1999 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies

Question 6: Polity and Governance

In the new Panchayati Raj Bill enacted in 1993, there are several fresh provisions deviating from the past. Which one of the following is not one such provision?

aA number of added responsibilities in the area of agriculture, rural development, primary education and social forestry among others.
bElections being made mandatory for all posts at the time they are due.
cA statutory representation for women in the panchayats, up to a third of the strength.
dRegular remuneration to the panchayat members, so as to ensure their punctuality and accountability.

AnswerThe answer is (d).

The 73rd Amendment, in force from April 1993, added Part IX and the Eleventh Schedule. Its fresh provisions: elections every five years run by a State Election Commission, reservation of at least one third of seats for women, and a list of 29 subjects (agriculture, rural development, primary education and social forestry among them) for panchayats. It does not lay down regular pay for panchayat members. Remember: the Act gave powers and mandatory elections, not salaries.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Not the answer. The Eleventh Schedule lists 29 subjects, including these, as new responsibilities.
  • (b) Not the answer. Elections every five years are mandatory, held by a State Election Commission.
  • (c) Not the answer. At least one third of seats are reserved for women.
  • (d) Right. The Act makes no provision for regular remuneration, so this is not one of its new provisions.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1999, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.