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Indian PolityMediumAsked in: UPSC CAPF · CAPF 2020, Paper I

Which of the following is/are correct in relation to the Panchayats? 1. Only the Parliament may endow Panchayats with powers and authority. 2. A State may devolve powers to Panchayats in preparation of plans for economic development and social justice. 3. A State may devolve powers to Panchayats in implementation of schemes for economic development and social justice. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.1 and 3
  3. C.2 and 3
  4. D.3 only

Correct answer

C. 2 and 3

Explanation

The correct answer is C, 2 and 3. Under Article 243G, it is the Legislature of a State, not Parliament, that may by law give Panchayats powers to prepare plans and to carry out schemes for economic development and social justice.

Article 243G was added by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which came into force on 24 April 1993, now marked as National Panchayati Raj Day. It lets the State Legislature endow Panchayats with the powers and authority needed to work as institutions of self-government, including the preparation of plans and the implementation of schemes, among them those on the 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule, such as agriculture, drinking water and primary education. Local government is a State List subject, which is why this power rests with the States.

Option A is wrong because statement 1 is false: Parliament does not endow Panchayats with powers. Option B is wrong because it includes statement 1 and leaves out statement 2. Option D is wrong because statement 2 is also correct.

Exam tip: Article 243G with the Eleventh Schedule (29 subjects) for Panchayats; Article 243W with the Twelfth Schedule (18 subjects) for municipalities.

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