RAS question
Panchayat Samiti is headed by:
Correct answer: (C) Pradhan (elected).
A Panchayat Samiti in Rajasthan is headed by the elected Pradhan.
Explanation
The Panchayat Samiti is the block-level tier of the Panchayati Raj system, and its elected head is the Pradhan. The cited Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Act treats the Pradhan as the Chairperson in the case of a Panchayat Samiti and provides that the elected members of the Panchayat Samiti choose the Pradhan and Up-Pradhan from among themselves. This is why the post is not an administrative appointment. The Act also separates political leadership from execution: the Pradhan convenes, presides over and conducts Panchayat Samiti meetings, and exercises supervision and control over the Vikas Adhikari for implementing Panchayat Samiti decisions. In exam terms, BDO/Vikas Adhikari belongs to the executive side, while Pradhan is the elected head.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Tehsildar is not identified in the cited Act as the Chairperson or elected head of a Panchayat Samiti.
- (B) Sarpanch is the Chairperson in the case of a Panchayat, while the Act identifies Pradhan as the Chairperson in the case of a Panchayat Samiti.
- (D) BDO, corresponding to the Vikas Adhikari in the Act, is on the executive side and works under the Pradhan's supervision for implementation, so he is not the elected head.
Concept
This tests the three-tier Panchayati Raj structure and the distinction between elected leadership and executive administration. RAS repeatedly asks such posts because Rajasthan Polity requires precise mapping of institutions, office-bearers and administrative roles.