Examkin

Question

Difficulty: Very hardLocal Self-Government: Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies (73rd & 74th Amendments)

Which of the following statements accurately distinguishes between the compulsory (mandatory) and voluntary provisions of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992?

  1. Providing reservation for Backward Classes in Panchayats at any level is a voluntary provision, whereas reserving seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in proportion to their population is a compulsory provision.Answer
  2. B
    Providing representation to Members of Parliament and State Legislatures in Panchayats is a compulsory provision, whereas constituting a State Finance Commission every five years is a voluntary provision.
  3. C
    Fixing a minimum age of 21 years for contesting elections to Panchayats is a voluntary provision, whereas granting financial powers to Panchayats to levy and collect local taxes is a compulsory provision.
  4. D
    Establishing a Gram Sabha at the village level is a voluntary provision, whereas granting voting rights to the Chairperson of a Panchayat at the intermediate level is a voluntary provision.

Answer

Providing reservation for Backward Classes in Panchayats at any level is a voluntary provision, whereas reserving seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in proportion to their population is a compulsory provision.
The correct answer accurately distinguishes between compulsory and voluntary provisions: reserving seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in proportion to population under Article 243D is a mandatory constitutional requirement, whereas authorizing reservation of seats or chairperson offices for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) is an explicit voluntary provision left to state legislatures.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the constitutional classification under the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992
Identify mandatory constitutional mandates (compulsory) versus discretionary powers delegated to state legislatures (voluntary).
The 73rd Amendment establishes a framework where basic structural, electoral, and representational rules are mandatory, but financial devolution and specific political reservations (OBCs) depend on state legislation.
2
Evaluate mandatory provisions regarding reservations and institutions
Creation of Gram Sabha (Article 243A), 5-year tenure (Article 243E), minimum 21 years age for contesting (Article 243F), SC/ST reservations by population proportion (Article 243D), one-third reservation for women (Article 243D), State Election Commission (Article 243K), and State Finance Commission (Article 243I) are compulsory.
These provisions ensure uniform institutional structure across states.
3
Evaluate voluntary provisions subject to state law
Reserving seats/offices for Backward Classes, representation of MPs/MLAs/MLCs in local bodies, giving financial powers to levy taxes, and devolving powers listed under the 11th Schedule are voluntary.
State legislatures hold constitutional autonomy under Part IX to determine the extent of these powers and reservations.

Key Concept

Compulsory vs Voluntary Provisions of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act
Rate this question

Topics

Local Self-Government: Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies (73rd & 74th Amendments)

More questions from this topic