Bhavesh
Gram Panchayat: A Pillar of Rural Self-Governance
Gram Panchayat is the cornerstone of the Panchayati Raj system in India, which is a three-tier system of local self-government. The term “Gram Panchayat” is derived from two Sanskrit words—Gram, meaning village, and Panchayat, meaning council. It represents the basic unit of administration in rural areas and plays a crucial role in the development and governance of villages.
The Panchayati Raj system was constitutionally recognized through the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992, which added Part IX to the Indian Constitution. This amendment provided a framework for the establishment and functioning of Panchayats at the village, intermediate (block), and district levels. The Gram Panchayat functions as the grassroots-level institution in this system.
A Gram Panchayat typically governs a single village or a group of villages. It consists of members elected by the villagers, known as Panchs, and is headed by a Sarpanch, who is also elected. The elections are held every five years, and the process is overseen by the State Election Commission. Any adult resident of the village whose name appears in the electoral roll is eligible to vote and contest the elections.
The Gram Panchayat is responsible for a wide range of functions aimed at the welfare and development of the village. These include maintaining sanitation, providing clean drinking water, maintaining roads and streetlights, managing public spaces, and implementing various government schemes related to health, education, agriculture, and social welfare. It also plays a key role in maintaining records of births, deaths, and marriages within its jurisdiction.
One of the important features of the Gram Panchayat is the Gram Sabha. The Gram Sabha consists of all the registered voters in the village and acts as a general body that supervises the functioning of the Gram Panchayat. It meets at least twice a year to approve the village budget, review progress, and hold the Panchayat accountable. This promotes transparency and participatory democracy at the village level.
The funding for Gram Panchayats comes from various sources: grants from the central and state governments, local taxes (like house tax and water tax), and other revenue sources such as fees and fines. These funds are used for developmental activities and basic service provision in the village.
In recent years, the role of Gram Panchayats has expanded with digital initiatives like e-Panchayat and direct benefit transfers, which have improved efficiency and transparency. However, challenges remain, including lack of resources, limited capacity among elected representatives, and political interference.
In conclusion, the Gram Panchayat is a vital institution in India’s democratic framework. It empowers rural citizens, promotes inclusive development, and strengthens local governance. For India to achieve its developmental goals, especially in rural areas, strengthening the capacity and autonomy of Gram Panchayats is essential.
Credit ~ MONISH SAMSON
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यहाँ पर आपको B.A. सहित अन्य पाठ्यक्रमों के लिए तैयार किए गए अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण प्रश्न मिलेंगे, जो विशेष रूप से परीक्षा की दृष्टि से चुने गए हैं। ये प्रश्न पिछले वर्षों के पेपर्स और पाठ्यक्रम के आधार पर तैयार किए गए हैं, जिससे छात्रों को यह समझने में मदद मिले कि परीक्षा में किस प्रकार के सवाल पूछे जा सकते हैं। यह संग्रह छात्रों की परीक्षा की तैयारी को आसान और प्रभावी बनाने के लिए बनाया गया है।”
नोट:
यहाँ दिए गए प्रश्न और नोट्स केवल अध्ययन एवं परीक्षा की तैयारी में सहायता के लिए हैं। हम यह दावा नहीं करते कि यही प्रश्न परीक्षा में अवश्य आएंगे। कृपया पूरे पाठ्यक्रम का अध्ययन करें और शिक्षक के मार्गदर्शन का भी पालन करें।
Bhavesh Chouhan
