Panchayati Raj: A System of Self-Governance

General knowledge solved questions about the Panchayat system in India

 

1.Who is, the head, of a Gram Panchayat?

Ans.  “Sarpanch”..

2.What is, the term ,used for a local self-government institution, in rural areas, in India?

Ans. “Panchayat”..

 

3.Which Amendment, to the Indian Constitution, added Part IX dealing with the Panchayati Raj system?

Ans. “73^rd Amendment”..

 

4. How often, are Panchayat elections, held in India?

Ans.  “Every five years”..

 

5. What is, the minimum age, requirement to contest, for the post of Sarpanch?

Answer: “21 years”..

 

6. Who is ,the chief executive officer ,of a Zilla Parishad?

Ans. “Chief Executive Officer (CEO)”..

 

7. Which Indian state, was the first, to implement Panchayati Raj?

Ans.  “Rajasthan”..

 

8. How many tiers, are there, in the Panchayati Raj system?

Ans. “Three (Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zilla Parishad)”..

9. Which Amendment, to the Indian Constitution, added Article 243D dealing, with reservation of seats, in Panchayats?

Ans. “73^rd Amendment”..

 

10. Which body, oversees the functioning, of the Panchayati Raj institutions, at the state level?

Ans.  “State Election Commission”..

 

11. What is, the role, of the Gram Sabha ,in the Panchayati Raj system,?

Ans.  “The Gram Sabha, is a general body including ,of all registered voters in a village Panchayat area, which meets regularly, to discuss, and decide on various issues, related to local governance”..

 

12. Which committee, recommended the establishment, of Panchayati Raj institutions in India?

Ans.  “Balwant Rai Mehta Committee”..

 

13. What is ,the term, of office for a member, of a Panchayat Samiti?

Answer: “Five years”..

 

14. What percentage of seats, in Panchayats, are reserved, for Scheduled Castes (SCs) ,and Scheduled Tribes (STs)?

Ans. “33% of seats are reserved, with proportionate reservation ,for SCs and STs”..

 

15.Which state, has the highest number ,of Gram Panchayats, in India?

Ans. “Uttar Pradesh”..

 

16.What is, the role of the State Finance Commission, in the Panchayati Raj system?

Ans. “The State Finance Commission, is responsible, for recommending the principles, that govern the distribution of finances, between the state government, and the Panchayati Raj institutions”..

 

17. Who is ,responsible for conducting the elections, to Panchayati Raj institutions,?

Ans. “State Election Commission”..

 

18. What is, the importance of the 74^th Constitutional Amendment Act,?

Ans. “It provides ,for the establishment ,of urban local bodies, similar to the Panchayati Raj system, for rural areas”..

 

19. What is, the minimum reservation, for women, in Panchayats, as per the 73^rd Amendment,?

Ans. “At least one-third of the total seats”..

 

29. What is, the role, of the District Planning Committee, in the Panchayati Raj system?

Ans. “It is responsible, for preparing the development plans ,at the district level, and coordinating, with Panchayats and municipalities”..

 

30.What is, the importance of the Gram Panchayat Development Plan, (GPDP)?

Ans. “GPDP is a participatory planning process, at the Gram Panchayat level, aiming to address local development needs ,and priorities”..

 

31.Which state, in India introduced the concept, of e-Panchayats, to digitize Panchayat administration?

Ans. “Kerala”..

 

32.What is, the role of the Block Development Officer, (BDO) in the Panchayati Raj system?

 

Ans. “BDO serves, as the administrative head of the block ,and acts as a liaison between the Panchayats, and the district administration”..

 

33.What is, the main source ,of revenue, for Panchayats, in India?

Ans. “Grants-in-aid from the state government, local taxes, and funds from centrally sponsored schemes”..

 

34.Which constitutional amendment, extended the reservation, of seats ,for women ,in Panchayats, to include the chairperson position?

Ans. “73^rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992”..

 

35.What is, the role of the Panchayat Secretary, in the functioning of a Gram Panchayat?

Ans. “Panchayat Secretary assists, in the administration, record-keeping, and implementation of decisions taken, by the Gram Panchayat”..

 

36.Which state, in India has implemented, the concept of (Nigrani Samitis) to monitor, the implementation of government schemes, at the Panchayat level?

Ans. “Madhya Pradesh”..

 

37. What is ,the importance ,of the PESA Act, 1996, in the context, of tribal areas, in India?

Ans. “PESA Act grants, tribal communities autonomy, in governance, particularly in areas of land and resources, within the Panchayati Raj system”..

 

38. Which institution ,is responsible, for the training ,and capacity building of Panchayat functionaries, in India?

Ans. “National Institute of Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR)”..

 

39. What is ,the role of the Gram Panchayat, in implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, (MGNREGA)?

Ans.  “Gram Panchayats, are responsible, for the planning, execution, and monitoring of MGNREGA works at the local level”..

 

40. What is, the role of the Gram Sabha, in the process of social audit ,in the Panchayati Raj system?

Ans. “The Gram Sabha plays ,a crucial role in verifying, and auditing the implementation of government schemes, and projects at the local level, ensuring transparency, and accountability”..

41. Which state, in India, has introduced the concept of (Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puraskar) to recognize, and incentivize exemplary performance by Panchayats?

Answer: “Maharashtra”..

 

42. What is, the importance, of the (Panchayat Yuva Krida aur Khel Abhiyan) (PYKKA) initiative launched, by the Government of India?

Ans. “PYKKA aims, to promote sports, and physical activity at the grassroots level, through Panchayats, fostering a culture of sports ,and healthy living in rural areas”..

 

43. Which state, in India has implemented the (Gram Panchayat Vikas Yojana), to empower Gram Panchayats ,in decision-making ,and development planning?

Ans. “Gujarat”..

 

44. What is, the role of the Panchayat Extension, to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, 1996, in safeguarding the rights of tribal communities, in scheduled areas?

Ans.  “PESA Act grants, tribal communities in scheduled areas autonomy, in governance, particularly in matters of land, resources, and cultural preservation, within the framework of the Panchayati Raj system”..

 

45. Which institution, is responsible, for the accreditation ,and assessment of Panchayat Raj institutions, in India?

 

Ans.”National Accreditation, and Assessment Council (NAAC) for Panchayati Raj Institutions”..

 

46. What is ,the importance of the (e-Gram Swaraj) portal launched, by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India?

Ans.  “e-Gram Swaraj portal facilitates online monitoring, and evaluation of Panchayat activities, enhancing transparency, and efficiency in rural governance”..

 

47. What is, the role ,of the District Collector (Collector/District Magistrate), in the functioning of the Panchayati Raj system?

Ans. “The District Collector ,serves as the principal representative of the state government at the district level, providing administrative support, and coordination to Panchayats”..

 

48. Which state, in India has introduced, the concept of (Panchayat Sankalp Patra) to outline the development goals, and priorities of Gram Panchayats?

Ans.  “Uttar Pradesh”..

 

49. What is, the importance of the (Panchayat Empowerment, and Accountability Incentive Scheme) (PEAIS) introduced ,by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India?

Ans. “PEAIS aims, to incentivize good governance practices ,and performance, by Panchayats, through financial rewards, and recognition”..

 

50. What role ,do Panchayats play, in promoting environmental sustainability ,and conservation efforts ,in rural areas?

Ans. “Panchayats are involved ,in implementing environmental initiatives, such as watershed management, afforestation programs, and waste management projects at the grassroots level”..

 

51. How do ,Panchayats contribute, to women’s empowerment ,and gender equality in rural communities?

Ans.  “By promoting women’s participation in decision-making, by ensuring one-third reservation of seats, for women, and by implementing gender-sensitive policies, and programs”..

 

51. Which state, in India has introduced, the concept of (Gram Uday Se Bharat Uday Abhiyan), to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions, and promote rural development,?

Ans. “Haryana”..

 

52. What measures, are taken ,by Panchayats ,to address social issues, like education, healthcare, and sanitation, in rural areas?

Ans.  “It implement numerous welfare schemes, build, and maintain schools, health centres, and sanitation facilities, and promote awareness campaigns/programs on health and hygiene”..

53. How do ,Panchayats contribute, to women’s empowerment ,and gender equality in rural communities?

 

Ans.  “By promoting women’s participation in decision-making, by ensuring one-third reservation of seats, for women, and by implementing gender-sensitive policies, and programs”..

54. How do, Panchayats facilitate, rural economic development ,and livelihood generation,?

Ans. “Through supporting entrepreneurship skill development programs, and infrastructure development projects to enhance agricultural productivity ,and by promoting small-scale industries, in rural areas”..

 

55. What is, the role of Information ,and Communication Technology, (ICT), in enhancing the efficiency, and transparency ,of-Panchayat administration,?

Ans. “ICT tools like e-governance portals, mobile applications, and digital databases are utilized for better record-keeping, service delivery, and citizen engagement in Panchayat activities”..

 

56. Which state, in India, has introduced ,the concept of (Panch Parmeshwar), to empower Gram Panchayats, with financial autonomy ,and decision-making authority,?

Ans. “Punjab”..

57. How do, Panchayats promote, inclusive development ,by addressing the needs, of marginalized communities, like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and minorities,?

Ans. “By  allocating resources, for the development of marginalized communities, implement affirmative action policies, and by ensuring their representation, in decision-making bodies”..

 

58. What initiatives, are undertaken, by Panchayats to promote sustainable agriculture practices, and rural livelihoods,?

Ans.  “By promoting organic farming, provide agricultural extension services, facilitate access to credit and through markets, and promoting diversification of livelihood options in rural areas”..

 

59. How do, Panchayats collaborate ,with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and civil society organizations (CSOs), to address local development challenges ,and social issues,?

Ans. “Through  NGOs, and CSOs ,to implement community-based projects, mobilize resources, and build local capacity, for sustainable development initiatives”..

 

60. What specific provisions, are made, in the Constitution of India ,ab the reservation of seats, for Scheduled Tribes (STs), in Panchayats,?

Ans.  “The Constitution provides, for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes, in proportion to their population in the Panchayats, as determined, by the State Legislature”..

 

61.Which constitutional amendment, did mandate the formation of District Planning Committees (DPCs) ,to consolidate the plans prepared, by Panchayats, and municipalities ,at the district level,?

Ans. “74^th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992”..

 

62. What is, the role of the State Election Commission, (SEC), in conducting Panchayat elections, in India,?

Ans. “SEC is significant factor, for the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls, and the conduct of Panchayat elections, in the respective states”..

65. What are, the basic responsibilities ,of the State Finance Commission, (SFC) ,in the Panchayati Raj system,?

Ans.  “SFC., is looking into the cognizance matters by determining the principles governing the distribution of funds, between the state government, and the Panchayats, and making recommendations on fiscal matters”..

 

66. Which factor/agency, is responsible, for overseeing, and evaluating the assignments of Panchayats, under the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India,?

Ans. “Through the cell of Ministry of Panchayati Raj”..

 

67. What provisions, are made in the Panchayat, (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) about the ownership, of minor forest produce, in Scheduled vicinities,?

Ans. “PESA vests the ownership ,of minor forest produce, with the Gram Sabhas, in Scheduled vicinities/Areas, empowering them to regulate its collection, sale, and trade”..

 

68.How does, the National Institute ,of Rural Development ,and Panchayati Raj ,(NIRDPR), contribute, to the capacity building ,of Panchayat functionaries,?

Ans. “It conducts training programs, workshops, and research activities aimed, at enhancing the knowledge, and skills of Panchayat functionaries, and elected representatives accordingly”..

 

69. Which basic provisions, of the Panchayati Raj Act, 1992, deal with the constitution ,and functions of Gram Panchayats,?

Ans. “It i.e the Panchayati Raj Act, 1992, outlines the constitution, composition, powers, and functions of Gram Panchayats, including their role in local governance, and development planning”..

 

70.What did distinguish role, do Gram Panchayats perform ,in preserving the cultural heritage, and traditions of rural India?

Ans. “They serve, as custodians of local culture ,by organizing cultural events, preserving historical sites, and promoting traditional art forms, within their communities”..

 

71. Which visionary committee did recommend ,the integration of the Gandhian principles ,of local self-governance, into the Indian Constitution?

Ans.  “Balwant Rai Mehta Committee”..

 

72.How do, Panchayats epitomize the essence, of grassroots democracy ,in India,?

Ans.  “By sets the principles, of participatory democracy & by empowering citizens ,at the village level ,to actively engage, in decision-making processes, that directly impact, their lives”..

 

73.In what unique, ways, do Panchayats contribute, to the socio-economic, upliftment of marginalized communities, ensuring inclusivity, in rural development,?

Ans.  “By implementing welfare programs, ensuring equitable access to resources, and fostering an environment ,of dignity, and respect ,for all community members”..

 

74. Which state, in India exemplifies, the harmonious integration, of traditional wisdom with modern technology, through its innovative e-Panchayat initiatives,?

Ans. “ Kerala”..

 

75. How do ,Panchayats, embody the timeless ethos of (Sarvodaya) ;striving for the holistic upliftment, of all sections of society,?

Ans. “By upholding the Gandhian principle of Sarvodaya,& by prioritizing the welfare, of the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring, that no individual, is left behind, in the journey ,towards progress ,and prosperity”..

 

76. Which state ,in India has been hailed, for its pioneering efforts, in promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and eco-friendly livelihoods, through its Gram Panchayat initiatives,?

Ans. “ Himachal Pradesh ”..

 

77. What emblematic role ,do Gram Sabhas play, in fostering a sense of community cohesion ,and collective responsibility in rural India,?

Ans. “ By providing a platform for villagers, to come together, voice their concerns, and work together, towards shared goals”..

78.Who is, the head, of a Gram Panchayat?

Ans.  “Sarpanch”..

79.What is, the term ,used for a local self-government institution, in rural areas, in India?

Ans. “Panchayat”..

 

80.Which Amendment, to the Indian Constitution, added Part IX dealing with the Panchayati Raj system?

Ans. “73^rd Amendment”..

 

81. How often, are Panchayat elections, held in India?

Ans.  “Every five years”..