2019 · Q35
Which one or the following is not correct about the Panchayats as laid down in Part IX of the Constitution of India?
General KnowledgeIndian Polity and Governance
- AThe Chairperson of a Panchayat needs to be directly elected by people in order to exercise the right to vote in the Panchayat meetings.
- BThe State Legislature has the right to decide whether or not offices of the Chairpersons in the Panchayats are reserved for SCs, STs or women.
- CUnless dissolved earlier, every Panchayat continues for a period of five years.
- DThe State Legislature may by law make provisions for audit of accounts of the Panchayats.
Explanation
Under Part IX, the chairperson of a panchayat at the village level is elected directly, but at the intermediate and district levels the chairperson is elected by and from among the elected members. Article 243C(5) expressly provides that the chairperson's right to vote in panchayat meetings does not depend on being directly elected. The State Legislature decides on reservation of chairpersons' offices, every panchayat continues for five years unless dissolved earlier, and the State may provide for audit of accounts. Statement A is therefore not correct. Hence option A is correct.