Q41. The introduction of the Community Development Programme in 1952 was the primary reason for the subsequent formation of which committee to review its working?
Local Government: Panchayati Raj and Urban Bodies: RAS Prelims MCQs
65 RAS Prelims MCQs on local government cover the 73rd and 74th Amendments, the committees that led to them, the three-tier system, State Finance Commissions, the Eleventh Schedule and urban local bodies. The explanations give the Articles, dates and numbers that the exam asks for.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 41–50 of 65 questions
Q42. Consider the following recommendations regarding political parties in Panchayati Raj:
I. Political parties should be banned from participating in Panchayat elections.
II. Political parties should participate openly in Panchayat elections.
III. Elections should be fought on non-party lines at the village level.
IV. The Ashok Mehta Committee was a strong advocate of open political party participation.
Which of the above statement(s) correctly reflects the Ashok Mehta Committee’s stance?
I. Political parties should be banned from participating in Panchayat elections.
II. Political parties should participate openly in Panchayat elections.
III. Elections should be fought on non-party lines at the village level.
IV. The Ashok Mehta Committee was a strong advocate of open political party participation.
Which of the above statement(s) correctly reflects the Ashok Mehta Committee’s stance?
Explanation
The Ashok Mehta Committee strongly advocated for the open and official participation of political parties in all levels of Panchayat elections. This was a significant departure from previous views that favored non-partisan local elections. The committee believed that political party involvement would bring more clarity, accountability, and organized mobilization to local governance, helping to revitalize the struggling Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Q43. All of the following are features of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act EXCEPT:
Explanation
The 73rd Amendment Act introduced features like the mandatory constitution of Gram Sabhas, regular elections within six months of dissolution, and a minimum age of twenty-one for contesting elections. While the Act mandates State Finance and Election Commissions, it does not contain a specific constitutional provision for a State Planning Board, which is generally established through state executive or legislative action.
Q44. Match List-I (Panchayati Raj Tiers) with List-II (Elected Head):
| Panchayati Raj Tiers | Elected Head |
|---|---|
| A. Gram Panchayat | i. Pradhan |
| B. Panchayat Samiti | ii. Zila Pramukh |
| C. Zila Parishad | iii. Sarpanch |
| D. Gram Sabha | iv. No elected head (Body of voters) |
Explanation
Each tier of the Panchayati Raj system has a designated head. The Gram Panchayat is headed by a Sarpanch, while the Panchayat Samiti is led by a Pradhan or Chairman. The Zila Parishad is headed by the Zila Pramukh or President. The Gram Sabha, being a general assembly of all voters, does not have a separate elected head in the same way.
Q45. What is the most appropriate description of the primary significance of the Gram Sabha in the Panchayati Raj system?
Explanation
The Gram Sabha is considered the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system because it represents the most direct form of participatory democracy. It allows every registered voter in a village to participate in the decision-making process, monitor the functioning of the Gram Panchayat, and ensure accountability. This involvement is essential for making local governance truly responsive to the needs of the community.
Q46. Consider the following powers usually vested in a Municipal Commissioner:
I. Execution of all acts required by the municipal laws.
II. Presiding over the meetings of the Municipal Corporation.
III. Disbursing funds as per the approved municipal budget.
Which of the above statement(s) represents the true executive powers of the Municipal Commissioner?
I. Execution of all acts required by the municipal laws.
II. Presiding over the meetings of the Municipal Corporation.
III. Disbursing funds as per the approved municipal budget.
Which of the above statement(s) represents the true executive powers of the Municipal Commissioner?
Explanation
The Municipal Commissioner serves as the chief executive of a Municipal Corporation and is responsible for the implementation of all laws and decisions made by the corporation. They have the authority to disburse funds according to the approved budget and manage the administrative staff. However, they do not preside over meetings, as that is the political function performed by the Mayor.
Q47. Which Constitutional Article specifically lists the 18 functional items that may be devolved to Municipalities (Twelfth Schedule)?
Explanation
Article 243W of the Indian Constitution specifies the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Municipalities. It authorizes state legislatures to endow these bodies with the power to perform functions related to urban planning and development. This article is linked to the Twelfth Schedule, which explicitly lists the eighteen functional items over which Municipalities have jurisdiction and the mandate to act.
Q48. When preparing the draft development plan, the District Planning Committee must explicitly consider all of the following EXCEPT:
Explanation
When preparing a draft development plan, the District Planning Committee is required to focus on matters of common interest between Panchayats and Municipalities. This includes spatial planning, sharing of water, and managing other physical and financial resources. However, high-level matters such as geopolitical defense strategies are strictly the purview of the central government and are not considered in local district planning.
Q49. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the concept of "Devolution of 3Fs" in local self-government:
Explanation
The devolution of Funds, Functions, and Functionaries is essential for the effective functioning of local bodies. However, the 73rd and 74th Amendments did not automatically execute a complete transfer of these elements. Instead, they provided a framework that allowed state legislatures to decide the extent of devolution. Consequently, many states have been slow or reluctant to fully transfer these powers.
Q50. Consider the following challenges cited in the functioning of local self-government in India:
I. Irregular elections in some states prior to the 73rd/74th amendments.
II. Inadequate mobilization of internal financial resources.
III. Reluctance of state governments to devolve powers.
IV. Interference by local Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
Which of the above statement(s) reflects the major enduring challenges of local bodies?
I. Irregular elections in some states prior to the 73rd/74th amendments.
II. Inadequate mobilization of internal financial resources.
III. Reluctance of state governments to devolve powers.
IV. Interference by local Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
Which of the above statement(s) reflects the major enduring challenges of local bodies?
Explanation
Local self-government in India continues to face several enduring challenges, including historical issues with irregular elections and poor internal revenue generation. Furthermore, the reluctance of state governments to fully devolve powers and the frequent interference by local political figures like MLAs can undermine the autonomy of these institutions. Addressing these issues is vital for the long-term success of decentralized governance in India.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 41 | (c) Balwantrai Mehta Committee |
| 42 | (b) II and IV |
| 43 | (c) A separate constitutional provision for a State Planning Board. |
| 44 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv |
| 45 | (d) It serves as the foundation of decentralized participatory democracy. |
| 46 | (b) I and III only |
| 47 | (b) Article 243W |
| 48 | (b) The overall geopolitical defense strategy of the state border. |
| 49 | (a) Amendments automatically executed complete 3Fs transfer in all states. |
| 50 | (d) I, II, III, and IV |
Key facts from Local Government: Panchayati Raj and Urban Bodies
- The Balwantrai Mehta Committee of 1957 examined the Community Development Programme and the National Extension Service.
- The Eleventh Schedule lists 29 functional items for Panchayats.
- The Panchayat Samiti is the intermediate level; the Gram Panchayat is at the village level and the Zila Parishad at the district level.
- The 74th Amendment, which gave constitutional status to municipalities, came into force on 1 June 1993.
- The District Planning Committee is constituted under Article 243ZD.
- The Governor constitutes a State Finance Commission every five years; reservation for Backward Classes in Panchayats is a voluntary provision.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Local Government: Panchayati Raj and Urban Bodies?
This page has 65 practice MCQs on Local Government: Panchayati Raj and Urban Bodies (Indian Polity and Governance). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
How many subjects are in the Eleventh Schedule?
29 functional items, covering agriculture, minor irrigation, rural housing, drinking water, roads, education and other matters that may be transferred to Panchayats. It was added by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act.
When did the 74th Amendment come into force?
On 1 June 1993. It gave constitutional status to urban local bodies and added Part IXA, with the Twelfth Schedule listing their 18 functions. The 73rd Amendment for Panchayats had come into force earlier, in April 1993.
What is the sequence of urban local bodies?
From the transitional area to the largest city it is Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council and Municipal Corporation. The type of body depends on the population and the nature of the area.