Panchayati Raj & Public Policy - Solved Questions (1995- 2025) | UPSC Topic Wise Previous Year Questions PDF Download

Ans: (d)

Statement I: "Panchayats at the intermediate level exist in all States.": Incorrect.
According to Article 243B of the Constitution, the intermediate level of Panchayats is required only in states having a population of more than 20 lakhs. Smaller states are not mandated to have Panchayats at the intermediate level.

Statement II: "To be eligible to be a Member of a Panchayat at the intermediate level, a person should attain the age of thirty years.": Incorrect.
As per Article 243F, the minimum age to contest Panchayat elections is 21 years, unless a higher age is prescribed by the state legislature. However, there is no general requirement of 30 years.

Statement III: "The Chief Minister of a State constitutes a commission to review the financial position of Panchayats...": Incorrect.
Under Article 243I, it is the Governor of the state who constitutes the State Finance Commission every five years to review the financial position of the Panchayats and make recommendations.
All the statements are not correct.

Ans: (d) 

Statement 1: "Powers of the Municipalities are given in Part IX A of the Constitution" : Correct.

• Part IX-A (Articles 243P to 243ZG) was added by the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
• It deals with the Municipalities — their constitution, composition, powers, and responsibilities.

Statement 2: "Emergency provisions are given in Part XVIII of the Constitution" : Correct.

Part XVIII (Articles 352 to 360) contains provisions related to:

• National Emergency (Article 352)
• President’s Rule/State Emergency (Article 356)
• Financial Emergency (Article 360)

Statement 3: "Provisions related to the amendment of the Constitution are given in Part XX of the Constitution": Correct.

• Part XX consists of only one Article — Article 368, which provides the procedure for amending the Constitution.

Ans: (c)
Interventions of Anaemia Mukt Bharat:

• Not Prophylactic calcium supplementation but Prophylactic Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation is provided to children, adolescents and women of reproductive age and pregnant women irrespective of anemia. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• Appropriate Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) with emphasis on adequate and age-appropriate complementary foods for children 6 months and above. Increase intake of iron-rich, protein-rich and vitamin C-rich foods through dietary diversification/quantity/frequency and food fortification
• Promoting practice of delayed cord clamping (by atleast 3 minutes or until cord pulsations cease) in all health facility deliveries followed by early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Bi-annual mass deworming for children in the age groups between 1-19 years is carried out every year under National Deworming Day (NDD) programme. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
  • The Anemia Mukt Bharat, also integrates deworming of women of reproductive age and for pregnant women as part of the NDD strategy.
• Addressing non-nutritional causes of anemia in endemic pockets, with special focus on malaria, haemoglobinopathies and fluorosis. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Ans: (b)

• The term “Scheduled Areas” are those that are scheduled as such by a Presidential Order under Paragraph 6 (1) of the Fifth Schedule, which states: “In this Constitution, the expression ‘Scheduled Areas’ means such areas as the President may by order declare to be “Scheduled Areas”.
• The specification of “Scheduled Areas” in relation to a State is by a notified order of the President, after consultation with the State Government concerned. The same applies in the case of any alteration, increase, decrease, incorporation of new areas, or rescinding any Orders relating to “Scheduled Areas”. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The largest administrative unit forming the scheduled areas has been the district and the lowest the cluster of villages in the block. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The Governor of each State having Scheduled Areas therein shall annually, or whenever so required by the President, make a report to the President regarding the administration of the Scheduled Areas in that State and the executive power of the Union shall extend to the giving of directions to the State as to the administration of the said areas. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Ans: (b)
Janani Suraksha Yojana:

• The Yojana, launched on 12th April 2005, is being implemented in all states and UTs with special focus on low performing states.
• It is a safe motherhood intervention under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• It was implemented with the objective of reducing maternal and neo-natal mortality by promoting institutional delivery among the poor pregnant women. Hence, statements 2 and 3 are correct.
• Providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age is not an objective of the scheme. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

Ans: (b) 

• Ayushman Bharat is a flagship scheme of the country, which was launched as per the recommendation of National Health Policy 2017 to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, citizens will be able to get their Ayushman Bharat health account number, which can be linked to their digital health records.
• Participation in ABDM is voluntary including for citizens. Participation of a healthcare facility or an institution is also voluntary and shall be taken by the respective management (government or private management). However, once the management decides to register the respective healthcare facility/institution in ABDM, it is essential for all the healthcare professionals serving the said facility/institution to register in Healthcare Professionals Registry so that the institution can become fully integrated with the National Digital Health Ecosystem (NDHE). Hence, both statements 1 and 2 are not correct.
• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission will have a national footprint and will enable seamless portability across the country through a Health ID – Personal Health Identifier, with supporting blocks, including adoption of Health Information Standards will play a pivotal role in national portability. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Correct Answer is Option (d)

• 15 percent of MPLADS funds are to be utilized for areas inhabited by SC population and 7.5 per cent for areas inhabited by ST population. So, #2 is correct. b eliminated.
• The funds released under the Scheme are nonlapsable, i.e., the entitlement of funds not released in a particular year is carried forward to the subsequent years, subject to eligibility. So, #3 is wrong. Upon reading the official guidelines page 34: District Authority would inspect at least 10% of the works under implementation every year. So, #4 is right answer therefore Answer is d.

Correct Answer is Option (c)

75 tribal groups have been categorized categorized by Ministry of Home Affairs as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG)s. PVTGs reside in 18 States and UT of A&N Islands. Says Tribal Ministry website. So, #1 is right but #3 is wrong. This eliminates all options except c.

Correct Answer is Option (c)
United Nations Convention against Corruption is the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument. So, #2 is right, this eliminates A. Upon checking the official webpages of UNTOC and UNCAC, it's evident that #3 is not related with UNTOC but UNCAC. So, #3 is wrong. So, by elimination, we are left with answer c.

Correct Answer is Option (c)

2018-March: Indian Express: As per the the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Central (Amendment) Rules, 2018:

• No workman employed on fixed term employment basis shall be entitled to any notice or pay, if his services are terminated by non-renewal of contract. So, #1 is right.
• No notice of termination of employment shall be necessary in the case of temporary workman. So, #2 is right. Answer C: both correct.

Correct Answer is Option (a)

This act establishes the National and State Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authorities to manage the National and State Funds. But, in the bare act there is no mention of mandatory People's participation so, #2 is wrong. Thus answer A: only 1 correct.

Correct Answer is Option (b)

This question can be directly solved from Disha publication’s Polity compendium, page P-121.

• The minimum age to contest Panchayat elections is 21 years.
• 2nd statement is correct.

Correct Answer is Option (c)

1. It is a campaign for eradication of inhuman practice of manual scavenging and comprehensive rehabilitation of manual scavengers in India. Ashif Shaikh is well known for his role in the campaign (Rashatriya Garima Abhiyan) through various campaigns of Jan Sahas.
2. Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan is an NGO-led movement for manual scavengers.

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Financial mobilization is not the fundamental objective of PRls. Even though Panchayats have the powers to collect revenue.

Political accountability refers to the responsibility or obligation of government officials (both politicians and civil servants) to act in the best interests of society or face consequences.

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Section C of the Forest Dwellers Act provides a transparent three step procedure for deciding on who gets rights. Firstly, the Gram Sabha makes a recommendation- i.e, who has been cultivating land for how long, which minor forest produce is collected; etc. The Gram Sabha plays this role because it is a public body where all people participate and hence is fully democratic and transparent. The Gram Sabha’s recommendation goes through two stages of screening committees- the Taluka and the District levels.

Correct Answer is Option (d)

The salient feature of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) and the modalities worked out to grant rights to tribals in the country are:

1. Legislation on Panchayats shall be in conformity with the customary law, social and religious practices and traditional management practices of community resources;
2. Habitation or a group of habitations or a hamlet or a group of hamlets comprising a community and managing its affairs in accordance with traditions and customs; and shall have a separate Gram Sabha.
3. Every Gram Sabha to safeguard and preserve the traditions and customs of people, their cultural identity, community resources and the customary mode of dispute resolution.

Correct Answer is Option (b)

At present the Public Accounts committee consists of 22 members (15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha. The function of the committee is

1. To examine the annual audit reports of the comptroller and auditor general of India (CAG), which are laid before the Parliament by the President.
2. To examine the appropriation accounts and the finance accounts of the Union government and any other accounts laid before the Lok-Sabha.

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Recommendation of Gram sabha or Panchayat at the appropriate level shall be mandatory for grant of prospecting licence or mining lease for minor minerals (not for any minerals) in the sheduled areas. Therefore statement 3 is false.

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Article 243ZE – Committee on Metropolitan Planning does not have a sole responsibility for implementing Government sponsored schemes in metropolitan area. Metropolitan planning committee is constituted under the provisions of the constitution of India.

According to the constitution of India, every Metropolitan area shall have a Metropolitan planning committee to prepare a draft development plan.

Correct Answer is Option (c)

District planning committee comes under 74th Amendment not in 73rd Amendment.

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Duration of Panchayats is five year. Fresh election to constitute a Panchayat shall be completed before the expiry of its term; or in case of dissolution fresh election is to be conducted before the expiry of a period of 6 months from the date of its dissolution.

Correct Answer is Option (b)

In 1688, the first Municipal Corporation of India was set up in Madras.

Correct Answer is Option (b)

National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme was launched by the government of India in 1988 for rehabilitation of Child Labour.The scheme focuses on

• All the child labours below the age of 14 yeas, identified in the target area.
• All the adolescent labours below the age of 18 years, occupied in hazardous occupations or processes.
• Families of such children mentioned in the above points. Gurupadaswamy Committee dealt with the issues of child labour.

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Statement 1 is incorrect as equal pay for equal work for both men and women is provided under Article 39(d) in Directive Principles of the State Policy under Part IV of the Constitution. Under Article – 340 of the Indian constitution, it is obligatory for the government to promote the welfare of the other Backward classes (OBC) .

Correct Answer is Option (d)

National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) along with other Legal Services Institutions conducts Lok Adalats. Lok Adalat is one of the alternative dispute redressal mechanisms, it is a forum where disputes / cases pending in the court of law or at pre-litigation stage are settled / compromised amicably. Lok Adalats have been given statutory status under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. Under the said Act, the award (decision) made by the Lok Adalats is deemed to be a decree of a civil court and is final and binding on all parties and no appeal against such an award lies before any court of law. If the parties are not satisfied with the award of the Lok Adalat though there is no provision for appeal against such an award, but they are free to initiate litigation by approaching the court of appropriate jurisdiction by filling a case by following the required procedure, in exercise of their right to litigate.

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Rural sanitation is not a subject in the Concurrent List. Public Health and Sanitation comes under the State List. Personal and food hygiene have been major cause of many diseases in developing countries. It was in this context that the central Rural Sanitation Programmer (CRSP) was launched in 1986.

Correct Answer is Option (b)

The Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of a Consolidated Fund and a Public Account under Article 266 and a Contingency Fund for each State under Article 

267. Disbursements from Public Accounts of India are not subject to a Vote of Parliament.

Correct Answer is Option (a)

The Archaeological Survey of India, established in 1861 is a department of the Government of India attached to the Ministry of Culture. ASI is responsible for archaeological studies and the preservation of archaeological heritage of the country in accordance with the various acts of the Indian Parliament.

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Madhya Pradesh publishes largest number of newspapers in India.

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Name in the voters list is the important condition.

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Provision given in option (d) is not included under 73rd Amendment Act 1993.

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Here the possible answer is (d) because Statement 2 is incorrect as it is not mandatory that each state must have a State Human Rights Commission. But statement 4 is correct as Chairperson of the National Commission on Women is also the member of NHRC.

Correct Answer is Option (c)

The water (cess) Act, 1977 provides for the levy and collection of a cess on water consumed by persons carrying on certain industries and by local authorities, with a view to augment the resources of the Central Board and the State Boards for the prevention and control of water pollution. The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 provides for public liability insurance for the purpose of providing immediate relief to the persons affected by accident occurring while handling any hazardous substance and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Panchayati Raj System was first introduced in Nagaur district of Rajasthan on October 2, 1959 followed by Andhra Pradesh in 1959.

Correct Answer is Option (c)

According to 73rd Amendment Act, three-tier system of Panchayats exists: Village level, District Panchayat at the district level, the intermediate Panchayat which stands between the village and District Panchayats in the States where the population is above 20 Lakhs.

Correct Answer is Option (b)

According to 73rd Amendment Act 1993, under Article 243D, not less than 1/3rd i.e. 33% seats should be reserved for women in local bodies.

Correct Answer is Option (a)

The objective of the price policy underlying MSP is to bring a balanced and integrated price structure for agricultural commodities and not to ensure maximum price for the farmers.