Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with answers on “Decentralization of Power: Challenges and Opportunities in India” designed for Civil Services Examination preparation.

What is decentralization of power?
- A) Centralization of authority
- B) Distribution of power to lower levels of government
- C) Abolition of local governments
- D) Concentration of power in a single authority
- Answer: B
Which Constitutional Amendment primarily addressed the decentralization of power in India?
- A) 61st Amendment
- B) 73rd Amendment
- C) 74th Amendment
- D) 86th Amendment
- Answer: B
The Panchayati Raj system was introduced to enhance:
- A) Urban governance
- B) Bureaucratic control
- C) Local self-governance
- D) Central authority
- Answer: C
Which of the following is a three-tier structure of the Panchayati Raj system?
- A) Gram Sabha, Zila Parishad, Lok Sabha
- B) Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad
- C) Panchayat Samiti, Rajya Sabha, Gram Sabha
- D) Zila Parishad, State Assembly, Gram Panchayat
- Answer: B
Which of the following is NOT a challenge to decentralization in India?
- A) Lack of financial autonomy
- B) Bureaucratic interference
- C) High levels of political participation
- D) Inequality in representation
- Answer: C
What is the main purpose of decentralization?
- A) To concentrate power at the center
- B) To enhance local governance and participation
- C) To diminish accountability
- D) To eliminate local self-governance
- Answer: B
The concept of ‘Gram Sabha’ refers to:
- A) The elected head of a village
- B) The assembly of all eligible voters in a village
- C) The rural development department
- D) The financial committee of a village
- Answer: B
Which body is responsible for the implementation of rural development programs at the block level?
- A) Gram Sabha
- B) Zila Parishad
- C) Panchayat Samiti
- D) Gram Panchayat
- Answer: C
Which article of the Indian Constitution empowers the state legislatures to make provisions for the composition of Panchayats?
- A) Article 243A
- B) Article 243B
- C) Article 243C
- D) Article 243D
- Answer: B
Which one of the following statements is true regarding the 73rd Amendment?
- A) It abolished the Panchayati Raj system.
- B) It mandates the reservation of seats for women in PRIs.
- C) It only applies to urban local bodies.
- D) It was enacted in 1991.
- Answer: B
What is the primary source of revenue for Panchayati Raj institutions?
- A) Central Government grants
- B) Local taxes and levies
- C) Donations from NGOs
- D) Foreign aid
- Answer: B
Which of the following is a key feature of the Panchayati Raj system?
- A) No elections are held.
- B) Full autonomy to Panchayats.
- C) Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- D) Limited powers in local administration.
- Answer: C
Decentralization in India primarily aims to enhance:
- A) Authoritarian governance
- B) Democratic participation
- C) Bureaucratic efficiency
- D) Political centralization
- Answer: B
Which of the following bodies is at the apex level in the Panchayati Raj system?
- A) Gram Sabha
- B) Gram Panchayat
- C) Panchayat Samiti
- D) Zila Parishad
- Answer: D
The term ‘local self-government’ is most closely associated with:
- A) Central Government
- B) State Government
- C) Local Governance
- D) National Governance
- Answer: C
The 74th Amendment relates to which aspect of governance?
- A) Rural governance
- B) Urban local bodies
- C) Central Government functions
- D) State-level governance
- Answer: B
Which of the following is a potential opportunity arising from decentralization?
- A) Increased bureaucratic control
- B) Empowerment of marginalized communities
- C) Reduction of local governance
- D) Centralized planning
- Answer: B
What is the main challenge in implementing decentralization effectively in India?
- A) Excessive autonomy
- B) Political instability
- C) High literacy rates
- D) Empowered local bodies
- Answer: B
Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Gram Panchayat?
- A) It is elected by the Gram Sabha.
- B) It has a tenure of five years.
- C) It is solely responsible for law and order.
- D) It can levy local taxes.
- Answer: C
The primary aim of the Gram Sabha is to:
- A) Conduct elections for the Zila Parishad
- B) Facilitate discussion on local development
- C) Manage state-level policies
- D) Oversee police functions
- Answer: B
Which of the following statements is true regarding the financial status of Panchayati Raj institutions?
- A) They are completely financially autonomous.
- B) They rely only on state grants.
- C) They have multiple sources of revenue.
- D) They cannot generate revenue through local taxes.
- Answer: C
Which constitutional body conducts elections for Panchayati Raj institutions?
- A) Election Commission of India
- B) State Election Commission
- C) Union Public Service Commission
- D) National Development Council
- Answer: B
Which of the following can be considered a barrier to effective decentralization?
- A) Community participation
- B) Bureaucratic resistance
- C) Increased transparency
- D) Local empowerment
- Answer: B
What is the significance of women’s reservation in Panchayati Raj institutions?
- A) It decreases women’s participation.
- B) It promotes gender equality in governance.
- C) It is only symbolic and has no real impact.
- D) It creates more conflicts in local governance.
- Answer: B
Which state was the first to implement the Panchayati Raj system in India?
- A) Rajasthan
- B) Punjab
- C) Maharashtra
- D) West Bengal
- Answer: A
The primary focus of decentralization is to:
- A) Diminish the role of local governance
- B) Centralize decision-making
- C) Enhance local accountability and participation
- D) Limit citizens’ involvement in governance
- Answer: C
Which of the following is a function of the Zila Parishad?
- A) Oversee the functioning of Gram Panchayats
- B) Conduct elections for the Gram Panchayat
- C) Manage law and order in the district
- D) Implement state-level policies
- Answer: A
What role does the Panchayat Samiti play in the Panchayati Raj system?
- A) It conducts elections.
- B) It facilitates development programs at the block level.
- C) It manages financial matters of the district.
- D) It oversees the urban local bodies.
- Answer: B
Which of the following factors can enhance the effectiveness of decentralization?
- A) Reduced community involvement
- B) Strong legal frameworks
- C) Limited information dissemination
- D) Centralized resource allocation
- Answer: B
What is one of the major benefits of decentralization in rural areas?
- A) Decreased political participation
- B) Enhanced local resource management
- C) Increased bureaucratic control
- D) Uniformity in policy implementation
- Answer: B

These questions and answers cover various aspects of decentralization of power in India, including its structure, significance, challenges, and opportunities. They are designed to help aspirants prepare effectively for the Civil Services Examination.

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