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.
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.