Panchayati Raj & 73rd Amendment — Set 20

Correct Answer: C. About 30 lakh

India has approximately 30 lakh (3 million) elected Panchayat representatives across all three tiers. Of these, about 14 lakh (nearly 50%) are women, making it the world's largest experiment in grassroots democracy with women's participation. There are about 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayats, about 6,000 Block Panchayats, and about 600-700 District Panchayats. The 73rd Amendment created this massive democratic structure.

Correct Answer: B. Minor water bodies such as ponds and streams

PESA 1996 grants the Gram Sabha power to manage and control minor water bodies such as ponds, streams, and irrigation channels in Scheduled Areas. This is critical for tribal communities whose livelihoods are tied to water resources. The Gram Sabha can regulate usage and prevent exploitation of water resources. This is part of the broader framework of community control over natural resources under PESA.

Correct Answer: C. Eleventh Schedule

Article 243G enables Panchayats to prepare plans for economic development and social justice covering the 29 subjects in the Eleventh Schedule. This empowers Panchayats to function as genuine institutions of self-government rather than mere implementing agencies. Panchayats may prepare annual and five-year plans covering agriculture, education, health, rural infrastructure, and social welfare. Effective planning requires adequate devolution of finance, functions, and functionaries.

Correct Answer: B. The lowest level capable of performing them effectively

The principle of subsidiarity holds that functions should be performed at the lowest level of government capable of effectively performing them. In Panchayati Raj, this means local decisions about village roads, sanitation, and primary health should be made by Gram Panchayats rather than district or State governments. This principle underpins devolution of powers under the 73rd Amendment. It enhances local ownership and accountability.

Correct Answer: B. Gram Swaraj — self-sufficient self-governing village communities

The Adarsh Gram concept is based on Mahatma Gandhi's concept of Gram Swaraj — the idea of self-sufficient, self-governing village communities. The vision envisions a village free from social discrimination and corruption with all basic amenities and good governance. MPs are expected to mobilise existing government schemes rather than seek special funds. The gram will serve as a model for neighbouring villages.

Correct Answer: A. 18 years

The minimum voting age for Panchayat elections in India is 18 years, same as for Parliamentary and State Legislative Assembly elections. The 61st Constitutional Amendment (1988) reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years for all elections. Panchayat voter rolls are prepared by the State Election Commission on the basis of the same electoral rolls. The minimum age for contesting Panchayat elections is 21 years under Article 243F.

Correct Answer: C. 50 percent

Bihar in 2006 was the first major State to increase women's reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions to 50%. Before Bihar's amendment, the constitutional minimum was 33%. Bihar's example was followed by Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh among others. More than 20 States now have 50% reservation for women in PRIs. The 110th Constitutional Amendment Bill was introduced to make this mandatory nationally.

Correct Answer: B. Group of Panchayats working together to achieve common development goals

The Model Panchayat Cluster (MPC) concept involves a group of neighbouring Gram Panchayats working together to achieve common development goals. The cluster approach allows sharing of resources, facilities, and expertise across a group of villages. This is especially useful for services like secondary health facilities, vocational training centres, and water treatment plants. The cluster approach strengthens inter-Panchayat cooperation.

Correct Answer: B. Constitutional recognition to Panchayati Raj as the third tier of democracy

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment 1992 is a landmark because it gave constitutional recognition to Panchayati Raj Institutions as the third tier of Indian democracy. Before this, Panchayats were statutory bodies created by State laws and could be dissolved at State government's will. The amendment made regular elections, reservation for women and marginalised groups, devolution of funds and functions, and State Finance Commissions constitutionally mandatory. It transformed Panchayati Raj from a discretionary policy to a constitutional right.

Correct Answer: C. Article 243K establishing independent State Election Commission

Article 243K provides for an independent State Election Commission to superintend, direct, and control Panchayat elections. The State Election Commissioner cannot be easily removed, making the SEC independent from State government pressure. Because the SEC is a constitutional body with security of tenure, the State Government cannot delay or manipulate Panchayat elections. This safeguard ensures elections are held on time and grassroots democratic governance is maintained.