Local Self Government in Rajasthan: RAS Prelims MCQs
78 RAS Prelims MCQs on local self-government in Rajasthan cover the history and structure of Panchayati Raj and the municipal system. The early Panchayat laws of the princely states, the three tiers, the Zila Pramukh, the State Finance Commission, the Rajasthan Municipalities Act 2009 and the 73rd Amendment are asked as facts and statements.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 21–30 of 78 questions
| Urban Local Body | Title of Elected Head in Rajasthan |
|---|---|
| A. Nagar Nigam | i. Chairman (Adhyaksha) |
| B. Nagar Parishad | ii. Mayor (Mahapaur) |
| C. Nagar Palika | iii. President (Sabhapati) |
Explanation
Different types of urban local bodies in Rajasthan use distinct titles for their elected chairpersons. The head of a Nagar Nigam is known as the Mayor or Mahapaur. In a Nagar Parishad, the elected leader is called the President or Sabhapati. For the smaller Nagar Palikas, the chairperson is designated as the Chairman or Adhyaksha. These titles reflect the hierarchy of governance.I. Urban planning including town planning.
II. Regulation of land-use and construction of buildings.
III. Promotion of cultural, educational, and aesthetic aspects.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are mandatory functions of Urban Local Bodies?
Explanation
The Twelfth Schedule lists various functions that urban local bodies are expected to perform. These include essential tasks like urban and town planning, the regulation of land use, and building construction. Additionally, these bodies are responsible for promoting cultural, educational, and aesthetic aspects of city life. These functions collectively aim to improve the quality of life and infrastructure in urban areas.Explanation
Ward Committees are established in large urban areas to ensure better local representation. According to the Rajasthan Municipalities Act, 2009, these committees consist of the elected ward councillor. Additionally, the Municipality can nominate up to five members who possess special knowledge or experience in municipal administration. This blend of elected and expert members helps in addressing specific ward-level issues.I. District Planning Committee
II. Gram Panchayat Planning mechanism
III. Metropolitan Planning Committee (if applicable)
Explanation
Spatial planning in Rajasthan follows a hierarchical structure that moves from local to regional levels. The process begins at the grassroots with the Gram Panchayat planning mechanism. These local plans are then integrated into a broader district-level strategy by the District Planning Committee. In large urban regions, a Metropolitan Planning Committee may further coordinate planning for the entire metropolitan area.Explanation
Local governments in Rajasthan often struggle with the ‘3Fs’ challenge, which hinders their effectiveness. This refers to the inadequate transfer of Funds, Functions, and Functionaries from the state government to local bodies. Without sufficient financial resources, clearly defined powers, and trained staff, these institutions find it difficult to fulfill their constitutional mandate of providing efficient and local self-governance.| Constitutional Amendment/Act | Year of Enactment/Effect in Rajasthan |
|---|---|
| A. 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act | i. 1992 (Enacted) |
| B. Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Act | ii. 1994 |
| C. 74th Constitutional Amendment Act | iii. 1992 (Enacted) |
| D. Rajasthan Municipalities Act (current) | iv. 2009 |
Explanation
Significant laws have shaped local governance in Rajasthan. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts were enacted in 1992 to empower rural and urban bodies. Following these, Rajasthan passed its own Panchayati Raj Act in 1994 to comply with the new constitutional requirements. Later, the state enacted the Rajasthan Municipalities Act in 2009 to consolidate and modernize urban laws.Explanation
The Gram Panchayat is the basic executive unit of rural local government. While administrative duties are handled by officials like the Gram Vikas Adhikari, the Sarpanch is the elected political and executive head. In a village meeting population norms, the Sarpanch leads the Panchayat and presides over its meetings, making them the primary representative for local governance and development.Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): The Nagaur experiment in Rajasthan on 2 October 1959 marked a historic shift towards democratic decentralisation in India.
Reason (R): It was the first time an Indian state implemented a three-tier Panchayati Raj system across the entire state simultaneously. In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?
Explanation
The Nagaur experiment on 2 October 1959 was a landmark event for Indian democracy. It represented the first state-wide implementation of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system. While this marked a historic shift toward democratic decentralization, it is important to note that the system was based on state legislation rather than the constitutional status which was granted much later in 1992.Explanation
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 provided a standardized framework for rural local bodies across India.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 21 | (c) The Director of Local Bodies, Rajasthan |
| 22 | (a) A-ii, B-iii, C-i |
| 23 | (d) I, II and III |
| 24 | (b) Up to five members having special knowledge in municipal administration, nominated by the Municipality. |
| 25 | (a) II, I, III |
| 26 | (a) Inadequate transfer of Funds, Functions, and Functionaries from the state government. |
| 27 | (a) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv |
| 28 | (a) The Sarpanch |
| 29 | (c) A is true but R is false. |
| 30 | (b) Part IX |
Key facts from Local Self Government in Rajasthan
- Bikaner State was the first princely state in Rajasthan to enact a Gram Panchayat Act, in 1928.
- The Panchayat Samiti is the intermediate tier of the three-tier Panchayati Raj structure in Rajasthan.
- A Zila Pramukh resigns by a written resignation to the Divisional Commissioner.
- The Governor constitutes the State Finance Commission for a term of five years.
- The Rajasthan Municipalities Act, 2009 consolidated and amended the Rajasthan Municipalities Act, 1959.
- The 73rd Amendment added Part IX to the Constitution; the elected head of a Municipal Corporation is the Mayor; a village of 2,500 people has a Sarpanch.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Local Self Government in Rajasthan?
This page has 78 practice MCQs on Local Self Government in Rajasthan (Rajasthan Polity and Administration). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which princely state first enacted a Gram Panchayat law in Rajasthan?
Bikaner State, in 1928. The Bikaner Gram Panchayat Act was an early step in village self-government, long before the Panchayati Raj system began in Rajasthan with its launch at Nagaur in 1959.
Which Part did the 73rd Amendment add to the Constitution?
Part IX, which deals with the Panchayats, from Article 243 to Article 243O. It also added the Eleventh Schedule, and Article 243K provides for the State Election Commission.
How long is the term of the State Finance Commission?
Five years. The Governor constitutes the State Finance Commission to review the financial position of the Panchayats and municipalities and to recommend how revenues are shared and grants are given.