Panchayati Raj Practice Questions
40 free Panchayati Raj practice questions for the Indian Polity. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which Constitutional Amendment Act provided constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj Institutions in India?
- A 71st Amendment Act
- B 72nd Amendment Act
- C 73rd Amendment Act
- D 74th Amendment Act
Correct answer: 73rd Amendment Act
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 added a new Part IX to the Constitution titled 'The Panchayats'. It also added the Eleventh Schedule containing 29 functional items of the panchayats.
Which committee recommended the three-tier system of Panchayati Raj for the first time in 1957?
- A Ashok Mehta Committee (1977 reform study)
- B Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957 proposal)
- C G.V.K. Rao Committee (1983 analysis)
- D L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986 study)
Correct answer: Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957 proposal)
The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommended a three-tier Panchayati Raj system: Gram Panchayat at the village level, Panchayat Samiti at the block level, and Zila Parishad at the district level. This scheme was adopted by the National Development Council in 1958.
The 'Gram Sabha' under the 73rd Amendment Act consists of which of the following?
- A All adult residents registered as voters
- B All registered voters in village electoral rolls
- C All elected members of Gram Panchayat
- D The Sarpanch and elected ward members
Correct answer: All registered voters in village electoral rolls
Gram Sabha comprises all persons registered in the electoral rolls of a village within a Panchayat. It is the only permanent democratic unit in the Panchayati Raj system.
Which state was the first to establish Panchayati Raj in India in 1959?
- A Andhra Pradesh
- B Rajasthan
- C Maharashtra
- D Gujarat
Correct answer: Rajasthan
Rajasthan was the first state to establish Panchayati Raj, inaugurated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on October 2, 1959, in Nagaur district. Andhra Pradesh followed later that same year.
The Ashok Mehta Committee (1977) recommended which of the following structural changes to the Panchayati Raj system?
- A A four-tier Panchayati Raj system
- B Two-tier system: Zila Parishad and Mandal Panchayat
- C Single-tier village-level system only
- D Replace Panchayats with District Councils
Correct answer: Two-tier system: Zila Parishad and Mandal Panchayat
The Ashok Mehta Committee recommended a two-tier system: Zila Parishad at district level and Mandal Panchayat (15,000–20,000 population) at intermediate level, eliminating the three-tier structure.
What is the minimum age required for a person to be a member of a Panchayat?
- A 18 years
- B 21 years
- C 25 years
- D 30 years
Correct answer: 21 years
According to Article 243F, a person is qualified to be a member of a Panchayat if they are at least 21 years of age. This is lower than the minimum age required for a member of the State Legislative Assembly (25 years).
Which Article of the Constitution empowers the State Legislature to authorize a Panchayat to levy and collect taxes?
- A Article 243G
- B Article 243H
- C Article 243I
- D Article 243J
Correct answer: Article 243H
Article 243H deals with the powers to impose taxes by, and funds of, the Panchayats. It allows the State Legislature to authorize panchayats to levy, collect, and appropriate certain taxes, duties, and tolls.
Who is responsible for conducting elections to the Panchayati Raj Institutions?
- A Election Commission of India
- B State Election Commission
- C District Collector
- D Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Correct answer: State Election Commission
The superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to the panchayats are vested in the State Election Commission. The State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Governor.
What is the mandatory reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions as per the 73rd Amendment?
- A Not less than one-fourth
- B Not less than one-third
- C Exactly 50%
- D Depends on the State Legislature's discretion
Correct answer: Not less than one-third
Article 243D provides for the reservation of not less than one-third of the total number of seats for women. This reservation includes the number of seats reserved for women belonging to the SCs and STs.
The 'PESA' Act (Provisions of the Panchayats Extension to the Scheduled Areas Act) was enacted in which year?
- A 1992
- B 1994
- C 1996
- D 1998
Correct answer: 1996
The PESA Act was enacted in 1996 to extend the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution to the Fifth Schedule areas. It aims to empower tribal communities through traditional self-governance structures like the Gram Sabha.
Which body is constituted under Article 243I to review the financial position of the Panchayats?
- A Finance Commission of India
- B State Finance Commission
- C District Planning Committee
- D Public Accounts Committee
Correct answer: State Finance Commission
The Governor of a State shall, after every five years, constitute a State Finance Commission to review the financial position of the panchayats and make recommendations regarding the distribution of taxes between the State and the panchayats.
Which of the following is a 'Compulsory Provision' of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act?
- A Giving representation to MPs and MLAs in Panchayats
- B Authorizing Panchayats to levy and collect taxes
- C Making it compulsory to organize Gram Sabha meetings in villages
- D Providing reservation for Backward Classes in elections
Correct answer: Making it compulsory to organize Gram Sabha meetings in villages
Organizing Gram Sabha at village level is a compulsory provision all states must implement. Giving representation to MPs/MLAs and reserving seats for OBCs are optional provisions states may choose to adopt.
Which committee first recommended that Panchayati Raj Institutions should be constitutionally recognized?
- A The G.V.K. Rao Committee on governance review
- B The L.M. Singhvi Committee recommending constitutional recognition
- C The Thungon Committee studying decentralization
- D The Gadgil Committee reviewing planning structure
Correct answer: The L.M. Singhvi Committee recommending constitutional recognition
The L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986) first recommended constitutional recognition, protection, and preservation of Panchayati Raj Institutions, proposing a dedicated constitutional chapter for them.
What is the fixed tenure of every Panchayat under the 73rd Amendment Act?
- A 3 years
- B 4 years
- C 5 years
- D 6 years
Correct answer: 5 years
Under the 73rd Amendment Act, every Panchayat continues for five years from the date of its first meeting. Early dissolution is possible, but elections for a new Panchayat must be completed before the original five-year term expires.
In case of dissolution of a Panchayat, within what period must the elections be held?
- A 3 months
- B 6 months
- C 9 months
- D 1 year
Correct answer: 6 months
If a Panchayat is dissolved before the end of its five-year term, fresh elections to constitute the new Panchayat must be completed within six months from the date of its dissolution.
The Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution contains how many functional items placed within the purview of Panchayats?
- A 18
- B 22
- C 29
- D 32
Correct answer: 29
The Eleventh Schedule, added by the 73rd Amendment, contains 29 functional items such as agriculture, land improvement, minor irrigation, and animal husbandry. These items correspond to the subjects mentioned in the State List.
Which article of the Directive Principles of State Policy mentions the 'Organization of Village Panchayats'?
- A Article 38
- B Article 40
- C Article 44
- D Article 46
Correct answer: Article 40
Article 40 in Part IV of the Constitution (DPSP) directs the State to organize village panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government.
Who is the executive head of the Zila Parishad in most states?
- A District Collector
- B Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- C Zila Parishad Chairman
- D District Magistrate
Correct answer: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
The Zila Parishad (district level) usually has a Chief Executive Officer (an IAS officer) who heads the executive wing. While the Chairman is the political head, the CEO is responsible for implementing the resolutions of the Parishad.
Which of the following states is exempt from the three-tier system requirement due to having a population of less than 20 lakhs?
- A Sikkim
- B Goa
- C Manipur
- D Nagaland
Correct answer: Goa
As per Article 243B, a state having a population not exceeding 20 lakhs may not constitute Panchayats at the intermediate level (Panchayat Samiti). Goa and Sikkim are examples where the intermediate tier may be omitted.
The Gadgil Committee (1988) made recommendations that became the basis for which draft bill?
- A The 64th Amendment Bill
- B The 73rd Amendment Bill
- C The 74th Amendment Bill
- D The PESA Bill
Correct answer: The 73rd Amendment Bill
The recommendations of the Gadgil Committee regarding constitutional status, three-tier system, fixed tenure, and reservation for SCs/STs/Women served as the blueprint for the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act.
Which Constitutional Amendment gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions?
- A 42nd Amendment
- B 44th Amendment
- C 73rd Amendment
- D 86th Amendment
Correct answer: 73rd Amendment
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions. It added Part IX to the Constitution. It aimed to strengthen local self-governance.
Panchayati Raj Institutions are included in which Part of the Constitution?
- A Part IX
- B Part VIII
- C Part X
- D Part XI
Correct answer: Part IX
Panchayati Raj Institutions are included in Part IX. This part deals with rural local governance. It provides a framework for Panchayats.
Which Article of the Constitution deals with Gram Sabha?
- A Article 243A
- B Article 243B
- C Article 243C
- D Article 243D
Correct answer: Article 243A
Article 243A deals with Gram Sabha. It defines its powers and functions. It is the foundation of local democracy.
What is the tenure of a Panchayat?
- A 3 years
- B 4 years
- C 5 years
- D 6 years
Correct answer: 5 years
The tenure of a Panchayat is 5 years. This ensures stability in governance. Elections must be held before expiry.
Who conducts elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions?
- A State Election Commission
- B Election Commission of India
- C Governor
- D Chief Minister
Correct answer: State Election Commission
The State Election Commission conducts elections. It ensures free and fair elections. It is an independent body.
What is the minimum age to contest Panchayat elections?
- A 21 years
- B 18 years
- C 25 years
- D 30 years
Correct answer: 21 years
The minimum age to contest Panchayat elections is 21 years. This ensures maturity of candidates. It is specified under the Constitution.
Which level is NOT part of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system?
- A Village level
- B Block level
- C District level
- D State level
Correct answer: State level
The three-tier system includes village, block, and district levels. State level is not part of it. It is part of higher governance.
Which body is known as the executive body at the village level?
- A Gram Panchayat
- B Gram Sabha
- C Zila Parishad
- D Panchayat Samiti
Correct answer: Gram Panchayat
Gram Panchayat is the executive body at the village level. It implements decisions. It manages local administration.
Which body operates at the block level?
- A Panchayat Samiti
- B Gram Panchayat
- C Zila Parishad
- D Gram Sabha
Correct answer: Panchayat Samiti
Panchayat Samiti operates at the block level. It coordinates activities of villages. It acts as a link between village and district.
Which body functions at the district level?
- A Gram Sabha
- B Panchayat Samiti
- C Zila Parishad
- D Municipality
Correct answer: Zila Parishad
Zila Parishad functions at the district level. It supervises Panchayat Samitis. It plans and implements development programs.
What is the reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions?
- A 33%
- B 25%
- C 50%
- D 10%
Correct answer: 33%
At least one-third seats are reserved for women. This includes chairperson positions. It promotes gender equality.
Which Schedule contains subjects related to Panchayats?
- A Eleventh Schedule
- B Tenth Schedule
- C Twelfth Schedule
- D Ninth Schedule
Correct answer: Eleventh Schedule
The Eleventh Schedule contains 29 subjects. These are assigned to Panchayats. It defines their functional domain.
Which Article empowers Panchayats to levy taxes?
- A Article 243H
- B Article 243A
- C Article 243I
- D Article 243J
Correct answer: Article 243H
Article 243H empowers Panchayats to levy and collect taxes. It strengthens financial autonomy. It supports local governance.
Which body reviews the financial position of Panchayats?
- A State Finance Commission
- B Central Finance Commission
- C Planning Commission
- D NITI Aayog
Correct answer: State Finance Commission
The State Finance Commission reviews finances of Panchayats. It recommends distribution of funds. It ensures financial stability.
Which committee recommended the three-tier Panchayati Raj system?
- A Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
- B Ashok Mehta Committee
- C Gadgil Committee
- D Sarkaria Committee
Correct answer: Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommended the three-tier system. It emphasized decentralization. It laid the foundation for Panchayati Raj.
Which Directive Principle mentions village Panchayats?
- A Article 40
- B Article 39
- C Article 41
- D Article 45
Correct answer: Article 40
Article 40 directs the state to organize village Panchayats. It promotes local self-governance. It is part of Directive Principles.
Which Act extends Panchayati Raj to Scheduled Areas?
- A PESA Act
- B MGNREGA Act
- C RTI Act
- D Forest Act
Correct answer: PESA Act
The PESA Act extends Panchayati Raj to Scheduled Areas. It ensures tribal self-governance. It respects local traditions.
Within how many months must elections be held after dissolution of Panchayat?
- A 6 months
- B 3 months
- C 1 year
- D 2 years
Correct answer: 6 months
Elections must be held within 6 months of dissolution. This ensures continuity in governance. It avoids administrative gaps.
Who is the head of Gram Panchayat?
- A Sarpanch
- B Collector
- C Governor
- D Chief Minister
Correct answer: Sarpanch
The Sarpanch is the head of Gram Panchayat. They lead the executive body. They represent the village.
Which of the following best describes Panchayati Raj?
- A Centralized governance
- B State-level governance
- C Local self-government
- D Judicial governance
Correct answer: Local self-government
Panchayati Raj represents local self-government. It brings governance closer to people. It promotes grassroots democracy.