The question asks for the best explanation of local self-government. We need to understand the core principles and objectives of local self-government in the Indian context to identify the most accurate description among the given options.
B) Democratic decentralisation is the most appropriate explanation. Local self-government is fundamentally about decentralizing power from central and state governments to local elected bodies, thereby strengthening democracy at the grassroots level and enabling greater public participation in governance.
Consider the following statements: In India, a Metropolitan Planning Committee
1. Is constituted under the provisions of the Constitution of India.
2. Prepares the draft development plans for 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? UPSC - 2011
The question asks us to evaluate three statements concerning Metropolitan Planning Committees (MPCs) in India. To identify the correct answer, we need to understand their constitutional basis, functions and responsibilities under Article 243ZE of the Constitution of India.
Understand Metropolitan Planning Committees:
A Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC) is a constitutional body established to coordinate development planning for a metropolitan area.
The provision for MPCs was introduced through the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which strengthened urban local self-government in India.
Article 243ZE provides for the constitution of a Metropolitan Planning Committee in every metropolitan area to prepare a draft development plan for the area as a whole.
Evaluate Statement 1:
"Is constituted under the provisions of the Constitution of India."
Article 243ZE of the Constitution of India provides for the constitution of Metropolitan Planning Committees.
Under this Article, the legislature of a state may make provisions regarding the composition of MPCs, the manner of selecting their members and their functions relating to metropolitan planning.
Therefore, Statement 1 is correct.
Evaluate Statement 2:
"Prepares the draft development plans for metropolitan area."
Under Article 243ZE, the primary responsibility of a Metropolitan Planning Committee is to prepare a draft development plan for the metropolitan area as a whole.
While preparing the plan, the committee considers:
The committee also consults relevant institutions and organisations as specified by the state legislature.
Therefore, Statement 2 is correct.
Evaluate Statement 3:
"Has the sole responsibility for implementing Government sponsored schemes in the metropolitan area."
The Constitution does not assign sole responsibility for implementing government-sponsored schemes to Metropolitan Planning Committees.
The primary constitutional function of an MPC is to prepare a draft development plan and coordinate planning across the metropolitan area.
Government-sponsored schemes may be implemented by municipalities, state government departments, development authorities and other designated agencies, depending on the scheme and applicable laws.
Therefore, Statement 3 is incorrect.
Identify the correct combination:
Thus, Statements 1 and 2 only are correct.
Correct Option: A) 1 and 2 only — Metropolitan Planning Committees are constitutional bodies provided for under Article 243ZE of the Constitution of India. Their primary responsibility is to prepare draft development plans for metropolitan areas. They do not have sole responsibility for implementing government-sponsored schemes. Hence, Option A is the correct answer.
B) 2 only: This is incorrect because Statement 1 is also correct. Metropolitan Planning Committees are constitutionally provided for under Article 243ZE.
C) 1 and 3 only: This is incorrect because Statement 3 is false. MPCs do not have exclusive responsibility for implementing government-sponsored schemes. Statement 2 is also correct but is excluded from this option.
D) 1, 2 and 3: This is incorrect because Statement 3 is false. Although Statements 1 and 2 are correct, the Constitution does not assign sole implementation responsibility to MPCs.
The question asks to identify the state that historically adopted a two-tier Panchayati Raj system, deviating from the more common three-tier structure recommended by committees like the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee.
C) Tamil Nadu — Tamil Nadu historically adopted a two-tier Panchayati Raj system, comprising Village Panchayats and District Panchayats, instead of the three-tier system.
This question tests knowledge of the Indian Constitution, specifically the articles related to Panchayati Raj institutions and municipalities. The key is to identify the article that establishes and defines the powers of the State Election Commission for conducting local body elections.
Correct Option: A) 243K
Article 243K of the Indian Constitution deals with the elections to the Panchayats. It provides for the constitution of a State Election Commission for superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to the Panchayats. This article ensures the independence of the State Election Commission, similar to the Election Commission of India for parliamentary and state assembly elections.
The question asks about the schedule added to the Indian Constitution by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act. This requires knowledge of the major constitutional amendments and their impact on the schedules of the Constitution.
Correct Option: B) Eleventh Schedule — The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, added the Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution. This schedule deals with the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Panchayats, listing 29 subjects over which Panchayats have jurisdiction.
The question asks to identify the committee that first proposed the term "Panchayati Raj". This requires knowledge of the history and evolution of Panchayati Raj institutions in India and the recommendations of various committees formed to study local self-governance.
Correct Option: C) The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee, appointed in 1957, is widely credited with coining the term "Panchayati Raj" and recommending the three-tier structure for rural local self-government. Its report laid the foundation for the Panchayati Raj system in India.