NCERT Class 10 Political Science — Chapter 1: Federalism

mcqeasy

Which statement correctly describes the position of the Mayor in an urban local body?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe Mayor is an appointed official of the State Government.
BThe Mayor has no executive powers.
CThe Mayor is the political head of a Municipal Corporation.
DThe Mayor is the head of the Gram Panchayat.

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is The Mayor is the political head of a Municipal Corporation..

Explanation

Under the framework of Urban Local Self-Government in India (formalized by the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act), the Municipal Corporation is the administrative body for larger urban areas. Its structure comprises a Council, Standing Committees, and a Municipal Commissioner.

The Mayor is the political head of a Municipal Corporation. is Correct: The Mayor is the political head of the Municipal Corporation. He/she presides over the meetings of the Council and is considered the First Citizen of the city.
The Mayor is an appointed official of the State Government. is Incorrect: The official appointed by the State Government is the Municipal Commissioner. The Commissioner acts as the Chief Executive Officer responsible for the implementation of the Council's decisions. The Mayor is an elected representative (elected either directly by the people or indirectly by the councilors).
The Mayor is the head of the Gram Panchayat. is Incorrect: The head of a Gram Panchayat is the Sarpanch or Pradhan. The Mayor is exclusively associated with the Municipal Corporation in urban areas.
The Mayor has no executive powers. is Incorrect: While the executive authority largely rests with the Municipal Commissioner in the administrative sphere, the Mayor is not devoid of powers. The Mayor presides over the Council meetings and serves as the medium of communication between the Corporation and the State Government.

Key Takeaway: In the structure of a Municipal Corporation, the Mayor is the elected political head and presiding officer, while the Municipal Commissioner is the state-appointed administrative head.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Federalism

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Consider the following statements regarding the creation of Linguistic States in India: 1. The original Constitution of India explicitly prohibited the formation of states on a linguistic basis. 2. The Central Government initially resisted the idea, fearing national disintegration. 3. Experience has shown that linguistic states have actually made the country more united. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following sets of States was created primarily to recognize differences based on culture, ethnicity, or geography rather than language?

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With regard to India's Language Policy, consider the following statements: 1. The Constitution of India declares Hindi as the National Language. 2. Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognized as Scheduled Languages. 3. States are not permitted to have their own official languages. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the "Concurrent List": 1. It includes subjects of purely local importance such as public health and sanitation. 2. Both the Parliament and the State Legislatures can frame laws on the subjects mentioned in this list. 3. It includes matters such as marriage, adoption, and succession. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is The Mayor is the political head of a Municipal Corporation..

Explanation

The Mayor is the political head of a Municipal Corporation. is Correct: The Mayor is the political head of the Municipal Corporation. He/she presides over the meetings of the Council and is considered the First Citizen of the city.
The Mayor is an appointed official of the State Government. is Incorrect: The official appointed by the State Government is the Municipal Commissioner. The Commissioner acts as the Chief Executive Officer responsible for the implementation of the Council's decisions. The Mayor is an elected representative (elected either directly by the people or indirectly by the councilors).
The Mayor is the head of the Gram Panchayat. is Incorrect: The head of a Gram Panchayat is the Sarpanch or Pradhan. The Mayor is exclusively associated with the Municipal Corporation in urban areas.
The Mayor has no executive powers. is Incorrect: While the executive authority largely rests with the Municipal Commissioner in the administrative sphere, the Mayor is not devoid of powers. The Mayor presides over the Council meetings and serves as the medium of communication between the Corporation and the State Government.