Panchayati Raj

 

Three Levels of Panchayats

Panchayati Raj System is a process through which people participate in their own government. In rural areas, the Gram Panchayat- the first tier or level of democratic government. The Panchs and the Gram Panchayat-answerable to the Gram Sabha as it are the members of the Gram Sabha who elected them.

The Panch and the Gram Panchayat are accountable to the Gram Sabha because they were elected by the members of the Gram Sabha.

This concept of citizen participation in the Panchayati Raj system extends to two additional levels.

 The idea of people’s participation in the Panchayati Raj system extends to two other levels. One is the Block level, called the Janpad Panchayat or the Panchayat Samiti with many Gram Panchayats under it. Block panchayats are responsible for providing services such as sanitation, healthcare, education, and infrastructure in the specific Gram panchayats under them . They also manage important departments like finance, public works, health, education, and IT.

Above the Panchayat Samiti is the District Panchayat or the Zila Parishad, which actually makes developmental plans at the district level. With the help of Panchayat Samitis, it regulates the money distribution among all the Gram Panchayats. Each state in the country has its own laws with regard to Panchayats. The idea is to provide more and more space for people to participate and raise their voices.

Gram Sabha

A meeting of all adults (18 years or more) who live in the area covered by a panchayat.

This could be one village or more than one villages.

Anyone, who has a voting right, is a member of the Gram Sabha.

Functions of Grama Sabha

The Gram Sabha is a key factor in making the Gram Panchayat play its role and be responsible.

 It is the place where all plans for the work of the Gram Panchayat are placed before the people.

 The Gram Sabha prevents the Panchayat from doing wrong things like misusing money or favouring certain people. 

It plays an important role in keeping an eye on the elected representatives and in making them responsible to the persons who elected them

Gram Panchayat
It is the executive wing of the Grama Sabha.

Every village panchayat is divided into wards, smaller areas.

Each ward elects a representative who is known as the Ward Member (Panch). 

 All the members of the Gram Sabha also elect a Sarpanch who is the Panchayat President. 

The Ward Panchs and the Sarpanch form the Gram Panchayat.

The Gram Panchayat is elected for five years. 

The Gram Panchayat has a Secretary who is also the Secretary of the Gram Sabha. 

This person is not an elected person but is appointed by the government. 

Functions of Gram Panchayat

Organizes Village Projects: Plans and starts local development activities.

Manages Village Funds: Handles and spends money for village needs.

Improves Facilities: Works on building roads, schools, and water supply.

Provides Services: Offers services like health care and education.

Handles Issues: Resolves problems and listens to villagers' concerns.

Ensures Cleanliness: Takes care of sanitation and waste management.

Execute (carry out) government schemes related to local development.

Sources of funds for the Panchayat 

‰ Collection of taxes on houses, market places etc. 

‰ Government scheme funds received through various departments of the government – through the Janpad and Zila Panchayats. 

‰ Donations for community works etc.

Roles of Panchayat Secretary

Plans and attends village government meetings.

Handles the village funds and budget.

Helps carry out local development projects.

Maintains important documents and records.

Addresses villagers' concerns and provides information.

Works with other government offices to get support for the village.