Q1. Which of the following was the first municipal corporation established in India?
- Calcutta
- Bombay
- Madras
- Delhi
Correct Option: 3. Madras.
Explanation: The first municipal corporation in India was set up in Madras in 1688 during British rule. This marked the beginning of institutional urban local governance in India. It was followed by the establishment of corporations in Bombay and Calcutta in 1726.
Q2. Which Constitutional Amendment Act provided constitutional status to urban local governments in India?
- 42nd Amendment Act
- 65th Amendment Act
- 73rd Amendment Act
- 74th Amendment Act
Correct Option: 4. 74th Amendment Act.
Explanation: The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 conferred constitutional status on urban local bodies (like municipalities and municipal corporations). It came into force on 1 June 1993, formalizing the structure, powers, and responsibilities of urban local governments.
Q3. Who is known as the father of local self-government in India?
- Lord Ripon
- Lord Curzon
- Lord Mayo
- Lord Dalhousie
Correct Option: 1. Lord Ripon.
Explanation: Lord Ripon’s Resolution of 1882 is considered a landmark in the history of local self-government in India. Due to his efforts in promoting democratic decentralization and empowering local bodies, he is hailed as the “father of local self-government” in India.
Q4. Which committee, chaired by C.M. Correa, was appointed between 1985 and 1988 to study urbanisation?
- Rural-Urban Relationship Committee
- National Commission on Urbanisation
- Study Group on Constitution of Urban Local Bodies
- Committee on Budgetary Reform
Correct Option: 2. National Commission on Urbanisation.
Explanation: The National Commission on Urbanisation (1985–88) was chaired by C.M. Correa. It studied the growing urbanization in India and recommended ways to improve the functioning and planning of urban local bodies.
Q5. Which ministry is responsible for urban local government in Union Territories?
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
- Ministry of Defence
- Ministry of Home Affairs
- Ministry of Urban Development
Correct Option: 3. Ministry of Home Affairs.
Explanation: In Union Territories, the subject of urban local government falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs at the central level. For other areas, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs handles urban local bodies, and Ministry of Defence handles cantonment boards.