Rural Development and Panchayati Raj in Rajasthan: RAS Prelims MCQs
74 RAS Prelims MCQs on rural development and Panchayati Raj in Rajasthan cover the officials of the three tiers, the rural schemes and the self-help group movement. The BDO, the District Planning Committee, MGNREGA social audit, PMAY-G, PMGSY, NRLM, Panchasutra and the Gram Sabha quorum are asked as facts, matches and statements.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 51–60 of 74 questions
Explanation
The expansion of the electrical grid into rural Rajasthan has been a major catalyst for agricultural growth. It has allowed farmers to transition from traditional, labor-intensive irrigation methods to using electric pump sets, which provide a more reliable and efficient water supply. This increase in mechanization and irrigation capacity enables farmers to cultivate multiple crops a year and improves overall agricultural productivity.I. Participatory monitoring by SHG members
II. Use of Management Information Systems (MIS)
III. Regular grading of SHGs for credit linkage
IV. Total exclusion of third-party external evaluations
V. Social Audit
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct elements?
Explanation
Monitoring and evaluation under the National Rural Livelihood Mission is multi-dimensional and transparent. It includes internal participatory monitoring by members and the use of sophisticated Management Information Systems for data tracking. Regular grading of groups ensures they are ready for credit, and Social Audits provide community oversight. These mechanisms collectively ensure the program stays on track and meets developmental objectives.Explanation
Rajasthan’s women Self-Help Groups market local handicrafts, spices and non-timber forest produce as a collective enterprise activity.Explanation
In Rajasthan, the composition of the Zila Parishad includes directly elected members from territorial constituencies and ex-officio members like local MLAs and the Pradhans of all Panchayat Samitis. However, the Chairperson, known as the Pramukh, is not directly elected by the adult voters of the district. Instead, the Pramukh is elected by and from among the directly elected members.Reason (R): It holds the Gram Panchayat accountable by reviewing its annual statements of accounts and audit reports.
Explanation
The Gram Sabha functions as a grassroots legislative body because it provides the ultimate oversight for village governance. By reviewing annual accounts and audit reports, it holds the executive arm, the Gram Panchayat, accountable for its actions and spending. This relationship ensures that the local government operates transparently and remains responsive to the collective will and needs of the village.Explanation
To promote small family norms, the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Act includes a disqualification rule for candidates with more than two children. The law specifies that a person is disqualified from contesting elections if they have more than two children, provided that any additional child born on or after November 27, 1995, is counted. This policy aims to set an example for family planning.Explanation
The Directorate of Social Audit is an independent administrative body established to facilitate the audit process for various rural schemes, particularly MGNREGA. It is responsible for training resource persons and deploying them to villages to guide the community through the audit. This structure ensures that the audit is conducted professionally and independently of the implementing agencies, thereby maintaining the integrity and credibility.I. It was geographically central in Rajasthan.
II. It had a highly developed industrial base at the time.
III. It represented a typical rural agrarian setting suitable for testing grassroots democracy.
IV. The leadership aimed to signify deep integration of democratic values in rural heartlands.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Nagaur was chosen for the historic launch of the Panchayati Raj system because it was geographically central and represented a quintessential rural agrarian setting. The choice was symbolic, aiming to show that the new system of democratic decentralization was intended for the heart of rural India. It did not have a highly developed industrial base; rather, its rural character was suitable.Explanation
As part of the devolution process, several ground-level functionaries have been placed under the administrative and disciplinary control of Panchayati Raj Institutions. The Village Development Officer is a prime example, serving as the secretary to the Gram Panchayat. The VDO works directly under the supervision of the Sarpanch and the Panchayat body to manage records, implement schemes, and handle administration.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 51 | (a) Converts human excreta into valuable agricultural manure in-situ. |
| 52 | (c) Increased mechanization and reliable irrigation through electric pump sets. |
| 53 | (a) I, II, III and V only |
| 54 | (c) Marketing local handicrafts, spices, and non-timber forest produce. |
| 55 | (d) Chairperson of the Zila Parishad is directly elected by adult voters. |
| 56 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 57 | (a) November 27, 1995 |
| 58 | (a) The Directorate of Social Audit. |
| 59 | (b) I, III and IV only |
| 60 | (b) Village Development Officer (VDO) |
Key facts from Rural Development and Panchayati Raj in Rajasthan
- The Block Development Officer holds the executive power of the Panchayat Samiti.
- The District Planning Committee consolidates the plans of Panchayats and Municipalities into a draft district plan.
- Findings of the MGNREGA social audit must be discussed in the Gram Sabha.
- PMAY-G uses the AwaasSoft MIS; a PMGSY road has a five-year built-in maintenance contract.
- Panchasutra means five principles of SHG management, including regular meetings and savings.
- The Gram Sabha quorum is one-tenth of the members; the State Government reserves seats for SC, ST and women in Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj in Rajasthan?
This page has 74 practice MCQs on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj in Rajasthan (Rajasthan Economy). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Who holds the executive power of the Panchayat Samiti?
The Block Development Officer (BDO). The order of officials from the village to the district is the Village Development Officer, the BDO and the Chief Executive Officer, who heads the Zila Parishad administration.
What is the quorum of a Gram Sabha in Rajasthan?
One-tenth of the total members. The Gram Sabha is the body of all the registered voters of a village, and it discusses the social audit and the plans of the Gram Panchayat.
What is the Panchasutra for SHGs?
Five principles of SHG management: regular meetings, regular savings, inter-loaning, timely repayment and proper books of account. Women’s SHGs in Rajasthan follow it to build discipline and credit.