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Article 243X, inserted by the 74th Amendment, empowers State Legislatures to authorize Municipalities to levy, collect, and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls, and fees in accordance with law, and to assign/relinquish ______ revenues to Municipalities for specific purposes.
- Union
- State
- local
- corporate
Answer: State
Municipal financial powers: (a) Article 243X (74th Amendment): Empowers State Legislatures to: (i) Authorize Municipalities to levy, collect, appropriate taxes, duties, tolls, fees (e.g., property tax, profession tax, advertisement fees), (ii) Assign/relinquish State revenues to Municipalities for specific purposes (e.g., share of stamp duty, entertainment tax), (iii) Provide grants-in-aid to Municipalities from State Consolidated Fund, (b) Applications: (i) Own revenue: Municipalities levy property tax, profession tax, fees for local infrastructure, services, (ii) Assigned revenues: State assigns share of stamp duty, entertainment tax to Municipalities for specific functions (roads, water, sanitation), (iii) Grants-in-aid: State provides grants for welfare schemes, capacity building, infrastructure development, (c) Challenges: (i) Limited tax base: Urban areas have higher property values but collection efficiency varies; informal economy limits tax base, (ii) Collection capacity: Municipalities lack staff, systems for efficient tax collection, enforcement, (iii) Dependence: Municipalities heavily dependent on State grants, limiting fiscal autonomy, (d) Illustrates fiscal federalism: Article 243X provides framework for Municipal finances; effective devolution requires political will, capacity building, adequate revenue sources for urban self-governance.
The 74th Amendment mandates reservation for women in Municipalities at all levels (ward, municipality, corporation) to the extent of not less than one-third of total seats, with rotation of reserved seats.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Women's reservation in Municipalities: (a) 74th Amendment (1992): Article 243T mandates reservation for women in Municipalities: (i) Not less than one-third (33%) of total seats at all levels (ward, municipality, corporation), (ii) One-third of seats reserved for SC/ST also reserved for women from those categories, (iii) Rotation: Reserved seats rotated after each election to ensure broad participation, (b) Applications: (i) Women's participation: Significant increase in women elected to Municipalities; increased political participation, leadership development, (ii) Policy impact: Women representatives prioritize water, sanitation, education, health, street lighting; different governance priorities, (iii) Empowerment: Political participation builds confidence, skills, social status for urban women, (c) Challenges: (i) Proxy leadership: Male relatives may exercise power on behalf of women representatives, limiting independent voice, (ii) Capacity building: Training needed for women representatives on urban governance, financial management, legal procedures, (iii) Social barriers: Patriarchal norms may limit women's effective participation, voice in Municipalities, (d) Illustrates transformative urban federalism: Constitutional amendment operationalizes gender justice in urban local governance; reservation enables women's political participation, influencing municipal priorities.
Under Article 325-326, the Election Commission prepares electoral rolls for Parliamentary/Assembly elections. Which principle ensures non-discrimination in voter registration?
- Universal adult suffrage for citizens aged 18+
- Reservation of seats for SC/ST in electoral rolls
- Separate electoral rolls for different religions
- Weighted voting based on education
Answer: Universal adult suffrage for citizens aged 18+
Electoral roll preparation principles: (a) Article 325: No person ineligible for inclusion in electoral rolls on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, or any of them - ensures non-discrimination in voter registration, (b) Article 326: Elections to Lok Sabha, State Assemblies on basis of universal adult suffrage: Every citizen aged 18+ years not disqualified under Constitution/law on grounds of non-residence, unsound mind, crime, corrupt/illegal practice, entitled to be registered as voter, (c) Applications: (i) Voter registration: ECI conducts periodic revision of electoral rolls, ensures all eligible citizens enrolled, (ii) Non-discrimination: No separate electorates based on religion, caste; single electoral roll for all citizens in constituency, (iii) Inclusion: Special efforts to enroll marginalized groups (migrants, homeless, disabled) through awareness campaigns, assistance, (d) Challenges: (i) Migration: Ensuring migrants enrolled in current residence, deleted from previous rolls, (ii) Documentation: Poor citizens may lack documents for registration; ECI provides alternative verification, (iii) Awareness: Marginalized groups may not know registration procedures; ECI, civil society conduct awareness campaigns, (e) Illustrates democratic inclusion: Constitutional principles ensure electoral rolls reflect universal adult suffrage, non-discrimination; ECI operationalizes these principles through inclusive registration practices.
Article 243H, inserted by the 73rd Amendment, empowers State Legislatures to authorize Panchayats to levy, collect, and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls, and fees in accordance with law, and to assign/relinquish ______ revenues to Panchayats for specific purposes.
- Union
- State
- local
- corporate
Answer: State
Panchayat financial powers: (a) Article 243H (73rd Amendment): Empowers State Legislatures to: (i) Authorize Panchayats to levy, collect, appropriate taxes, duties, tolls, fees (e.g., property tax, market fees, tolls), (ii) Assign/relinquish State revenues to Panchayats for specific purposes (e.g., share of land revenue, stamp duty), (iii) Provide grants-in-aid to Panchayats from State Consolidated Fund, (b) Applications: (i) Own revenue: Panchayats levy property tax, market fees, tolls for local infrastructure, services, (ii) Assigned revenues: State assigns share of land revenue, stamp duty to Panchayats for specific functions (roads, water, sanitation), (iii) Grants-in-aid: State provides grants for welfare schemes, capacity building, infrastructure development, (c) Challenges: (i) Limited tax base: Rural areas have low property values, economic activity, limiting Panchayat own revenue, (ii) Collection capacity: Panchayats lack staff, systems for efficient tax collection, enforcement, (iii) Dependence: Panchayats heavily dependent on State grants, limiting fiscal autonomy, (d) Illustrates fiscal federalism: Article 243H provides framework for Panchayat finances; effective devolution requires political will, capacity building, adequate revenue sources for local self-governance.
The 73rd Amendment mandates reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Panchayats in proportion to their population in the Panchayat area, with reservation for SC/ST women within the women's reservation quota.
- True
- False
Answer: True
SC/ST reservation in Panchayats: (a) 73rd Amendment (1992): Article 243D mandates reservation for SC/ST in Panchayats: (i) Proportionate to population: Seats reserved for SC/ST in proportion to their population in Panchayat area, (ii) Rotation: Reserved seats rotated after each election to ensure broad participation, (iii) Women within SC/ST: One-third of SC/ST reserved seats also reserved for women from those categories, (b) Applications: (i) Political representation: SC/ST members elected to Panchayats in proportion to population; increased political participation of marginalized groups, (ii) Policy impact: SC/ST representatives prioritize issues affecting their communities (land rights, education, healthcare, anti-discrimination), (iii) Empowerment: Political participation builds confidence, leadership skills, social status for SC/ST communities, (c) Challenges: (i) Proxy leadership: Dominant caste members may influence SC/ST representatives, limiting independent voice, (ii) Capacity building: Training needed for SC/ST representatives on governance, legal procedures, advocacy, (iii) Social barriers: Caste discrimination may limit effective participation, voice of SC/ST representatives in Panchayats, (d) Illustrates transformative federalism: Constitutional amendment operationalizes social justice at grassroots; reservation enables political representation of marginalized groups, influencing local governance priorities.
The CAG audits Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under which provision, and what is the primary objective of such audits?
- Article 149; to ensure profitability of PSUs
- Commercial Corporations (Audit) Act, 1956; to assess economy, efficiency, effectiveness of PSU operations
- Article 266; to verify tax compliance by PSUs
- Article 282; to monitor PSU investments in social sectors
Answer: Commercial Corporations (Audit) Act, 1956; to assess economy, efficiency, effectiveness of PSU operations
CAG audit of PSUs: (a) Legal basis: Commercial Corporations (Audit) Act, 1956 empowers CAG to audit government companies, corporations where government has majority shareholding or substantial control, (b) Audit objectives: (i) Economy: Assess whether resources acquired/used economically (minimizing cost), (ii) Efficiency: Assess whether maximum output achieved with given resources (productivity), (iii) Effectiveness: Assess whether objectives achieved, intended outcomes realized (impact), (c) Applications: (i) Performance audit: CAG examines PSU projects (e.g., power plants, refineries) for cost overruns, delays, operational inefficiencies, (ii) Financial audit: Verify accounts, compliance with accounting standards, laws, (iii) Compliance audit: Verify adherence to procurement rules, environmental regulations, corporate governance, (d) Limitations: (i) Advisory nature: CAG recommendations not binding; implementation depends on management, government, (ii) Commercial confidentiality: Some PSU information may be exempt from public disclosure, (e) Illustrates accountability architecture: CAG audit provides independent assessment of PSU performance; PAC, media, citizens use findings to demand accountability, reforms.
Article 243ZD, inserted by the 74th Amendment, mandates constitution of District Planning Committee in every district to consolidate plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities and prepare draft development plan for the district, with at least ______ of members elected from among Panchayat/Municipality representatives.
- one-third
- four-fifths
- two-thirds
- one-half
Answer: four-fifths
District Planning Committee (DPC): (a) Article 243ZD (74th Amendment): Mandates DPC in every district to consolidate plans from Panchayats, Municipalities, prepare draft development plan for district, (b) Composition: (i) At least four-fifths (4/5) of members elected from among elected representatives of Panchayats, Municipalities in district, (ii) Remaining members nominated for expertise in planning, development, (iii) Chairperson: Elected from among members (often District Panchayat President or Mayor), (c) Functions: (i) Consolidate plans: Integrate rural (Panchayat), urban (Municipality) plans for coherent district development, (ii) Prepare draft plan: Prioritize infrastructure, welfare schemes based on district needs, resources, (iii) Forward to State: Submit draft plan to State government for inclusion in State plan, (d) Applications: (i) Integrated planning: DPC ensures rural-urban linkages (e.g., water supply, transport, waste management), (ii) Resource allocation: Prioritizes schemes based on district-level data, needs assessment, (iii) Coordination: Facilitates coordination among Panchayats, Municipalities, line departments, (e) Challenges: (i) Implementation: Many States have not fully constituted DPCs or empowered them with functions, funds, (ii) Capacity: DPC members need training on planning, financial management, inter-governmental coordination, (f) Illustrates integrated federalism: DPC operationalizes rural-urban planning coordination; constitutional mandate enables holistic district development through participatory, evidence-based planning.
The Lokpal Chairperson and members are appointed by the President on recommendation of a selection committee consisting of the Prime Minister, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Chief Justice of India or nominee, and an eminent jurist.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Lokpal appointment process: (a) Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013: Specifies selection committee for Lokpal appointments, (b) Selection committee composition: (i) Prime Minister (Chairperson), (ii) Speaker of Lok Sabha, (iii) Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, (iv) Chief Justice of India or Supreme Court Judge nominated by CJI, (v) One eminent jurist nominated by President based on committee recommendation, (c) Eligibility: (i) Chairperson: Former CJI or Supreme Court Judge, (ii) Members: 50% judicial (former SC Judges/HC Chief Justices), 50% non-judicial (persons of integrity with 25+ years experience in anti-corruption policy, public administration, finance, law, management), (d) Independence safeguards: (i) Fixed tenure (5 years or until age 70), (ii) Removal only by President on grounds of misbehaviour/incapacity after Supreme Court inquiry, (iii) Salary/status equivalent to CJI/SC Judges, (e) Applications: (i) First Lokpal appointed in 2019 after selection committee formation, (ii) Operational challenges: Infrastructure, staff recruitment, rule framing, jurisdiction clarity, (f) Illustrates institutional design: Multi-member selection committee ensures broad consensus; eligibility, tenure, removal safeguards protect Lokpal independence for effective anti-corruption oversight.
Under Article 243-I and 243-Y, Finance Commission recommendations include grants-in-aid to Panchayats and Municipalities from State Consolidated Fund. Which criterion is NOT typically used for determining these grants?
- Population
- Area
- Political affiliation of local body representatives
- Fiscal capacity of local bodies
Answer: Political affiliation of local body representatives
Local body grants criteria: (a) Constitutional basis: Article 243-I (Panchayats), 243-Y (Municipalities) require State Finance Commission to recommend grants-in-aid to local bodies from State Consolidated Fund, (b) Typical criteria: (i) Population: Larger populations need more resources for service delivery, (ii) Area: Larger geographical area increases infrastructure, service delivery costs, (iii) Fiscal capacity: Local bodies with low own revenue need more support, (iv) Performance: Incentives for better governance, service delivery, (v) Backwardness: Additional support for disadvantaged regions, communities, (c) NOT criterion: Political affiliation of local body representatives - grants based on objective, needs-based criteria, not political considerations, (d) Applications: (i) State Finance Commissions: Recommend grants based on population, area, fiscal capacity, performance, (ii) Implementation: State governments allocate grants to local bodies per SFC recommendations, (iii) Monitoring: Ensuring grants used for intended purposes, accountability for expenditure, (e) Illustrates fiscal federalism: Grants-in-aid enable local bodies to fulfill constitutional functions; objective criteria ensure equitable, efficient resource distribution, insulating allocation from political bias.
Article 243W of the Constitution, inserted by the 74th Amendment, empowers State Legislatures to endow Municipalities with powers and authority to function as institutions of self-government for preparing plans and implementing schemes for economic development and ______ justice.
- criminal
- social
- economic
- environmental
Answer: social
Article 243W Municipal powers: (a) 74th Amendment (1992): Article 243W empowers State Legislatures to endow Municipalities with powers/authority to function as institutions of self-government, (b) Functional domains: (i) Prepare plans for economic development, (ii) Implement schemes for social justice (welfare of marginalized groups, affirmative action implementation), (iii) 18 subjects in 12th Schedule: Urban planning, regulation of land-use, slum improvement, water supply, public health, sanitation, fire services, urban forestry, roads, street lighting, etc., (c) Applications: (i) Urban development: Municipalities prepare city development plans, prioritize infrastructure (water, sanitation, transport), (ii) Social justice: Implement welfare schemes for urban poor, SC/ST, women, disabled; slum rehabilitation, affordable housing, (iii) Service delivery: Municipalities manage water supply, waste management, public health at local level, (d) Challenges: (i) Incomplete devolution: Many States have not fully devolved functions, funds, functionaries to Municipalities, (ii) Financial constraints: Municipalities depend on State grants, limited own revenue sources, (iii) Capacity gaps: Municipal staff need training on urban planning, financial management, governance, (e) Illustrates urban federalism: Article 243W provides constitutional framework for local self-governance in urban areas; effective devolution requires political will, capacity building, financial resources.
The 73rd Amendment mandates Gram Sabha (village assembly) as the foundation of Panchayati Raj, with powers to approve plans, budgets, and beneficiary selection for schemes, ensuring participatory democracy at grassroots.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Gram Sabha powers under 73rd Amendment: (a) Constitutional basis: Article 243A mandates Gram Sabha (village assembly of all adult members) as foundation of Panchayati Raj, (b) Powers/functions: (i) Approve Panchayat plans, programs, budgets for economic development, social justice, (ii) Select beneficiaries for welfare schemes (MGNREGA, PMAY, NFSA) through public verification, (iii) Social audit: Verify muster rolls, expenditure, implementation of schemes, (iv) Mobilize voluntary labor, contributions for community works, (c) Applications: (i) MGNREGA: Gram Sabha approves shelf of projects, selects beneficiaries, conducts social audit, (ii) Local planning: Gram Sabha identifies priorities (water, roads, sanitation) for Panchayat plans, (iii) Accountability: Public verification reduces corruption, ensures schemes reach intended beneficiaries, (d) Challenges: (i) Participation: Ensuring inclusive participation of women, SC/ST, marginalized groups in Gram Sabha, (ii) Capacity: Gram Sabha members need awareness, training on planning, financial management, (iii) Follow-up: Ensuring Gram Sabha decisions implemented by Panchayat, officials, (e) Illustrates participatory federalism: Gram Sabha operationalizes grassroots democracy; constitutional mandate enables citizen participation in planning, implementation, accountability at village level.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) functions under the administrative control of which Ministry, and why has this raised concerns about its independence?
- Ministry of Home Affairs; because it handles internal security
- Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in Ministry of Personnel; because executive control may influence investigations
- Ministry of Finance; because it investigates financial crimes
- Ministry of Law and Justice; because it handles legal prosecutions
Answer: Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in Ministry of Personnel; because executive control may influence investigations
CBI administrative control and independence: (a) Legal basis: CBI established under Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946; not a constitutional/statutory body like CVC, NHRC, (b) Administrative control: Functions under DoPT, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Director appointed by Central Government, (c) Independence concerns: (i) Executive influence: DoPT control may enable political interference in investigations, especially against ruling party members, (ii) Consent requirement: CBI needs State government consent to investigate in States; political considerations may affect consent, (iii) Supervision: CVC exercises superintendence over CBI's anti-corruption work, but DoPT retains administrative control, (d) Supreme Court directions: (i) Vineet Narain case (1997): Directed measures to ensure CBI independence, including fixed tenure for Director, (ii) Recent judgments: Emphasized need for institutional independence, transparency in appointments, (e) Reform proposals: (i) Statutory status: Enact CBI Act to define powers, safeguards, (ii) Independent oversight: Multi-member board for appointments, removals, (iii) Federal consent: Streamline consent procedure for State investigations, (f) Illustrates accountability tension: CBI's effectiveness depends on independence from executive; administrative control under DoPT raises concerns about political interference in sensitive investigations.
Article 243G of the Constitution, inserted by the 73rd Amendment, empowers State Legislatures to endow Panchayats with powers and authority to function as institutions of self-government for preparing plans and implementing schemes for economic development and ______ justice.
- criminal
- social
- economic
- environmental
Answer: social
Article 243G Panchayat powers: (a) 73rd Amendment (1992): Article 243G empowers State Legislatures to endow Panchayats with powers/authority to function as institutions of self-government, (b) Functional domains: (i) Prepare plans for economic development, (ii) Implement schemes for social justice (welfare of marginalized groups, affirmative action implementation), (iii) 29 subjects in 11th Schedule: Agriculture, land improvement, minor irrigation, rural housing, drinking water, roads, rural electrification, poverty alleviation, education, health, women/child development, social welfare, etc., (c) Applications: (i) MGNREGA: Panchayats play key role in planning, implementation, social audit of rural employment scheme, (ii) Local development: Panchayats prepare village plans, prioritize infrastructure, welfare schemes based on local needs, (iii) Social justice: Implement reservation benefits, welfare schemes for SC/ST, women, disabled at grassroots, (d) Challenges: (i) Incomplete devolution: Many States have not fully devolved functions, funds, functionaries to Panchayats, (ii) Capacity gaps: Panchayat members need training on planning, financial management, governance, (iii) Political interference: State governments may undermine Panchayat autonomy through administrative control, (e) Illustrates grassroots federalism: Article 243G provides constitutional framework for local self-governance; effective devolution requires political will, capacity building, financial resources.
The 15th Finance Commission recommended 41% vertical devolution of Union tax revenues to States, down from 42% by the 14th Finance Commission, primarily due to the creation of new Union Territories (J&K, Ladakh) affecting the devolution formula.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Vertical devolution trend: (a) 14th Finance Commission (2015-20): Recommended 42% vertical devolution to States (highest ever), reflecting cooperative federalism, (b) 15th Finance Commission (2020-25): Recommended 41% vertical devolution, reduction primarily due to: (i) Creation of new Union Territories: J&K, Ladakh (previously part of State share), (ii) Changed criteria weights: Demographic performance, tax effort added; population weights adjusted, (c) Rationale for 41%: (i) Maintain fiscal space for Union: National security, infrastructure, welfare schemes with national footprint, (ii) Balance with State needs: 41% still substantial devolution enabling State autonomy in expenditure, (d) Applications: (i) State budgets: 41% devolution forms significant revenue source for States, especially those with low own tax capacity, (ii) Fiscal planning: States plan expenditures based on predictable FC devolution, (e) Illustrates fiscal federalism evolution: Technical criteria mediating political claims; FC balances Union fiscal space with State autonomy through calibrated devolution.
The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) was given constitutional status by which Constitutional Amendment Act, and what is its primary function?
- 102nd Amendment, 2018; to examine requests for inclusion/exclusion of communities in Central OBC list
- 93rd Amendment, 2005; to implement reservation in education
- 86th Amendment, 2002; to monitor right to education
- 103rd Amendment, 2019; to implement EWS reservation
Answer: 102nd Amendment, 2018; to examine requests for inclusion/exclusion of communities in Central OBC list
NCBC constitutional status: (a) 102nd Amendment (2018): Inserted Article 338B (NCBC as constitutional body) and Article 342A (President notifies Central List of SEBCs/OBCs), (b) Primary functions: (i) Examine requests for inclusion/exclusion of communities in Central OBC list, advise President, (ii) Investigate complaints regarding safeguards for OBCs, (iii) Advise on socio-economic development of OBCs, (iv) Submit annual reports to President, laid before Parliament, (c) 105th Amendment (2021) clarification: (i) President notifies Central List for Central purposes, (ii) States can maintain their own State Lists for State-level reservations (restoring State power after Supreme Court interpretation), (d) Applications: (i) OBC list management: NCBC examines community representations, recommends inclusions/exclusions based on social, educational, economic criteria, (ii) Grievance redressal: Investigates complaints of discrimination, denial of benefits to OBCs, (iii) Policy advice: Recommends measures for OBC empowerment in education, employment, entrepreneurship, (e) Illustrates institutional evolution: NCBC's constitutional status strengthens institutional mechanism for OBC safeguards; 105th Amendment clarifies federal balance in OBC identification.
Under Article 279A, decisions of the GST Council are taken by a majority of not less than 3/4th of weighted votes, with the Union Government having ______ of total vote weight and all State Governments collectively having 2/3.
- one-fourth
- one-third
- one-half
- two-thirds
Answer: one-third
GST Council voting mechanism: (a) Article 279A(9): GST Council decisions by 3/4 majority of weighted votes: (i) Union Government: 1/3 vote weight, (ii) All State Governments collectively: 2/3 vote weight, (b) Rationale: Ensures neither Union nor States can dominate; requires consensus on GST rates, exemptions, thresholds, (c) Applications: (i) Rate rationalization: Merging 12%/18% slabs requires consensus-building across States, (ii) Compensation negotiations: Post-2022 continuation debates resolved through Council dialogue, (iii) Compliance simplification: E-invoicing expansion, return filing improvements agreed through Council, (d) Challenges: (i) Union-State disagreements: On revenue impact, compliance burden, rate cuts, (ii) Data sharing: For enforcement, fraud detection, requires trust, coordination, (iii) Political dynamics: Coalition politics, electoral cycles affect Council decisions, (e) Illustrates cooperative fiscal federalism: Shared sovereignty in indirect taxation for 'One Nation, One Tax'; weighted voting enables consensus while respecting State autonomy.
The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was given statutory status by the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003, and functions as an apex body for vigilance administration, independent of executive control.
- True
- False
Answer: True
CVC statutory status and functions: (a) Historical background: CVC set up by executive resolution in 1964 based on Santhanam Committee recommendations; given statutory status by CVC Act, 2003, (b) Composition: Central Vigilance Commissioner (Chairperson) + up to 2 Vigilance Commissioners, appointed by President on recommendation of committee: PM, Home Minister, LoP in Lok Sabha, (c) Functions: (i) Inquire into offences under Prevention of Corruption Act against All India Services, Group A officers, etc., (ii) Exercise superintendence over CBI's anti-corruption work, (iii) Advise government on vigilance policy, review progress of investigations, (d) Independence safeguards: (i) Fixed tenure (4 years or until age 65), (ii) Removal only by President on grounds of misbehaviour/incapacity after Supreme Court inquiry, (iii) Expenses charged on Consolidated Fund of India, (e) Limitations: (i) Advisory role: CVC recommendations not binding; government may accept/reject advice, (ii) No prosecution power: CBI/Enforcement Directorate conduct prosecutions through public prosecutors, (f) Illustrates accountability architecture: CVC as independent vigilance body provides oversight; effectiveness depends on government responsiveness, institutional coordination with CBI, judiciary.
The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 added the 12th Schedule to the Constitution listing 18 functional items for Urban Local Bodies (Municipalities). Which of the following is NOT included in the 12th Schedule?
- Urban planning including town planning
- Regulation of land-use and construction of buildings
- Foreign affairs and defense
- Slum improvement and upgradation
Answer: Foreign affairs and defense
12th Schedule functional items: (a) 74th Amendment (1992): Added 12th Schedule listing 18 functional items for Urban Local Bodies (Municipalities), (b) Key functions include: (i) Urban planning including town planning, (ii) Regulation of land-use and construction of buildings, (iii) Slum improvement and upgradation, (iv) Urban poverty alleviation, (v) Water supply, sanitation, public health, (vi) Fire services, (vii) Urban forestry, environmental protection, (viii) Cultural, educational, aesthetic promotion, (ix) Burials, cremations, electric crematoriums, (x) Cattle ponds, prevention of cruelty to animals, (xi) Vital statistics, registration of births/deaths, (xii) Public amenities (parks, gardens, playgrounds), (xiii) Road maintenance, street lighting, (xiv) Regulation of slaughterhouses, tanneries, (xv) Public health, sanitation, conservancy, solid waste management, (xvi) Urban planning, (xvii) Fire services, (xviii) Any other matter referred by State Legislature, (c) NOT included: Foreign affairs, defense, currency, communications - these remain Union List subjects under Seventh Schedule, (d) Applications: (i) Devolution: States devolve functions, funds, functionaries to ULBs per 12th Schedule, (ii) Challenges: Incomplete devolution, capacity gaps, financial constraints affect ULB effectiveness, (e) Illustrates urban federalism: 12th Schedule provides framework for local self-governance in urban areas; effective devolution requires political will, capacity building, financial resources.
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 mandates reservation for women in Panchayats at all levels (village, block, district) to the extent of not less than ______ of total seats, with rotation of reserved seats.
- 25%
- 33%
- 40%
- 50%
Answer: 33%
Women's reservation in Panchayats: (a) 73rd Amendment (1992): Article 243D mandates reservation for women in Panchayats: (i) Not less than one-third (33%) of total seats at all levels (village, block, district), (ii) One-third of seats reserved for SC/ST also reserved for women from those categories, (iii) Rotation: Reserved seats rotated after each election to ensure broad participation, (b) Applications: (i) Women's participation: Over 14 lakh women elected to Panchayats since 1993; increased political participation, leadership development, (ii) Policy impact: Women Sarpanches prioritize water, sanitation, education, health; different governance priorities, (iii) Empowerment: Political participation builds confidence, skills, social status for rural women, (c) Challenges: (i) Proxy leadership: 'Sarpanch patis' (husbands) exercising power on behalf of women Sarpanches, (ii) Capacity building: Training needed for women representatives on governance, legal procedures, (iii) Social barriers: Patriarchal norms may limit women's effective participation, voice in Panchayats, (d) Illustrates transformative federalism: Constitutional amendment operationalizes gender justice at grassroots; reservation enables women's political participation, influencing local governance priorities.
The 2019 Amendment to the RTI Act changed the tenure and salary conditions of Information Commissioners to be prescribed by Central Government, raising concerns about executive influence on Information Commissions' independence.
- True
- False
Answer: True
RTI Amendment 2019 and independence: (a) Original RTI Act (2005): Information Commissioners had fixed tenure (5 years), salary/status equivalent to Election Commissioners/Supreme Court Judges to ensure independence, (b) 2019 Amendment changes: (i) Tenure: To be prescribed by Central Government (not fixed in statute), (ii) Salary: To be prescribed by Central Government (not equivalent to constitutional functionaries), (iii) Rationale stated: Parity with other tribunals, flexibility in administration, (c) Concerns: (i) Executive influence: Government could vary tenure/salary to pressure Commissioners, affect independence, (ii) Delayed appointments: Vacancies in Information Commissions lead to pendency of RTI appeals (lakhs pending), (iii) Weakened oversight: Less independent Commissions may be less effective in enforcing RTI, (d) Applications: (i) Appointment delays: Central/State Information Commissions face vacancies, affecting RTI enforcement, (ii) Judicial intervention: Courts direct governments to fill vacancies, protect RTI regime, (e) Illustrates accountability tension: RTI's effectiveness depends on independent Information Commissions; amendments raising independence concerns highlight balance between executive flexibility and institutional autonomy.