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Q100 (IAS/2016) Polity & Governance β€Ί Local Government β€Ί Panchayati Raj system Official Key

Consider the following statements : 1. The minimum age prescribed for any person to be a member of Panchayat is 25 years. 2. A Panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution continues only for the remainder period. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Result
Your answer: β€”  Β·  Correct: B
Explanation

The correct answer is option B (statement 2 only).

**Statement 1 is incorrect:** A person who has attained the age of 21 years will be eligible to be a member of a Panchayat (in case of State Legislature the prescribed age is 25 years)[1]. This is further confirmed by the provision that no person shall be disqualified on the ground that he/she is less than 25 years of age if he/she has attained the age of 21 years[2]. Therefore, the minimum age for Panchayat membership is 21 years, not 25 years.

**Statement 2 is correct:** A Panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution (i.e., before the expiry of the full period of five years) shall continue only for the remainder of the period[3]. This means a panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution does not enjoy the full period of five years but remains in office only for the remainder of the period[4].

Since only statement 2 is correct, option B is the right answer.

Sources
  1. [1] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 18: PANCHAYATS > Qualification for membership. > p. 320
  2. [2] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 39: Panchayati Raj > Salient Features > p. 390
  3. [3] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 18: PANCHAYATS > Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. > p. 320
  4. [4] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 39: Panchayati Raj > Salient Features > p. 389
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Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
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got it right
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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. Consider the following statements : 1. The minimum age prescribed for any person to be a member of Panchayat is 25 years. 2. A Panchayat …
At a glance
Origin: From standard books Fairness: High fairness Books / CA: 10/10 Β· 0/10

This is a non-negotiable 'Sitter'. It is a direct lift from the 73rd Amendment provisions found in every standard Polity text (Laxmikanth/Basu). If you mark this wrong, you lose the 'easy marks' buffer essential for clearing the cutoff.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
What is the minimum age prescribed by Indian law to be a member of a Panchayat (Panchayati Raj institution) in India?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 18: PANCHAYATS > Qualification for membership. > p. 320
Presence: 5/5
β€œState Legislature shall be qualified to be chosen as a member of a Panchayat. The only difference is that a person who has attained the age of 21 years will be eligible to be a member (in case of State Legislature the prescribed age is 25 years-Anicle 173). If a question arises as to whether a member has become subject to any disqualification, the question shall be referred to such authority as the State Legislature may provide by law.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states a person who has attained the age of 21 years will be eligible to be a member of a Panchayat.
  • Direct comparison given with State Legislature age (25), highlighting 21 as the Panchayat threshold.
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 39: Panchayati Raj > Salient Features > p. 390
Presence: 5/5
β€œThe purpose of elections (Q the legislature of the tate concerned, or (b) under any law made by the stMe legislature. However, no person shall be disqualified on the ground that he/she is less than 25 years of age if he/she has attained the age of 21 years. Further, all questions of disqualifications shall be referred to such authority as the state legislature determines. State Election Commission The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to the panchayats shall be vested in the state election commission. It consists of a state election commissioner to be appointed by the Governor.”
Why this source?
  • States that no person shall be disqualified for being under 25 years of age if he/she has attained 21 years, implying 21 is the effective minimum for Panchayat membership.
  • Appears in the chapter on Panchayati Raj salient features, reinforcing its relevance to membership qualifications.
Statement 2
Under Indian law, when a Panchayat is reconstituted after premature dissolution, does the reconstituted Panchayat continue only for the remainder of the original term?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 39: Panchayati Raj > Salient Features > p. 389
Presence: 5/5
β€œIn other words, a panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution does not enjoy the full period of five years but remains in office only for the remainder of the period. Disqualifications A person shall be disqualified for being chosen as or for being a member of panchayat if he/she is so disqualified, (a) under any law for the time being in force (or”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states a panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution 'does not enjoy the full period of five years but remains in office only for the remainder of the period.'
  • Direct, unambiguous formulation addressing reconstitution after dissolution and the duration of the reconstituted body.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 18: PANCHAYATS > Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. > p. 320
Presence: 5/5
β€œEvery Panchayat shall continue for five years from the date of its first meeting. Duration of Pancha yat. But it can be dissolved earlier in accordance with the procedure prescribed by State law. Elections must take place before the expiry of the above period. In case it is dissolved earlier, then the elections must rake place within six months Its dissolution. A Panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution (ie., before the expiry of the full period of five years) shall continue only for the remainder of the period. But if the remainder of the period is less than six months it shall not be necessary to hold elections.”
Why this source?
  • Sets out the five-year normal term and expressly provides that a panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution 'shall continue only for the remainder of the period.'
  • Adds the operational detail that if the remainder is less than six months, elections need not be held, reinforcing the rule about continuation for the remainder.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 39: Panchayati Raj > Salient Features > p. 389
Presence: 5/5
β€œIn other words, a panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution does not enjoy the full period of five years but remains in office only for the remainder of the period. Disqualifications A person shall be disqualified for being chosen as or for being a member of panchayat if he/she is so disqualified, (a) under any law for the time being in force (or”
Why this source?
  • Corroborates the same formulation found in [1] β€” stating the reconstituted panchayat remains only for the remainder of the five-year period.
  • Serves as an additional textbook confirmation of the rule.
Pattern takeaway: The examiner consistently uses 'Numeric Swaps' in Polity questions. They swapped 21 with 25 in Statement 1. Whenever you see a specific number (age, quorum, time limit) in a Polity statement, treat it as the primary trap zone.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct text from Laxmikanth (Chapter: Panchayati Raj) and D.D. Basu (Art 243F & 243E).
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, specifically the 'Compulsory Provisions' regarding Duration and Disqualifications.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the Age Ladder: Voting (18) -> Panchayat/Municipality (21) -> Lok Sabha/Assembly (25) -> Rajya Sabha/Council (30) -> President/VP/Governor (35). Contrast with the '6-month rule': If a Panchayat is dissolved with less than 6 months remaining, no fresh election is needed.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not just read the articles; create a 'Comparative Table of Tiers'. Columns: Min Age, Tenure, Dissolution Rule, Oath, Resignation. The examiner loves swapping numbers (21 vs 25) between tiers.
Concept hooks from this question
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S1
πŸ‘‰ Minimum age for Panchayat membership (21 years)
πŸ’‘ The insight

Directly answers the statement: multiple references state 21 years as eligibility for Panchayat membership.

High-yield for UPSC prelims/GS: age qualifications for different offices are frequently tested. Mastering this helps in questions on local government eligibility and contrasts with other offices. Learn by linking constitutional provisions (73rd Amendment / state laws) with standard polity facts.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 18: PANCHAYATS > Qualification for membership. > p. 320
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 39: Panchayati Raj > Salient Features > p. 390
πŸ”— Anchor: "What is the minimum age prescribed by Indian law to be a member of a Panchayat (..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S1
πŸ‘‰ Age-qualification difference: Panchayat vs State Legislature
πŸ’‘ The insight

References contrast Panchayat minimum age (21) with State Legislature minimum (25), highlighting distinct qualification rules.

Useful for comparative questions in polity (local vs state offices). Helps answer trick questions and understand why different offices have different eligibility criteria. Memorise key age thresholds and the relevant articles/contexts.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 18: PANCHAYATS > Qualification for membership. > p. 320
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 39: Panchayati Raj > Salient Features > p. 390
πŸ”— Anchor: "What is the minimum age prescribed by Indian law to be a member of a Panchayat (..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S1
πŸ‘‰ State role in election rules and disqualifications
πŸ’‘ The insight

Evidence notes state legislatures determine disqualification authority and mentions State Election Commission's role in panchayat elections.

Important for questions on decentralisation and federal division of powersβ€”shows how states regulate Panchayat membership/disqualifications and electoral administration. Study state vs central functions, PESA/73rd Amendment context, and State Election Commissions' powers.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 18: PANCHAYATS > Qualification for membership. > p. 320
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 39: Panchayati Raj > Salient Features > p. 390
πŸ”— Anchor: "What is the minimum age prescribed by Indian law to be a member of a Panchayat (..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S2
πŸ‘‰ Duration of Panchayats (five-year term)
πŸ’‘ The insight

The statement rests on the baseline rule that Panchayats have a five-year term; several references state this explicit duration.

High-yield constitutional/local governance fact often tested directly or used in applied questions about local bodies. Connects to topics on Article 243E and state law on elections; best learned by memorizing the canonical term and exceptions and practicing fact-based MCQs and case scenarios.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 18: PANCHAYATS > Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. > p. 320
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 39: Panchayati Raj > Salient Features > p. 389
πŸ”— Anchor: "Under Indian law, when a Panchayat is reconstituted after premature dissolution,..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S2
πŸ‘‰ Premature dissolution and reconstitution β€” continuation for remainder
πŸ’‘ The insight

Directly addresses the core issue: when dissolved early and reconstituted, the body serves only the remaining period of the original term.

Frequently appears in questions on local self-government, election timing, and continuity of institutions. Understanding this principle helps answer statutory interpretation and procedural questions; revise textbook statements and relevant state law variations.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 39: Panchayati Raj > Salient Features > p. 389
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 39: Panchayati Raj > Salient Features > p. 389
πŸ”— Anchor: "Under Indian law, when a Panchayat is reconstituted after premature dissolution,..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S2
πŸ‘‰ Six-month exception to holding fresh elections
πŸ’‘ The insight

Reference [3] adds the specific operational rule that if the remainder is under six months, elections need not be held β€” a practical exception to the reconstitution rule.

Important nuance for UPSC mains and prelims: exams test exceptions and conditions. Knowing this prevents incorrect absolute answers and aids in scenario-based questions about election timelines; practice applying the exception to sample fact-patterns.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 18: PANCHAYATS > Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. > p. 320
πŸ”— Anchor: "Under Indian law, when a Panchayat is reconstituted after premature dissolution,..."
πŸŒ‘ The Hidden Trap

The 'Disqualification Authority' Trap: Unlike MPs/MLAs where the President/Governor decides on EC advice, for Panchayats, the disqualification dispute is decided by an authority prescribed by the 'State Legislature' (Art 243F), NOT necessarily the State Election Commission.

⚑ Elimination Cheat Code

Logic for Statement 1: The Panchayat is the 'grassroots' level. The barrier to entry (age) should logically be the lowest to encourage mass participation. Since MPs require 25, the local level must be lower or equal. 21 is the standard lower threshold in Indian law.

πŸ”— Mains Connection

Mains GS-2 (Devolution of Powers): The 'remainder term' rule (Statement 2) is crucial for administrative stability. It ensures that by-elections don't de-synchronize the 5-year cycle of the entire state's local bodies, preventing a scenario where every village has elections in different years.

βœ“ Thank you! We'll review this.

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Consider the following statements : 1. A person who is not a member of either House of the Parliament can be appointed a member of the Council of Ministers. 2. Anyone can be appointed as a member of the Council of Ministers for a maximum period of three years. 3. A person shall not be less than 25 years of age in order to become a minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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IAS Β· 2008 Β· Q99 Relevance score: 0.94

Consider the following statements: The Constitution of India provides that 1. the Legislative Assembly of each State shall consist of not more than 450 members chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies in the State. 2. a person shall not be qualified to be chosen to fill a seat in the Legislative Assembly of a State if he/she is less than 25 years of age. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?