Answer: B

Explanation:

In 1985, the Planning Commission constituted a committee under the chairmanship of G.V.K. Rao for the administrative arrangements of the Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation Programme. The committee came to the conclusion that the development process has become bureaucratic and disconnected from Panchayat Raj. This process of bureaucratization, as opposed to democratization of development administration, led to the weakening of Panchayati Raj institutions and resulted in them being called 'rootless grass'. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The word 'secular' was added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1976. The word secular in the Constitution of India means that all religions in India receive equal respect, protection and support from the state. Through this amendment, three new words – 'Socialist', 'Secular' and 'Integrity' were added to the Preamble. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

The Supreme Court of India had said in the Berubari Union case in 1960 that the Preamble of the Constitution is not an integral part of the Constitution. The court had said that the Preamble is the key to the mind of the makers, but it cannot be considered a part of the Constitution. Therefore, it cannot be enforced in a court of law. however, this view was later overturned in the "Kesavananda Bharati" case which established that the Preamble is indeed part of the Constitution. Hence, option (a) is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was constituted by amending Article 338 of the Constitution and inserting a new Article 338A. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

This amendment came into effect from 19 February 2004 under the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes monitors the implementation of various safeguards provided for the Scheduled Tribes. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

The structure of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes includes the Chairman, Vice Chairman and three other members. The President appoints these members by warrant under his hand and seal. At least one of the members must be a woman. The Chairman, Vice-Chairman and other members are elected for a term of three years. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Basically, there is no provision in the Constitution of India regarding a special officer for linguistic minority groups. Later the States Reorganization Commission (1953-55) made recommendations in this regard. According to the Seventh Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956, Article 350-B was added to Part XVII of the Constitution. Hence, option (c) is correct.