The fundamental object of Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following?People's part

Q: What is UPSC Prelims?

UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2015 UPSC Prelims Indian Polity & Governance paper.

Q: How can I prepare for UPSC Prelims Indian Polity & Governance?

To prepare for UPSC Prelims Indian Polity & Governance, practice previous year questions (PYQs), understand concepts thoroughly, and solve mock tests regularly. This 2015 question covers Panchayati Raj – 73rd & 74th Amendment topic.

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This UPSC Prelims 2015 Indian Polity & Governance question has a hard difficulty level and is marked as an important question.

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Question

The fundamental object of Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following?People's participation in developmentPolitical accountabilityDemocratic decentralizationFinancial mobilizationSelect the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: C — 1 and 3 onlyStep-by-step Solution:This is a conceptually nuanced question about the fundamental objectives of Panchayati Raj as a governance philosophy — not just associated features.Item 1 — People's participation in development: This is a fundamental objective. Panchayati Raj emerged from the Balwantrai Mehta Committee (1957) recommendation that grassroots development requires active participation of the people themselves. Democracy at the local level ensures that development programmes reflect people's actual needs and have their ownership and involvement. ✓Item 2 — Political accountability: While political accountability is an important associated feature, it is not the primary/fundamental objective of Panchayati Raj. Accountability flows from decentralisation but is a means to an end. The fundamental object is decentralisation and participation, with accountability being a mechanism to ensure these work properly.Item 3 — Democratic decentralization: This is the fundamental objective. The entire Panchayati Raj philosophy is built on the principle of democratic decentralisation — transferring powers and responsibilities for governance and development from central/state governments to elected local bodies. This is the foundational principle articulated by Balwantrai Mehta, Ashok Mehta, L.M. Singhvi, and eventually enshrined in the 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992). ✓Item 4 — Financial mobilization: Financial mobilisation is an operational concern — not a fundamental philosophical objective. While adequate finances are necessary for PRIs to function effectively, generating financial resources is not the purpose of Panchayati Raj. It is a practical requirement, not a fundamental objective.Key Concept: Panchayati Raj history: Balwantrai Mehta Committee (1957) — recommended three-tier PRIs with real devolution; Ashok Mehta Committee (1978) — recommended two-tier system, more powers to PRIs; G.V.K. Rao Committee (1985) — recommended revitalising PRIs; L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986) — recommended constitutional status for PRIs, village panchayats as units of self-government; 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992) — gave constitutional status to PRIs, three-tier system, reservation for women/SC/ST, State Finance Commission, District Planning Committee, elections through State Election Commission; 74th Amendment (1992) — urban local bodies. 73rd Amendment's 11th Schedule: 29 subjects devolved to PRIs (agriculture, primary education, health, roads, water supply, etc.).

The fundamental object of Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following?People's participation in developmentPolitical accountabilityDemocratic decentralizationFinancial mobilizationSelect the correct answer using the code given below:

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The fundamental object of Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following?People's participation in developmentPolitical accountabilityDemocratic decentralizationFinancial mobilizationSelect the correct answer using the code given below:

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