Local Self-Government rural

Local Self-Government

• Refers to local bodies elected by the people managing local affairs.
• Village level is managed by Panchayats, while towns/cities have Municipal Corporations/Municipalities.

73rd Amendment Act, 1992

• Made Panchayati Raj system mandatory for states with populations over 20 lakh.
• Established a three-tier system: Gram Panchayats (village), Panchayat Samiti (block), Zilla Parishad (district).
• Ensures regular Panchayat elections every five years.
• Reserves one-third of Panchayat seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women.
• Requires state governments to establish a State Finance Commission to support Panchayats financially.

Distinction Between Local Self-Government and Local Government

• Local self-government involves elected officials managing local affairs
• Local government is managed by appointed officials.

Significance of Local Self-Government

• Forms the foundation of democracy.
• Empowers local people to manage their own affairs.
• Provides experience and skills for future leadership roles.
• Reduces administrative burden on state/national governments.
• Fosters local participation in governance.

Panchayati Raj System

• Works at three levels: village (Gram Panchayat), block (Panchayat Samiti), district (Zilla Parishad).
• Includes Nyaya Panchayats (village courts) for quick justice.

Qualifications for Local Body Elections

• Must be an Indian citizen, 21 years or older, registered voter, and not a convict or legally disqualified.
• Not allowed to hold a government position of profit.

Gram Panchayat

• Consists of Gram Sabha (all adults in the village).
• Head is the Sarpanch (unpaid honorary position) with a Vice Sarpanch.
• Size varies depending on the village (5-31 members).
• Seats are reserved for women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes.

Gram Panchayat Administrative Functions

• Manages public works (roads, bridges, water sources).
• Maintains sanitation, health centers, and primary education.
• Looks after agriculture.
• Maintains village property records.

Gram Panchayat Social and Economic Functions

• Builds community facilities (libraries, guest houses, marriage halls).
• Organizes village fairs and exhibitions.
• Establishes fair price shops and credit co-ops.

Gram Panchayat Judicial Functions

• Nyay Panchayats resolve disputes quickly.
• Cannot impose jail sentences or allow legal representation.
• Decisions are usually final within their jurisdiction, but appeals are possible.

Panchayat Samiti (Block Level)

• Members include Sarpanchs, state legislators, MPs, Block Development Officers, and cooperative society representatives (in some states).

Panchayat Samiti Functions

• Coordinates Gram Panchayat work.
• Provides secondary education and health facilities.
• Supports agricultural development (irrigation, seeds, fertilizers).
• Responsible for block-level infrastructure projects (roads, bridges).
• Provides safe drinking water.

Zilla Parishad (District Level)

• Highest level of Panchayati Raj.
• Members include Deputy Commissioner, Panchayat Samiti Presidents, government department heads, state legislators, MPs, and reserved members.
• Elected Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson preside over the board.
• A Zilla Parishad Secretary is a government employee.

Zilla Parishad Functions

• Oversees district development.
• Supervises Panchayats and Panchayat Samities.
• Manages the budget in some states.
• Links state government and Panchayat Samitis.
• Advises on Gram Panchayat and Panchayat Samiti matters.

Explore the concept of local self-government in India, focusing on the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992. This quiz covers the structure, significance, and distinctions of local self-governance, including the Panchayati Raj system. Test your knowledge on the principles that empower local communities to manage their affairs democratically.