Consider the following statements regarding Capacity building of civil society organizations for social audits:
1. Section 17 of the MGNREGA Act specifically empowers the Gram Sabha to monitor the execution of works and conduct social audits of all projects taken up within the Gram Panchayat.
2. The Social Audit Unit (SAU) is an independent organization, distinct from the implementing agency, established under the MGNREGA guidelines to facilitate capacity building for civil society groups.
3. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011, provides the primary legal framework for the conduct of social audits by Gram Sabhas in India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as Section 17 of the MGNREGA Act mandates Gram Sabhas to monitor work execution and conduct social audits. Statement 2 is correct because the Social Audit Units (SAUs) are established as independent entities, separate from the implementing agencies, to ensure unbiased oversight and build the capacity of civil society. Statement 3 is correct as the 2011 Audit of Schemes Rules provide the statutory framework, operationalizing the social audit process by defining the roles and procedures for Gram Sabhas.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY):
1. Under the 2015 PMAY guidelines, the State Level Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee serves as the primary body for conducting direct field-level social audits in rural districts.
2. The PMAY-Urban (PMAY-U) component utilizes the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census data as the primary mechanism for identifying beneficiaries in metropolitan areas.
3. The National Social Audit Council, established under the 2013 Land Acquisition Act, oversees the periodic monitoring of financial disbursements for PMAY-G housing units.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Gram Sabha is the primary body for conducting social audits in rural areas under PMAY-G, not the State Level Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee. Statement 2 is incorrect because PMAY-U identifies beneficiaries through a demand-driven approach based on self-application and validation by Urban Local Bodies, whereas the SECC 2011 data is specifically used for beneficiary identification in PMAY-Gramin. Statement 3 is incorrect because there is no 'National Social Audit Council' established under the 2013 Land Acquisition Act; social audits for PMAY-G are mandated under the guidelines of the scheme itself, often linked to the framework established under MGNREGA.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit outcomes and their linkage to performance-based budgeting:
1. The National Food Security Act of 2013 includes provisions for social audits of the Public Distribution System, which are linked to the release of state-level food subsidies by the Reserve Bank of India.
2. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India issued the Auditing Standards for Social Audit in 2017 to standardize the evaluation of social sector scheme outcomes.
3. Performance-based budgeting in the Indian context links the release of subsequent tranches of funds under the Swachh Bharat Mission to the submission of verified social audit reports.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because while the NFSA 2013 mandates social audits, there is no legal provision linking them to the release of subsidies by the RBI, which is a fiscal function of the Union Finance Ministry. Statement 2 is correct as the CAG issued the 'Auditing Standards for Social Audit' in 2017 to provide a uniform framework for evaluating social sector schemes. Statement 3 is correct because the Swachh Bharat Mission guidelines incorporate performance-based incentives where the release of funds is contingent upon verified outcomes, often validated through community-led social audit mechanisms.
Consider the following statements regarding Gram Sabha's role in social audit under MGNREGA:
1. The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj provides for the training of Social Audit Facilitators, who act as the presiding officers of the Gram Sabha during the formal audit proceedings.
2. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act provides for the creation of District Vigilance Committees, which oversee the Gram Sabha's social audit process and submit the final audit findings to the Union Ministry of Finance.
3. The MGNREGA Audit of Scheme Rules 2011 refers to the role of the Comptroller and Auditor General in conducting the primary field-level verification, which is then ratified by the Gram Sabha during the annual budget session.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because the MGNREGA Audit of Scheme Rules, 2011 mandates that the State Government, not the NIRDPR, must facilitate social audits through an independent Social Audit Unit (SAU). Statement 2 is false as the 73rd Amendment does not mandate District Vigilance Committees for this purpose, and audit findings are submitted to the State Government, not the Union Ministry of Finance. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) only prescribes auditing standards; the primary field-level verification is conducted by the Social Audit Unit and village-level facilitators, not the CAG directly.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit in the Public Distribution System (PDS):
1. Under the Targeted Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2001, the vigilance committees at the state and district levels are tasked with overseeing the delivery of commodities to beneficiaries.
2. The National Food Security Act, 2013, provides for the establishment of District Grievance Redressal Officers who hold the authority to impose penalties on Fair Price Shop owners based on social audit reports.
3. The 'Jan Bhagidari' initiative under the PDS reforms involves the display of beneficiary lists and stock positions at the village level to facilitate community-based verification.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the TPDS (Control) Order, 2001 mandates the constitution of vigilance committees at the state, district, block, and FPS levels to ensure transparency. Statement 3 is correct because 'Jan Bhagidari' is a key PDS reform aimed at enhancing accountability by making beneficiary lists and stock positions publicly accessible for community verification. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the NFSA, 2013 mandates the appointment of District Grievance Redressal Officers (DGROs) to hear complaints, the power to impose penalties on Fair Price Shop owners for irregularities typically rests with the designated licensing authority or state government officials, not the DGRO directly.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit outcomes and their linkage to performance-based budgeting:
1. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 provides for the direct integration of social audit findings into the Union Budget process through the Ministry of Finance.
2. The Meghalaya Community Participation and Public Services Social Audit Act, 2017, established a dedicated Social Audit Facilitator to track expenditure outcomes against allocated budgets.
3. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act of 2005 includes Section 17, which provides for the regular conduct of social audits by the Gram Sabha.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 73rd Amendment empowers Panchayati Raj Institutions but does not mandate the integration of social audit findings into the Union Budget. Statement 2 is correct as the Meghalaya Act of 2017 is a pioneering legislation that institutionalized social audits and created the Social Audit Facilitator role to ensure accountability in public spending. Statement 3 is correct because Section 17 of the MGNREGA, 2005, explicitly mandates the Gram Sabha to conduct regular social audits of all works implemented by the Gram Panchayat to ensure transparency and performance-based oversight.
Consider the following statements regarding Capacity building of civil society organizations for social audits:
1. The Right to Information Act, 2005, includes provisions for the establishment of a National Social Audit Council, which coordinates with state-level NGOs to certify social audit reports before they are presented to the Parliament.
2. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act provides for the formation of District Vigilance Committees, which oversee the training of civil society members in social audit methodologies for all centrally sponsored schemes.
3. The 2013 National Food Security Act encompasses the creation of State Food Commissions, which serve as the nodal agencies for the direct funding and administrative control of civil society organizations conducting social audits of the Public Distribution System.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because no such bodies or provisions exist in the mentioned legislations. The RTI Act, 2005, does not establish a National Social Audit Council; instead, social audits are mandated under specific schemes like MGNREGA through the Social Audit Rules, 2011. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act focuses on Panchayati Raj institutions and does not mandate District Vigilance Committees for training civil society in social audits. Finally, while the National Food Security Act, 2013, mandates social audits of the PDS, it does not designate State Food Commissions as nodal agencies for the direct funding or administrative control of civil society organizations.
Consider the following statements regarding Gram Sabha's role in social audit under MGNREGA:
1. The Mahatma Gandhi NREGA Management Information System includes provisions for the automated generation of social audit reports, which are then presented to the District Collector for approval before the Gram Sabha meeting.
2. Section 17 of the MGNREGA Act 2005 assigns the responsibility of conducting regular social audits of all projects implemented within the Gram Panchayat to the Gram Sabha.
3. The Social Audit Rules notified by the Ministry of Rural Development in 2011 provide for the establishment of an independent Social Audit Unit at the state level to facilitate the audit process.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as Section 17 of the MGNREGA Act mandates the Gram Sabha to monitor the execution of works and conduct regular social audits. Statement 3 is correct because the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011, mandates the establishment of an independent Social Audit Unit (SAU) at the state level to ensure impartiality. Statement 1 is incorrect because social audit reports are presented directly to the Gram Sabha for discussion and approval, not to the District Collector for prior approval, as the Gram Sabha is the final authority in this participatory process.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of social audits on local self-governance (Panchayati Raj):
1. The 14th Finance Commission report of 2015 refers to the institutionalization of social audits as a prerequisite for the allocation of untied funds to the Municipal Corporations in metropolitan areas.
2. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, operational since 2016, allows for the selection of beneficiaries through a process of social audit conducted by the State Level Vigilance Committee.
3. Under the Meghalaya Community Participation and Public Services Social Audit Act, 2017, the state government established an independent Social Audit Facilitator to oversee the verification of government programs.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as Meghalaya became the first state to enact the Social Audit Act in 2017, mandating independent social audits for government schemes. Statement 1 is incorrect because the 14th Finance Commission focused on performance-based grants for Panchayats rather than conditioning untied funds for Municipal Corporations on social audits. Statement 2 is incorrect because beneficiaries under PMAY-G are selected based on the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data, with the final list approved by the Gram Sabha, not the State Level Vigilance Committee.
Consider the following statements regarding Challenges in the institutionalization of social audit at the state level:
1. The Social Audit Units (SAUs) are intended to be independent organizations, distinct from the implementing agencies, as per the Auditing Standards notified by the Ministry of Rural Development in 2016.
2. The Performance Audit Division of the NITI Aayog oversees the implementation of social audits across all centrally sponsored schemes, ensuring that the state-level audit reports are submitted to the Parliament by the end of each fiscal year.
3. The National Food Security Act, 2013, provides for the constitution of Vigilance Committees at the district level, which hold the legal authority to impose financial penalties on officials found guilty during a social audit process.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct because the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011, and subsequent 2016 notifications mandate that Social Audit Units (SAUs) must be independent of the implementing departments to ensure objectivity. Statement 2 is incorrect because social audits are primarily overseen by the Ministry of Rural Development for MGNREGA, and there is no central division in NITI Aayog that mandates the submission of all state-level social audit reports to Parliament. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the National Food Security Act, 2013, mandates the formation of Vigilance Committees, these bodies are primarily for monitoring and reporting; they lack the legal authority to impose financial penalties, which remains the prerogative of designated disciplinary authorities.
Consider the following statements regarding Digitalization and e-social audit platforms:
1. The Audit of Scheme Rules, 2011, notified under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, outlines the specific methodology for conducting social audits at the Gram Sabha level.
2. The Meghalaya Community Participation and Public Services Social Audit Act, 2017, represents the first state-level legislation in India to provide a formal framework for social audits across multiple government schemes.
3. The Jan Soochna Portal, launched by the Government of Rajasthan in 2019, provides real-time access to information regarding beneficiaries and expenditure of various welfare schemes to facilitate proactive social auditing.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011, mandates the Gram Sabha to conduct social audits to ensure transparency and accountability. Statement 2 is correct because the Meghalaya Community Participation and Public Services Social Audit Act, 2017, was indeed the first legislation in India to institutionalize social audits across various government programs. Statement 3 is correct as Rajasthan's Jan Soochna Portal, launched in 2019, utilizes digital technology to provide public access to scheme-related data, thereby empowering citizens to perform proactive social auditing.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit outcomes and their linkage to performance-based budgeting:
1. The 2016 Guidelines on Social Audit for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin provides for the automatic adjustment of district-level budget allocations based on real-time Gram Sabha audit outcomes.
2. In Andhra Pradesh, the Social Audit Society established in 2009 functions as an independent body to reconcile physical progress reports with financial expenditure data.
3. The 14th Finance Commission recommendations emphasized the use of social audit findings as a performance indicator for the devolution of grants to local self-government institutions.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because PMAY-G guidelines mandate social audits for transparency and accountability, but they do not provide for the automatic adjustment of district-level budget allocations based on audit outcomes. Statement 2 is correct as the Society for Social Audit, Accountability and Transparency (SSAAT) in Andhra Pradesh, established in 2009, pioneered the independent verification of MGNREGA works by reconciling physical progress with financial records. Statement 3 is correct because the 14th Finance Commission explicitly linked the performance-based grants for Panchayati Raj Institutions to the strengthening of audit mechanisms and the public disclosure of accounts to ensure fiscal discipline.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit in the Public Distribution System (PDS):
1. The Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 1997, introduced the first national framework for social audits, which was later incorporated into the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act.
2. The Ministry of Rural Development maintains the 'PDS-Audit' portal, which provides real-time data on food grain diversion rates as calculated by the Comptroller and Auditor General since 2015.
3. The Gram Sabha is empowered under the MGNREGA Act, 2005, to conduct concurrent audits of PDS outlets, and this practice was extended to all states by the 2013 Food Security Ordinance.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the PDS (Control) Order, 2001 (not 1997) mandated Vigilance Committees, and social audits were institutionalized under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, not the 73rd Amendment. Statement 2 is incorrect as there is no 'PDS-Audit' portal maintained by the Ministry of Rural Development; PDS is governed by the Department of Food and Public Distribution, and diversion rates are not tracked via a CAG-linked real-time portal. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the NFSA, 2013 mandates social audits for PDS, the MGNREGA Act, 2005 is specific to rural employment schemes and does not grant Gram Sabhas the authority to conduct concurrent audits of PDS outlets.
Consider the following statements regarding Community-based monitoring and grievance redressal mechanisms:
1. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India issued the Auditing Standards for Social Audit in 2017 to provide a framework for independent verification of social sector scheme outcomes.
2. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 provides for the creation of District Planning Committees, which serve as the primary appellate authority for social audit grievances in rural areas.
3. The Right to Information Act, 2005, includes provisions for the establishment of the Social Audit Bureau, an autonomous body tasked with conducting performance audits of central welfare schemes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the CAG notified the 'Auditing Standards for Social Audit' in 2017 to provide a uniform framework for conducting social audits. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 73rd Amendment mandates District Planning Committees for consolidating development plans, not as an appellate authority for social audits, which are typically handled by local Gram Sabhas or designated ombudspersons. Statement 3 is incorrect because the RTI Act, 2005, focuses on transparency and access to information, and there is no provision within it for the establishment of a 'Social Audit Bureau'.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit versus Statutory Financial Audit:
1. Statutory financial audits focus on the verification of financial records and compliance with the Companies Act, 2013, whereas social audits assess the qualitative impact of welfare schemes.
2. Section 17 of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, provides for the regular conduct of social audits by the Gram Sabha.
3. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India issued the Auditing Standards for Social Audit in 2017 to provide a framework for evaluating public service delivery.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as financial audits focus on fiscal accuracy and legal compliance, while social audits evaluate the social and developmental outcomes of public policies. Statement 2 is correct because Section 17 of the MGNREGA, 2005, mandates the Gram Sabha to monitor the execution of works and conduct regular social audits to ensure transparency. Statement 3 is correct as the CAG of India formulated the Auditing Standards for Social Audit in 2017 to standardize the process of evaluating public service delivery and accountability.
Consider the following statements regarding Legal provisions for social audit in the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act:
1. The 2013 Act provides for a time-bound grievance redressal mechanism where the Social Audit unit reports directly to the State-level Monitoring Committee established under the 2014 Rules.
2. The Rehabilitation and Resettlement Committee, chaired by the District Magistrate, includes the project proponent and local elected representatives, and oversees the quarterly audit of compensation disbursements.
3. The 2013 Act contains provisions under Section 45 for the appointment of a Social Audit unit by the Gram Sabha to monitor the implementation of the Rehabilitation and Resettlement scheme.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as Section 45 of the 2013 Act mandates the Gram Sabha to conduct a social audit of the Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) scheme to ensure transparency. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Act does not mandate a direct reporting line from a social audit unit to a State-level Monitoring Committee in the manner described. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the R&R Committee oversees the implementation of the scheme, it is not specifically tasked with a quarterly audit of compensation disbursements, and its composition and functions are governed by different sections of the Act.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit in the Public Distribution System (PDS):
1. The 2011 Supreme Court directive in the PUCL vs. Union of India case established the Social Audit Units as autonomous bodies under the direct administrative control of the Food Corporation of India.
2. The Social Audit Rules, 2017, notified by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, specify the procedure for monitoring the functioning of Fair Price Shops.
3. Section 28 of the National Food Security Act, 2013, provides for the conduct of social audits by the local bodies to ensure transparency in the distribution of food grains.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, mandates that Social Audit Units must be independent of the implementing agencies, such as the Food Corporation of India, to ensure impartiality. Statement 2 is correct as the Social Audit Rules, 2017, formulated under Section 28 of the NFSA, provide a structured framework for monitoring the PDS and Fair Price Shops. Statement 3 is correct because Section 28 of the NFSA explicitly mandates that every state government shall conduct social audits of the functioning of fair price shops, targeted public distribution system, and related welfare schemes through local bodies.
Consider the following statements regarding Participation of marginalized groups in social audit processes:
1. The National Rural Health Mission guidelines of 2005 include provisions for the Village Health and Sanitation Committee to perform quarterly social audits, which are then submitted directly to the Ministry of Finance for budgetary review.
2. The Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, launched in 2018, incorporates a digital dashboard that allows the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to verify the attendance of marginalized groups in social audit meetings through biometric authentication.
3. The Right to Information Act, 2005, contains a specific provision under Section 4(1)(b) that grants the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes the authority to conduct independent social audits of central welfare schemes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Village Health and Sanitation Committee audits are submitted to the Gram Sabha or district authorities, not the Ministry of Finance. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Gram Swaraj Abhiyan focuses on universal coverage of schemes and does not mandate biometric authentication for social audit participation. Statement 3 is incorrect because Section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act mandates proactive disclosure of information by public authorities, and it does not grant the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes the authority to conduct independent social audits.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit of Mid-Day Meal scheme implementation:
1. The Social Audit Rules of 2011, notified under the MGNREGA, provide the foundational framework for conducting social audits of the Mid-Day Meal scheme in various states.
2. The Social Audit of the Mid-Day Meal scheme is associated with the 2001 Supreme Court order in the PUCL v. Union of India case, which established the appointment of independent monitors in every block to certify meal nutritional content.
3. As per the 2015 guidelines issued by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, the Social Audit Unit is tasked with verifying the quality of food grains and the regularity of meal distribution in schools.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Ministry of Education adopted the MGNREGA Social Audit Rules, 2011 as the model framework for MDM social audits. Statement 3 is correct because the 2015 MHRD guidelines mandate Social Audit Units to verify food grain quality, safety, and the regularity of meal distribution. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the PUCL v. Union of India (2001) case mandated the implementation of the Mid-Day Meal scheme, it did not establish independent monitors for nutritional certification; instead, the 2015 guidelines formalized the social audit process through independent Social Audit Units.
Consider the following statements regarding Conflict of interest in social audit committees:
1. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011, specify that social audit committee members are selected by the Gram Sabha to ensure local oversight.
2. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India issued the Auditing Standards for Social Audit in 2017 to provide a uniform framework for evaluating government welfare schemes.
3. Section 17 of the MGNREGA Act, 2005, provides the legal framework for the conduct of social audits by the Gram Sabha to monitor the implementation of works.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2011 Rules mandate the Gram Sabha to facilitate the selection of Social Audit Unit members to ensure community-led oversight. Statement 2 is correct because the CAG issued the Auditing Standards for Social Audit in 2017 to professionalize the process and ensure accountability across welfare schemes. Statement 3 is correct as Section 17 of the MGNREGA Act, 2005, serves as the primary statutory provision that empowers the Gram Sabha to conduct regular social audits of all works implemented within the Gram Panchayat.
Consider the following statements regarding Participation of marginalized groups in social audit processes:
1. Section 17 of the MGNREGA Act, 2005, establishes the legal framework for conducting social audits by the Gram Sabha to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of public works.
2. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 introduces the Social Audit Committee as a permanent standing body within the Zila Parishad structure to oversee the participation of Scheduled Castes in local governance.
3. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011, provides for the inclusion of at least one member from a marginalized community in the social audit unit at the Gram Panchayat level.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Section 17 of the MGNREGA Act mandates the Gram Sabha to monitor the execution of works, forming the bedrock of social audits. Statement 3 is correct because the 2011 Rules explicitly mandate that Social Audit Units must include members from marginalized communities to ensure inclusive oversight. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act does not establish a 'Social Audit Committee' as a permanent standing body; social audit mechanisms were later operationalized through specific schemes and state-level rules rather than the constitutional text itself.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in social audit guidelines:
1. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 provides for the direct oversight of the CAG over the internal accounts of the Gram Sabhas to ensure the accuracy of social audit reports.
2. The National Social Audit Guidelines of 2011 established the Social Audit Units as independent bodies under the direct administrative control of the CAG office in each state.
3. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India issued the Auditing Standards for Social Audit in 2017 to provide a framework for evaluating social welfare schemes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the CAG issued the 'Auditing Standards for Social Audit' in 2017 to provide a uniform framework for assessing social welfare schemes. Statement 1 is incorrect because the 73rd Amendment empowers State Legislatures to make provisions for the maintenance and audit of Panchayat accounts, but it does not mandate direct CAG oversight over Gram Sabha internal accounts. Statement 2 is incorrect because Social Audit Units (SAUs) are established by State Governments under the MGNREGA guidelines, functioning as independent entities rather than being under the direct administrative control of the CAG office.
Consider the following statements regarding Challenges in the institutionalization of social audit at the state level:
1. The Right to Information Act, 2005, includes provisions for the establishment of a National Social Audit Council, which coordinates with the State Information Commissions to oversee the performance of welfare schemes.
2. The 14th Finance Commission report recommended the creation of a dedicated Social Audit Fund, which was subsequently operationalized by the Ministry of Finance in 2015 to provide grants directly to the Gram Sabhas.
3. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India issued the Social Audit Guidelines in 2009, which serve as the foundational document for the creation of state-level Social Audit Directorates under the Finance Commission recommendations.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because the RTI Act, 2005, does not establish a National Social Audit Council; instead, social audit provisions are primarily embedded in the MGNREGA Act, 2005. Furthermore, there is no 14th Finance Commission recommendation for a dedicated Social Audit Fund operationalized by the Ministry of Finance, and the CAG issued the 'Auditing Standards for Social Audit' in 2017, not 2009, to guide the institutionalization of social audit units.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit versus Statutory Financial Audit:
1. The Social Audit Rules of 2011 are associated with the implementation of the Right to Information Act, and they establish the procedure for the recovery of funds identified as misappropriated during public hearings.
2. The National Food Security Act, 2013, refers to the implementation of social audits through the State Food Commissions, which report their findings directly to the Ministry of Finance.
3. Social audits utilize participatory methods such as public hearings or Jan Sunwais to cross-verify physical progress reports against the actual ground-level implementation of projects.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because social audits rely on participatory tools like Jan Sunwais to bridge the gap between official records and ground-level reality. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Social Audit Rules of 2011 were notified under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), not the RTI Act. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the National Food Security Act, 2013, mandates social audits, the findings are reported to the State Government and relevant local authorities, not the Ministry of Finance.
Consider the following statements regarding Institutional framework of Social Audit Units (SAUs):
1. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India provides the annual budget allocation for Social Audit Units, and the 2011 Rules specify that audit reports are submitted directly to the Parliament.
2. The Social Audit process involves the public reading of muster rolls, bills, and vouchers during the Gram Sabha meeting to verify the actual expenditure incurred on works.
3. The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj oversees the recruitment of Social Audit Unit staff, and the 2013 amendments to the Act shifted the audit authority to the District Collector.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011, mandates the public reading of muster rolls and financial records in Gram Sabhas to ensure transparency and social accountability. Statement 1 is incorrect because the central government provides funds for SAUs, and audit reports are submitted to the State Government and the Legislature, not directly to the Parliament. Statement 3 is incorrect because SAUs are independent entities established by State Governments, and the audit authority remains with the Gram Sabha and the SAU, not the District Collector, to maintain the integrity of the process.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit as a tool for curbing corruption in welfare schemes:
1. The Meghalaya Community Participation and Public Services Social Audit Act, 2017, was the first state-level legislation in India to provide a legal framework for social audits across multiple government departments.
2. Section 17 of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, formally institutionalizes the process of social audit by the Gram Sabha.
3. Under the MGNREGA Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011, the Social Audit Unit is tasked with facilitating the verification of records and conducting public hearings at the village level.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as Meghalaya became the first state to enact the 'Meghalaya Community Participation and Public Services Social Audit Act, 2017' to institutionalize social audits across various schemes. Statement 2 is correct because Section 17 of the MGNREGA, 2005, mandates the Gram Sabha to monitor the execution of works and conduct regular social audits. Statement 3 is correct as the MGNREGA Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011, empowers independent Social Audit Units (SAUs) to facilitate record verification and public hearings to ensure transparency and accountability.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit of Anganwadi services under ICDS:
1. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, established under the 2005 Act, serves as the primary appellate authority for grievances arising from the social audit findings of Anganwadi Centres across all states.
2. The 2013 National Food Security Act links the social audit of Anganwadi services to the District Collector's office, which holds the power to impose financial penalties on Anganwadi workers based on audit reports.
3. The 2005 Right to Information Act introduced the first formal framework for social audits in India, which was later adopted by the Ministry of Human Resource Development for the Mid-Day Meal scheme in 2006.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, mandates Social Audits, and grievances are typically handled by state-level mechanisms or the District Grievance Redressal Officer, not the NCPCR as the primary appellate authority. Statement 2 is incorrect as the NFSA empowers the Social Audit Unit to conduct audits, but the power to impose penalties lies with designated departmental authorities rather than the District Collector's office directly. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, was the first legislation to legally mandate social audits, not the RTI Act, 2005.
Consider the following statements regarding Digitalization and e-social audit platforms:
1. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act introduced Article 243G, which provides for the transfer of powers to Panchayats, and the subsequent 2005 Rules established the National Social Audit Council as the primary oversight body for all central sector schemes.
2. The Social Audit Unit (SAU) in each state is tasked with the independent verification of records, and the Ministry of Rural Development provides financial assistance for these units based on the number of Gram Panchayats in the state.
3. Under the National Food Security Act, 2013, Section 28 provides for the conduct of social audits by the local authority or any other body authorized by the State Government to monitor the implementation of the Public Distribution System.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the National Social Audit Council does not exist under the 2005 Rules; social audits are mandated primarily under the MGNREGA Act, 2005, and subsequent guidelines. Statement 2 is correct as Social Audit Units (SAUs) are independent bodies established by states to verify scheme records, with the Ministry of Rural Development providing funding based on the number of Gram Panchayats. Statement 3 is correct because Section 28 of the National Food Security Act, 2013, explicitly mandates that state governments conduct social audits to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Public Distribution System.
Consider the following statements regarding Institutional framework of Social Audit Units (SAUs):
1. The Director of a Social Audit Unit is typically appointed by the State Government in consultation with the Society for Social Audit, Accountability and Transparency.
2. Social Audit Units function as independent organizations, distinct from the implementing agencies of the schemes they audit, to ensure objectivity in the verification process.
3. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011, provides the primary regulatory framework for the establishment of Social Audit Units in Indian states.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Director of the SAU is appointed by the State Government in consultation with the autonomous Society for Social Audit, Accountability and Transparency (SSAAT) to ensure independence. Statement 2 is correct because SAUs are designed as independent entities, functionally and administratively separate from the implementing departments like the Department of Rural Development, to prevent conflict of interest. Statement 3 is correct as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011, mandates states to establish independent SAUs to conduct regular social audits of MGNREGA works.
Consider the following statements regarding Legal provisions for social audit in the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act:
1. The District Collector holds the authority to finalize the Social Impact Assessment report within 30 days of receiving the expert group's recommendations, provided the project involves public-private partnerships.
2. The 2013 Act incorporates the Social Audit framework originally drafted for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, and applies these procedures to urban infrastructure projects exceeding 50 hectares.
3. Section 4 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, provides for the conduct of a Social Impact Assessment study in consultation with the concerned Gram Sabha.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because Section 4 of the 2013 Act mandates a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) study in consultation with the Gram Sabha or an equivalent body in urban areas. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Act does not grant the District Collector the authority to finalize the SIA report; instead, the report is appraised by an independent expert group, and the government makes the final decision based on those recommendations. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 2013 Act does not incorporate the MGNREGA social audit framework, nor does it apply specific social audit procedures based on a 50-hectare threshold for urban infrastructure projects.
Consider the following statements regarding Digitalization and e-social audit platforms:
1. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) issued the Social Audit Standards in 2016, which are applicable to all Centrally Sponsored Schemes and provide the legal basis for the mandatory disqualification of officials found negligent during audit proceedings.
2. The e-GramSwaraj portal, launched in 2020, serves as a unified platform for planning and accounting at the Panchayat level, and the 15th Finance Commission guidelines link the release of performance grants to the digital upload of social audit reports by the District Magistrate.
3. The Management Information System (MIS) of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin incorporates a geotagging feature for housing units, and the 2018 operational guidelines designate the Social Audit Unit as the final authority for the adjudication of financial irregularities identified during the audit.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the CAG issued Social Audit Standards in 2017, not 2016, and these standards do not provide a legal basis for the mandatory disqualification of officials. Statement 2 is incorrect because while e-GramSwaraj is a unified portal, the 15th Finance Commission guidelines do not mandate the District Magistrate to upload social audit reports for performance grants; this is primarily the responsibility of the Gram Panchayat. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Social Audit Unit facilitates the process, but it does not serve as the final adjudicating authority for financial irregularities, as that power remains vested in the designated administrative or legal authorities.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of social audits on local self-governance (Panchayati Raj):
1. The National Social Assistance Programme, launched in 1995, includes provisions for quarterly social audits conducted by the Block Development Officer to ensure the direct transfer of benefits to elderly beneficiaries.
2. The Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, initiated in 2018, encompasses a framework for the digital submission of social audit findings to the Union Finance Commission for the release of performance-based grants.
3. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 provides for the creation of a District Social Audit Committee in every state to review the annual financial reports of the Zila Parishads.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because social audits in India are primarily community-led processes, not conducted by Block Development Officers as claimed in Statement 1. Statement 2 is false as the Gram Swaraj Abhiyan is a saturation drive for welfare schemes rather than a mechanism for submitting audit findings to the Finance Commission. Finally, Statement 3 is incorrect because the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act does not mandate the creation of District Social Audit Committees; instead, social audits are institutionalized under specific laws like MGNREGA, which emphasizes Gram Sabha-led oversight rather than district-level administrative review.
Consider the following statements regarding Community-based monitoring and grievance redressal mechanisms:
1. The Performance Audit Guidelines of 2014, issued by the NITI Aayog, provide for the mandatory inclusion of civil society members in the internal audit committees of all Union Ministries.
2. The National Food Security Act, 2013, refers to the role of the State Food Commission, which functions as the central agency for conducting social audits of the Public Distribution System.
3. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, encompasses the framework for the Social Audit Units, which report directly to the office of the Lokpal regarding local-level corruption in state schemes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Performance Audit Guidelines were not issued by NITI Aayog for mandatory civil society inclusion in internal audit committees. Statement 2 is incorrect as the National Food Security Act, 2013, mandates social audits to be conducted by local bodies or gram sabhas, while the State Food Commission acts as an appellate authority rather than the primary auditing agency. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, focuses on investigating corruption allegations against public servants and does not establish or govern the administrative framework of Social Audit Units, which are primarily mandated under schemes like MGNREGA.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY):
1. In the PMAY-G scheme, the verification of the Permanent Wait List (PWL) is conducted by the Gram Sabha to ensure transparency in the selection of beneficiaries for house construction.
2. The 2005 Right to Information Act serves as the legal basis for the PMAY social audit, and it provides for the direct appointment of independent auditors by the District Collector.
3. The AwaasSoft portal provides for real-time geo-tagging of assets, and its data is verified by the Comptroller and Auditor General through an automated monthly social audit report.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Gram Sabha plays a pivotal role in verifying the Permanent Wait List (PWL) under PMAY-G to ensure transparency and prevent inclusion errors. Statement 2 is incorrect because the social audit framework for PMAY-G is derived from the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA guidelines and state-specific rules, not the RTI Act, and auditors are not appointed by the District Collector. Statement 3 is incorrect because while AwaasSoft uses geo-tagging for monitoring, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) does not conduct automated monthly social audits; social audits are instead conducted by community-based organizations or local committees at the village level.
Consider the following statements regarding Community-based monitoring and grievance redressal mechanisms:
1. The Meghalaya Community Participation and Public Services Social Audit Act, 2017, represents the first state-level legislation in India to institutionalize social audits across various government programs.
2. The Social Audit Rules, 2011, notified by the Ministry of Rural Development, outline the procedures for facilitating the Gram Sabha to monitor the implementation of the MGNREGA.
3. Section 17 of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, provides for the conduct of social audits of all works taken up under the scheme by the Gram Sabha.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as Meghalaya became the first state in India to pass this legislation in 2017 to ensure transparency and accountability in government schemes. Statement 2 is correct because the Social Audit Rules, 2011, provide the legal framework for Gram Sabhas to conduct audits of MGNREGA works, while Statement 3 is correct as Section 17 of the MGNREGA Act explicitly mandates the Gram Sabha to conduct regular social audits of all projects implemented under the scheme. As all three statements accurately reflect the legal and procedural framework of social audits in India, there are no incorrect statements.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in social audit guidelines:
1. The CAG serves as the chairperson of the Social Audit Advisory Body, which provides technical guidance on the methodology for assessing the outcomes of public expenditure.
2. Article 149 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Parliament to prescribe the duties and powers of the CAG, which includes the oversight of audit procedures for decentralized governance programs.
3. In 2016, the Ministry of Rural Development notified the Social Audit Rules, which formalize the procedure for conducting social audits under the MGNREGA framework.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the CAG chairs the Social Audit Advisory Body established to frame auditing standards for social sector schemes. Statement 2 is correct because Article 149 empowers Parliament to define CAG's duties, which encompasses the audit of accounts related to decentralized bodies like Panchayati Raj Institutions under the CAG (DPC) Act, 1971. Statement 3 is correct because the Ministry of Rural Development notified the MGNREGA Audit of Schemes Rules in 2011, which were further strengthened in 2016 to mandate independent social audit units for ensuring transparency and accountability.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit in the implementation of the Forest Rights Act:
1. The National Forest Policy of 1988 established the framework for community-based monitoring, which the 2006 Act adopted to facilitate social audits by the State Forest Department.
2. Rule 13 of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Rules, 2007, details the process for the Gram Sabha to conduct social audits of the forest rights committees.
3. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs issued guidelines in 2013 emphasizing that the Gram Sabha is the primary authority to initiate the process of social audit for the verification of forest land claims.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the National Forest Policy of 1988 focuses on environmental stability and ecological balance, not community-based monitoring or social audits for the Forest Rights Act. Statement 2 is correct as Rule 13 of the 2007 Rules explicitly mandates the Gram Sabha to constitute Forest Rights Committees and oversee their functioning, which inherently includes social audit functions. Statement 3 is correct because the Ministry of Tribal Affairs' 2013 guidelines reinforce the Gram Sabha's role as the primary authority for initiating and verifying forest rights claims through a transparent, community-led process.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit of Mid-Day Meal scheme implementation:
1. The 2004 National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education allows the School Management Committee to outsource the audit process to private chartered accounting firms to ensure transparency in expenditure.
2. The 2012 guidelines for the Mid-Day Meal scheme include provisions for the involvement of local NGOs in the audit process, and these organizations submit their findings directly to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
3. The Mid-Day Meal scheme is associated with the 1995 launch date, and the subsequent 2008 revision of the scheme introduced the requirement for mandatory biometric verification of students during every social audit session.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because the social audit of the Mid-Day Meal scheme is primarily conducted by the community, Gram Sabhas, and local bodies rather than private chartered accountants or NGOs reporting to the CAG. Statement 1 is false as the scheme mandates community-led monitoring, not outsourcing to private firms; Statement 2 is false because findings are submitted to local authorities and the State/District level monitoring committees, not directly to the CAG; and Statement 3 is false as there is no provision for mandatory biometric verification during social audit sessions.
Consider the following statements regarding Capacity building of civil society organizations for social audits:
1. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) issued the Auditing Standards for Social Audit in 2017 to provide a standardized framework for civil society organizations and social audit units.
2. Under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), the capacity building of Community Resource Persons (CRPs) is supported by the Ministry of Rural Development to enhance local-level social accountability.
3. The 2009 Right to Education Act provides for the School Management Committees to conduct biannual social audits, and these reports are submitted directly to the Ministry of Human Resource Development for national-level consolidation.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the CAG issued the Auditing Standards for Social Audit in 2017 to provide a uniform framework for conducting social audits across various schemes. Statement 2 is correct because the Ministry of Rural Development actively supports the capacity building of Community Resource Persons under NRLM to strengthen grassroots accountability. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the Right to Education Act mandates School Management Committees to monitor school performance, it does not require biannual social audits to be submitted directly to the Ministry for national-level consolidation.
Consider the following statements regarding Legal provisions for social audit in the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act:
1. Under the 2013 Act, the expert group evaluating the Social Impact Assessment report includes at least two non-official social scientists and two representatives of the affected families.
2. The 2013 Act allows for the exemption of Social Impact Assessment studies for projects related to national security, a provision that mirrors the land acquisition protocols established in the Land Acquisition Act of 1894.
3. Section 11 of the 2013 Act refers to the publication of the preliminary notification for land acquisition, which triggers the automatic dissolution of the Social Audit committee established during the initial survey phase.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct because Section 7 of the 2013 Act mandates that the expert group evaluating the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) must include at least two non-official social scientists and two representatives of the affected families. Statement 2 is incorrect because, while the 2013 Act allows for SIA exemptions in urgent cases, it does not mirror the 1894 Act, which lacked any formal SIA requirement. Statement 3 is incorrect because Section 11 pertains to the preliminary notification for land acquisition, but it does not contain any provision for the dissolution of a social audit committee; in fact, the Act emphasizes continuous oversight throughout the acquisition process.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit as a tool for curbing corruption in welfare schemes:
1. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India issued the Auditing Standards for Social Audit in 2017 to provide a uniform framework for conducting social audits of welfare schemes.
2. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 introduced Article 243G, which empowers the Gram Sabha to conduct annual social audits of the accounts of the National Rural Health Mission.
3. The National Food Security Act, 2013, includes provisions under Section 28 for the internal grievance redressal mechanisms and social audits to ensure transparency in the Public Distribution System.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the CAG issued the 'Auditing Standards for Social Audit' in 2017 to provide a standardized framework for social audits. Statement 3 is correct because Section 28 of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, mandates social audits to ensure transparency and accountability in the PDS. Statement 2 is incorrect because while Article 243G empowers Gram Sabhas to perform functions related to economic and social development, it does not specifically mandate social audits for the National Rural Health Mission; such audits are typically governed by specific scheme guidelines like those under MGNREGA.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY):
1. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) framework incorporates social audit through the Gram Sabha to verify the eligibility of beneficiaries and the quality of construction.
2. The Ministry of Rural Development issued a specific social audit manual in 2017 to standardize the procedure for verifying the physical progress of housing units under PMAY-G.
3. As per the PMAY-G guidelines, the social audit process is facilitated by the Social Audit Unit (SAU) established under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: PMAY-G mandates Gram Sabhas to conduct social audits to ensure transparency in beneficiary selection and construction quality. In 2017, the Ministry of Rural Development released a dedicated Social Audit Manual to provide a standardized framework for monitoring physical progress. Furthermore, the institutional mechanism for these audits is linked to the Social Audit Units (SAUs) already established under the MGNREGA framework, ensuring a consistent approach to grassroots accountability.
Consider the following statements regarding Accountability and Transparency under the Right to Information Act:
1. Section 4(1)(b) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, outlines the seventeen categories of information that public authorities are obligated to publish proactively.
2. The Public Records Act, 1993, governs the management of government documents and provides the legal basis for the transfer of records older than thirty years to the National Archives of India.
3. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, was the first national legislation to provide a statutory framework for social audits in India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act mandates public authorities to proactively disclose seventeen categories of information to ensure transparency. Statement 3 is correct because MGNREGA, 2005, was indeed the first act to provide a statutory framework for social audits, mandating them for all works under the scheme. Statement 2 is incorrect because, while the Public Records Act, 1993, governs record management, it mandates the transfer of records older than twenty-five years, not thirty years, to the National Archives of India.
Consider the following statements regarding Gram Sabha's role in social audit under MGNREGA:
1. The Social Audit Accountability Framework of 2011 allows the Block Development Officer to appoint the members of the Social Audit Committee, who then present their findings to the Gram Sabha for a final vote of confidence.
2. The 2005 Act encompasses the role of the State Employment Guarantee Council in conducting biannual social audits, which are subsequently reviewed by the Gram Sabha to ensure financial compliance with the Reserve Bank of India norms.
3. Under the MGNREGA operational guidelines, the Gram Sabha is empowered to review the findings of the social audit report and suggest corrective actions to the concerned Programme Officer.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because, under the MGNREGA Audit of Schemes Rules (2011), the Gram Sabha is mandated to discuss the social audit report and ensure the implementation of corrective actions by the Programme Officer. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Social Audit Unit (SAU), which is independent of the implementing agency (BDO), is responsible for facilitating the social audit process, not the BDO. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Act mandates social audits to be conducted by the Gram Sabha itself at least once every six months, and there is no provision for the State Employment Guarantee Council to conduct these audits or for the RBI to oversee compliance at this level.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit versus Statutory Financial Audit:
1. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 includes provisions for the establishment of the National Social Audit Council to oversee the fiscal discipline of Panchayati Raj institutions.
2. The CAG's DPC Act of 1971 encompasses the authority to conduct performance audits, and under Section 19, it provides for the automatic conversion of social audit findings into statutory financial reports.
3. The Meghalaya Community Participation and Public Services Social Audit Act, 2017, represents the first state-level legislation in India to institutionalize social audits across multiple government departments.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as Meghalaya became the first state in India to enact the Community Participation and Public Services Social Audit Act in 2017 to institutionalize social audits across various departments. Statement 1 is incorrect because the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act does not mandate a National Social Audit Council, nor is such a body established under it. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the CAG's DPC Act of 1971 empowers the CAG to conduct performance audits, there is no provision in the Act for the automatic conversion of social audit findings into statutory financial reports.
Consider the following statements regarding Conflict of interest in social audit committees:
1. The National Social Audit Council, established under the 2005 MGNREGA framework, serves as the final appellate authority for resolving conflicts of interest reported during village-level audit proceedings.
2. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act provides for the establishment of the District Planning Committee, which oversees the annual social audit reports submitted by the Gram Panchayats.
3. The Right to Information Act, 2005, includes provisions for the mandatory disclosure of social audit findings on the central government's public portal within thirty days of the completion of the audit process.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the MGNREGA Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011, mandates the establishment of a Social Audit Unit (SAU) independent of the implementing agency, not a 'National Social Audit Council' as the appellate authority. Statement 2 is incorrect as the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (Article 243ZD) empowers District Planning Committees to consolidate plans, but it does not mandate them to oversee social audit reports, which are governed by specific state-level audit rules. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the RTI Act promotes transparency, the mandatory disclosure of social audit findings is governed by the MGNREGA Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011, which specifies different timelines and procedural frameworks for report publication rather than a blanket RTI provision.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit in the implementation of the Forest Rights Act:
1. The 2007 Rules allow the State Level Monitoring Committee to conduct social audits of the Gram Sabha's claim registers to ensure compliance with the compensatory afforestation targets.
2. The 2013 Guidelines for the implementation of the Forest Rights Act introduced the concept of the 'Social Audit Cell' at the block level, which oversees the functioning of the Forest Rights Committee.
3. Under the 2012 amendment to the Forest Rights Rules, the Gram Sabha is authorized to maintain a register of forest rights, which serves as a baseline document for subsequent social audits.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because the 2012 Amendment to the Forest Rights Rules mandated the Gram Sabha to maintain a 'Register of Forest Rights' as a primary record for monitoring. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Forest Rights Act (FRA) focuses on individual and community rights, not compensatory afforestation targets, which are governed by the CAMPA Act. Statement 2 is incorrect because the FRA framework empowers the Gram Sabha as the primary authority for oversight, and there is no provision for a 'Social Audit Cell' at the block level under the 2013 guidelines.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit of Anganwadi services under ICDS:
1. The Gram Panchayat is designated as the nodal agency for conducting social audits under the 2013 Act, and it submits the final audit findings directly to the NITI Aayog for national-level monitoring.
2. The 2017 Social Audit Guidelines were formulated following the Supreme Court's directive in the PUCL v. Union of India case, which focused on the universalization of the ICDS program in urban slums.
3. As per the 2018 operational guidelines, the Social Audit report of an Anganwadi Centre is expected to be placed before the Gram Sabha for discussion and subsequent display on the notice board.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the 2018 guidelines mandate that Social Audit reports be placed before the Gram Sabha for public scrutiny and displayed on notice boards to ensure transparency. Statement 1 is incorrect because social audits for ICDS are governed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, and findings are submitted to the State/District level, not directly to NITI Aayog. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 2017 Social Audit Guidelines were mandated by the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, rather than the PUCL v. Union of India case, which primarily addressed the Right to Food and the implementation of mid-day meals.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit of Anganwadi services under ICDS:
1. The Social Audit Guidelines for ICDS, issued by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2017, emphasize the role of the Gram Sabha in reviewing the quality of supplementary nutrition provided at Anganwadi Centres.
2. The Social Audit process for Anganwadi services involves the verification of records against the actual number of beneficiaries present during the physical inspection conducted by the local community members.
3. Under the National Food Security Act, 2013, Section 28 provides for the establishment of social audit mechanisms to monitor the implementation of schemes including the Integrated Child Development Services.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct. The 2017 Social Audit Guidelines mandate Gram Sabhas to monitor Anganwadi service delivery, including the quality and quantity of supplementary nutrition. The process involves a participatory verification of records against actual beneficiary attendance to ensure transparency and accountability. Furthermore, Section 28 of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, legally mandates social audits for all schemes under the Act, including the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), to ensure public oversight.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit in the implementation of the Forest Rights Act:
1. The 2006 Act provides for the establishment of a District Level Committee, which conducts quarterly social audits of the forest rights records maintained by the Sub-Divisional Level Committee.
2. The 1927 Indian Forest Act includes provisions for the periodic social audit of forest settlements, and these mechanisms were incorporated into the 2006 Act to ensure administrative continuity.
3. The Forest Rights Act of 2006 empowers the Gram Sabha to monitor the implementation of forest rights and ensure that the process of recognizing claims is transparent.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 empowers the Gram Sabha as the primary authority to initiate, process, and monitor the recognition of forest rights, ensuring transparency in the claim-making process. Statement 1 is incorrect because the FRA does not mandate quarterly social audits by the District Level Committee; instead, it tasks the Gram Sabha with the oversight of forest management. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Indian Forest Act, 1927, is a colonial-era legislation focused on state control and timber extraction, containing no provisions for social audits, which were introduced as a democratic accountability mechanism only in post-independence statutes.
Consider the following statements regarding Challenges in the institutionalization of social audit at the state level:
1. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011, provides the primary legal framework for the conduct of social audits by the Gram Sabhas.
2. Section 17 of the MGNREGA Act, 2005, confers the responsibility of conducting regular social audits of all projects implemented by the Gram Panchayat to the Gram Sabha.
3. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, introduced the concept of social audit in Article 243G, which empowers the state legislatures to devolve powers to Panchayats for monitoring local development.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2011 Rules provide the mandatory legal procedure for conducting social audits under MGNREGA. Statement 2 is correct because Section 17 of the MGNREGA Act explicitly mandates the Gram Sabha to monitor the execution of works and conduct regular social audits. Statement 3 is incorrect because while Article 243G empowers Panchayats to prepare plans for economic development and social justice, it does not explicitly introduce or define the concept of 'social audit', which was later institutionalized through specific statutory provisions like the MGNREGA Act.
Consider the following statements regarding Participation of marginalized groups in social audit processes:
1. The Public Distribution System Control Order of 2001 includes a clause that permits the Vigilance Committee to bypass the Gram Sabha if the local population fails to achieve a 50 percent attendance threshold during the audit process.
2. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India issued the Social Audit Standards in 2017, which provide for the mandatory presence of a district-level magistrate during the verification of records in tribal-dominated blocks.
3. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin framework provides for the Social Audit Unit to receive funding directly from the State Finance Commission, ensuring that audit reports are published in the local gazette within 30 days of completion.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because the PDS Control Order of 2001 mandates Gram Sabha involvement without such bypass clauses, the CAG issued Social Audit Standards in 2017 but they do not require a district magistrate's presence for record verification, and the PMAY-G framework does not mandate funding from the State Finance Commission or gazette publication within 30 days.
Consider the following statements regarding Conflict of interest in social audit committees:
1. The Meghalaya Community Participation and Public Services Social Audit Act, 2017, represents the first state-level legislation in India to institutionalize social audits across various government departments.
2. The Ministry of Rural Development guidelines suggest that at least 50 percent of the members of a social audit committee should be beneficiaries of the scheme being audited.
3. Under the 2011 Rules, the Social Audit Unit is an independent organization tasked with facilitating the audit process, distinct from the implementing agency of the state government.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as Meghalaya became the first state in India to pass the Community Participation and Public Services Social Audit Act in 2017 to mandate social audits. Statement 2 is correct because, under the MGNREGA Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011, at least 50 percent of the social audit committee members must be beneficiaries of the scheme to ensure grassroots accountability. Statement 3 is correct as the 2011 Rules mandate the establishment of an independent Social Audit Unit (SAU) separate from the implementing agency to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure objective oversight.
Consider the following statements regarding Accountability and Transparency under the Right to Information Act:
1. The Central Information Commission consists of one Chief Information Commissioner and up to ten Information Commissioners appointed by the President of India.
2. Under the Right to Information Rules, 2012, the prescribed fee for filing an application for information is ten rupees, payable by way of cash, demand draft, or banker's cheque.
3. The Social Audit Unit is an independent organization, often registered as a society, responsible for facilitating the conduct of audits at the Gram Panchayat level under MGNREGA guidelines.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as per Section 12 of the RTI Act, 2005, which mandates the appointment of one Chief Information Commissioner and up to ten Information Commissioners by the President. Statement 2 is correct under the RTI Rules, 2012, which set the application fee at ten rupees payable via cash, demand draft, or banker's cheque. Statement 3 is correct because the Social Audit Unit (SAU) is an independent body established by State Governments, as mandated by the MGNREGA Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011, to ensure transparency and accountability at the grassroots level.
Consider the following statements regarding Institutional framework of Social Audit Units (SAUs):
1. Section 17 of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, confers the responsibility of conducting regular social audits upon the Gram Sabha.
2. Funding for the operational expenses of Social Audit Units is provided by the Ministry of Rural Development under the administrative cost component of the MGNREGA budget.
3. The Social Audit Unit is tasked with facilitating the training of Village Social Audit Facilitators who assist the Gram Sabha in the examination of scheme records.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Section 17 of the MGNREGA 2005 mandates the Gram Sabha to conduct regular social audits of all projects, making statement 1 correct. Statement 2 is correct as the Ministry of Rural Development provides 100% funding for SAUs under the administrative cost component to ensure their independence from the implementing agencies. Statement 3 is correct because SAUs are specifically mandated under the MGNREGA Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011, to identify, train, and deploy Village Social Audit Facilitators to assist the Gram Sabha in verifying records and conducting public hearings.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in social audit guidelines:
1. The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act of 2003 includes provisions that link the release of central grants to the submission of social audit reports certified by the CAG.
2. Section 17 of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, empowers the Gram Sabha to conduct regular social audits of all projects implemented within the Gram Panchayat.
3. The CAG's Auditing Standards for Social Audit define the role of the auditor as an independent facilitator who assists the Gram Sabha in verifying the physical and financial progress of works.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the FRBM Act, 2003 focuses on fiscal discipline and debt management, not social audit reporting or CAG certification of central grants. Statement 2 is correct as Section 17 of the MGNREGA, 2005 mandates the Gram Sabha to monitor the execution of works through regular social audits to ensure transparency and accountability. Statement 3 is correct because the CAG's 'Auditing Standards for Social Audit' (2017) explicitly frame the social auditor as an independent facilitator tasked with assisting the Gram Sabha in verifying both financial records and physical implementation of projects.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit as a tool for curbing corruption in welfare schemes:
1. The Ministry of Rural Development launched the Social Audit Action Plan in 2016 to improve the compliance of states with the statutory requirements of conducting regular social audits.
2. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin guidelines incorporate social audit as a mandatory component to verify the eligibility of beneficiaries and the quality of construction at the habitation level.
3. In the state of Andhra Pradesh, the Society for Social Audit, Accountability and Transparency was established as an independent body to conduct audits of various welfare programs.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Ministry of Rural Development introduced the Social Audit Action Plan in 2016 to enforce Section 17 of the MGNREGA Act, ensuring mandatory social audits. Statement 2 is correct because the PMAY-G guidelines explicitly mandate social audits at the Gram Sabha level to ensure transparency in beneficiary selection and construction quality. Statement 3 is correct as Andhra Pradesh pioneered the institutionalization of social audits by establishing the Society for Social Audit, Accountability and Transparency (SSAAT) as an independent body to conduct audits across various welfare schemes.
Consider the following statements regarding Social audit of Mid-Day Meal scheme implementation:
1. The National Food Security Act of 2013 encompasses the mechanism of grievance redressal cells, and these cells function as the primary authority for conducting annual social audits of school kitchens.
2. The 2017 amendment to the Mid-Day Meal guidelines refers to the role of the Gram Sabha in monitoring the scheme, and this body holds the legal power to impose financial penalties on contractors for food quality lapses.
3. The Mid-Day Meal Rules of 2006 include provisions for the formation of a district-level social audit committee headed by the District Magistrate, which oversees the procurement of cooking oil and pulses.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because social audits under the NFSA, 2013 are conducted by the Gram Sabha or local bodies, not by grievance redressal cells. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Gram Sabha monitors the scheme but lacks the legal authority to impose financial penalties, which remains an administrative function of the government. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Mid-Day Meal Rules, 2006 do not mandate a district-level social audit committee headed by the District Magistrate for procurement oversight; instead, the guidelines emphasize decentralized monitoring and community-based social audits.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of social audits on local self-governance (Panchayati Raj):
1. The Social Audit Rules, 2011, notified by the Ministry of Rural Development, outline the procedures for the Gram Sabha to monitor the implementation of schemes at the village level.
2. Section 17 of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, provides for the regular conduct of social audits of all projects implemented by the Gram Panchayat.
3. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India issued the Auditing Standards for Social Audit in 2017 to standardize the evaluation of public service delivery in rural local bodies.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee (Audit of Schemes) Rules, 2011, mandate Gram Sabhas to monitor scheme implementation. Statement 2 is correct because Section 17 of the MGNREGA, 2005, legally mandates the Gram Sabha to conduct regular social audits of all projects implemented by the Gram Panchayat. Statement 3 is correct as the CAG of India issued the Auditing Standards for Social Audit in 2017 to provide a uniform framework for assessing the transparency and accountability of public service delivery in rural governance.
Consider the following statements regarding Accountability and Transparency under the Right to Information Act:
1. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India issued the Social Audit Standards in 2017, which apply to the financial reporting of all non-governmental organizations receiving government grants.
2. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission report on 'Right to Information: Master Key to Good Governance' recommended that the tenure of Information Commissioners be fixed at five years to ensure institutional continuity.
3. The Right to Information Act, 2005, replaced the Freedom of Information Act, 2002, and introduced the provision for a mandatory three-tier appellate structure for all public sector undertakings.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the CAG issued the Social Audit Standards in 2017 specifically for social audit of government schemes, not for the financial reporting of NGOs. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Second ARC recommended a fixed tenure of five years for Information Commissioners, but the RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019, empowered the Central Government to prescribe the term of office, removing the fixed five-year statutory tenure. Statement 3 is incorrect because the RTI Act, 2005, provides for a two-tier appellate structure (First Appellate Authority and Information Commission), not a three-tier structure.