UPSC Prelims 1995 · General Studies

Question 89: Polity and Governance

Which one of the following is incorrect in respect of Local Government in India?

aAccording to the Indian Constitution, local government is not an independent tier in the federal system

b30% of the seats in local bodies are reserved for women

cLocal government finances are to be provided by a Commission

dElections to local bodies are to be determined by a Commission

AnswerThe answer is (b).

The 73rd and 74th Amendments require States to reserve not less than one-third of seats in Panchayats and municipalities for women, so '30 per cent' is the incorrect statement. The others are correct: local government is not an independent tier of the federal system, since States create and regulate it; State Finance Commissions review its finances; and State Election Commissions conduct its elections. Remember: one-third, not 30 per cent.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Correct: local bodies are created by State law and are not an independent federal tier.
(b) Right: it is incorrect, since the Constitution requires at least one-third, not 30 per cent.
(c) Correct: the State Finance Commission reviews the finances of local bodies.
(d) Correct: the State Election Commission conducts local body elections.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1995, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.