Understanding the Committee of Sarpanchas at Panchayat Samiti Level

The question asks about the structure and functioning of the 'Committee of Sarpanchas' at the Panchayat Samiti level. Let's analyze each statement provided.

• Statement (a): "It consists of either fifteen Sarpanchas or of Sarpanchas of one-fifth of the total number of Panchayats in the block, whichever is more." This statement describes the composition of the Committee of Sarpanchas. According to the standard provisions for such committees in certain states or acts, this method of determining the number of members, taking the maximum of a fixed number or a proportion of the total Sarpanchas in the block, is indeed a valid way to constitute the committee. This ensures a reasonable representation.
• Statement (b): "The Committee meet as often as may be necessary, but three months shall not intervene between its last meeting." This statement concerns the meeting frequency. While committees generally meet as needed, specifying a maximum gap of three months between meetings is a common rule for many local government bodies to ensure regular functioning and oversight. However, specific rules can vary by state and the nature of the committee. Based on the provided correct option, this statement is considered incorrect in this specific context, implying that the three-month rule might not apply or is not accurately stated for this particular committee in the relevant framework.
• Statement (c): "During any vacancy in the Committee, the continuing members may act as if no vacancy had occurred." This statement addresses the effect of vacancies on the committee's ability to function. It is a common practice in many committees and governing bodies that the remaining members can continue to perform the committee's duties even if there are vacancies, provided a quorum (minimum number of members required for a valid meeting) is met. This prevents the committee from becoming non-functional due to a few vacant positions. This statement is considered correct.
• Statement (d): "The Chairman of Panchayat Samiti is the ex-officio Chairperson of this Committee." This statement identifies the chairperson of the Committee of Sarpanchas. An ex-officio chairperson is someone who holds the position automatically due to their office (in this case, Chairman of Panchayat Samiti). While the Panchayat Samiti Chairman holds an important position, it is not always the case that they are the ex-officio chairperson of *every* committee formed under the Panchayat Samiti. Specific rules dictate who chairs particular committees. Based on the provided correct option, this statement is considered incorrect, meaning the Panchayat Samiti Chairman is likely not the ex-officio chairperson of the Committee of Sarpanchas.

Based on the analysis aligning with the correct option provided, statements (a) and (c) accurately describe aspects of the Committee of Sarpanchas at the Panchayat Samiti level, while statements (b) and (d) do not.

Therefore, the correct statements are (a) and (c).