Panchayati Raj and Community Development

11. Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Reco

Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both?

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State Forest Department
District Collector/Deputy Commissioner
Tahsildar/Block Development Officer/Mandal Revenue Officer
Gram Sabha
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UPSC IAS – 2013
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The correct answer is D) Gram Sabha.
According to the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA), the Gram Sabha is designated as the primary authority responsible for initiating the process of determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights within its jurisdiction. Claims for forest rights are first submitted to the Gram Sabha, which verifies them and passes a resolution before forwarding them to higher-level committees (Sub-Divisional Level Committee and District Level Committee) for further verification and final approval.
The FRA emphasizes the role of the Gram Sabha as the most local and democratic body in recognizing and vesting forest rights, ensuring community participation and control over the process. This structure is intended to empower forest-dwelling communities and ensure that the recognition of rights is based on local knowledge and verification.

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12. The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PES

The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in 1996. Which one of the following is not identified as its objective?

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To provide self-governance
To recognize traditional rights
To create autonomous regions in tribal areas
To free tribal people from exploitation
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The correct answer is C) To create autonomous regions in tribal areas.
The Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) aims to extend the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution relating to Panchayats to the Scheduled Areas, recognizing and incorporating tribal traditions and customary laws. Its key objectives include enabling tribal self-governance through Gram Sabhas, preserving tribal traditions, recognizing community rights over resources, and protecting tribal populations from exploitation. PESA empowers Gram Sabhas significantly but does not create new, separate “autonomous regions” in the sense of distinct administrative entities with legislative powers akin to those under the Sixth Schedule. It rather integrates enhanced self-governance mechanisms within the existing state framework for Scheduled Areas.
PESA gives powers to the Gram Sabha over aspects like land alienation, management of minor forest produce, control over minor water bodies, approval of development plans, and control over local markets and money lending. These powers are intended to ensure tribal self-rule and protect their rights and resources, but the framework remains within the state’s jurisdiction, unlike areas governed by autonomous councils under the Sixth Schedule which have greater administrative and legislative autonomy.

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13. Under which one among the following Articles of the Constitution of In

Under which one among the following Articles of the Constitution of India, the seats are reserved for the Scheduled Caste and the Scheduled Tribe in every Municipality ?

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243-R
243-S
243-T
243-ZA
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Part IXA of the Constitution of India deals with Municipalities. Article 243T, titled “Reservation of seats,” mandates the reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in every Municipality, in proportion to their population in the municipal area. It also provides for reservation of seats for women.
Article 243T of the Constitution specifically provides for reservation of seats for SCs, STs, and women in Municipalities. This mirrors the reservation provision for Panchayats in Article 243D.
Article 243R deals with the composition of Municipalities. Article 243S deals with the constitution and composition of Wards Committees. Article 243ZA deals with elections to the Municipalities and vests the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to the Municipalities in the State Election Commission.

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14. The Constitution of India contains no provision for the constitution o

The Constitution of India contains no provision for the constitution of municipalities in every State for

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a Nagar Panchayat
a Municipal Council
a Municipal Corporation
an Urban Panchayat
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Part IX-A of the Indian Constitution, introduced by the 74th Amendment Act, 1992, deals with Municipalities. Article 243Q mandates the constitution of Municipalities in every State. It specifies three types of Municipalities:
(a) a Nagar Panchayat for a transitional area (an area in transition from a rural area to an urban area);
(b) a Municipal Council for a smaller urban area; and
(c) a Municipal Corporation for a larger urban area.
The Constitution provides for Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils, and Municipal Corporations. It does not provide for an “Urban Panchayat”. Panchayats (Village Panchayats, Intermediate Panchayats, District Panchayats) are constitutionally provided for in Part IX for rural areas.
– Part IX-A of the Constitution deals with Municipalities.
– Article 243Q defines the types of Municipalities: Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation.
– The term “Urban Panchayat” is not used or defined in the Constitution for urban local governance.
The 74th Amendment aimed to provide constitutional status to urban local bodies and ensure their proper functioning. The structure of municipalities varies based on the size and characteristics of the urban area.

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15. Which of the following is/are correct in relation to the Panchayats ?

Which of the following is/are correct in relation to the Panchayats ?

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  • 1. Only the Parliament may endow Panchayats with powers and authority
  • 2. A state may devolve powers to Panchayats in preparation of plans for economic development and social justice
  • 3. A state may devolve powers to Panchayats in implementation of schemes for economic develop-ment and social justice

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only
1 and 3
2 and 3
3 only
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Statement 1 is incorrect. According to Article 243G of the Constitution, the *Legislature of a State* may, by law, endow the Panchayats with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as institutions of self-government. Parliament enacted the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, but the actual devolution of powers and responsibilities to Panchayats in relation to the subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule is done by state legislatures. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they directly reflect the provisions of Article 243G and the intended functions of Panchayats as institutions of self-government responsible for preparing plans for economic development and social justice and implementing schemes for the same.
Part IX of the Constitution (Articles 243 to 243-O), inserted by the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992, deals with Panchayats. Article 243G empowers state legislatures to grant powers and authority to Panchayats, including preparation of plans for economic development and social justice, and implementation of schemes for the same. The Eleventh Schedule lists 29 matters within the purview of Panchayats.
The 73rd Amendment Act provides the constitutional framework for Panchayats, making their establishment mandatory and providing for regular elections, reservation of seats, etc. However, the actual functional and financial autonomy of Panchayats depends on the laws enacted by the respective state legislatures, leading to variations in the extent of decentralization across states.

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16. Ashok Mehta Committee was constituted to make recommendations on which

Ashok Mehta Committee was constituted to make recommendations on which one of the following issues?

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Division of tax revenues between Centre and States
Panchayati Raj System
Appointment of Governors
Presidential and Vice Presidential elections
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The Ashok Mehta Committee was appointed by the Janata Government in December 1977 to examine the working of the Panchayati Raj Institutions and suggest measures for strengthening them to achieve decentralization.
The Ashok Mehta Committee is specifically known for its comprehensive review and recommendations regarding the Panchayati Raj System in India.
Various committees, such as the Finance Commissions, deal with the division of tax revenues. The Sarkaria Commission and Punchhi Commission dealt with Centre-State relations, including the appointment of Governors. Matters related to Presidential and Vice Presidential elections are handled by the Election Commission as per constitutional provisions and laws.

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17. Which one of the following statements with regard to Panchayats is not

Which one of the following statements with regard to Panchayats is not correct?

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Members of Panchayats are elected directly by the Gram Sabha.
The elections to Panchayats are conducted by the State Election Commission.
The Central Government may by law authorize a Panchayat to levy taxes.
Every Panchayat continues for five years from the date of convening of its first meeting.
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Statement C is incorrect. According to Article 243H of the Constitution, the *Legislature of a State* may, by law, authorize a Panchayat to levy, collect and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls, and fees. The Central Government does not have the authority to do this by law.
The power to authorize Panchayats to levy taxes rests with the State Legislature, not the Central Government. This is a key aspect of the fiscal decentralization under Part IX of the Constitution relating to Panchayats.
Statement A is partially misleading but generally taken as correct in the context of direct election by the electorate within the ward; the Gram Sabha consists of all registered voters in a village, and these voters directly elect the members (ward representatives). Statement B is correct as per Article 243K. Statement D is correct as per Article 243E, ensuring a fixed term of five years for Panchayats.

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18. The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Ac

The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA)

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extends greater say to local tribal community over common resources
provides greater devolution of powers to Scheduled Tribes
extends provisions of 73rd Amendment to Scheduled Areas
brings Scheduled Areas under the better control of local Panchayats
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The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) was enacted to extend the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution relating to Panchayats to the Scheduled Areas mentioned in the Fifth Schedule, with certain modifications and exceptions. A key objective and outcome of PESA is to empower the Gram Sabha (village assembly) in Scheduled Areas, giving them significant authority, particularly over the management and control of community resources.
PESA is aimed at ensuring tribal self-rule and empowering the tribal community, primarily through the Gram Sabha. Giving the tribal community greater say over common resources (like land, water, forests, minor forest produce) is a central theme and specific provision of the PESA Act.
Option B is partially true as PESA does devolve powers, and Scheduled Areas are predominantly inhabited by Scheduled Tribes. However, Option A is a more specific and prominent impact, directly addressed by key provisions of the Act regarding ownership of minor forest produce, planning and management of minor water bodies, and mandatory consultation on land acquisition and development projects. Option C is the legislative basis but doesn’t fully capture the spirit and specific provisions. Option D is incorrect as PESA empowers the community/Gram Sabha, not merely the elected Panchayat body derived from the standard system, and gives them control *over* Panchayat decisions in many matters.

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19. Who among the following may be the Chairman of the Zila Parishad?

Who among the following may be the Chairman of the Zila Parishad?

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Chief Minister
District Collector
Member of Parliament in the District
Elected from its own members
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The correct answer is D.
According to the Panchayati Raj system structure, the Chairman (or President) of the Zila Parishad is elected by and from amongst the elected members of the Zila Parishad itself. Options A, B, and C describe positions at the state or district administrative level but not the elected head of the Zila Parishad body.
While the District Collector serves as the administrative head (CEO or similar) and MLAs/MPs may be ex-officio members without voting rights in some states, the political head, the Chairman, is an elected member of the Zila Parishad.

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20. Which of the following reasons were cited by the Ashok Mehta Committee

Which of the following reasons were cited by the Ashok Mehta Committee for the decline of the Panchayati Raj Institutions in India?

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  • 1. Role of Bureaucracy
  • 2. Lack of Political Will
  • 3. Lack of conceptual clarity
  • 4. Lack of gender parity

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 and 4
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
2, 3 and 4
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The correct answer is C, indicating that reasons 1, 2, and 3 were cited by the Ashok Mehta Committee for the decline of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
– The Ashok Mehta Committee (1977-1978) was set up to inquire into the causes for the poor performance of Panchayati Raj Institutions in India.
– The committee identified several reasons for the decline of PRIs.
– Statement 1 (Role of Bureaucracy): The committee noted the indifferent attitude of the bureaucracy towards PRIs and excessive bureaucratic control as hindrances.
– Statement 2 (Lack of Political Will): The committee pointed out the lack of sufficient political will on the part of the state governments to devolve necessary powers and resources to PRIs.
– Statement 3 (Lack of conceptual clarity): The committee observed that there was a lack of clarity regarding the role and importance of PRIs, which affected their functioning.
– Statement 4 (Lack of gender parity): While important for inclusive governance, lack of specific gender parity (like reservations) was a issue addressed by subsequent reforms (like the 73rd Amendment) rather than a primary reason cited by the Ashok Mehta Committee for the decline of PRIs *before* those reforms. The committee focused more on structural and operational weaknesses.
Other reasons cited by the Ashok Mehta Committee included inadequate financial resources, excessive control by the state government, lack of participation from weaker sections, and domination of political factions within PRIs. The committee recommended a two-tier system of Panchayati Raj (Zila Parishad at the district level and Mandal Panchayat for a group of villages) and suggested that PRIs should be assigned definite functions and sufficient resources.

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