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    Question

    The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed an agreement to collaborate in the areas of knowledge sharing and strengthening monitoring mechanisms for the localisation of the sustainable development goals. The agreement was signed by the Secretary in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj Sunil Kumar and UNDP resident representative Shoko Noda on the final day of the Iconic Week Programme organised as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) celebrations. Kumar pointed out that the panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) have been a critical component of local self-governance across rural India, contributing in achieving last-mile connectivity and in the execution of various schemes of different departments and ministries. “Sustainable development goals (SDGs) too can be achieved only if we actively involve the PRIs. We thank the UNDP for its collaborative support in the iconic week of amrit mahotsav. We look forward to its increased and continued engagement with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to strengthen the monitoring of SDGs at the grassroots,” he was quoted as saying in a statement. About 65 per cent of India’s population lives in rural areas and the Centre is increasingly routing the funding of social sector schemes in sectors such as sanitation, housing, solid waste management etc. through the rural local bodies.

    Which of the following Statements about the Panchayat Raj Institutions is/are True?

    I- The 73rd Amendment added a new Part IX to the Constitution titled “The Panchayats”.

    II- The minimum quorum for the meeting of Gram Sabha should be 10% of the members.

    III- A Gram Sabha may exercise such powers and perform such functions at the village level as the Legislature of a State may, by law, provide.

    A Only I Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B Only II Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C I & II Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D II & III Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E All of the above Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    •           The 73rd Amendment 1993 added a new Part IX to the Constitution titled “The Panchayats”. •           It proposed to add a new Part relating to Panchayats in the Constitution to provide Gram Sabha in a village. •           Article 243: - This article defines “Gram Sabha” as a body consisting of persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village within the area of Panchayat at the village level. •           Article 243A: – A Gram Sabha may exercise such powers and perform such functions at the village level as the Legislature of a State may, by law, provide. Functioning of Gram Sabhas (GSs) •           GSs provide citizens a direct say in the decision-making process out of respect for their villages. •           However, functioning of GS is often criticised due to lack of regularity and transparency, low participation, irregular Gram Sabha meetings, absence of a coherent Gram Sabha agenda, etc. •           Also, the vulnerable sections of the village community hesitate to voice opinions due to inhibitions on account of their financial and social standing. •           The elected representatives of the Gram Panchayat, especially the Sarpanch, exercise significant powers and reduces Gram Sabhas to mere symbolic platform.

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