Panchayati Raj System

Questions and Answers

What is the main aim of Panchayati Raj?

To establish a three-tier system of governance

To focus on urban development

To concentrate power at the central level

To decentralize power and promote grassroots democracy (correct)

The Panchayati Raj system was established in 1950.

False

What is the role of the Gram Panchayat in the Panchayati Raj system?

Implementing development programs, maintaining local infrastructure, and providing basic services

The Panchayat Samiti is responsible for overseeing _______________________.

Gram Panchayats Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the financial powers of Panchayats?

Collecting and utilizing funds for local development Signup and view all the answers

Match the following tiers of Panchayati Raj with their responsibilities:

Gram Panchayat = Implementing development programs in the village Panchayat Samiti = Supervising Gram Panchayats Zila Parishad = Coordinating development activities in the district Signup and view all the answers

The Panchayati Raj system promotes participatory governance.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Panchayati Raj in terms of local governance?

It promotes decentralization, participatory governance, and local leadership, and focuses on rural development Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Panchayati Raj

Introduction

Panchayati Raj is a system of local self-government in rural India
It was established in 1959 through the Panchayati Raj Act
Aimed at decentralizing power and promoting grassroots democracy

Structure

Three-tier system:
1. Gram Panchayat: Village level, responsible for local development and administration
2. Panchayat Samiti: Block level, responsible for implementing development programs and overseeing Gram Panchayats
3. Zila Parishad: District level, responsible for coordinating development activities and providing guidance to lower tiers

Functions

Gram Panchayat:
- Implementing development programs (e.g., sanitation, healthcare, education)
- Maintaining local infrastructure (e.g., roads, bridges, markets)
- Providing basic services (e.g., water supply, electricity)
Panchayat Samiti:
- Coordinating development activities in the block
- Supervising Gram Panchayats
- Implementing block-level development programs
Zila Parishad:
- Coordinating development activities in the district
- Providing guidance and support to lower tiers
- Implementing district-level development programs

Powers and Functions of Panchayats

Financial powers: Collecting and utilizing funds for local development
Executive powers: Implementing development programs and providing services
Legislative powers: Passing resolutions and by-laws for local governance
Judicial powers: Resolving disputes and enforcing laws at the local level

Significance of Panchayati Raj

Decentralization: Empowering local communities to take decisions and manage their own development
Participatory governance: Encouraging citizen participation in decision-making processes
Rural development: Focusing on the development needs of rural areas
Promoting local leadership: Developing local leadership and capacity-building

Panchayati Raj

Introduction

Panchayati Raj is a system of local self-government in rural India, established in 1959 through the Panchayati Raj Act
Aims to decentralize power and promote grassroots democracy

Structure

Three-tier system:
- Gram Panchayat: Village level, responsible for local development and administration
- Panchayat Samiti: Block level, responsible for implementing development programs and overseeing Gram Panchayats
- Zila Parishad: District level, responsible for coordinating development activities and providing guidance to lower tiers

Functions of Panchayats

Gram Panchayat:
- Implements development programs (e.g., sanitation, healthcare, education)
- Maintains local infrastructure (e.g., roads, bridges, markets)
- Provides basic services (e.g., water supply, electricity)
Panchayat Samiti:
- Coordinates development activities in the block
- Supervises Gram Panchayats
- Implements block-level development programs
Zila Parishad:
- Coordinates development activities in the district
- Provides guidance and support to lower tiers
- Implements district-level development programs

Powers and Functions of Panchayats

Financial powers: Collects and utilizes funds for local development
Executive powers: Implements development programs and provides services
Legislative powers: Passes resolutions and by-laws for local governance
Judicial powers: Resolves disputes and enforces laws at the local level

Significance of Panchayati Raj

Decentralization: Empowers local communities to take decisions and manage their own development
Participatory governance: Encourages citizen participation in decision-making processes
Rural development: Focuses on the development needs of rural areas
Promoting local leadership: Develops local leadership and capacity-building