The Panchayati Raj is a system of of local self-government for rural areas in India for the purpose of preparation and implementation of plans for economic development and social justice in rural areas. It derives its name from the indigenous system of governance in villages. The term ‘panchayat’ literally means a council of five. Sir Charles Metcalfe characterized Panchayats as “small republics having nearly everything that they want within themselves”. In the villages the different sections of the community depended on one another and this mutual dependence was reinforced by age old customs and traditions. Since most of these village communities were self-sufficient for their day-to-day needs, the system of self-governance helped them remain intact and self-contained. Despite many political changes in cities and towns, the system of local government or the panchayats in the villages continued undisrupted. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, British colomal rule introduced modern forms of local self-government in India, which were based on the Panchayati Raj system.
Who performs the role of Secretary for the Halqa Panchayat?
(A) A Village Level Worker or Multipurpose Worker
(B) The Block Development Officer
(C) Any person chosen by the Halqa Panchayat
(D) Both (A) and (B)
Answer: (A) A Village Level Worker or Multipurpose Worker
For how long do the Sarpanch, Naib-Sarpanch, and every Panch of a Halqa Panchayat remain in office?
(A) Five years from the date of formation
(B) Six years from the date of formation
(C) Four years from the date of formation
(D) The Act does not mention any period
Answer: (A) Five years from the date of formation
Which section of the J&K Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 specifies the creation of a ‘Halqa Panchayat Fund’?
(A) Section 14
(B) Section 15
(C) Section 16
(D) Section 17
Answer: (A) Section 14
How frequently must a Halqa Panchayat conduct its meeting?
(A) At least once every month
(B) At least once in two months
(C) At least once in three months
(D) At least once in six months
Answer: (A) At least once every month
The provision regarding the constitution of the Block Development Council is mentioned in which section of the J&K Panchayati Raj Act, 1989?
(A) Section 25
(B) Section 27
(C) Section 29
(D) Section 31
Answer: (B) Section 27
The Block Development Council is made up of which of the following?
(A) A single Chairperson
(B) All Sarpanches of Halqa Panchayats within that Block
(C) The Chairperson of the Marketing Society functioning in the Block area
(D) Code options combining the above members
Answer: (A) A single Chairperson
Under which section are the powers and functions of the Block Development Council described?
(A) Section 27
(B) Section 28
(C) Section 29
(D) Section 30
Answer: (C) Section 29
The responsibility for the preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of Panchayat elections under this Act rests with which authority?
(A) The Election Commission of India
(B) The State Election Commission
(C) The State Legislature
(D) The concerned District Administration
Answer: (B) The State Election Commission
What is the required quorum to hold a meeting of the Block Development Council under the J&K Panchayati Raj Act, 1989?
(A) One-half of the members
(B) One-third of the members
(C) Two-thirds of the members
(D) One-fourth of the members
Answer: (C) Two-thirds of the members
The tenure of a Block Development Council Chairperson is—
(A) Four years
(B) Three years
(C) Five years
(D) Six years
Answer: (C) Five years
Who is authorized to call meetings of the Block Development Council?
(A) The Panchayat Secretary
(B) The Naib-Sarpanch
(C) The Chairperson of the Council
(D) The District Panchayat Officer
Answer: (C) The Chairperson of the Council
What is the quorum needed to conduct a District Planning Committee meeting?
(A) One-third of the members
(B) One-fourth of the members
(C) Two-thirds of the members
(D) One-half of the members
Answer: (D) One-half of the members
For how many years is the District Planning Committee constituted?
(A) Three years
(B) Four years
(C) Five years
(D) Six years
Answer: (C) Five years
Who serves as the Secretary of the District Planning Committee?
(A) The Chief Planning Officer
(B) The Deputy Commissioner
(C) The Director of Rural Development
(D) The Chairperson of the Council
Answer: (A) The Chief Planning Officer
Which section of the J&K Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 provides for the setting up of a District Planning Committee?
(A) Section 38-A
(B) Section 39
(C) Section 40
(D) Section 42
Answer: (B) Section 39
The District Planning Committee is responsible for consolidating—
(A) Only the Panchayat-level plans
(B) Only the Municipal-level plans
(C) Both Panchayat and Municipality plans within the district
(D) Plans issued by the State Government
Answer: (C) Both Panchayat and Municipality plans within the district