Q. The fundamental object of Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following?

  1. People’s participation in development
  2. Political accountability
  3. Democratic decentralisation
  4. Financial mobilisation

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • 1, 2 and 3 only
  • 2 and 4 only
  • 1 and 3 only
  • 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

Notes:
  • The Panchayati Raj institutions are meant to promote grass-root democracy and development.
  • The most fundamental objective of the Panchayati Raj system is to ensure people’s participation in development and democratic decentralization.
    • Establishment of Panchayati Raj Institutions does not automatically lead to political accountability.
    • Financial mobilization is not the fundamental objective of Panchayati Raj, although it seeks to transfer finances and resources to the grass root government.
  • The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, also known as the Panchayati Raj Act, is a landmark legislation in India that aims to provide a three-tier system of decentralized self-governance in rural areas.
    • The main provisions of the Act are outlined in Part IX of the Indian Constitution, which consists of Articles 243 to 243-O.
  • Some major provisions of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 are
    • Three-tier system: Establishing a three-tier system of panchayats (local self-governments) in rural areas, comprising the gram panchayat (village council), panchayat samiti (block council), and Zilla parishad (district council).
    • Population: Providing for the establishment of a panchayat at the village level for every village having a population of at least 500 persons.
    • Elections: Mandating regular elections to panchayats and the conduct of elections in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the rules made thereunder.
    • Reservation: Providing for the reservation of seats for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and women in panchayats at all levels, as well as reservation of office of the chairpersons of panchayats at the village and intermediate levels for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women.
    • State Finance Commission: Providing for the constitution of finance commissions to review the financial position of panchayats and to make recommendations for the devolution of funds, grants-in-aid, and taxes to panchayats.
    • Power and Functions: Providing for the powers, authority, and responsibilities of panchayats, including the preparation of plans for economic development and social justice and the implementation of schemes for the development of agriculture, cottage and small-scale industries, education, health, and other sectors.
    • State Election Commission: Providing for establishing a State Election Commission to conduct elections to local governments at three tiers.
    • Dissolution: of panchayats and the filling of casual vacancies in panchayats.
    • Suspension or removal of the chairpersons or members of panchayat