1. Panchayati Raj in India is associated with which article of the Constitution?
A) Article 370
B) Articles 243–243O
C) Article 356
D) Articles 280–281
Answer: B) Articles 243–243O
Explanation: These articles were added by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) to give constitutional status to PRIs.
2. Which part of the Indian Constitution deals with Panchayati Raj?
A) Part IX
B) Part X
C) Part XI
D) Part XII
Answer: A) Part IX
Explanation: Part IX (Articles 243–243O) deals with the Panchayats.
3. Panchayati Raj was constitutionalized through which amendment?
A) 42nd Amendment
B) 44th Amendment
C) 73rd Amendment
D) 74th Amendment
Answer: C) 73rd Amendment
Explanation: The 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 came into force on 24 April 1993.
4. The concept of Panchayati Raj was borrowed from which country’s system?
A) USA
B) Britain
C) Traditional Indian villages
D) France
Answer: C) Traditional Indian villages
Explanation: Panchayati Raj is based on India’s age-old system of self-governance in villages.
5. The term ‘Panchayat’ means:
A) Rule by five persons
B) Parliament
C) King’s council
D) Council of ministers
Answer: A) Rule by five persons
Explanation: The Sanskrit word Panchayat means an assembly of five elders.
6. The real beginning of Panchayati Raj in India was made in:
A) 1947
B) 1952
C) 1959
D) 1977
Answer: C) 1959
Explanation: The first Panchayati Raj system was inaugurated on 2 October 1959 in Nagaur district of Rajasthan.
7. The first state to establish Panchayati Raj was:
A) Andhra Pradesh
B) Bihar
C) Rajasthan
D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: C) Rajasthan
Explanation: Rajasthan implemented Panchayati Raj in 1959, followed by Andhra Pradesh.
8. The first model of Panchayati Raj was suggested by:
A) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
B) Ashok Mehta Committee
C) GVK Rao Committee
D) L.M. Singhvi Committee
Answer: A) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
Explanation: Constituted in 1957, it recommended a three-tier structure.
9. The three-tier Panchayati Raj system includes:
A) Gram Sabha, Nyaya Panchayat, Zila Parishad
B) Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad
C) Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Vidhan Sabha
D) None of these
Answer: B) Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad
Explanation: The system operates at village, block, and district levels.
10. Which is the basic unit of the Panchayati Raj system?
A) Zila Parishad
B) Panchayat Samiti
C) Gram Sabha
D) District Collector
Answer: C) Gram Sabha
Explanation: Gram Sabha consists of all adult members of a village and is the foundation of local democracy.
11. Who is known as the “Father of Panchayati Raj” in India?
A) Balwant Rai Mehta
B) Mahatma Gandhi
C) Jawaharlal Nehru
D) L.M. Singhvi
Answer: B) Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation: Gandhi envisioned self-sufficient village republics as the foundation of democracy.
12. Which year was the Community Development Programme launched?
A) 1952
B) 1959
C) 1962
D) 1948
Answer: A) 1952
Explanation: The programme was a precursor to the Panchayati Raj system.
13. The first Panchayati Raj institution was inaugurated by:
A) Jawaharlal Nehru
B) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
C) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
D) Lal Bahadur Shastri
Answer: A) Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation: He inaugurated the first Panchayat at Nagaur (Rajasthan) in 1959.
14. The Gram Sabha consists of:
A) Panchayat members only
B) All adults of the village
C) Elected representatives of the district
D) Village officers
Answer: B) All adults of the village
Explanation: Gram Sabha includes all persons above 18 years registered as voters in the Gram Panchayat.
15. The tenure of every Panchayat is:
A) 3 years
B) 4 years
C) 5 years
D) 6 years
Answer: C) 5 years
Explanation: As per Article 243E, the tenure of every Panchayat is 5 years.
16. Which Article provides for the Gram Sabha?
A) Article 243A
B) Article 243B
C) Article 243C
D) Article 243D
Answer: A) Article 243A
Explanation: Article 243A defines the composition and powers of Gram Sabha.
17. Which Committee first recommended the three-tier Panchayati Raj system?
A) Ashok Mehta Committee
B) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
C) L.M. Singhvi Committee
D) G.V.K. Rao Committee
Answer: B) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
Explanation: Recommended a three-tier system with Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad.
18. Which Committee recommended a two-tier system instead of three-tier?
A) L.M. Singhvi Committee
B) G.V.K. Rao Committee
C) Ashok Mehta Committee
D) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
Answer: C) Ashok Mehta Committee
Explanation: The Ashok Mehta Committee (1977) suggested two levels—district and mandal.
19. The “Gram Panchayat” is the:
A) Executive body of Gram Sabha
B) Judicial body of village
C) Legislative body of village
D) None of these
Answer: A) Executive body of Gram Sabha
Explanation: Gram Panchayat executes the decisions of the Gram Sabha.
20. Who acts as the executive officer of the Zila Parishad?
A) Sarpanch
B) Collector
C) Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
D) Gram Sevak
Answer: C) Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Explanation: The CEO coordinates the functions of the Zila Parishad.
21. The Panchayati Raj system aims to:
A) Promote urban development
B) Decentralize power to the local level
C) Strengthen judiciary
D) Control agriculture
Answer: B) Decentralize power to the local level
Explanation: It ensures democratic participation at the grassroots level.
22. Who is the head of the Gram Panchayat?
A) Sarpanch
B) Pradhan
C) Panch
D) Block officer
Answer: A) Sarpanch
Explanation: The Sarpanch is the elected head of the Gram Panchayat.
23. Nyaya Panchayats deal with:
A) Administration
B) Justice (minor civil and criminal cases)
C) Agriculture
D) Education
Answer: B) Justice
Explanation: Nyaya Panchayats handle minor civil and criminal disputes at the village level.
24. Which body implements development programs at the block level?
A) Zila Parishad
B) Panchayat Samiti
C) Gram Panchayat
D) District Collector
Answer: B) Panchayat Samiti
Explanation: Panchayat Samiti functions as the link between Gram Panchayat and Zila Parishad.
25. The Panchayati Raj is an example of:
A) Federalism
B) Direct democracy
C) Representative democracy
D) Bureaucracy
Answer: B) Direct democracy
Explanation: Citizens directly participate in decision-making through the Gram Sabha.
26. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment came into force on —
A) 26 January 1950
B) 24 April 1993
C) 1 January 1992
D) 15 August 1993
Answer: B) 24 April 1993
Explanation: This date is celebrated as National Panchayati Raj Day; the Amendment gave constitutional status to PRIs.
27. Which part of the Constitution was inserted by the 73rd Amendment Act?
A) Part VIII
B) Part IX
C) Part X
D) Part IX-A
Answer: B) Part IX
Explanation: Part IX (Articles 243–243 O) was added to deal exclusively with Panchayats.
28. Which Schedule was added to list the functions of Panchayats?
A) 10th
B) 11th
C) 12th
D) 8th
Answer: B) 11th Schedule
Explanation: The 11th Schedule (29 subjects) enumerates areas under Panchayat jurisdiction.
29. How many Articles were inserted by the 73rd Amendment?
A) 10
B) 12
C) 13
D) 15
Answer: C) 13 (Articles 243–243 O)
Explanation: These articles comprehensively cover composition, powers, elections, and finance of PRIs.
30. The 73rd Amendment applies to all states except —
A) Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, J&K (erstwhile)
B) Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa
C) Punjab, Haryana
D) Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat
Answer: A) Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Jammu & Kashmir (erstwhile)
Explanation: Excluded due to special constitutional provisions protecting tribal and local systems.
31. Which Article defines “Panchayat”?
A) 243 A
B) 243 B
C) 243 D
D) 243 E
Answer: B) Article 243 B
Explanation: It provides for the constitution of Panchayats at village, intermediate, and district levels.
32. Reservation of seats for SCs, STs and women in Panchayats is provided under —
A) Article 243 D
B) Article 243 E
C) Article 243 F
D) Article 243 G
Answer: A) Article 243 D
Explanation: It mandates reservation for SCs/STs and not less than 1/3 of total seats for women.
33. The minimum age for contesting Panchayat elections is —
A) 18 years
B) 21 years
C) 25 years
D) 30 years
Answer: B) 21 years
Explanation: As per Article 243 F and state laws framed under it.
34. Which body conducts elections to Panchayats?
A) Election Commission of India
B) State Election Commission
C) Zila Parishad
D) Gram Sabha
Answer: B) State Election Commission
Explanation: Article 243 K provides for an independent State Election Commission for PRI elections.
35. State Finance Commission is constituted under Article —
A) 243 H
B) 243 I
C) 243 J
D) 243 K
Answer: B) Article 243 I
Explanation: It reviews financial position of Panchayats every five years and recommends revenue sharing.
36. The tenure of a Panchayat is —
A) 3 years
B) 4 years
C) 5 years
D) 6 years
Answer: C) 5 years
Explanation: Article 243 E fixes the term at five years from the date of first meeting.
37. Elections to constitute a new Panchayat must be held —
A) Within 3 months of expiry
B) Before the expiry of its term or within six months of dissolution
C) Within one year of dissolution
D) Only after approval of Governor
Answer: B) Before expiry or within six months of dissolution
Explanation: Ensures continuity of local self-government.
38. Disqualification for membership of Panchayat is determined by —
A) Governor
B) Election Commission of India
C) State Legislature
D) State Election Commission
Answer: D) State Election Commission
Explanation: Article 243 F empowers State Election Commission to decide questions of disqualification.
39. Which Article provides powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats?
A) 243 G
B) 243 H
C) 243 I
D) 243 J
Answer: A) Article 243 G
Explanation: States may devolve powers to Panchayats to prepare plans for economic development and social justice.
40. Financial powers of Panchayats are dealt with under —
A) 243 G
B) 243 H
C) 243 I
D) 243 J
Answer: B) Article 243 H
Explanation: Authorises State Legislature to assign taxes, duties, fees, and grants to Panchayats.
41. Which Article provides for Audit of Panchayat accounts?
A) 243 I
B) 243 J
C) 243 K
D) 243 L
Answer: B) Article 243 J
Explanation: State Legislature makes provisions regarding maintenance and auditing of Panchayat accounts.
42. Which Amendment is known as the “Rural Local Government Amendment”?
A) 42nd
B) 44th
C) 73rd
D) 74th
Answer: C) 73rd Amendment
Explanation: It strengthened democratic decentralisation at the rural level.
43. How many subjects are listed in the 11th Schedule for Panchayats?
A) 18
B) 22
C) 29
D) 31
Answer: C) 29
Explanation: These cover agriculture, health, sanitation, education, etc., for local development.
44. Which body reviews Panchayat finances every five years?
A) Finance Commission of India
B) State Finance Commission
C) Zila Parishad
D) Planning Commission
Answer: B) State Finance Commission
Explanation: Constituted under Article 243 I to recommend sharing of taxes and grants.
45. The 73rd Amendment does not apply to —
A) Union Territories
B) Scheduled Areas & Tribal Areas
C) Rural Andhra Pradesh
D) Kerala
Answer: B) Scheduled Areas & Tribal Areas
Explanation: Excluded under Article 243 M; separate provisions exist under PESA Act 1996.
46. Which Act extends Panchayati Raj to Scheduled Areas?
A) PESA Act 1996
B) RTI Act 2005
C) NREGA Act 2005
D) 73rd Amendment
Answer: A) PESA Act 1996
Explanation: The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act 1996 adapts PRIs to tribal conditions.
47. Minimum number of meetings of Gram Sabha in a year (as per most states) —
A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 6
Answer: C) 4
Explanation: Generally four meetings per year are mandated — one each quarter.
48. Reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions is at least —
A) 25 %
B) 33 %
C) 40 %
D) 50 %
Answer: B) 33 % (at least)
Explanation: Article 243 D provides one-third reservation; many states have raised it to 50 %.
49. Gram Sabha is mentioned in which Article?
A) 243 A
B) 243 B
C) 243 C
D) 243 D
Answer: A) Article 243 A
Explanation: Defines Gram Sabha as the assembly of persons registered in the electoral rolls of a village.
50. The Constitutional status of Panchayati Raj came into existence from —
A) 1952 (Community Development)
B) 1959 (Rajasthan inauguration)
C) 1993 (73rd Amendment enforced)
D) 1977 (Janata Government)
Answer: C) 1993 (73rd Amendment enforced)
Explanation: Since 24 April 1993, PRIs became a part of the Constitution (Part IX).
51. Panchayati Raj in India is structured on how many tiers?
A) Two
B) Three
C) Four
D) Five
Answer: B) Three
Explanation: It operates at village (Gram Panchayat), intermediate (Block / Panchayat Samiti) and district (Zila Parishad) levels.
52. The lowest tier of Panchayati Raj system is —
A) Gram Panchayat
B) Gram Sabha
C) Panchayat Samiti
D) Zila Parishad
Answer: A) Gram Panchayat
Explanation: It is the executive body for a village or cluster of villages.
53. The middle tier of the system is known as —
A) Block Development Council
B) Panchayat Samiti
C) Mandal Panchayat
D) Zila Parishad
Answer: B) Panchayat Samiti
Explanation: It functions at the block level and coordinates between Gram Panchayats and Zila Parishad.
54. The apex body of Panchayati Raj at district level is —
A) Zila Parishad
B) Block Samiti
C) Gram Sabha
D) Taluka Panchayat
Answer: A) Zila Parishad
Explanation: Zila Parishad supervises plans and development work for the entire district.
55. Members of Gram Panchayat are —
A) Nominated by Governor
B) Elected by Gram Sabha
C) Appointed by Collector
D) Nominated by MLA
Answer: B) Elected by Gram Sabha
Explanation: They are directly elected by voters of the village.
56. The head of a Gram Panchayat is called —
A) Pradhan / Sarpanch
B) Chairman
C) Block Officer
D) Collector
Answer: A) Pradhan / Sarpanch
Explanation: The Sarpanch presides over meetings and executes Gram Panchayat decisions.
57. The head of a Panchayat Samiti is called —
A) Block Pramukh / Chairperson
B) Tehsildar
C) Collector
D) Zila Adhyaksha
Answer: A) Block Pramukh / Chairperson
Explanation: Elected from among the Panchayat Samiti members.
58. The head of a Zila Parishad is known as —
A) Pradhan
B) Sabhapati
C) Adhyaksha / President
D) Collector
Answer: C) Adhyaksha / President
Explanation: Elected by members of Zila Parishad; assisted by a CEO appointed by state government.
59. Ex-officio members of Zila Parishad include —
A) Sarpanches
B) MLAs & MPs of the district
C) Block Development Officers
D) Gram Sevaks
Answer: B) MLAs & MPs of the district
Explanation: They act as link between state/national and local levels.
60. The main source of income of a Gram Panchayat is —
A) Income tax
B) Grant-in-aid from state and local taxes
C) Excise duty
D) Sales tax
Answer: B) Grant-in-aid from state and local taxes
Explanation: Funds include tax on houses, markets, and state government grants.
61. The functions of Gram Panchayat include —
A) Sanitation and water supply
B) Maintenance of roads and street lights
C) Registration of births and deaths
D) All of these
Answer: D) All of these
Explanation: Gram Panchayat handles local civic and developmental activities.
62. Panchayati Raj institutions prepare plans for —
A) Central Schemes only
B) Economic development and social justice
C) Judicial matters
D) Urban governance
Answer: B) Economic development and social justice
Explanation: Article 243 G assigns this responsibility to PRIs.
63. The 11th Schedule contains how many functional items?
A) 18
B) 20
C) 25
D) 29
Answer: D) 29
Explanation: These 29 subjects cover agriculture, education, health, roads, etc.
64. Funds for Panchayats are mainly provided through —
A) State Finance Commission recommendations
B) Central Finance Commission grants
C) Centrally sponsored schemes
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Panchayats receive funds from state allocations and Central Finance Commission grants.
65. Which institution examines the accounts of Panchayats?
A) CAG of India
B) State Auditor / Local Fund Audit
C) Zila Parishad
D) Finance Commission
Answer: B) State Auditor / Local Fund Audit
Explanation: Article 243 J empowers State Legislature to prescribe audit authority.
66. The fundamental objective of Panchayati Raj is —
A) Economic liberalisation
B) Decentralisation of power
C) Central planning
D) Industrial growth
Answer: B) Decentralisation of power
Explanation: It brings administration closer to people for self-governance.
67. Gram Panchayat collects tax on —
A) Land revenue
B) Property, markets, toll on animals & vehicles
C) Excise goods
D) Electricity
Answer: B) Property, markets, toll on animals & vehicles
Explanation: Local taxes form an important source of Gram Panchayat revenue.
68. Who approves the annual budget of the Gram Panchayat?
A) Panchayat Samiti
B) Gram Sabha
C) District Collector
D) Zila Parishad
Answer: B) Gram Sabha
Explanation: Gram Sabha reviews and approves the Gram Panchayat’s budget and development plans.
69. The State Finance Commission is constituted every —
A) 3 years
B) 5 years
C) 6 years
D) 10 years
Answer: B) 5 years
Explanation: Article 243 I provides for SFC every five years to review Panchayat finances.
70. The District Planning Committee (DPC) integrates plans of —
A) Municipalities and Panchayats
B) State and Centre
C) Gram Sabhas
D) Urban Cooperatives
Answer: A) Municipalities and Panchayats
Explanation: Article 243 ZD (74th Amendment) provides for DPC to coordinate district-level planning.
71. The District Planning Committee prepares a draft plan for —
A) The Block
B) The District as a whole
C) The Village
D) The Taluka
Answer: B) The District as a whole
Explanation: It consolidates plans of Panchayats and Municipalities in the district.
72. The Panchayati Raj system is a —
A) Centralised form of administration
B) Decentralised form of administration
C) Judicial system
D) Unitary system
Answer: B) Decentralised form of administration
Explanation: Power is transferred from state to local units for self-governance.
73. The sources of Panchayat funds include —
A) Local taxes & fees
B) Grants from state and centre
C) Share of revenue collected by state
D) All of these
Answer: D) All of these
Explanation: Funds come from own sources and inter-governmental transfers.
74. Which level of Panchayat is responsible for implementing Central schemes like MGNREGA?
A) Gram Panchayat
B) Panchayat Samiti
C) Zila Parishad
D) Block Office
Answer: A) Gram Panchayat
Explanation: Gram Panchayat registers beneficiaries and executes MGNREGA works locally.
75. Which body coordinates plans and programmes of all Panchayats in a district?
A) Gram Sabha
B) District Planning Committee
C) Zila Parishad
D) State Planning Board
Answer: C) Zila Parishad
Explanation: Zila Parishad acts as the link between state government and lower Panchayati levels.
76. The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957) recommended —
A) Two-tier system
B) Three-tier Panchayati Raj system
C) District administration reform
D) Judicial Panchayats only
Answer: B) Three-tier Panchayati Raj system
Explanation: It suggested Gram Panchayat (village), Panchayat Samiti (block) and Zila Parishad (district).
77. The Ashok Mehta Committee (1977) recommended —
A) Three-tier structure
B) Two-tier structure
C) Village autonomy
D) Abolition of Panchayats
Answer: B) Two-tier structure
Explanation: It proposed district and mandal levels to simplify administration.
78. The G.V.K. Rao Committee (1985) emphasized —
A) Bureaucratic control over Panchayats
B) Strengthening district-level planning
C) Reducing decentralization
D) Abolishing local self-government
Answer: B) Strengthening district-level planning
Explanation: It suggested Panchayati Raj as the core of rural development programs.
79. The L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986) recommended —
A) Constitutional recognition for Panchayati Raj
B) Abolition of District Planning Committees
C) Financial centralization
D) Control by State Secretariat
Answer: A) Constitutional recognition for Panchayati Raj
Explanation: Its report led to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.
80. Which Committee’s recommendations directly led to the 73rd Amendment Act?
A) G.V.K. Rao Committee
B) L.M. Singhvi Committee
C) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
D) Ashok Mehta Committee
Answer: B) L.M. Singhvi Committee
Explanation: It emphasized giving Panchayati Raj constitutional status.
81. National Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated every year on —
A) 26 January
B) 2 October
C) 24 April
D) 15 August
Answer: C) 24 April
Explanation: Marks enforcement of the 73rd Amendment Act in 1993.
82. Which state has the largest number of Gram Panchayats?
A) Maharashtra
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Bihar
D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: B) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: UP has the highest number of Gram Panchayats in India.
83. Which Union Territory has introduced Panchayati Raj system?
A) Delhi
B) Chandigarh
C) Puducherry
D) Lakshadweep
Answer: C) Puducherry
Explanation: Puducherry follows a modified Panchayati Raj structure.
84. Which Article empowers State Legislature to endow Panchayats with powers?
A) 243 A
B) 243 B
C) 243 G
D) 243 H
Answer: C) 243 G
Explanation: Allows devolution of powers and responsibilities to Panchayats.
85. The PESA Act (1996) extends Panchayati Raj to —
A) Hilly areas
B) Urban areas
C) Scheduled (Tribal) Areas
D) Coastal regions
Answer: C) Scheduled (Tribal) Areas
Explanation: PESA safeguards self-rule and traditional rights in tribal regions.
86. According to PESA, Gram Sabha has the right to —
A) Manage forests and minor minerals
B) Approve development plans
C) Protect traditional customs
D) All of these
Answer: D) All of these
Explanation: PESA empowers Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas with significant control over local resources.
87. Who decides the delimitation of Panchayat constituencies?
A) Election Commission of India
B) State Election Commission
C) Governor
D) State Legislature
Answer: B) State Election Commission
Explanation: Under Article 243 K, SEC manages delimitation and conduct of elections.
88. The Panchayati Raj Institution is a —
A) Constitutional body
B) Statutory body
C) Advisory body
D) Private body
Answer: A) Constitutional body
Explanation: The 73rd Amendment gave constitutional status to PRIs.
89. The first state to reserve 50% of Panchayat seats for women was —
A) Bihar
B) Rajasthan
C) Madhya Pradesh
D) Kerala
Answer: A) Bihar
Explanation: In 2006, Bihar became the first state to reserve 50% seats for women.
90. The Panchayati Raj system is based on the principle of —
A) Centralisation
B) Devolution
C) Judicial supremacy
D) Industrialisation
Answer: B) Devolution
Explanation: It transfers power, authority, and responsibilities to local governments.
91. The term “Gram Swaraj” was popularized by —
A) Mahatma Gandhi
B) Balwant Rai Mehta
C) Jawaharlal Nehru
D) Sardar Patel
Answer: A) Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation: Gandhi envisioned self-sufficient, autonomous village republics.
92. The Planning Commission’s replacement, NITI Aayog, promotes Panchayati Raj through —
A) Central plans only
B) Cooperative federalism and local planning
C) Military administration
D) Judicial reforms
Answer: B) Cooperative federalism and local planning
Explanation: NITI Aayog emphasizes bottom-up planning through PRIs.
93. Gram Sabha quorum (minimum attendance) is decided by —
A) State Legislature
B) Central Government
C) Zila Parishad
D) Collector
Answer: A) State Legislature
Explanation: Each state prescribes Gram Sabha quorum and procedures under its Panchayat Act.
94. Who presents the annual financial statement of the Panchayat?
A) Sarpanch
B) Panchayat Secretary
C) Village Accountant
D) District Collector
Answer: A) Sarpanch
Explanation: The Sarpanch presents and Gram Sabha approves the budget annually.
95. The District Collector acts as —
A) Chairman of Zila Parishad
B) Chief Executive Officer of Zila Parishad
C) Supervisory and coordinating officer for PRIs
D) Judicial head
Answer: C) Supervisory and coordinating officer for PRIs
Explanation: Ensures administrative coordination between Panchayats and state departments.
96. The Panchayati Raj system aims at —
A) Political decentralisation
B) Economic development
C) Social justice
D) All of these
Answer: D) All of these
Explanation: PRIs aim for holistic rural development through people’s participation.
97. The Gram Panchayat must meet at least —
A) Once a month
B) Once every three months
C) Once in six months
D) Once a year
Answer: B) Once every three months
Explanation: Most states mandate quarterly Gram Sabha meetings.
98. In Panchayati Raj institutions, reservation for women is currently —
A) 25%
B) 33% (minimum)
C) 40%
D) 50% (in some states)
Answer: D) 50% (in some states)
Explanation: Though Constitution mandates 1/3rd, many states like MP, Bihar, Rajasthan extended it to 50%.
99. The 73rd Amendment empowers which institution to prepare plans for economic development?
A) Parliament
B) State Legislature
C) Panchayats
D) Finance Commission
Answer: C) Panchayats
Explanation: Article 243 G authorizes Panchayats to prepare plans for development and social justice.
100. The Panchayati Raj system strengthens —
A) Federal structure
B) Democratic decentralisation
C) Bureaucratic centralisation
D) Judicial control
Answer: B) Democratic decentralisation
Explanation: It allows people’s participation in governance at the grassroots level — “Democracy at the doorsteps.”