Local self-government in India refers to governmental jurisdictions below the level of the state. Of the rural local governments, 632 are zila parishad at the district level, 6,672 are panchayat samaiti at the block level, and 255,466 are gram panchayat at the village level.

¶¶ Panchayati Raj¶¶

Union--> State --> local ( various Panchayati bodies )

Rural Local Government in India
Rural local government in India is popularly known as Panchayati Raj. It is a system of local self-government in rural areas that aims to decentralize power and promote democratic decision-making at the grassroots level. The term "Panchayati Raj" literally means "rule by the village council" and it plays a crucial role in rural development and governance.
Key Points:
- Panchayati Raj is a three-tier system of local governance in India.
- The three tiers include Gram Panchayat at the village level, Panchayat Samiti at the block level, and Zila Parishad at the district level.
- Gram Panchayat is the basic unit of Panchayati Raj and is responsible for local administration and development activities at the village level.
- Panchayat Samiti acts as an intermediary between the Gram Panchayats and the Zila Parishad. It coordinates and supervises the functioning of Gram Panchayats in its jurisdiction.
- Zila Parishad is the highest tier of Panchayati Raj and oversees the overall development of the district. It consists of elected representatives from various Panchayat Samitis.
- Panchayati Raj institutions have been granted constitutional status through the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992, which ensures their empowerment and participation in local governance.
- Panchayati Raj plays a crucial role in rural development, including the implementation of various government schemes, provision of essential services, and addressing local issues and concerns.
- It promotes democratic participation, grassroots decision-making, and accountability in rural areas.
- Panchayati Raj institutions have helped in empowering marginalized sections of society, promoting social justice, and fostering inclusive development in rural India.
Overall, Panchayati Raj is an important aspect of rural local government in India and has significantly contributed to rural development and governance over the years.