Panchayati Raj Summary Class 6 Social Science Chapter 4

Panchayati Raj System

• A process through which people participate in their own government. 
• The Panchayati Raj system is the first tier or level of democratic government.
• It functions at three levels: Zila Parishad, Panchayat Samiti and Gram Panchayat.
  • The Zila parishad or District Panchayat is the highest level of Panchayati Raj system.
  • The Panchayat Samiti functions at the block level under the Zila Parishad.
  • Under the Panchayat Samiti there are many Gram Panchayats that comprise Panchs and Sarpanchs at village level.

Gram Sabha

• The Gram Sabha is a meeting of all adults who live in the area covered by a Panchayat.
• This could be only one village or a few villages. 
• Anyone who is 18 years old or more and who has the right to vote is a member of the Gram Sabha.

Functions of Gram Sabha

• It is the place where all plans for the work of the Gram Panchayat are placed before the people.

• It prevents the Panchayat from doing wrong things like misusing money or favouring certain people. 

• It keeps an eye on the elected representatives and in making them responsible to the persons who elected them.

Gram Panchayat

• It is the executive wing of the Gram Sabha.
• Every village Panchayat is divided into wards, i.e. smaller areas.
  • Each ward elects a representative who is known as the Ward Member (Panch). 
• All the members of the Gram Sabha also elect a Sarpanch who is the Panchayat President.
• The Ward Panchs and the Sarpanch form the Gram Panchayat. 
  • The Gram Panchayat is elected for five years.
• The Gram Panchayat has a Secretary who is not an elected person but is appointed by the government. 
  • The Secretary is responsible for calling the meeting of the Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat and keeping a record of the proceedings.

Functions of Gram Panchayat

• The construction and maintenance of water sources, roads, drainage, school buildings and other common property resources.
• Levying and collecting local taxes.
• Executing government schemes related to generating employment in the village.

Sources of funds for the Panchayat

• Collection of taxes on houses, market places etc.
• Government scheme funds received through various departments of the government – through the Janpad and Zila Panchayats.
• Donations for community works etc.