Decentralisation MCQs Quiz | Class 10
This quiz covers Class X Political Science, Unit Federalism, focusing on Decentralisation and its key aspects like Panchayati Raj and municipalities. Test your knowledge by attempting the 10 multiple-choice questions below. Submit your answers to see your score and download a detailed answer PDF.
Understanding Decentralisation in India: Panchayati Raj and Municipalities
Decentralisation is a fundamental concept in democratic governance, aiming to distribute power and responsibilities from central or state governments to local bodies. In India, this process gained significant momentum with the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, empowering local self-government at the grassroots level.
The Need for Decentralisation
India is a vast country with diverse regions and local needs. Centralised governance often fails to address the unique challenges and aspirations of local communities effectively. Decentralisation ensures that decisions are made closer to the people, leading to more responsive, accountable, and inclusive governance. It promotes greater public participation and strengthens democracy at the local level.
Panchayati Raj System (Rural Local Self-Government) – The 73rd Amendment
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, passed in 1992, institutionalised the Panchayati Raj system across rural India. It mandated a three-tier structure of local self-government:
- Gram Panchayat: The lowest tier at the village level, directly elected by the adult population of the village (Gram Sabha). It is responsible for local administration, welfare, and development.
- Gram Sabha: Comprising all adult citizens registered as voters in a Gram Panchayat area. It is the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system, reviewing the performance and finances of the Gram Panchayat.
- Panchayat Samiti (Block Committee): The intermediate tier at the block level, comprising members elected from the Gram Panchayats within the block. It coordinates the activities of Gram Panchayats and implements development schemes.
- Zila Parishad: The highest tier at the district level, with elected members and some ex-officio members. It supervises the Block Samitis and Gram Panchayats, prepares district development plans, and advises the state government.
Key provisions of the 73rd Amendment include:
- Mandatory reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women (at least one-third).
- Establishment of State Election Commissions to conduct free and fair elections.
- Constitution of State Finance Commissions to review the financial position of Panchayats.
Municipalities (Urban Local Self-Government) – The 74th Amendment
The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, also passed in 1992, extended the principles of decentralisation to urban areas, establishing uniform structures for urban local self-government. It categorises urban local bodies based on population and economic activity:
- Nagar Panchayat: For areas in transition from rural to urban (semi-urban areas).
- Municipal Council (Nagar Palika): For smaller urban areas (towns).
- Municipal Corporation (Nagar Nigam): For large urban areas (cities).
Similar to Panchayats, municipalities also have reserved seats for SCs, STs, and women. They are responsible for urban planning, public health, sanitation, water supply, public amenities, and other civic services.
Heads of Urban Local Bodies:
- The political head of a Municipal Corporation is the Mayor.
- The administrative head is typically a Municipal Commissioner, often an IAS officer.
Comparison of Rural and Urban Local Self-Government
| Feature | Rural Local Government (Panchayati Raj) | Urban Local Government (Municipalities) |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Amendment | 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 | 74th Amendment Act, 1992 |
| Governing Body | Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad | Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation |
| Key Function | Rural development, agriculture, health, education, water in villages | Urban planning, sanitation, water supply, public amenities in towns/cities |
| Elections Conducted by | State Election Commission | |
Quick Revision Points
- Decentralisation means sharing power with local government.
- 73rd Amendment: Panchayati Raj (Rural).
- 74th Amendment: Municipalities (Urban).
- Gram Panchayat is the lowest rural tier, Gram Sabha is the village assembly.
- Zila Parishad is the highest rural tier at the district level.
- Municipal Corporation for large cities, Municipal Council for smaller towns.
- State Election Commission conducts local body elections.
- State Finance Commission reviews local body finances.
- Reservations for SC, ST, and women are mandatory in both systems.
- Mayor is the political head of a Municipal Corporation.
Further Practice Questions
- Which tier of Panchayati Raj functions at the block level?
- What is the primary role of the Gram Sabha in the Panchayati Raj system?
- Who appoints the State Election Commissioner?
- Name the type of urban local body suitable for an area with a population between 20,000 to 10 lakh.
- What are the mandatory provisions introduced by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments?
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