Local Self-Government and Gram Panchayat

Local Self-Government

• Local self-government is formed by people in villages, towns, and cities.
• The government works at three levels: Center, State, and Local.
• Local government in villages is called the Gram Panchayat.

Gram Panchayat

• A Panchayat is a group of five members who look after the needs of the village.
• The Sarpanch is elected by the Panchayat.
• The Panchayat functions for 5 years.
• One-third of the Panchayat members must be women.

Gram Panchayat Duties

• Ensuring village cleanliness.
• Providing clean drinking water.
• Establishing medical and health centers.
• Resolving conflicts between villagers.
• Digging wells.
• Constructing roads.

Governance in Towns and Cities

• Local government bodies in towns and cities include Municipalities and Municipal Corporations.
• Municipalities are responsible for the needs of people in towns and are also known as Nagar Palikas or Nagar Panchayats.
• Cities with a population over 1 million are overseen by Municipal Corporations.
• The head of a Municipal Corporation is the Mayor.
• Towns and cities are divided into wards based on population.
• People over 18 years old elect members of Municipalities and Municipal Corporations for 5 years.

Responsibilities of Municipalities and Municipal Corporations

• Maintaining roads, schools, and public transportation.
• Providing electricity and clean drinking water.
• Ensuring proper waste disposal.
• Keeping towns and cities clean.
• Setting up health centers, public toilets, and public parks.
• Keeping records of births and deaths.