Decentralisation in India

MCQs

1. What is decentralisation?

a) Transfer of power from local governments to the central government

b) Transfer of power from central and state governments to local governments

c) Transfer of power from the judiciary to the executive

d) None of the above

2. Which constitutional amendment strengthened local self-government in India?

a) 42nd Amendment

b) 52nd Amendment

c) 73rd Amendment

d) 80th Amendment

3. What is the main decision-making body at the village level in the Panchayati Raj system?

a) Gram Panchayat

b) Zilla Parishad

c) Gram Sabha

d) Panchayat Samiti

4. What percentage of seats in local government bodies are reserved for women in India?

a) 25%

b) 33%

c) 40%

d) 50%

5. Which institution is responsible for conducting local government elections?

a) Election Commission of India

b) State Election Commission

c) Panchayat Raj Ministry

d) Gram Sabha

Answers and Explanations

1. (b) Transfer of power from central and state governments to local governments.

• Decentralisation involves distributing power to local governments for better administration and citizen participation .

2. (c) 73rd Amendment.

• The 73rd Amendment Act (1992) provided constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions .

3. (c) Gram Sabha.

• The Gram Sabha includes all adult members of a village and supervises the work of the Gram Panchayat .

4. (b) 33%.

• One-third of the seats in local bodies, including Panchayats and Municipalities, are reserved for women .

5. (b) State Election Commission.

• Each state has a State Election Commission responsible for conducting local government elections .