Panchayati Raj & 73rd Amendment — Set 15
Revenue & Panchayati Raj · पंचायती राज और 73वां संशोधन · Questions 141–150 of 200
Which article of the Indian Constitution defines 'Panchayat'?
Correct Answer: A. Article 243
Article 243 provides definitions for key terms used in Part IX of the Constitution. It defines 'Panchayat' as an institution of self-government constituted under Article 243B. This article also defines district, Gram Sabha, intermediate level, Panchayat area, population, and village. These definitions form the basis of the entire Panchayati Raj framework under the 73rd Amendment.
Article 243A of the Constitution deals with which body?
Correct Answer: A. Gram Sabha
Article 243A deals specifically with the Gram Sabha and its powers and functions. It provides that 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. The Gram Sabha is the foundational unit of grassroots democracy. It consists of all voters registered in the village.
Article 243B mandates Panchayats at three levels in States with population exceeding which limit?
Correct Answer: B. 20 lakh
Article 243B mandates Panchayats at village, intermediate, and district levels in every State. States with population not exceeding 20 lakh may not constitute an intermediate-level Panchayat. This provision gives smaller States flexibility in their Panchayati Raj structure. Most large States currently have all three tiers operational.
Article 243C of the Constitution deals with which aspect of Panchayats?
Correct Answer: B. Composition of Panchayats
Article 243C deals with the composition of Panchayats at all three levels. It mandates that the ratio of population to seats shall be the same throughout the State. It also allows representation of village Panchayat Chairpersons at intermediate-level Panchayats. The State Legislature may make provisions for composition by law.
How many subjects are listed in the Eleventh Schedule related to Panchayati Raj?
Correct Answer: C. 29
The Eleventh Schedule contains 29 subjects that may be devolved to Panchayati Raj Institutions. This schedule was inserted by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment of 1992. Subjects include agriculture, land improvement, irrigation, animal husbandry, fisheries, roads, drinking water, education, and others. States may devolve any or all of these subjects to Panchayats.
Article 243G of the Constitution relates to which aspect of Panchayats?
Correct Answer: B. Powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats
Article 243G deals with powers, authority, and responsibilities of Panchayats. It provides that the State Legislature may endow Panchayats with powers to enable them to function as institutions of self-government. Such law may include devolution of powers for the 29 subjects in the Eleventh Schedule. Article 243H separately deals with the power to levy taxes.
The PESA Act 1996 extends Panchayati Raj to areas covered under which Schedule of the Constitution?
Correct Answer: B. Fifth Schedule
The Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act 1996 (PESA) extends Panchayati Raj Institutions to Fifth Schedule areas. The Fifth Schedule covers tribal areas in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Telangana. PESA recognises the traditions and customary law of tribal communities. It empowers Gram Sabhas with special rights over natural resources in scheduled areas.
Under PESA Act 1996, which body must approve plans for social and economic development in scheduled areas?
Correct Answer: C. Gram Sabha
Under PESA 1996, the Gram Sabha has the central role in governance of scheduled tribal areas. It must approve plans, programs, and projects for social and economic development before implementation. The Gram Sabha also identifies beneficiaries under poverty alleviation programs. It serves as a check on the Panchayat to prevent exploitation in tribal areas.
The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution deals with tribal areas having Autonomous District Councils in which region?
Correct Answer: C. North-eastern India
The Sixth Schedule deals with administration of tribal areas in north-eastern States — Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. These areas have Autonomous District Councils with legislative, executive, and judicial powers. ADCs can make laws on land, forests, waterways, and money-lending. Sixth Schedule areas are distinct from Fifth Schedule areas and have a more autonomous structure.
A Nyaya Panchayat is best described as which type of institution?
Correct Answer: B. A judicial body for settling minor disputes at village level
A Nyaya Panchayat is a village-level judicial body established to settle minor civil and criminal disputes at the grassroots level. It reduces the burden on formal courts by providing quick, inexpensive, and accessible justice to rural communities. Nyaya Panchayats can try petty cases involving small amounts and impose limited fines. They are distinct from Gram Panchayats which handle administrative and developmental functions.