What is the main purpose of Panchayati Raj?

Question

What is the main purpose of Panchayati Raj?

1. A. To increase agriculture production
2. B. To increase employment
3. C. To increase people's political awareness
4. D. To enable people to participate in development administration (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — To enable people to participate in development administration

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is To enable people to participate in development administration.

Key Points

• The main purpose of Panchayati Raj is to achieve democratic decentralisation — enabling ordinary citizens to participate directly in development administration and local self-governance, rather than remaining passive recipients of schemes designed elsewhere.
• The system was first recommended by the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957), which proposed the three-tier structure of Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad. Rajasthan became the first state to establish Panchayati Raj, inaugurated at Nagaur on 2 October 1959, followed by Andhra Pradesh.
• The Ashok Mehta Committee (1977) later recommended a two-tier structure.
• The 73rd Amendment (1992) made Panchayati Raj constitutionally mandatory, providing for five-year terms, State Election Commissions, State Finance Commissions and reservation for SCs, STs and women.

Exam Tip

• increased agricultural output and employment are outcomes, not the purpose — the question tests concept, not consequence.

प्रश्न (हिन्दी में)

पंचायती राज का क्या मुख्य उद्देश्य है?

1. A. कृषि उत्पादन में वृद्धि करना
2. B. रोजगार सृजन
3. C. जनता में राजनीतिक चेतना में वृद्धि करना
4. D. जनता को विकास के प्रशासन में प्रतिभाग करने योग्य बनाना