Previous Year Question
The Constitution (Seventy-third Amendment) Act, 1992, which aims at promoting the Panchayati Raj Institutions in the country, provides for which of the following?
Constitution of District Planning Committees.
State Election Commissions to conduct all Panchayat elections.
Establishment of State Finance Commissions.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Only 1
1 and 2
2 and 3
All of these
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Statement 1 is incorrect. The District Planning Committee was provided not by the Seventy-third Amendment but under Article 243ZD, inserted by the Constitution (Seventy-fourth Amendment) Act, 1992.
A District Planning Committee consolidates the development plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities and prepares a draft development plan for the district as a whole. At least four-fifths of its members are elected by and from among the elected members of Panchayats and Municipalities. Their representation is determined in proportion to the rural and urban populations of the district.
Statement 2 is correct. Under Article 243K, the superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to Panchayats are vested in the State Election Commission.
The Governor appoints the State Election Commissioner. The Commissioner’s conditions of service cannot be varied to the Commissioner’s disadvantage after appointment. The Commissioner may be removed only in the same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of a High Court. These safeguards strengthen the independence of the State Election Commission.
Statement 3 is correct. Under Article 243I, the Governor constitutes a State Finance Commission within one year of the commencement of the Seventy-third Amendment and every fifth year thereafter. It reviews the financial position of Panchayats and recommends principles concerning the distribution of taxes, assignment of revenue, grants-in-aid and measures to improve their finances.
The Seventy-third Amendment inserted Part IX and the Eleventh Schedule into the Constitution. It came into force on 24 April 1993. The Eleventh Schedule contains 29 subjects relating to Panchayats.