Which one of the following is NOT a subject that has been devolved to the Panchyati Raj Institutions by the 11 th Schedule of the Constitution of India?
Higher education
Understanding the 11th Schedule of the Indian Constitution
The 11th Schedule of the Constitution of India was added by the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992. This schedule contains a list of 29 subjects which are intended to be devolved to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) at the village, intermediate, and district levels. The purpose is to empower local self-governments and enable them to plan and implement schemes for economic development and social justice in their respective areas.
Identifying Subjects Devolved to Panchayats
The question asks which of the given subjects is NOT included in the 11th Schedule, meaning it is not a subject typically devolved to the Panchayati Raj Institutions. Let's examine the options in light of the subjects listed in the 11th Schedule.
- Non-conventional energy resources: The 11th Schedule includes 'Non-conventional energy sources' under Entry 24. Therefore, this subject is devolved to Panchayats.
- Roads: The Schedule includes subjects like 'Minor roads, culverts, bridges, ferries, waterways and other means of communication' under Entry 6. While not all types of roads, minor roads and related infrastructure are indeed subjects for Panchayats.
- Libraries: The Schedule lists 'Libraries' under Entry 16. This subject is explicitly included for devolution to Panchayati Raj Institutions.
- Higher education: The 11th Schedule covers various aspects of education such as 'Education, including primary and secondary schools' (Entry 13), 'Technical training and vocational education' (Entry 14), and 'Adult and non-formal education' (Entry 15). However, 'Higher education' is generally not included in this list and remains primarily under the purview of state and central governments.
Based on the subjects listed in the 11th Schedule, Higher education is the subject that is NOT typically devolved to the Panchayati Raj Institutions.
List of Subjects in the 11th Schedule (Selected Examples)
Here is a partial list of subjects included in the 11th Schedule to further illustrate the scope of Panchayati Raj functions:
| Entry No. | Subject |
|---|---|
| 1 | Agriculture, including agricultural extension |
| 2 | Land improvement, implementation of land reforms, land consolidation and soil conservation |
| 6 | Minor roads, culverts, bridges, ferries, waterways and other means of communication |
| 13 | Education, including primary and secondary schools |
| 14 | Technical training and vocational education |
| 15 | Adult and non-formal education |
| 16 | Libraries |
| 24 | Non-conventional energy sources |
| 29 | Maintenance of community assets |
As seen from the table and the entries, subjects like minor roads, libraries, and non-conventional energy sources are explicitly listed, while higher education is not.
Conclusion on Devolved Subjects
The 11th Schedule clearly demarcates subjects meant for decentralization to the grassroots level through Panchayats. While education up to secondary level and some vocational/adult education are included, the domain of higher education remains outside the general scope of Panchayati Raj functions as defined by this schedule.
Revision Table: 11th Schedule Subjects
| Subject | Included in 11th Schedule? | Relevant Entry (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-conventional energy resources | Yes | Entry 24 |
| Roads (Minor roads) | Yes | Entry 6 |
| Higher education | No | N/A |
| Libraries | Yes | Entry 16 |
Additional Information: Panchayati Raj and the 73rd Amendment
The 73rd Amendment Act of 1992 constitutionalized Panchayati Raj Institutions in India, giving them a formal structure and defined powers and responsibilities. This was a significant step towards democratic decentralization. The Act mandated the establishment of Panchayats at the village, intermediate, and district levels, except in states with a population not exceeding twenty lakh (which may not have intermediate level Panchayats). It also provided for reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women, and for the constitution of State Election Commissions and State Finance Commissions to oversee Panchayat elections and finances, respectively. The 11th Schedule is integral to this amendment, providing the functional list of subjects that can be entrusted to the Panchayats by state legislatures.
Important Questions from Local Government
Which one of the following is not a power of Panchayats under Article 243G?
- Panchayati Raj Institutions are primarily the institutions of
Which one of the following provisions of the Constitution of India deals with District Planning Committee?
Which of the following are the basic features of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act ?
1. Provides for a three-tier structure of panchayats in the village, intermediary and district levels.
2. Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and women in all the tiers of panchayats.
3. Election to panchayats under the supervision of the State Election Commissions.
4. Introduction of the 11 th Schedule to the Constitution.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
The Panchyati Raj System under Part-IX of the Constitution of India does not apply to the States of:
