Q51. By definition, a ‘Panchayat Samiti’ in Rajasthan is established for a:
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 51–60 of 78 questions
Q52. Which administrative officer acts as the Secretary/Chief Executive Officer to the Zila Parishad in Rajasthan?
Explanation
The Zila Parishad requires high-level administrative support to function effectively. The State Government appoints a Chief Executive Officer, typically from the Indian Administrative Service or the Rajasthan Administrative Service, to serve as the secretary. This official manages the staff, implements the Zila Parishad’s decisions, and ensures that development programs across the district are executed according to state guidelines.
Q53. Arrange the following actions related to reservation in Panchayati Raj in the correct sequence as per statutory processes:
I. Delimitation of constituencies
II. Notification of reserved seats for SC/ST/ OBC/Women by lottery
III. Conduct of Elections
I. Delimitation of constituencies
II. Notification of reserved seats for SC/ST/ OBC/Women by lottery
III. Conduct of Elections
Explanation
The process of ensuring fair representation in local elections follows a specific statutory order. It begins with the delimitation of constituencies to define voting boundaries. Next, the authorities notify which seats are reserved for various categories, often using a lottery system to maintain transparency. Once these stages are complete, the State Election Commission proceeds with the actual conduct of the elections.
Q54. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the devolution of funds by the State Finance Commission in Rajasthan?
Explanation
The State Finance Commission plays a vital role in fiscal federalism at the state level. It is responsible for recommending the principles that should govern the distribution of the state’s net tax proceeds between the government and local bodies. These recommendations help ensure that Panchayats and Municipalities receive a fair share of resources to fund their essential civic functions and development projects.
Q55. Consider the following statements about the Panchayat elections in Rajasthan:
I. They are conducted using EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines).
II. The State Election Commission notifies the election schedule.
III. A person must be at least 25 years old to contest the election.
IV. State government decides the delimitation of wards.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. They are conducted using EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines).
II. The State Election Commission notifies the election schedule.
III. A person must be at least 25 years old to contest the election.
IV. State government decides the delimitation of wards.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Panchayat elections in Rajasthan are managed with modern technologies like Electronic Voting Machines. The State Election Commission is the authority that officially notifies the schedule. While the state government manages ward delimitation, candidates must meet specific criteria. It is important to note that the minimum age to contest is 21, rather than 25, which is the requirement for higher legislatures.
Q56. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act came into force on which date, which is now commemorated as a key milestone for urban local government?
Explanation
The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, which focused on urban local governance, became effective on 1 June 1993. This date is significant because it marked the beginning of a new era where municipalities across India were granted constitutional status and protection. This led to more regular elections, mandatory reservations, and a clearly defined list of functional responsibilities for all urban local bodies.
Q57. In a Nagar Nigam in Rajasthan, the executive power of the corporation primarily rests with the:
Explanation
While the Mayor is the political head of a Nagar Nigam, the actual executive power is vested elsewhere. In the administrative framework of Rajasthan, the Municipal Commissioner is the official in whom executive authority primarily rests. As a state-appointed professional, the Commissioner is responsible for the daily management of the corporation and ensures that its operations comply with the relevant municipal laws.
Q58. Consider the following roles of a Municipal Commissioner in Rajasthan:
I. Custodian of municipal records.
II. Preparation of the annual municipal budget.
III. Enforcing municipal by-laws.
IV. Presiding over the general meetings of the Council.
V. Appointing the Mayor in case of a vacancy.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Custodian of municipal records.
II. Preparation of the annual municipal budget.
III. Enforcing municipal by-laws.
IV. Presiding over the general meetings of the Council.
V. Appointing the Mayor in case of a vacancy.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
A Municipal Commissioner in Rajasthan performs critical administrative functions. They act as the official custodian of all municipal records and are responsible for preparing the annual budget for the council’s approval. Furthermore, they ensure that municipal by-laws are properly enforced. However, they do not preside over general council meetings or have the authority to appoint the Mayor, who is an elected official.
Q59. Which of the following is the most appropriate description of the ‘Twelfth Schedule’ of the Indian Constitution?
Explanation
The Twelfth Schedule was added to the Indian Constitution by the 74th Amendment Act. It serves as a comprehensive list of eighteen functional items that fall within the jurisdiction of Municipalities. These items cover a wide range of urban responsibilities, including town planning, water supply, public health, and slum improvement. It provides the framework for urban bodies to provide essential services.
Q60. A city in Rajasthan has reached a population of 3.5 lakhs. According to the 74th Constitutional Amendment, which of the following mechanisms MUST be constituted for urban decentralisation in this city?
Explanation
For large cities with a population of three lakhs or more, the 74th Amendment mandates the creation of Ward Committees. This requirement is intended to bridge the gap between residents and the municipality. By establishing these committees, the law ensures that urban decentralization is meaningful, allowing for better micro-planning and more effective redressal of local grievances in densely populated urban wards.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 51 | (d) Development Block (Khand) |
| 52 | (c) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from the IAS or RAS cadre. |
| 53 | (a) I, II, III |
| 54 | (d) It suggests the principles for the distribution of the net proceeds of state taxes between the state and local bodies. |
| 55 | (b) I, II and IV only |
| 56 | (b) 1 June 1993 |
| 57 | (d) Municipal Commissioner |
| 58 | (a) I, II and III only |
| 59 | (c) It contains 18 functional items placed within the purview of Municipalities. |
| 60 | (d) Ward Committees |
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.