Gram Panchayat is the lower element of the Panchayati Raj that functions at the village level with the welfare and development of the village in mind

It is a temporary body, as the members of the panchayat are elected for a term of five years.

The Gram Panchayat consists of ward members and Sarpanch

The members of the Gram Panchayat are directly elected by the members of the Gram Sabha.

Primary, social, technical, vocational, adult or non-formal education.

Rural dispensaries, health centers, maternity and child welfare centers.

Management of any public transportation.

Irrigation.

Grow-more-food campaigns.

Rehabilitation of displaced persons.

Improved breeding of cattle.

Bringing waste land under cultivation through land improvement and soil conservation.

Promotion of village plantations, social forestry and farm forestry.

Arranging for co-operative management of land.

Assisting the implementation of land reform measures.

Rural housing programs.

Rural electrification.

Women and child development.

Functions of Gram Panchayat
- Local Self-Government: Gram Panchayat serves as the local self-government body in rural areas, representing the interests and needs of the villagers.
- Infrastructure Development: Gram Panchayat is responsible for the development of basic infrastructure such as roads, drainage, water supply, and street lighting in the village.
- Health and Sanitation: Gram Panchayat ensures the provision of healthcare facilities and sanitation services in the village to maintain public health.
- Education: Gram Panchayat works towards improving the education system in the village by establishing schools, promoting literacy programs, and supporting educational initiatives.
- Waste Management: Gram Panchayat is involved in waste management activities like garbage collection, segregation, and disposal to maintain cleanliness in the village.
- Social Welfare: Gram Panchayat implements various social welfare schemes for the welfare of marginalized sections of society, such as providing pensions, scholarships, and subsidies.
- Agricultural Development: Gram Panchayat promotes agricultural development by providing support to farmers, organizing training programs, and implementing agricultural schemes.
- Dispute Resolution: Gram Panchayat acts as a mediator in resolving disputes among villagers and promotes peace and harmony in the community.
- Resource Mobilization: Gram Panchayat mobilizes resources through local taxes, grants, and funds to finance development projects and welfare programs.
- Community Development: Gram Panchayat facilitates community development by encouraging community participation, fostering local leadership, and promoting sustainable development practices.