UPSC Prelims 2016 Q100: Indian Polity – Local Government & Panchayati Raj
Consider the following statements:
1. The minimum age prescribed for any person to be a member of a Panchayat is 25 years.
2. A Panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution continues only for the remainder
period.
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: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Membership and duration of Panchayats
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The minimum age prescribed for any person to be a member of a Panchayat is 25 years | Incorrect | The minimum age is 21 years (Article 243F) |
| 2. A Panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution continues only for the remainder period | Correct | It serves only the rest of the five-year term (Article 243E) |
Duration of Panchayats (Article 243E):
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Normal term | Five years from the first meeting |
| After dissolution | Elections within six months |
| No election needed | If the remainder period is less than six months |
Minimum ages compared:
| Body | Age |
|---|---|
| Panchayat and Municipality | 21 |
| Lok Sabha and State Assembly | 25 |
| Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council | 30 |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The minimum age for a Panchayat member is 21, not 25 years.
- (b) CORRECT. A reconstituted Panchayat serves only the remainder period.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; 25 years applies to the Lok Sabha and Assemblies.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is true under Article 243E.
Key point
Panchayats: minimum age 21 (Article 243F); five-year term; fresh election within six months of dissolution; new body serves the remainder (Article 243E).
Remember
Panchayat: age 21; reconstituted body serves the remainder.
Common mistakes
- Carrying the 25-year rule of the Lok Sabha over to Panchayats.
- Thinking a reconstituted Panchayat gets a fresh five-year term.
- Forgetting the six-month limit for holding fresh elections.
Exam tip
Ages rise with the level: 21 (local), 25 (Lok Sabha, Assembly), 30 (Rajya Sabha), 35 (President).
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 243E and 243F
- NCERT Class XI — Indian Constitution at Work, Ch 8 (Local Governments)