Question 1

Under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which of the following is the correct tenure of a Gram Panchayat?

Accepted Answer

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 inserted Articles 243A to 243O into the Indian Constitution, establishing the three-tier Panchayati Raj system. Article 243E specifies that the term of office of a Gram Panchayat is 5 years from the date of its constitution. This amendment made Panchayati Raj institutions a constitutional body with fixed tenure and mandatory elections.

Question 2

Which constitutional amendment introduced the three-tier Panchayati Raj system (Village, Block, and District levels) and made it mandatory across India?

Accepted Answer

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 introduced the mandatory three-tier Panchayati Raj system consisting of Gram Panchayats (village level), Block Panchayats or Intermediate Panchayats (block level), and District Panchayats (district level). This amendment came into effect on April 24, 1993, and fundamentally restructured local governance in rural India.

Question 3

Under the Panchayati Raj system, which of the following is NOT a function of a Gram Panchayat as per the 11th Schedule of the Indian Constitution?

Accepted Answer

The 11th Schedule of the Indian Constitution (added by the 73rd Amendment, 1992) lists 29 matters over which Gram Panchayats have powers and responsibilities. These include agriculture, water management, health, education, social welfare, and rural infrastructure. However, matters like defense, foreign affairs, currency, and inter-state commerce are explicitly excluded as they fall under the Union or State governments' domain.

Question 4

According to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which of the following is NOT a mandatory function of a Gram Panchayat?

Accepted Answer

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 inserted Article 243G into the Indian Constitution, which lists the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Gram Panchayats. The mandatory functions include maintenance of public facilities, social welfare schemes, and basic infrastructure. However, the administration of criminal justice and maintenance of law and order are NOT functions of Gram Panchayats—these remain the responsibility of the State Police and District Administration. Option D (maintenance of law and order) is therefore the correct answer as it is explicitly NOT a Gram Panchayat function. The 73rd Amendment established a three-tier Panchayati Raj system with Village, Block, and District levels, but excluded police and judicial functions from their purview.

Question 5

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 introduced mandatory reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Panchayats. What is the minimum percentage of seats reserved for women in Gram Panchayats as per this amendment?

Accepted Answer

The 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 mandates a minimum of one-third (33.33%) of seats in Gram Panchayats to be reserved for women. This applies to both general seats and seats reserved for SC/ST categories. The amendment was a landmark step toward gender equality in local governance.

Question 6

According to the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992, what is the maximum tenure of a Gram Panchayat before it must be dissolved and fresh elections held?

Accepted Answer

Article 243E of the Indian Constitution (inserted by the 73rd Amendment, 1992) stipulates that a Gram Panchayat shall continue for a term of five years from the date of its constitution. After five years, it must be dissolved and fresh elections must be held. However, if the remainder of the term is less than six months, elections need not be held immediately.

Question 7

Which article of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of Gram Sabhas and defines their composition and powers in rural areas?

Accepted Answer

Article 243A of the Constitution (inserted by the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992) specifically provides for the establishment of Gram Sabhas. A Gram Sabha is a body consisting of persons registered in the electoral rolls of a village comprised within the area of a Gram Panchayat. It is the foundation of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system.

Question 8

Under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which of the following is NOT a mandatory function of a Gram Panchayat as per the Eleventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution?

Accepted Answer

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 introduced the Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution, which lists 29 functional domains for Panchayati Raj institutions. These include agriculture, water management, health, education, social welfare, and public works. However, the administration of criminal justice and maintenance of law and order are explicitly excluded from Panchayat functions and remain the responsibility of the State Police and Judiciary. Therefore, answer is D.

RRB Group D Local Bodies & Panchayati Raj

Local Bodies & Panchayati Raj— Rules & Concept

Key Points to Remember

Exam-Specific Tips

Local Bodies & Panchayati Raj — Practice Questions

60-Second Revision — Local Bodies & Panchayati Raj