Test: Grassroots Democracy: Local Government in Rural Areas - 1 - Class 6 MCQ

The three-tier system of Panchayati Raj consists of three levels of governance: the village, the block, and the district. This system ensures that local governance reaches the grassroots, allowing people at each level to actively participate in decision-making and development​.

The Sarpanch is the head of the Gram Panchayat and plays a crucial role in overseeing its activities. The Sarpanch is elected by the members of the Gram Panchayat and is responsible for leading the local governance, addressing village issues, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the Panchayat. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of women serving as Sarpanchs, reflecting greater gender equality in leadership roles at the local level.

The Panchayat Secretary assists the Gram Panchayat by performing various administrative functions, such as calling meetings, maintaining records, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the Panchayat. This role is crucial for the efficient operation of local governance at the village level​.

The Child-Friendly Panchayat Initiative helps children by involving them in governance processes and creating opportunities for them to express their thoughts on issues that concern their well-being. It encourages the participation of children in Bal Sabhas and Bal Panchayats, where they can raise concerns and contribute to solutions, such as addressing child labor or child marriage​.

The Panchayat Samiti operates at the block level and serves as a link between the Gram Panchayat at the village level and the Zila Parishad at the district level. Its main role is to coordinate and consolidate the development plans from various Gram Panchayats, ensuring they align with broader district or state initiatives. This coordination helps secure funding and support for development projects across the block​.

The Zila Parishad operates at the district level and plays a crucial role in overseeing and coordinating development efforts across the district. It helps implement various development programs and policies, consolidates resources and plans from the block and village levels, and ensures that the benefits of government schemes reach rural areas. The Zila Parishad acts as a key institution in managing development at the district level​.