Test: Panchayats - UPSC MCQ

The 73rd Amendment Act, 1992, introduced the provision of Panchayati Raj in India, providing a constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj institutions.

Panchayati Raj institutions were not applicable to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. However, after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, it became applicable to the newly formed Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Zilla Parishad is the highest-tier Panchayati Raj institution at the district level, responsible for coordination and supervision of all Panchayat Samitis within the district.

The term duration of Panchayati Raj institutions is 5 years. After every 5 years, elections are conducted to constitute new Panchayati Raj bodies.

The Sarpanch, who is the elected head of the Gram Panchayat, presides over the meetings of the Gram Panchayat.

The concept of Gram Sabha is derived from the ancient Indian tradition mentioned in the Rigveda, where the village assembly played a crucial role in decision-making.

Article 243 of the Indian Constitution deals with Panchayati Raj institutions, providing constitutional provisions for the establishment and functioning of these institutions.

The 74th Amendment Act, 1992, deals with Municipalities in India, providing a constitutional status to urban local bodies.

Rajasthan was the first state to implement it

Balwant Rai Mehta Committee & Panchayati RajThe committee suggested the establishment of a democratic decentralised local government which came to be known as the Panchayati Raj. Recommendations by the Committee: Three-tier Panchayati Raj system: Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad.

Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of Gram Panchayats in India, owing to its large population and vast geographical area.

According to the Panchayati Raj Act of 1947, a person must be at least 21 years old to be elected as a member or office-bearer of a Gram Panchayat. However, no one can be disqualified from running for office based on their age if they are at least 21 years old. 

Panchayat Samiti is responsible for preparing and implementing plans for economic development and social justice at the intermediate level of Panchayati Raj institutions.

Income Tax is not a source of revenue for Panchayati Raj institutions. The main sources include taxes, grants, and local revenues.

The 73rd Amendment Act provides for a 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions to promote women's participation in local governance.

The Balwant Rao Mehta Committee was formed in 1957. It introduced the three-tier Panchayati Raj system, which consisted of the Gram Panchayat at the village level, the Panchayat Samiti at the block level and the Zila Parishad at the district level.

The 73rd Amendment Act made Panchayati Raj institutions a fundamental right for citizens in India, ensuring their constitutional recognition.

The chief functionary of a Zilla Parishad is known as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), responsible for implementing various developmental schemes and programs.

Gram Panchayat is responsible for preparing and implementing plans for economic development and social justice at the village level.

The 73rd Amendment Act added the Schedule XI to the Indian Constitution, listing the powers and functions of Panchayati Raj institutions.