Q61. Who exercises administrative control over the Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) in a district?
Field and District Administration: RAS Prelims MCQs
82 RAS Prelims MCQs on field and district administration cover the Collector, the Tehsildar, the Revenue Inspector and the Patwari. The questions ask for the origin of the Collector’s office, revenue functions and terms, disaster management and law and order powers, and how land records connect to a farmer’s credit.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 61–70 of 82 questions
Q62. What is the most appropriate reason for delegating magisterial powers to revenue officers like SDOs and Tehsildars?
Explanation
Delegating magisterial powers to revenue officers like SDOs and Tehsildars is intended to ensure a quick administrative response to local issues. Because these officials are frequently in the field, they are well-positioned to resolve land or water disputes that could escalate into violence. These powers enable them to maintain public peace effectively without the delays often associated with formal judicial proceedings in distant courts.
Q63. In the context of district administration, what was the primary focus of the Cornwallis Code of 1793?
Explanation
The Cornwallis Code of 1793 was a landmark reform that aimed to professionalize the colonial administration by separating revenue collection from judicial functions. Before this, the same officials often collected taxes and decided legal disputes, leading to conflicts of interest. By creating a distinct judicial hierarchy, the Code sought to ensure more impartial justice and establish a structured, rule-based system for the British East India Company.
Q64. Arrange the following administrative milestones of Rajasthan in correct chronological order:
I. Enactment of Rajasthan Land Revenue Act
II. Re-establishment of the Divisional Commissioner System
III. Abolition of the Divisional Commissioner System
IV. Implementation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act in Rajasthan
I. Enactment of Rajasthan Land Revenue Act
II. Re-establishment of the Divisional Commissioner System
III. Abolition of the Divisional Commissioner System
IV. Implementation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act in Rajasthan
Explanation
The administrative history of Rajasthan began with the Land Revenue Act of 1956. The Divisional Commissioner system was then abolished in 1962 but later revived in 1987 to improve regional coordination. Finally, the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act was implemented in 1994, significantly changing the landscape of local governance. This sequence reflects the state’s evolving approach to balancing centralized oversight with democratic decentralization.
Q65. Identify the correct statement regarding the role of a Tehsildar in a natural disaster.
Explanation
During a natural disaster, the Tehsildar serves as the nodal officer at the tehsil level for managing the local response. They are responsible for conducting immediate damage assessments and overseeing the initial distribution of relief materials to affected residents. The Tehsildar ensures that help reaches the grassroots level quickly and coordinates with other departments to manage the crisis effectively under the Collector’s guidance.
Q66. Find the odd one out among the tools used for maintaining public order by a District Magistrate.
Explanation
A District Magistrate uses several tools to maintain public order, such as issuing orders under Section 144 of the CrPC to prevent assemblies or initiating security proceedings. They can also declare localized holidays for safety during disasters.
Q67. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer:
| Grievance/Dispute | Handling Authority |
|---|---|
| A. Dispute over mutation of land records at village level | i. District Collector |
| B. Inter-departmental coordination issue in a district | ii. Tehsildar / SDO |
| C. Appeal against District Collector’s revenue order | iii. District Magistrate |
| D. Review of police functioning in the district | iv. Divisional Commissioner / Revenue Appellate Authority |
Explanation
Disputes over land mutation at the village level are handled by the Tehsildar or SDO, while the District Collector manages inter-departmental coordination. Appeals against the Collector’s revenue orders are reviewed by the Divisional Commissioner or the Revenue Appellate Authority. Finally, the District Magistrate is responsible for reviewing the overall police functioning within the district to ensure the maintenance of law and order.
Q68. Which of the following is an incorrect statement regarding the accountability of district administration?
Explanation
While the District Collector has extensive powers, their actions are not immune from judicial review. The High Court has the authority to review the Collector’s decisions to ensure they comply with the law and the Constitution. Furthermore, the Collector is accountable to the state legislature through ministers, and administrative tribunals handle service-related matters. Revenue officers are also subject to the jurisdiction of higher revenue courts.
Q69. Read the following statements regarding the duties of the District Collector and select the correct answer:
Statement I: The District Collector is responsible for protocol duties during the visits of high-level dignitaries.
Statement II: The District Collector manages the issue of character verification certificates and arms licenses.
Statement I: The District Collector is responsible for protocol duties during the visits of high-level dignitaries.
Statement II: The District Collector manages the issue of character verification certificates and arms licenses.
Explanation
The District Collector performs essential administrative duties beyond revenue management, including coordinating protocol for visiting dignitaries like the Governor or Prime Minister. They are also responsible for issuing various licenses, such as arms licenses, and managing character verification processes. These diverse functions reflect the Collector’s role as the primary representative of the state government and the chief executive officer within the district.
Q70. Consider the following statements regarding the role of the District Collector as a District Election Officer:
I. Ensures the availability of polling personnel and materials.
II. Oversees the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.
III. Can unilaterally disqualify a candidate from contesting elections without Election Commission approval.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Ensures the availability of polling personnel and materials.
II. Oversees the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.
III. Can unilaterally disqualify a candidate from contesting elections without Election Commission approval.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
As the District Election Officer, the Collector ensures that polling personnel and materials are available and oversees the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. These tasks are vital for free and fair elections. However, the Collector does not have the authority to unilaterally disqualify a candidate; such decisions are governed by strict legal criteria and the overarching authority of the Election Commission of India.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 61 | (a) The District Collector |
| 62 | (b) Ensuring rapid response in maintaining peace and handling local land/water disputes. |
| 63 | (b) Separating revenue administration from the administration of justice. |
| 64 | (a) I, III, II, IV |
| 65 | (c) Nodal officer at Tehsil level for damage assessment and initial relief distribution. |
| 66 | (d) Passing a decree for divorce |
| 67 | (a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii |
| 68 | (b) The District Collector operates completely immune from judicial review by the High Court. |
| 69 | (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are true. |
| 70 | (a) I and II |
Key facts from Field and District Administration
- Warren Hastings created the office of the District Collector in 1772.
- The Collector is Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and manages government lands and estates under revenue administration.
- The District Magistrate or Sub-Divisional Magistrate is empowered to act in a communal riot, and the District Magistrate chairs the monthly crime review meeting.
- The Revenue Inspector (Girdawar or Kanungo) controls the Patwari and links village and Tehsil administration.
- Girdawari is the assessment of crop conditions and harvest.
- Revenue recovery is the legal mechanism to realise unpaid taxes and dues as arrears of revenue.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Field and District Administration?
This page has 82 practice MCQs on Field and District Administration (Rajasthan Polity and Administration). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Who created the office of the District Collector?
Warren Hastings, in 1772. The Collector was first meant to collect revenue and later became the main officer of the district, combining revenue, magisterial and developmental functions, and he still heads the district.
Who controls the Patwari?
The Revenue Inspector, also called the Girdawar or Kanungo. He supervises the Patwari’s land records and acts as the link between the village and the Tehsil, so that errors in village records can be corrected.
What is Girdawari?
Girdawari is the field inspection and recording of crop conditions and harvest by revenue staff. These records are the basis for assessing land revenue, relief in a crop failure and claims for farm credit.