UPSC Prelims 2005 Q51: Indian Polity – Local Government & Panchayati Raj
Consider the following statements:
1. Part IX of the Constitution of India contains provisions for Panchayats and was inserted by the
Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992.
2. Part IX A of the Constitution of India contains provisions for municipalities and Article 243Q
envisages two types of municipalities - a Municipal Council and a Municipal Corporation - for
every state.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
Panchayats and municipalities in the Constitution
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Part IX has Panchayat provisions, inserted by the 73rd Amendment, 1992 | True — in force from 24 April 1993 |
| 2. Part IXA, Article 243Q: two types of municipalities | False: Article 243Q provides three types — Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council and Municipal Corporation |
Only statement 1 is correct. Part IXA was added by the 74th Amendment and Article 243Q names three types of municipalities, not two.
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Only statement 1 is correct.
- (b) Incorrect. Article 243Q provides for three types, so statement 2 is false.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false, so both cannot be correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 about the 73rd Amendment is correct.
Key point
73rd Amendment: Part IX, Panchayats. 74th Amendment: Part IXA, municipalities (Article 243Q: three types).
Remember
Article 243Q provides three types of municipalities.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the Nagar Panchayat for a transitional area.
- Mixing up the 73rd and 74th Amendments.
- Assuming the number of municipality types is two.
Exam tip
Panchayat: Part IX, Articles 243 to 243O. Municipality: Part IXA, Articles 243P to 243ZG.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Parts IX and IXA
- Constitution (Seventy-third Amendment) Act, 1992
- Constitution (Seventy-fourth Amendment) Act, 1992