BPSC 44th Prelims 2002 Paper

(d) All of these Explanation: - In India, the Panchayati Raj is a system of governance in which Gram Panchayats are the basic units of local administration. - It was given constitutional status by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which inserted Part IX and the Eleventh Schedule into the Constitution. - The system is divided into three levels: Gram Panchayat (village level), Panchayat Samiti or Block Samiti or Mandal Parishad (block level), and Zila Parishad (district level). - Decentralisation of Powers: powers and functions are transferred from the Central and State Governments to the local bodies, making governance more responsive at the grassroots. - Participation of people: it ensures direct participation of the people in planning, decision-making and implementation of local development programmes. - Community development: it is an instrument for the social and economic development of rural communities through local planning and execution. - Since Panchayati Raj simultaneously represents decentralisation of powers, participation of the people and community development, the correct answer is All of these.