Formation, Panchayats and Administration of West Bengal — Practice

Question 1

How many seats does West Bengal have in the Assembly and the Lok Sabha?

Accepted Answer

294 in the Assembly and 42 in the Lok Sabha.

Question 2

Which state Act set up the three-tier panchayat system and in which year?

Accepted Answer

The West Bengal Panchayat Act, 1973.

Question 3

List the main steps by which the present territory of West Bengal formed.

Accepted Answer

1947 Partition created the state; 1950 Cooch Behar merged; 1954 to 1955 Chandernagore joined; 1956 Purulia and some areas were transferred from Bihar.

Question 4

Distinguish the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration.

Accepted Answer

The Hill Council was set up in 1988 after an agitation. The GTA was created by a tripartite agreement in 2011 with somewhat wider autonomy over local subjects, with Sabha elections in 2012.

Question 5

Describe the roles of the District Magistrate, SDO and BDO.

Accepted Answer

The District Magistrate heads the district for revenue, law and order and development. The SDO heads a sub-division. The BDO heads a block, works with the Panchayat Samiti and is the central officer for rural development schemes.

Question 6

Why is West Bengal called a pioneer of Panchayati Raj, and what are the limits?

Accepted Answer

The 1973 Act set up a three-tier system and party-based elections began in 1978, before the 73rd Amendment of 1992. Panchayats were central to Operation Barga and rural schemes. Limits include dependence on state funds, weak own revenue, political dominance in local contests and uneven devolution of functions and staff.

Question 7

Suggest a way to reduce Centre-state friction on scheme funds and borders.

Accepted Answer

Use the Inter-State Council and Zonal Councils for regular consultation, publish clear rules and timelines for releasing scheme funds, and settle border and security matters by consultation with the state, with courts as a last resort.

Question 8

When was the Calcutta High Court established?

Accepted Answer

1862.

Practice — Formation, Panchayats and Administration of West Bengal

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