Which schedule of the Indian Constitution has provisions regarding powers,…
2017
Which schedule of the Indian Constitution has provisions regarding powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats?
- A.
Twelfth Schedule
- B.
Eleventh Schedule
- C.
Eighth Schedule
- D.
Tenth Schedule
Attempted by 24 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept: Local self-government in India is organised through constitutional schedules. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 inserted Part IX (“The Panchayats”) and added the Eleventh Schedule, which enumerates the functional subjects that may be entrusted to Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Application: This question asks which schedule lists the powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats — that is the Eleventh Schedule. It contains 29 subjects (for example agriculture, rural housing, drinking water and rural electrification). Article 243G then empowers State Legislatures to endow Panchayats with the authority to function in relation to these 29 matters.
Contrast with the other schedules:
Twelfth Schedule — added by the 74th Amendment; lists the 18 functional items of Municipalities (the urban local bodies).
Eighth Schedule — lists the languages officially recognised by the Constitution (currently 22).
Tenth Schedule — contains the anti-defection law, added by the 52nd Amendment in 1985.
Answer: Eleventh Schedule.