Structure and Functions of the Panchayati Raj System
The Panchayati Raj system in India is a three-tier structure of local self-government in rural areas. It was constitutionally established by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which gave constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). This system was introduced to decentralize governance and empower people at the grassroots level, thereby promoting participatory democracy and rural development.
Structure of Panchayati Raj
The Panchayati Raj system operates on three levels:
1. Gram Panchayat (Village Level)
- This is the lowest and most basic unit of the Panchayati Raj system.
- It governs a single village or a group of villages.
- The members of the Gram Panchayat are elected directly by the Gram Sabha (the body of all adult residents of the village).
- The head of the Gram Panchayat is called the Sarpanch, elected by the villagers.
- The Gram Sabha meets at least twice a year and plays a key role in decision-making and overseeing the Gram Panchayat’s work.
2. Panchayat Samiti (Block or Intermediate Level)
- Also called the Block Panchayat or Taluka Panchayat.
- It functions at the block or tehsil level and includes several Gram Panchayats.
- Members are elected directly or nominated, including elected Sarpanches from member villages.
- The head of the Panchayat Samiti is usually called the Chairperson or President.
- It acts as a link between the Gram Panchayat and Zila Parishad.
3. Zila Parishad (District Level)
- The top tier of the Panchayati Raj system.
- It operates at the district level and supervises the work of Panchayat Samitis.
- Members include elected representatives from Panchayat Samitis, Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), and district-level officials.
- The Zila Parishad President is the head, elected from among the members.
- It coordinates and integrates development plans prepared by the Panchayat Samitis and allocates resources accordingly.
Functions of the Panchayati Raj Institutions
The functions of the Panchayati Raj system are broadly categorized into three areas: civic administration, development, and planning.
1. Civic and Administrative Functions
- Maintenance of public infrastructure such as village roads, wells, drainage, street lighting, and sanitation.
- Registration of births, deaths, and marriages.
- Maintenance of records relating to land and property.
- Implementation of social welfare schemes, like pension schemes and aid for the disabled.
2. Developmental Functions
- Planning and execution of rural development programs.
- Promotion of education, especially primary and adult education.
- Encouraging women’s development, child care, and family welfare.
- Providing drinking water, rural electrification, and housing schemes.
- Promoting agricultural development, animal husbandry, and irrigation.
3. Economic and Social Planning
- Preparation of annual plans for the development of the village or block.
- Mobilizing local resources through taxes, duties, tolls, and fees.
- Implementation of poverty alleviation programs such as MGNREGA.
- Encouragement of self-help groups, cooperatives, and rural industries.
Significance and Challenges
The Panchayati Raj system is a vital tool for decentralized governance and rural empowerment. It brings governance closer to the people and encourages public participation in decision-making. It also promotes inclusivity by reserving seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women (33% reservation).
However, the system faces several challenges:
- Lack of adequate financial autonomy and dependence on state funding.
- Limited administrative capacity and trained personnel.
- Political interference and lack of accountability.
- Inadequate devolution of powers and functions by the State governments.
Conclusion
The Panchayati Raj system embodies the Gandhian vision of "Gram Swaraj" — village self-governance. It aims to empower local communities and make development more responsive to the actual needs of the people. Despite the challenges, with greater devolution of powers and better capacity building, Panchayati Raj Institutions can play a transformative role in India's rural development and democratic deepening.
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