Q1. Panchayati Raj administration is primarily aimed
(a) To increase agricultural production
(b) To ensure rural development
(c) To work for the upliftment of Harijans
(d) To arouse in the people of each area intensive and continuous interest in the community development programme
Answer: (d) To arouse in the people of each area intensive and continuous interest in the community development programme
Explanation: Panchayati Raj empowers local communities to take active interest in development, fostering grassroots democracy. It encourages participation in planning and execution of community welfare programs.
Q2. Panchayati Raj as introduced in 1959 operates at
(a) Samiti and block levels
(b) Block and district levels
(c) Samiti and district levels
(d) Village, block and district levels
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (d) Village, block and district levels
Explanation: The three-tier Panchayati Raj system includes Gram Panchayat (village), Panchayat Samiti (block), and Zila Parishad (district). This structure ensures decentralized governance and local decision-making.
Q3. Which of the following States has no Panchayati Raj setup ?
(a) Nagaland
(b) Assam
(c) Kerala
(d) West Bengal
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (a) Nagaland
Explanation: Due to its unique tribal governance system, Nagaland does not follow the standard Panchayati Raj structure. Instead, it relies on traditional village councils under customary laws, as recognized by the Constitution.
Q4. Panchayati Raj System was introduced in the year
(a) 1948
(b) 1959
(c) 1951
(d) 1952
(UPSC Prelims 1981)
Answer: (b) 1959
Explanation: The Panchayati Raj System was formally introduced in 1959, following the recommendations of the Balwantrai Mehta Committee. It aimed to decentralize governance and empower local self-government institutions across rural India.
Q5. Panchayati Raj is mainly aimed at
(a) Rural employment
(b) Agricultural and rural industries development
(c) Political awareness among village people
(d) Giving training to villagers for fighting elections
(UPSC Prelims 1982)
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Panchayati Raj system promotes grassroots governance and focuses on rural development, including agriculture and local industries. It empowers village-level institutions to plan and implement developmental activities.
Q6. The maximum revenue source of village panchayats is
(a) Government grants
(b) Sales tax
(c) Voluntary help by village cooperatives
(d) Local taxes on lands, fairs and festivals
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (d) Local taxes on lands, fairs and festivals
Explanation: Village panchayats primarily generate revenue through local taxes, including those on land, fairs, and festivals. These taxes are directly collected and used for local development and administration.
Q7. The maximum revenue source of village panchayats is
(a) Government grants
(b) Sales tax
(c) Voluntary help by village cooperatives
(d) Local taxes on lands, fairs and festivals
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (d) Local taxes on lands, fairs and festivals
Explanation: Village panchayats primarily generate revenue through local taxes, including those on land, fairs, and festivals. These taxes are directly collected and used for local development and administration.
Q8. Panchayati Raj system was adopted to
(a) Make people aware of politics
(b) Decentralise the power of democracy
(c) Educate the peasants
(d) To introduce a form of local self-government at the village, block and district levels
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (d) To introduce a form of local self-government at the village, block and district levels
Explanation: The Panchayati Raj system was introduced to promote grassroots democracy by establishing local self-governments at the village, block, and district levels. It empowers citizens to participate in governance and development directly.
Q9. The Panchayati Raj was first introduced in the States of Rajasthan and
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Bihar
(c) Gujarat
(d) Haryana
(UPSC Prelims 1985)
Answer: (a) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Panchayati Raj, a system of rural local governance, was first introduced in Rajasthan in 1959, followed by Andhra Pradesh. It aimed to decentralize power and promote grassroots democracy.