Which of the following statements are correct about Gram Sabha under the…

CONCEPT

In a statement-combination question about a statute, each proposition must be matched to the Act’s express text. A power cannot be inferred merely because it seems connected to local self-government.

Section 4(m) of the Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 lists specific endowments for the Gram Sabha and Panchayats at the appropriate level; that enumeration determines which statements stand.

APPLICATION

1. Statement I: Section 4(m)(i) specifies the power to enforce prohibition or regulate or restrict the sale and consumption of intoxicants. Therefore, statement I is supported.

2. Statement II: Section 4(m)(ii) specifies ownership of minor forest produce. Therefore, statement II is supported.

3. Statement III: Section 4(m) does not list a power to levy village-level taxes. Its clause (vii) concerns control over local plans and resources for those plans, which is not an express taxing power. Therefore, statement III is not supported.

4. Statement IV: Section 4(m)(iv) specifies the power to manage village markets, by whatever name called. Therefore, statement IV is supported.

CROSS-CHECK / CONTRAST

• “Only I, II and III” includes the unsupported taxation statement and omits the expressly listed market-management power.

• “Only I, II and IV” retains the three powers expressly listed in clauses (i), (ii), and (iv).

• “Only II, III and IV” includes the unsupported taxation statement and omits the prohibition-related power.

• “Only I, III and IV” includes the unsupported taxation statement and omits ownership of minor forest produce.

Thus, statements I, II and IV are supported by the Act, so the correct value is “Only I, II and IV are correct”.