Government Close to Home
Panchayati Raj
Name the three tiers of the Panchayati Raj system, say who the Gram Sabha and the Sarpanch are and who assists them, and describe what these institutions are for.
Government reaches furthest down at the local level. In rural India that local government is the Panchayat — a village council. Panchayats bring governance closer to the people, making it possible for them to take an active part in decision-making, which is why the Panchayat system, also known as Panchayati Raj, is called a form of self-government. It addresses local issues, promotes development, and sees that the benefits of government schemes reach the grassroots level.
Three tiers, from the bottom up
The system works at three levels. At the village level is the Gram Panchayat; at the block level, the Panchayat Samiti (also called the Block Panchayat or Mandal Parishad); at the district level, the Zila Parishad. That is what a three-tier system means. Between them their responsibilities cover agriculture, housing, roads, water resources, education, health care, social welfare and cultural activities.
Have a play
The three-tier system, drawn as the chapter draws it.
Tap any part of the picture.
Who does what in a village
The Gram Sabha is the group of adults from a village, or a group of neighbouring villages, who are enrolled as voters. It is where women and men discuss matters related to their area and take decisions — and it elects the members of the Gram Panchayat directly. The Gram Panchayat in turn elects its own head or president, called the Sarpanch or Pradhan. In recent years more and more women have become Sarpanchs.
Worked example
A village's main road is damaged by heavy rain and its primary school needs repair. Who deals with that, and how?
The Gram Sabha meets — the adults of the village who are enrolled as voters — and the matter is discussed there.
The chapter's point about a Panchayat is that the people affected are in the room. Nobody has to travel to the State or national capital for a damaged road.
Try it together
Now meet the people who keep a Gram Panchayat running.
Two officers assist the Gram Panchayat, and each has a distinct job.
1.One of them performs administrative functions such as calling meetings and maintaining records. What is that officer called? Two words, beginning with Panchayat.
Have a go
Your turn: which ancient text of governance, written by Kauṭilya some 2,300 years ago, sets out an administrative structure running from the village up to the regional capital?
Hint: Kauṭilya was later also known as Chāṇakya, and the text covers the economy and the duties of a ruler as well.
Ready to practise?
Eight questions on what you have just read. Nothing is timed, and you can play as many times as you like.