Test: Livelihoods-Rural and Urban - 1 - Class 6 MCQ

• Gram Panchayat: The Gram Panchayat is the basic unit of the Panchayati Raj system, representing a village or a group of villages. It is responsible for local governance and development activities at the village level.


• Panchayat Samiti: The Panchayat Samiti is the intermediate level of the Panchayati Raj system, representing a block or a taluka. It coordinates the functioning of the Gram Panchayats in the area and oversees their work.


• Functioning at Two Levels: The Panchayati Raj system indeed functions at two levels - Gram Panchayat and Panchayat Samiti. These two levels work together to ensure effective governance and development in rural areas.


• False: The statement that the Panchayati Raj system functions at two levels - Gram Panchayat and Panchayat Samiti - is true, not false. Therefore, the correct answer is B: False.

Head of the Zila Parishad

• Panch: This is a member of the Zila Parishad, but not the head.


• Sarpanch: This is the head of a village-level Panchayat, not the Zila Parishad.


• District Collector: This is the correct answer. The District Collector is the head of the Zila Parishad, which is the highest level of the Panchayati Raj system at the district level.


• Municipal Commissioner: This position is typically in charge of urban local bodies, not the Zila Parishad.

Therefore, the correct answer is District Collector, who serves as the head of the Zila Parishad in the Panchayati Raj system.

• Gram Sabha: The Gram Sabha is a meeting where all adults who live in the area covered by a Panchayat come together to discuss and participate in the decision-making process of the village.


• Importance: The Gram Sabha is considered the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system as it provides a platform for the villagers to voice their opinions, make suggestions, and hold the Panchayat members accountable for their actions.


• Composition: The Gram Sabha typically consists of all adults in the village, regardless of their caste, religion, or gender, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented in the decision-making process.


• Functions: Some of the key functions of the Gram Sabha include approving development plans, monitoring government schemes, approving the annual budget of the Panchayat, and electing Panchayat members.


• Empowerment: By actively participating in the Gram Sabha meetings, villagers become more aware of their rights, responsibilities, and the functioning of the local government, leading to greater empowerment and development of the community.

The Sarpanch or the president of the Gram Panchayat is elected by the ward members as per the State Act.

• Gram Panchayat's governance duration:




• The Gram Panchayat's governance over the villagers lasts for Five years.

After every five years, elections are held to elect new representatives for the Gram Panchayat. This system ensures that the governance is regularly reviewed and updated based on the needs and feedback of the villagers. The five-year term allows for continuity in governance while also providing an opportunity for new ideas and leadership to come forward.

• Elected by villagers: The secretary of the Gram Panchayat is not appointed by the villagers through an election process.



• Gram Panchayat members: The secretary of the Gram Panchayat is not appointed by the members of the Gram Panchayat.



• Government of India: The secretary of the Gram Panchayat is appointed by the Government of India, which holds the authority to appoint officials at the Panchayat level.



• District Collector: The District Collector does not appoint the secretary of the Gram Panchayat. The appointment is made by the Government of India.

Therefore, the correct answer is C: Government of India.

• Gram Sabha: Gram Sabha is a general body consisting of all the adult members of a village panchayat. It is the decision-making body at the village level.


• Prevents Favoritism: The Gram Sabha plays a crucial role in preventing the Panchayat from favoring certain individuals in the village. It ensures that decisions taken by the Panchayat are fair and benefit the entire community.


• Transparency and Accountability: By involving all adult members of the village in decision-making processes, the Gram Sabha promotes transparency and accountability in the functioning of the Panchayat.


• Checks and Balances: The Gram Sabha acts as a check on the powers of the Panchayat and ensures that no individual or group receives preferential treatment.


• Democratic Values: The involvement of the Gram Sabha in decision-making processes upholds democratic values and ensures that the interests of the entire village community are taken into consideration.

• People's Participation: The main aim of allowing states to have their own laws regarding Gram Panchayats is to promote greater participation of the local community in the decision-making process and governance of their villages.


• Empowerment of Local Government: By giving states the flexibility to create their own laws, it empowers the local government bodies to address the specific needs and issues of their communities effectively.


• Customization: This provision allows states to tailor the laws and regulations governing Gram Panchayats to suit the unique socio-economic and cultural context of their region.


• Decentralization of Power: Allowing states to have their own laws regarding Gram Panchayats promotes decentralization of power from the central government to the local level, ensuring more efficient and responsive governance.