Election Commission, CAG, and Panchayati Raj
1. Which article in the Indian Constitution is related to the establishment of the Election Commission of India? (BPSC 2020)
a) Article 324
b) Article 148
c) Article 342
d) Article 325
e) None of the above/More than one of the above
Answer. a) Article 324.
Article 324: The election of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies shall be conducted by the Election Commission of India. The Election Commission of India has a member body with one Chief Election Commissioner and two election commissioners.
Article 148: Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
Article 342: Schedule tribe
Article 325: Electoral roll
2. Which Article gives the list of 29 functions to be performed by the Panchayati Raj Institutions? (BPSC 2020)
a) Articles 243(H)
b) Articles 243(E)
c) Articles 243(F)
d) Articles 243(G)
e) None of the above/More than one of the above
Answer. d) Article 243(G)
Article 243(G) specifies the 29 functions to be performed by Panchayati Raj.
Article 243(G) specifies the 18 functions to be performed by Municipalities.
Articles 243 to 243 O deal with Panchayat.
Articles 243P to 243 ZG deal with Municipalities.
Co-operative Societies: 243 ZH to ZT.
3. The legislative origins of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act can be traced back to which Constitutional Amendment Bill? (BPSC 2020)
a) 61st Constitutional Amendment Bill
b) 62nd Constitutional Amendment Bill
c) 63rd Constitutional Amendment Bill
d) 64th Constitutional Amendment Bill
e) None of the above/More than one of the above
Answer. e) None of the above.
61st CAA 1989: Voting age reduced from 21 to 18.
62nd CAA 1989: Extended the reservation of seats for SCs and STs in Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
63rd CAA 1989: Punjab was brought under the emergency provision.
64th CAA: President rule in Punjab.
4. Which one of the following is not characteristic of decentralization? (BPSC 2020)
a) Autonomy
b) People’s participation
c) To install non-confidence among local communities
d) To empower local communities
e) None of the above/More than one of the above
Answer. c) To install non-confidence among local communities
5. In the areas covered under the Panchayat (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, what is the role/power of Gram Sabha? (UPSC 2012)
1. Gram Sabha has the power to prevent the alienation of land in the Scheduled Areas.
2. Gram Sabha has the ownership of minor forest produce.
3. A recommendation of Gram Sabha is required for granting a prospecting license or mining lease for any mineral in the Scheduled Areas.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer. d) 1,,2, and 3
Gram Sabha is the foundation of the Panchayati Raj System. Gram Sabha is comprised of all registered voters within the panchayat areas.
The following are the main features of the PESA (Panchayat Extension to the Scheduled Area) Act 1996:
Gram Sabha has the power to safeguard and preserve tradition, customs, cultural identity, and community resources.
Gram Sabha should be consulted before making any land acquisition in scheduled areas.
Recommendation of Gram Sabha is required for granting a prospecting license or mining lease for any mineral in the Scheduled Areas.
6. In India, other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for their intended purpose, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)?
1. CAG exercises exchequer control on behalf of the Parliament when the President of India declares a national emergency/financial emergency.
2. CAG reports on the execution of projects or programs by the ministries are discussed by the Public Accounts Committee.
3. Information from CAG reports can be used by investigating agencies to press charges against those who have violated the law while managing public finances.
4. While dealing with the audit and accounting of government companies, CAG has certain judicial powers for prosecuting those who violate the law.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1, 2, and 4 only
b) 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer. c) 2 and 3
6. Which of the following was the first state to establish Panchayati Raj?
a) Uttar Pradesh
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Andhra Pradesh
d) Rajasthan
Answer. d) Rajasthan
Panchayati Raj was established in the Nagpur District of Rajasthan on 2 October 1959.
Andhra Pradesh was the second state to adopt the Panchayati Raj.
7. Which of the following is the first Committee established for the establishment of the Panchayati Raj institution?
a) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
b) G V KK Rao Committee
c) L M Singhvi Committee
d) Thungon Committee
Answer. a) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
1988: Thungon Committee
1986: LM Singhvi Committee
1985: GVK Rao Committee
1977: Ashok Mehta Committee
1957: Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
8. The Constitution (Seventy-Third Amendment) Act. 1992, which aims at promoting the Panchayati Raj Institutions in the country, provides for which the following? (UPSC 2011)
1. Constitution of District Planning Committees.
2. State Election Commissions to conduct all panchayat elections.
3. Establishment of State Finance Commissions.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer. d) 1,2,3
The following are the main features of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992:
73rd Constitutional Amendment Act has been enacted to provide the constitutional status and protection of the Panchayati Raj institution.
New part IX to the constitution of India was added and provisions were made from Article 243 to 243 O.
Article 243 G contains 29 functional items for Panchayat Raj.
It was implemented to give the practical shape of Article 40 of DPSP.
Gram Sabha is the foundation of Panchayati Raj and it is comprised of all electoral rolls of the areas.
There would be three-tier systems i.e. Village, intermediate, and district levels.
All the members of Panchayats at the village, intermediate, and district levels shall be elected directly by the people.
At least 33 % of reservations for Women will be provided.
The State Election Commission, District Planning Committee, and State Finance Commission should be constituted.
The district planning committee should consolidate the plans prepared by Panchayats and municipalities.
9. Concerning the Finance Commission of India, which of the following statements is correct? (UPSC 2011)
a) It encourages the inflow of foreign capital for infrastructure development
b) It facilitates the proper distribution of finances among the Public Sector Undertakings
c) It ensures transparency in financial administration
d) None of the statements (a), (b), and (c) given above is correct in this context
Answer. d) None of the statements (a), (b), and (c) given above is correct in this context
Article 280 empowers the establishment Finance Commission, a quasi-judicial body. The following are major works of the Finance Commission:
Distribution of taxes between centers and states.
To make provisions for grants-in-aid to the states.
Appropriate provision to supplement the resources to panchayat and municipalities.
CAG works in the field of Financial Administration, so statement (c ) is incorrect.
10. Consider the following statements: In India, a Metropolitan Planning Committee
1. Is constituted under the provisions of the constitution of India.
2. Prepare the draft development plans for the metropolitan area.
3. Has the sole responsibility for implementing Government-sponsored schemes in the metropolitan area.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer. d) 1,2, and 3
Article 243ZE provides the constitution of the Metropolitan Planning Committee in every metropolitan area, so statement 1 is correct.
2/3rd of members are elected.
The main work of the Metropolitan Planning Committee is to make development planning and coordination for the metropolitan areas.
11. Consider the following statements: Attorney General of India can (UPSC 2013)
1. Take part in the proceedings of the Lok Sabha
2. Be a member of a committee of the Lok Sabha
3. Speak in the Lok Sabha
4. Vote in the Lok Sabha
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 4
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) 1 and 3 only
Answer. c) 1,2 and 3
The Attorney general is appointed by the president. A person can be appointed as an Attorney general who is qualified to Supreme Court judge.
Article 76: Attorney General of India
Article 88: Rights of Attorney General as respects the Houses of Parliament and its committee.
Article 105: Power, Privilege, and Immunities of Attorney General
12. Which of the following bodies does not/do not find mentioned in the Constitution? (UPSC 2013)
1. National Development Council
2. Planning Commission
3. Zonal Councils
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer. d) 1,2, and 3
Azonal Council is a statutory body, not a constitutional body. They are established under the State Reorganization Act of 1956. The zonal council comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The planning commission now NITI Aayog is the extra-constitutional body.
13. The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in 1996. Which one of the following is not identified as its objective? (UPSC 2013)
a) To provide self-governance
b) To recognize traditional rights
c) To create autonomous regions in tribal areas
d) To free tribal people from exploitation
Answer. c) To create autonomous regions in tribal areas
14. 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? (UPSC 2015)
a) State Forest Department
b) District Collector/Deputy Commissioner
c) Tahsildar/Block Development Officer/Mandal Revenue Officer
d) Gram Sabha
Answer. d) Gram Sabha
15. The fundamental object of the Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following? (UPSC 2015)
1. People's participation in the development
2. Political accountability
3. Democratic decentralization
4. Financial mobilization
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1, 2, and 3 only
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer. c) 1 and 3
The fundamental object of the Panchayati Raj system is to ensure the people’s participation in development and democratic decentralization.
16. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016)
1. The minimum age prescribed for any person to be a member of Panchayat is 25 years.
2. A Panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution continues only for the remainder period.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer. b) 2 only
The following are some important points:
There is no minimum age for qualification of Judges of High courts and Supreme Court.
The minimum age for contesting the Panchayat election is 21 years. So statement 1 is not true.
Member of Rajya Sabha or State Council: Minimum age 30 years.
Member of Lok Sabha and State Assembly: Minimum age 25 years.
President, Vice President, or Governor Post: Minimum 35 years
17. Concerning the ‘Gram Nyayalaya Act’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2016)
1. As per the Act, Gram Nyayalayas can hear only civil cases and not criminal cases.
2. The Act allows local social activists as mediators/reconcilers.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer. b) 2 only
Gram Nyayalaya Act 2008 was enacted to fulfill the provision of Article 39 A for the following purposes:
It aims to provide a grassroots level of justice at their doorsteps.
Access to justice by poor and disadvantaged groups.
The Head of gram Nyayalaya will be Nyayadhikari and it shall be appointed by the State Government in consultation with the high court.
Gram Nyayalaya will be established for every Panchayat.
It is a form of mobile court and shall exercise the power of both criminal and civil courts.
The Act allows local social activists as mediators/reconcilers.
18. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.
3. The Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognized political parties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 3 only
Answer. d) 3 only
Article 324 provides the composition of the Election Commission of India.
The Election commission of India is a three-member body comprised of the Chief election commission and two other election commissions. So, the statement is not true,
The election commission decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections. So, statement 2 is also incorrect.
19. Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise (UPSC 2017)
a) Federalism
b) Democratic decentralization
c) Administrative delegation
d) Direct democracy
Answer. b) Democratic decentralization
20. Arrange the following Committees on Panchayati Raj in chronological order and select the correct answer from the codes given below:
1. Rao Committee
2. L.M. Singhvi Committee
3. B.R. Mehta Committee
4. Ashok Mehta Committee
Codes:
a) 2,3,1,4
b) 1,3,4,2
c) 3,4,1,2
d) 4,3,2,1
Answer. c) 3,4,1,2
1988: Thungon Committee
1986: LM Singhvi Committee
1985: GVK Rao Committee
1977: Ashok Mehta Committee
1957: Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
21. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the code given in the lists. (UPPSC 2022)
List-I (Committee) List-II-II(Year of appointment)
A. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee 1. 1957
B. Ashok Mehta Committee 2. 1977
C. L.M Singhvi Committee 3. 1986
D. P.K. Thungun Committee 4. 1988
Codes:
A B C D
a) 3 4 2 1
b) 1 2 3 4
c) 2 3 1 4
d) 4 1 2 3
Answer. b) 1 2 3 4
22. Read the following and select the correct answer from the code given below: (UPPSC 2015)
Assertion(A): The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is to be headed by a person who has been a former chief justice of India.
Reason (R): The chairperson of NHRC holds office for a term of 5 years or till he attains the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.
a) A is true, but R is false.
b) A is false but R is true.
c) Both A and R are true.
d) Both A and R are false
23. Study the following statements and select the correct answer from the code given below:
Assertion (A): The state election commission is a constitutional authority.
Reason ( R): Elections to rural local bodies are overseen by the Election Commission of India.
Codes:
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is false and R is true.
d) A is true and R is false.
Answer. d) A is true and R is false.
Elections to rural local bodies are overseen by the state Election Commission
24. The Election Commissioner can be removed by the (UPPSC 2014)
a) Chief Election Commissioner
b) Prime Minister
c) President on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner
d) Chief Justice of India.
Answer. c) President on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner
25. Which one of the following Committees is not connected with Panchayati Raj Institution?
a) P.V.N. Rao Committee
b) L.M. Singhvi Committee
c) Ashok Mehta Committee
d) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
Answer. a) P.V.N. Rao Committee; PVN Rao committee for the balance of payment crisis. GVK Rao Committee ( 1985) is related to the Panchayati Raj Institution.
26. Which among the following Panchayats are included in the District Plan in U.P.? (UPPSC 2016)
I. Nagar Panchayat
II. Gram Panchayat
III. Kshetra Panchayat
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Codes:
a) I only
b) I and III only
c) II and III only
d) I, II, and III all
Answer. d) I, II, and III all
27. The State Finance Commission is a (UPPSC 2016)
a) Legal body
b) Non-statutory body
c) Constitutional body
d) None of the above
28. Under which Article of the Indian Constitution, there is a provision for the Election Commission? (UPPSC 2016)
a) Article 320
b) Article 322
c) Article 324
d) Article 326
Answer. c) Article 324
29. Which part of the Constitution, the provisions for the Panchayati Raj System? (UPPSC 2016)
a) IX
b) VI
c) III
d) IV (a)
Answer. a) IX
30. The Panchayati Raj System was adopted (UPPSC 2016)
a) make people aware of politics.
b) decentralize the power of democracy.
c) educate the peasants.
d) None of the above
Answer. b) decentralize the power of democracy.
31. Who is considered the “Architect of Panchayati Raj” in India? (UPPSC 2016)
a) Acharya Narendra Deo
b) G.V.K. Rao
c) B.R. Mehta
d) L.M. Singhavi
Answer. c) B.R. Mehta;
Balwant Rai Mehta is considered the "Architect of Panchayati Raj” in India?
24 April: National Panchayati Raj Day
Rajasthan was the first state to adopt Panchayati Raj
Committee related to Panchayati Raj:
- 1957: BR Mehta Committee
- 1977: Ashok Mehta Committee
- 1983: Hanumantha Rao Committee
- 1985: G.V. K Rao Committee
- 1986: L.M Singhvi Committee
- 1989: Thungan Committee
32. Reservation of seats in Panchayat elections for Scheduled Castes shall not apply to the State of (UPPSC 2016)
a) Uttar Pradesh
b) Assam
c) Arunachal Pradesh
d) Haryana
Answer. c) Arunachal Pradesh;
Arunachal Pradesh is fully occupied by tribal populations.
About Panchayati Raj:
- Part IX of the constitution.
- Schedule: XI
- Article: 243-243O
- 73rd Constitution Amendment 1992
- For Political decentralization
33. Who among the following is authorized to make provisions concerning the composition of Panchayats? (UPPSC 2016)
a) Governor of State
b) Legislature of State
c) Parliament of India
d) President of India
Answer. b) Legislature of State
34. Match List - I with List - Il and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists (UPPSC 2016)
List—I (Institution) List-II (Articles)
A. Comptroller and Auditor General of India 1. Article 315
B. Finance Commission 2. Article 280
C. Administrative Tribunal 3. Article 148
D. Union Public Service Commission 4. Article 323(A)
Codes:
A B C D
a) 3 2 4 1
b) 3 4 2 1
c) 1 2 4 3
d) 4 1 3 2
Answer. a) 3 2 4 1
35. Who among the following holds his/her office during the pleasure of the President? (UPPSC 2016)
a) Comptroller and Auditor General of India
b) Chief Election Commissioner
c) Speaker of Lok Sabha
d) Attorney General of India
Answer. d) Attorney General of India
36. National Panchayati Raj Day in India is celebrated on (UPPSC 2019)
a) 26 January
b) 2 October
c) 21 April
d) 24 April
Answer. d) 24 April
37. How many items are there in the 11th schedule of the Constitution of India? (UPPSC 2019)
a) 22
b) 24
c) 29
d) 32
Answer. c) 29
38. Consider the following statements in the context of the Attorney General of India. (UPPSC 2020)
1. The president shall appoint a person who is qualified to be appointed a judge of the Supreme Court.
2. The Attorney General shall receive such remuneration as the Parliament may determine.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Codes:
a) Only 1 is correct
b) Only 2 are correct
c) Both 1 and 2 are correct
d) Neither 1 nor 2 is correct.
The following are the main features:
- The Attorney General is the highest law officer in India.
- The president should appoint an Attorney General who should be qualified as a judge of the Supreme Court (five-year high court judge or 10 years of advocate services in the high court).
- He/she holds the office with the pleasure of the president.
- The Constitution does not fix the remuneration of the attorney general.
- He/she enjoys the privileges and immunities that are available to MP.
- He can take part in Parliament but without the right to vote.
- he should not be debarred for private practices.
39. Match List-I with list-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: (UPPSC-2023)
List-I
(A) Article-324
(B) Article-315
(C) Article-280
(D) Article -338
List-II
(1) National Commission for Schedule Castes
(2) Finance Commission
(3) Public Service Commission
(4) Election Commission
Code-
a) A-(4), B-(3), C-(2), D-(1)
b) A-(3), B-(2), C-(1), D-(4)
c) A-(1), B-(3), C-(4), D-(2)
d) A-(3), B-(2), C-(4), D-(1)
Answer. a) A-(4), B-(3), C-(2), D-(1)
40. Concerning the Attorney General of India, which of the following statement/s is/are correct?
(1) A person is appointed as Attorney General, who is qualified to be appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court.
(2) The Attorney General can be removed through the same process as the judges of the Supreme Court.
Select the correct answer from the code given below- (UPPSC 2023)
Code-
a) Both 1 and 2
b) Neither 1 nor 2
c) Only 2
d) Only 1
Answer. d) Only 1
41. All elections to the Panchayats are conducted by (UPPSC 2023)
a) Election Commission
b) State Election Commission
c) State Legislature
d) Panchayati Raj Commission
Answer. b) State Election Commission
42. Concerning the Union Finance Commission, which of the following statement/s is/are correct? ( UPPSC 2023)
(1) The Finance Commission has a chairman and six members
(2) It submits its report to the NITI Aayog
Select the correct answer using the code given below-
Code-
a) Both 1 and 2
b) Only 2
c) Neither 1 nor 2
d) Only 1
Answer. c) Neither 1 nor 2
Article 280: Provide Finance commission in India; it is a quasi-judicial body;
It is constituted by the President, every five years or earlier as necessary.
The finance commission comprises a Chairman + 4 members.
Qualifications to become a member or chairman of the finance commission:
A judge of high court or one qualified to be;
who has specialized knowledge of finance and accounts
who has wide experience in financial matters and in administration.
who has special knowledge of economics.
43. Which of the following statements is not true regarding "Gram Sabha"?
a) It has the powers and functions at the village level like the state legislature has at the state level.
b) Its powers are determined by the Central Government.
c) It is a village Assembly consisting of all registered voters in the area of Panchayat.
d) (a) and (c) both
Answer. d) (a) and (c) both
Gram Sabha is comprised of all registered voters in the area of Panchayat and has the powers and functions at the village level like the state legislature has at the state level.
44.
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