Panchayat System- Chapter 8

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Questions and Answers

Which day would likely ensure maximum attendance for the Gram Sabha meeting?

Naag panchami / sankranti

Sunday

Day of the village haat

A day specified by the BDO or the collector (correct)

What is an inappropriate venue for the Gram Sabha meeting in terms of inclusivity?

Upper caste Tola (correct)

Religious place in the village

Venue suggested by the circular of the district collector

Dalit Mohalla

What aspect was notably absent from the discussions in the Gram Sabha meeting regarding children's education?

Concern for children who never attend school (correct)

Plans for infrastructure improvements

Budget allocation for educational programs

Oral suggestions from village leaders

Which group was likely underrepresented in the Gram Sabha meeting held on a Sunday?

Women teachers Signup and view all the answers

In the context of decentralization, what was a potential consequence of the meeting's focus?

Marginalization of certain demographics Signup and view all the answers

What is the key role of the Gram Sabha in the educational context?

To mobilize community support for education Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the meeting signified a shortfall in the democratic process related to local governance?

Absence of agenda-setting inclusivity Signup and view all the answers

How can the agenda of a Gram Sabha meeting be improved for better educational outcomes?

By including diverse voices from the community Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for establishing local governments in a democracy?

To oversee and manage local affairs effectively Signup and view all the answers

What does the three-tier structure of local government include?

Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment provided for the establishment of local self-governments in India?

73rd and 74th Amendments Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of reservations and quotas in local government elections?

To increase representation of marginalized communities Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Gram Sabha play in local governance?

It is the assembly of the village that discusses local issues and decides on development Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of the term for Panchayat bodies?

Five years Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a Panchayat is dissolved before the end of its term?

Fresh elections must be held within six months Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Gram Sabhas is accurate?

Gram Sabhas serve as a democratic forum for the entire village Signup and view all the answers

What proportion of seats in Panchayat institutions is reserved for women?

One third Signup and view all the answers

What was a key provision introduced by the 73rd amendment regarding Panchayati Raj?

Immediate elections after dissolution of a Panchayat Signup and view all the answers

Which groups are provided reservations in Panchayat institutions in proportion to their population?

Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes Signup and view all the answers

How does the reservation apply to the positions of Chairpersons or 'Adhyakshas' in Panchayati Raj?

Includes reserved seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Signup and view all the answers

Why were women's reservations in local bodies accepted more easily than in Assemblies and Parliament?

Local bodies are less significant politically Signup and view all the answers

What method did many states use for district bodies before the 73rd amendment?

Indirect elections Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common misconception about Panchayati Raj?

Panchayati Raj bodies cannot be dissolved Signup and view all the answers

What main concern does the 73rd Amendment aim to address?

The accountability of representatives to the people Signup and view all the answers

Which rationale is emphasized for local community involvement in project completion?

Involvement reduces the cost of projects. Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for effective village panchayats according to the content?

Access to sufficient resources and powers Signup and view all the answers

Which action illustrates an example of decentralization?

Villagers deciding on local policies and programs Signup and view all the answers

Why might a Gram Panchayat struggle with effectiveness without decentralization?

They depend solely on external bureaucratic reports. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Gram Sabha' refer to in the context of local governance?

The body of all eligible voters in the village Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason for implementing a three-tier structure in local governance?

To concentrate all powers at the highest level Signup and view all the answers

Which group is primarily accountable for making decisions regarding their needs and problems?

Local villagers through collective participation Signup and view all the answers

How can rural illiteracy impact village development?

It prevents informed decision-making among villagers. Signup and view all the answers

What justification supports that village development plans made by locals are more acceptable?

They align closely with local needs and priorities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment?

To protect the powers of local governments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the three-tier structure established by the 73rd Amendment?

Gram Panchayat, Mandal Panchayat, Zilla Panchayat Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Gram Sabha as established by the 73rd Amendment?

To involve adult members in local governance Signup and view all the answers

How are the laws regarding local bodies affected by the 73rd and 74th Amendments?

States had to standardize laws within a year Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Panchayati Raj Institutions' refer to?

Local governments in rural areas Signup and view all the answers

Which level of the three-tier structure represents the smallest administrative unit?

Gram Panchayat Signup and view all the answers

How does the 74th Amendment relate to local governance?

It establishes provisions for urban local governments Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for the formation of the Mandal Panchayat in smaller states?

It is optional depending on the state Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant change introduced by the 73rd Amendment regarding local elections?

Local elections must follow uniform procedures Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'decentralization through a centralized process' imply in the context of the 73rd Amendment?

Local governance mechanisms are imposed without local input Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is a Gram Sabah?

All adult members registered as voters in the Panchayat area comprise the Gram Sabah.
Its role and functions are determined by legislation in the State.
The Panchayat bodies are all directly elected by the people.

Panchayat Election Terms

They have a five-year term.
If the State government dissolves the Panchayat before its five-year term, fresh elections occur within six months.

Reserved Seats in Panchayat Elections

One-third of the positions in all panchayat institutions are reserved for women.
Reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are included at all three levels, proportional to the population.
They can also provide reservations for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
These reservations are for ordinary members of Panchayats, but also for the positions of Chairpersons or ‘Adhyakshas‘ at all the three levels.
The one-third reservation for women applies to both the general category and within the seats reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and backward castes.

The Importance of Local Government

In a democracy, it is crucial to have elected governments at the centre and the State level.
Local government is important to take care of local affairs.

The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments

These were passed by Parliament in 1992.
The 73rd Amendment is about rural local governments, also known as Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
The 74th amendment made provisions relating to urban local government (Nagarpalikas).
Both amendments came into force in 1993.

Three Tier Structure of Panchayati Raj Institutions

The structure consists of:
- Gram Panchayat: This is at the base, and covers a village or group of villages.
- Mandal (Block or Taluka) Panchayats: This is the intermediary level, and is not always needed in smaller States.
- Zilla Panchayat: This is at the apex and covers the entire rural area of the District.

Decentralisation

The 73rd Amendment requires the mandatory creation of the Gram Sabha.
The centre compelled local government reforms on the States.
All States now have a uniform three tier Panchayati Raj structure.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental aspects of the Panchayat system, including the composition of the Gram Sabah and the electoral process for Panchayat elections. It also explores the reserved seats for women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. Test your understanding of these important local governance topics.