Q1. Who conducts the elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions?
- Election Commission of India
- President of India
- State Election Commission
- Governor of State
Correct Option: 3. State Election Commission.
Explanation: The State Election Commission, headed by a State Election Commissioner appointed by the Governor, is responsible for conducting Panchayat elections.
Q2. Minimum age to contest Panchayat elections is:
- 18 years
- 21 years
- 25 years
- 30 years
Correct Option: 2. 21 years.
Explanation: A person is eligible to contest Panchayat elections if they have attained 21 years of age, even if the minimum age for legislative elections is 25.
Q3. Reservation for women in Panchayats is:
- 10%
- 25%
- 30%
- 33%
Correct Option: 4. 33%.
Explanation: At least one-third (33%) of total seats and chairperson positions in Panchayats are reserved for women, including those belonging to SCs and STs.
Q4. Which state is exempt from SC seat reservation in Panchayati institution?
- Manipur
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Sikkim
- Nagaland
Correct Option: 2. Arunachal Pradesh.
Explanation: The provision for reservation of seats in Panchayats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) does not apply to Arunachal Pradesh because the state has no SC population. This exemption was formally added through the 83rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2000, recognizing the entirely tribal composition of the state’s population.
83rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2000
🔍 Key Details:
Why? Arunachal Pradesh has no Scheduled Caste population; its population is almost entirely composed of indigenous tribal communities.
What did the amendment do? It amended Article 243D of the Constitution to exclude Arunachal Pradesh from the mandatory SC reservation in Panchayat seats.
Scope: This exemption applies only to Scheduled Castes, not Scheduled Tribes, since ST reservations continue in the state.
Q5. How often should a Panchayat election be held as per the 73rd Amendment Act?
- Every 3 years
- Every 4 years
- Every 5 years
- Every 10 years
Correct Option: 3. Every 5 years.
Explanation: The Act provides for a five-year term for every Panchayat. Re-elections must be held before the term ends or within 6 months of dissolution.