UPSC Prelims 2001 Q16: Indian Polity – Local Government & Panchayati Raj
In which one of the following areas does the State Government NOT have control over its
local bodies?
- (a) Citizen’s grievances
- (b) Financial matters
- (c) Legislation
- (d) Personnel matters
Answer: (a) Citizen’s grievances
Explanation
Area in which the State Government does NOT control its local bodies
| Area | State control over local bodies |
|---|---|
| Legislation | Yes — local bodies are created and their powers fixed by State law (Article 243G, 243W) |
| Financial matters | Yes — grants, taxes they may levy, audit; State Finance Commission (Article 243I) |
| Personnel matters | Yes — State rules for appointment and service of staff |
| Citizens' grievances | No direct control — grievances are dealt with by the local bodies themselves |
The State controls local bodies through legislation, finance and personnel. Handling the day-to-day complaints of citizens is left to the local bodies, so this is the area the key picks.
Answer: (a) Citizen's grievances.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Citizens' grievances are handled by the local bodies themselves.
- (b) Incorrect. The State controls the finances of local bodies through grants, taxes and audit.
- (c) Incorrect. Local bodies exist under State legislation.
- (d) Incorrect. The State lays down rules on staff of local bodies.
Key point
Local government is a State subject (Entry 5, List II); Parts IX and IXA came by the 73rd and 74th Amendments.
Remember
State controls local bodies via legislation, finance, personnel — not citizens' grievances.
Common mistakes
- Thinking local bodies make their own laws free of the State.
- Forgetting that the State Finance Commission covers local finances.
- Missing the word 'NOT' in the question stem.
Exam tip
Local bodies are creatures of State law; State control runs through laws, money and staff.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Parts IX and IXA (Articles 243 to 243ZG)
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, chapters 'Panchayati Raj' and 'Municipalities'