Q61. Under Article 243ZD, who is typically elected as the Chairperson of the District Planning Committee in Rajasthan?
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 61–70 of 78 questions
Q62. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the challenges faced by local governments in Rajasthan:
Explanation
Local governments in Rajasthan face various structural and financial hurdles. These include limited financial devolution and a shortage of qualified staff. However, it is incorrect to say that these institutions possess absolute autonomy. In reality, they remain subject to significant state bureaucratic control and legislative oversight, which can sometimes limit their ability to act independently on critical local development issues.
Q63. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: The concept of local self-government in Rajasthan draws inspiration from the Gandhian philosophy of ‘Gram Swaraj’.
Statement II: The pre-independence Panchayats in Rajputana states were purely democratic and entirely free from feudal influences.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement I: The concept of local self-government in Rajasthan draws inspiration from the Gandhian philosophy of ‘Gram Swaraj’.
Statement II: The pre-independence Panchayats in Rajputana states were purely democratic and entirely free from feudal influences.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Modern local self-government in Rajasthan is deeply rooted in the Gandhian ideal of ‘Gram Swaraj’, emphasizing village self-reliance. While ancient and pre-independence Panchayats existed, they were often influenced by the feudal systems of the princely states. The transition to a truly democratic and inclusive framework only occurred through systematic legislative reforms after India gained its independence and adopted a new constitution.
Q64. Which of the following statements correctly highlights the core philosophy behind the Balwantrai Mehta Committee’s recommendation of ‘democratic decentralisation’?
Explanation
The Balwantrai Mehta Committee introduced the concept of ‘democratic decentralization’ to address the failures of previous development programs. The core philosophy was to ensure that development was not just a bureaucratic process but involved active public participation. By creating elected local bodies, the committee aimed to empower citizens to take charge of their own development and ensure local accountability.
Q65. Identify the odd one out in the context of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment provisions:
Explanation
The 73rd Amendment introduced several mandatory provisions for rural local bodies, such as five-year tenures and the creation of State Election and Finance Commissions. These were designed to institutionalize local democracy. However, the establishment of Special Economic Zones is a trade and industrial policy matter that is entirely separate from the constitutional framework governing Panchayati Raj Institutions and local governance.
Q66. What is the fundamental democratic unit at the base of the three-tier Panchayati Raj structure in Rajasthan?
Explanation
The three-tier structure of Panchayati Raj in Rajasthan consists of the Zila Parishad, Panchayat Samiti, and Gram Panchayat. However, the Gram Sabha is considered the fundamental democratic unit at the base. It is the only body composed of all registered voters in a village, making it the primary assembly for direct democracy where local residents can participate in decision-making.
Q67. What is the direct legal effect if the required quorum is not met in a scheduled Gram Sabha meeting in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Meeting a quorum is a legal requirement for the first scheduled meeting of a Gram Sabha. If this quorum is not achieved, the meeting must be adjourned. When the meeting is reconvened at a later date, the strict quorum requirement is typically waived. This ensures that essential village business and development planning can eventually proceed even if initial attendance is low.
Q68. What is the most appropriate minimum educational qualification currently required to contest for the post of Sarpanch in Rajasthan, following recent legislative amendments?
Explanation
Educational qualifications for contesting local elections were once mandated in Rajasthan. However, following a change in government policy and subsequent legislative action, these requirements were removed in 2019. Currently, there is no specific minimum educational qualification required to contest for the post of Sarpanch or any other position in the state’s Panchayati Raj Institutions, prioritizing broader democratic participation.
Q69. The Block Development Officer (BDO) in a Panchayat Samiti is administratively subordinate to which of the following authorities at the district level?
Explanation
Administrative coordination is crucial in the Panchayati Raj system.
Q70. Which of the following is NOT typically a function of the Zila Parishad in Rajasthan?
Explanation
The Zila Parishad focuses on high-level planning, coordination, and providing relief during emergencies. It consolidates plans from various blocks and oversees district-wide development. However, it does not have the power to directly levy or collect income tax, as taxation powers on income belong to the central government. Local bodies are generally limited to levying specific local fees and property-related taxes.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 61 | (a) Zila Pramukh |
| 62 | (b) Panchayati Raj Institutions possess absolute autonomy from state bureaucratic control. |
| 63 | (a) Statement I only |
| 64 | (c) Ensuring public participation in development programs through elected local bodies. |
| 65 | (d) Establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) |
| 66 | (c) Gram Sabha |
| 67 | (b) The meeting is adjourned and held later, for which a quorum is not strictly required. |
| 68 | (d) The educational qualification requirement was removed by an amendment in 2019. |
| 69 | (a) The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Zila Parishad. |
| 70 | (c) Directly levying and collecting income tax from rural residents |
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.