Question

Which of the following statements about Panchayati Raj is INCORRECT?

• A. ‘Panchayat Raj’ means ‘Governance by five individuals’
• B. At the base stands the Gram Sabha
• C. The 73rd Amendment provided three-tier system
• D. Elections conducted every five years

Hint:

Key facts about Panchayati Raj:
• Constitutional status through 73rd Amendment
• Three-tier rural governance structure
• Gram Sabha forms the foundation
• Elections held every five years

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Panchayati Raj refers to the system of rural local self-government in India. It was constitutionally strengthened through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992. Its objectives include:
• Democratic decentralization
• Local participation
• Rural development
• Grassroots governance The system operates through elected local bodies at different administrative levels.

Step 1: Understanding Panchayati Raj
The term “Panchayat” historically refers to an assembly of village elders. Although the word “Panch” literally means “five,” modern Panchayati Raj does not mean governance by exactly five individuals. Instead, it refers to:
• Local self-government institutions in rural areas
• Democratic decentralized administration Therefore, the statement: \[ \text{“Panchayat Raj means Governance by five individuals”} \] is inaccurate in the modern constitutional context. Hence, Option (A) is incorrect.

Step 2: Verifying Option (B)
The Gram Sabha forms the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system. It consists of:
• All registered voters in a village Thus, the statement: \[ \text{“At the base stands the Gram Sabha”} \] is correct. Hence, Option (B) is not incorrect.

Step 3: Verifying Option (C)
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act established a three-tier Panchayati Raj structure:
• Gram Panchayat at village level
• Panchayat Samiti at block level
• Zila Parishad at district level Therefore, Option (C) is correct.

Step 4: Verifying Option (D)
According to constitutional provisions:
• Panchayat elections are held every five years. Hence, Option (D) is also correct.

Step 5: Final conclusion
Only Option (A) contains an incorrect statement. Therefore: \[ \boxed{\text{‘Panchayat Raj’ means ‘Governance by five individuals’}} \] is the incorrect statement. Hence, the correct option is: \[ \boxed{(1)} \]