State Autonomy, Local Government and Administration in Tamil Nadu — Practice

Question 1

Who headed the Centre-State Relations Inquiry Committee set up by Tamil Nadu in 1969?

Accepted Answer

Justice P. V. Rajamannar.

Question 2

How many seats does Tamil Nadu have in the Assembly and the Lok Sabha?

Accepted Answer

234 in the Assembly and 39 in the Lok Sabha.

Question 3

Name the three tiers of rural local government in Tamil Nadu under the 1994 Act.

Accepted Answer

Village panchayat, panchayat union at block level and district panchayat.

Question 4

What is notable about the Greater Chennai Corporation's history?

Accepted Answer

It traces to the Madras Corporation of 1688, regarded as the oldest municipal body in India.

Question 5

Describe the structure of district administration in Tamil Nadu.

Accepted Answer

The District Collector heads the district, coordinating revenue, law and order and development. Below are revenue divisions, taluks, firkas and villages, with a Village Administrative Officer at the base, and the Superintendent of Police heads the district police.

Question 6

Examine Tamil Nadu's case for state autonomy.

Accepted Answer

The case rests on the Rajamannar Committee of 1969, which sought an Inter-State Council, more finance for states and limits on the Governor's discretion and Article 356. Supporters argue that diversity, local knowledge and development outcomes favour more state power. Critics cite national unity, equity between richer and poorer states and common standards. A middle path is an active Inter-State Council and a fair devolution formula, as later commissions like Sarkaria and Punchhi suggested.

Question 7

Why is devolution to local bodies in Tamil Nadu said to be incomplete?

Accepted Answer

Functions listed for local bodies are not matched by funds, staff and powers, and many schemes are run by state departments. Gaps in own revenue make bodies depend on grants, and State Finance Commission recommendations are not always followed. Remedies are real transfer of the three Fs, funds, functions and functionaries, and regular elections.

Question 8

When was the Tamil Nadu Legislative Council abolished?

Accepted Answer

In 1986.

Practice — State Autonomy, Local Government and Administration in Tamil Nadu

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