Panchayati Raj

Focus:

Decentralisation- steps taken by the government in this regard, people participation,

  • Important Acts related to Panchayat Raj system like 73rd Amendment Act, 74th Amendment Act, Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 or PESA , Forest Rights Act etc.
  • Evolution & recommendations of committees
  • Provisions of 73rd amendment- Compulsory and Voluntary
  • Provisions of 74th amendment – structure, powers, functions
  • Types of urban government
  • Metropolitan planning committee (MPC)
  • Problems faced by Panchayat Raj institutions and Urban Local Governments

 Example (2011 Prelims Questions Paper):

 

Consider the following statements: In India, a Metropolitan Planning Committee 

1. is constituted under the provisions of the Constitution of India.

2. prepares the draft development plans for metropolitan area.

3. has the sole responsibility for implementing Government sponsored schemes in the metropolitan area.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

 (a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution (a)

 

 

Example (2012 Prelims Questions Paper):

 

How do District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) help in the reduction of rural poverty in India?

1. DRDAs act as Panchayati Raj Institutions in certain specified backward regions of the country.

2. DRDAs undertake area-specific scientific study of the causes of poverty and malnutrition and prepare detailed remedial measures.

3. DRDAs secure inter-sectoral and inter-departmental coordination and cooperation for effective implementation of anti-poverty programmes.

4. DRDAs watch over and ensure effective utilization of the funds intended for anti-poverty programmes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution (b)

 

Governance and Public Policy 

Focus:

  • This section includes important schemes, programmes, missions, laws and policies launched by the government.
  • It also includes ‘recent’ Government Bills. One must be aware of all the major schemes launched by the government, especially the recently launched schemes/policies etc.
  • Governance- actions, measures, or steps taken by the Government (Ex: Inclusive governance) for growth & development

Example (2012 Prelims Questions Paper):

 

If National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country?

1.  Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of wastewater.

2.  The water requirements of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of water will be met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for the use of ocean water.

3.  All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India,

4.  The expenses incurred by farmers for digging bore-wells and for installing motors and pump-sets to draw groundwater will be completely reimbursed by the Government.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution (b)

 

 

Which of the following can be said to be essentially the parts of Inclusive Governance?

1. Permitting the Non-Banking Financial Companies to do banking

2. Establishing effective District Planning Committees in all the districts

3.Increasing the government spending on public health

4. Strengthening the Mid-day Meal Scheme

 Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a)1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution (c)

 

Rights Issue

  • The scope of this section includes rights of vulnerable communities in India like women, children, disabled, SCs, STs and OBCs, consumer rights and Acts like Right to Information Act. Constitutional Bodies like NHRC etc.
  • Source: Newspaper, http://pib.nic.in/, http://prsindia.com/, Yojana and Kurukshera Magazines, Websites of Ministries and ‘India Yearbook’ published by the Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

Note: ‘Public Policy’ & ‘Rights Issue’ overlaps with ‘Social Sector initiatives’ of the Government under Economics section. So we have covered all the social sector initiatives under these two sections only.

Example (2011 Prelims Questions Paper

 

 

India is home to lakhs of persons with disabilities. What are the benefits available to them under me law?

1. Free schooling till the age of 18 years in government-run schools.

2. Preferential allotment of land for getting up business.

3. Ramps in public buildings.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution (d)

 

 

Example (2012 Prelims Questions Paper)

 

 

With reference to consumers’ rights/ privileges under the provisions of law in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

 1. Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing.

2. When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid.

3. In case of death of a consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his/her behalf.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution (c) 

 

 

Sources to Prepare

  • Lakshmikant- Indian Polity- Highly recommended
  • NCERT- Class 9th to 12th

                                                                                                 

                                                                                                  Previous Year Questions

 

 

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