Important Questions Test: Local Government & Administration - UPSC MCQ

The Zila Parishad actually makes developmental plans at the district level. With the help of Panchayat Samitis, it also regulates the money distribution among all the Gram Panchayats.

This idea of people’s participation in the Panchayati Raj system extends to two other levels. One is the Block level, which is called the Janpad Panchayat or the Panchayat Samiti. The Panchayat Samiti has many Gram Panchayats under it. Above the Panchayat Samiti is the District Panchayat or the Zila Parishad.

The work of a Gram Panchayat includes:
1. The construction and maintenance of water sources, roads, drainage, school buildings and other common property resources.
2. Levying and collecting local taxes.
3. Executing government schemes related to generating employment in the village.

During the ten years since the amendments came into force (1994-2004), most states have had at least two rounds of elections, and states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have held three elections so far.

• Earlier Zamindar: The earlier Zamindar referred to in the question is Amir Chand.


• Sukhi Bhai, Birju, and Anwar: These are other names mentioned in the options but they are not the earlier Zamindar.


• Amir Chand: He was the Zamindar who held the position before any of the other mentioned individuals.

The Gram Panchayat has a Secretary who is also the Secretary of the Gram Sabha. This person is not an elected person but is appointed by the government. The Secretary is responsible for calling the meeting of the Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat and keeping a record of the proceedings.

Women have to go to the Suru river which is 3 k.m. away to get water.

The Gram Panchayat has a Secretary who is also the Secretary of the Gram Sabha. This person is not an elected person but is appointed by the government.

Every village Panchayat is divided into wards, i.e. smaller areas. Each ward elects a representative who is known as the Ward Member (Panch). All the members of the Gram Sabha also elect a Sarpanch who is the Panchayat President.

Every village Panchayat is divided into wards, i.e. smaller areas. Each ward elects a representative who is known as the Ward Member (Panch).

The Gram Sabha meeting begins with the Panchayat President (who is also called the Sarpanch) and the members of the Panchayat (the Panchs)

• Gram Panchayat meeting: The village people were excited because it was the first meeting of the Gram Panchayat after the election. This meeting was crucial as it would set the tone for the development and governance of the village.


• Opportunity for change: The first day symbolized a new beginning for the village with the newly elected members of the Gram Panchayat coming together to discuss important issues and make decisions for the welfare of the community.


• Sense of community: The village people felt a sense of unity and camaraderie as they gathered to participate in the meeting. It was a time for everyone to come together and work towards a common goal of improving the village.


• Hopes for the future: The first day was special because it represented the hopes and aspirations of the village people for a better future. They looked forward to positive changes and progress in their community.

• Gram Panchayat: This is the local self-government system in rural areas in India where people directly participate in decision-making processes and seek answers from their elected representatives.


• Parliament House: While people can write to their elected representatives in Parliament, direct participation and seeking answers in this setting may not be as common or accessible as in Gram Panchayat.


• Both (a) and (b): People can participate and seek answers from their elected representatives in both Gram Panchayat and Parliament House, but the level of direct engagement may vary.


• None of these: This option is incorrect as both Gram Panchayat and Parliament House provide avenues for people to participate and seek answers from their elected representatives.

In conclusion, the correct answer is option a) Gram Panchayat, where people can directly participate and seek answers from their elected representatives at the local level in rural areas.

A Panchayat Samiti operates at the block level in the Panchayati Raj system. It serves as an intermediate level of the Panchayati Raj structure, overseeing several Gram Panchayats within a block or tehsil.

Option C : I, II and IV

The state governments have entrusted Urban Local Government with a comprehensive list of responsibilities. These are some of the functions of Urban Local Bodies:

• Public health,
• Water Supply
• Market maintenance
• Welfare
• Public safety
• Public infrastructure and development works
• Regulatory functions

The Gram Panchayat meets regularly and is responsible for implementing various developmental programs for all the villages falling under its jurisdiction. It functions at the local level and executes initiatives for rural development.

The Block Development Officer (BDO) is an administrative officer who works at the block level. They are responsible for coordinating and implementing various developmental activities and schemes within the block area.

Gram Panchayat members are elected for a term of five years through democratic elections, after which new elections are held to constitute the Panchayat anew.

Gram Sabha constitutes all the adult members residing in a village and acts as a general assembly representing the entire village community. It is a forum for discussion and decision-making on various local issues and developmental activities, involving all villagers regardless of occupation.

Twenty-nine subjects identified earlier in the State list of subjects are listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution for transfer to Panchayati Raj institutions.