Panchayati Raj

A meeting of all adults who live in the area covered by a Panchayat (one or more villages). Anyone who is 18 years or more and has the right to vote is a member.

The elected committee that works for the village. It implements development programmes. It is answerable to the Gram Sabha.

The Panchayat President. He/She is elected by the ward members (Punchs).

Every village Panchayat is divided into wards (smaller areas). Each ward elects a representative known as the Ward Member or Punch.

He is not elected but appointed by the government. He is responsible for calling the meetings of the Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat and keeping a record of the proceedings.

Villagers discussed the water problem. They talked about deepening the handpump, cleaning the well, and watershed development (building check dams). They also discussed the BPL list.

Collection of taxes on houses/market places. Government scheme funds received through Janpad/Zila Panchayats. Donations for community work.

The Panchayati Raj System extends to two other levels. 1. Gram Panchayat (Village). 2. Panchayat Samiti / Janpad Panchayat (Block). 3. Zila Parishad (District).

It makes developmental plans at the district level. With the help of Panchayat Samitis, it regulates the money distribution among all the Gram Panchayats.

Below Poverty Line list. Gram Sabha approves the list. It helps identify families that need government assistance.

The Gram Sabha prevents the Panchayat from doing wrong things like misusing money or favouring certain people. It keeps an eye on elected representatives.

In Hardas village, it would help recharge groundwater levels so wells don't run dry.

It is the key factor in making the Gram Panchayat play its role and be responsible. It is the place where all plans are placed before the people.

It is elected for 5 years.

Yes, for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Women (at least one-third).

Construction/maintenance of water sources, roads, drainage, school buildings. Levying and collecting local taxes. Executing government schemes.

The Gram Sabha.

Yes, usually. Sometimes a few small villages are grouped together.

The administrative head of the district who coordinates the work of the Zila Parishad.

The management of local affairs by such local bodies who have been elected by the local people.

Panchayati Raj is the first tier of democratic government.

Mahatma Gandhi advocated for Gram Swaraj.

73rd Amendment Act 1992 constitutionalized Panchayats.

Gram Sabha must meet at least twice a year.

Agenda includes financial audit.

Women's participation is encouraged.

Nirmal Gram Puraskar is given for excellent Panchayat work.

Hiware Bazar is a model village in Maharashtra.

Watershed management saves water.

Check dams stop rainwater run-off.

Tanks are used to store water.

Handpumps draw groundwater.

Overuse of groundwater lowers water table.

BPL survey is based on income.

Om Prakash was landless in the story.

Saroj initiated the discussion.

Tijia spoke about water.

Block Development Officer (BDO) heads the Block admin.

Zila Parishad is the District Council.

Elections are conducted by State Election Commission.

State Government transfers powers to Panchayats.

Constitution directs states to organize village panchayats.

Rajasthan was the first state to adopt Panchayati Raj (1959).

Nagaur district in Rajasthan acted first.

Andhra Pradesh followed Rajasthan.

Gram Panchayat has a Secretary.

Gram Sabha prevents corruption.

Social Audit is checking of accounts by people.

MNREGA is implemented by Panchayats.

Village roads connect to highways.

Drainage systems prevent diseases.

Street lights are maintained by Panchayat.

Cattle sheds are built.

Community centers are built.

Library and playgrounds are maintained.

Fair price shops (Ration) are monitored.

Mid-day meal quality is checked.

Attendance of teachers is checked.

Health centres are monitored.

Vaccination drives are supported.

Birth and death registration is done.

Marriage registration is done.

Land records are not kept by Panchayat (Patwari does it).

Tax on property is a source of income.

Market tax is a source of income.

Grants from State Govt are major sources.

Donations are minor sources.

Sarpanch presides over meetings.

Secretary records the minutes.

Panchayati Raj inaugurated in Nagaur

73rd Constitutional Amendment Act

National Panchayati Raj Day