?
a) Sarpanch
b) Block Development Officer
c) District Collector
d) Tehsildar
Answer: a) Sarpanch
Explanation: The Sarpanch is the elected head of the Gram Panchayat and represents the village-level government.
10. Which body acts as an intermediary between Gram Panchayat and Zila Parishad?
a) Gram Sabha
b) Panchayat Samiti
c) District Collector
d) Lok Sabha
Answer: b) Panchayat Samiti
Explanation: The Panchayat Samiti functions at the block level and coordinates the activities of multiple Gram Panchayats.
11. Who provides financial assistance to Panchayati Raj Institutions?
a) State Government
b) Central Government
c) Both State and Central Government
d) Private organizations
Answer: c) Both State and Central Government
Explanation: Funds for Panchayats come from Central & State Government grants, local taxes, and other revenues.
12. How many subjects are listed in the 11th Schedule for Panchayati Raj governance?
a) 18
b) 20
c) 25
d) 29
Answer: d) 29
Explanation: The 11th Schedule lists 29 subjects under the jurisdiction of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
13. What is the minimum age to contest Panchayat elections?
a) 18 years
b) 21 years
c) 25 years
d) 30 years
Answer: b) 21 years
Explanation: As per the 73rd Amendment, a person must be at least 21 years old to contest Panchayat elections.
14. Which constitutional article empowers State Legislatures to frame laws on Panchayati Raj?
a) Article 40
b) Article 243A
c) Article 356
d) Article 21
Answer: b) Article 243A
Explanation: Article 243A allows State Legislatures to determine the composition and functioning of Gram Sabhas.
15. What is the key objective of the Panchayati Raj system?
a) Strengthening central governance
b) Promoting self-governance at the local level
c) Replacing state government administration
d) Increasing taxation
Answer: b) Promoting self-governance at the local level
Explanation: Panchayati Raj aims to decentralize power and empower rural local bodies for self-governance.
16. The District Planning Committee is mentioned under which article?
a) Article 243ZD
b) Article 243A
c) Article 356
d) Article 370
Answer: a) Article 243ZD
Explanation: Article 243ZD provides for District Planning Committees (DPCs) to prepare development plans for districts.
17. Which of the following is NOT a function of Panchayati Raj institutions?
a) Rural development
b) Urban planning
c) Social welfare programs
d) Agriculture and irrigation
Answer: b) Urban planning
Explanation: Urban planning is a function of municipalities, not Panchayati Raj institutions.
18. What is the role of the Finance Commission in Panchayati Raj?
a) Conducting elections
b) Allocating financial resources
c) Resolving land disputes
d) Monitoring law and order
Answer: b) Allocating financial resources
Explanation: State Finance Commissions recommend the distribution of funds between state and local governments.
19. Who appoints the State Election Commissioner?
a) President of India
b) Governor of the State
c) Chief Minister
d) Prime Minister
Answer: b) Governor of the State
Explanation: The Governor appoints the State Election Commissioner, who oversees Panchayat elections.
20. Which committee is associated with the establishment of the Panchayati Raj system in India?
a) Ashok Mehta Committee
b) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
c) Sarkaria Commission
d) Mandal Commission
Answer: b) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
Explanation: The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957) recommended a three-tier Panchayati Raj system, leading to its implementation in 1959.
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