Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)…… Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Nilokheri Experiment.

ri Experiment. Answer It started during 1948 under the leadership of Gandhian approach to rural development attaches supreme importance to
Yojana (PMKSY) …….Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) …….Rainfed Area S.K.Dey who was then, the Minister of Community Develepment. 2 3. 4 5. Its moral values. It gives primacy to moral values over material conditions. The
Development Programme (RADP) ……..National Watershed Development primary purpose was to develop a new township to rehabilitate displaced Gandhians believe that the source of moral values in general lies in religion and
Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) ……..National Mission for Sustainable persons from West Pakistan. The project was built in a swampy barren land Hindu scriptures like the Upanishads and the Gita. The concept of Rama Rajya'
Agriculture (NMSA) under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) around the vocational training centre on the highway of Delhi and Ambala. is the basis of Gandhiji's idea of an ideal social order. Gandhiji defined Rama
Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) : S.K.Dey launched the new scheme called 'Mazdoor Manzil' for construction of Rajya as "sovereignty of the people based on moral authority'. Following are
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY): rural development township at Nilokheri. This scheme gave the people : i ii. Training on the basic tenents of the Gandhian ideal social order : A. Ideal Village: 1 The
programmes in area of social sector20 - Point Programme. Minimum Needs agricultural implements preparation, Training on cottage industries, Training village is the basic unit of the Gandhian ideal social order. 2 3. 4 5. Gandhi's
Programme (MNP). Food For Work Programme (FFW). National Rural on carpentry etc. Alongaide technical and vocational training , work centres ideal village belongs to the Pre-British period, when Indian villages were
Employment Programme (NREP). Rural Landless Employment Guarantee were started in the crafts like weaving calico printing, soap making, laundry, supposed to constitute the federation of selfgoverning autonomous republics.
Programme (RLEGP). Jawahar Rozgar Yojana (JRY). Self-Employment for the bnkery, blacksmithy. general mechanics, leather and a multitude of other According to Gandhiji, this federation will be brought about not by compulsion
Educated Unemployed Youths (SEEUY. Integrated Rural Development crafts and trades, "lhe Nilokheri projeet was unlike any other village but by the voluntary offer of every village republic to join such a federation.
Programme (IRDP). Indira Awas Yojana (IAY). development projec.its objective was to rehabilitate the refugees in a planned The work of the central authority will only be to coordinate the work of
settlement where they could get everything which is required for a town or a different village republics and to supervise and manage things of common
village. The colony had school agriculture farms polytechnic training centre , interest, as education, basic industries, health, currency, banking etc. The
Sriniketan Experiment. Tagore was in charge of the family's estates in East dairy poultry farm , pig farm , horticulture garden , printing press etc. The central authority will have no power to enforce its decisions on village
Bengal he was exposed to the poverty and oppression engulfing the rural Nilokheri was an excellent exercise in the planning of a town republics except the moral pressure or power of persuasion. B.
mass. This whole scenario made him keenly sensitive towards these people Decentralisation : 1. Gandhi firmly believes that village republics can be built
and he decided to pull them out from this poverty and oppression. Tagore's only through decentralisation of social and political power. In such a system
ideological framework attracted Leonard Elmhirst, a British agronomist to approaches to rural development in India nce the types of approaches to rural decision-making power will be vested in the 3. 4. 5. 6 7. Village Panchayat. The
come to India upcn the invitation ofTagore to work with him. They both began development are as follows: i i. iii. iv. V. vi. vii. Broad front Approach. Sectoral representatives would be elected by all adults for a fixed period of five years.
to formulate methods for social and economic change. To translate his dream Approach. Participatory Approach. Area Development Approach. Target The elected representatives would constitute a council, called the Panchayat.
into reality, the Institute of Rural Reconstruction in Sriniketan was established Approach. Basic Needs Approach. Employment-oriented Integrated Appronch The Panchayat exercises legislative, executive and judicial . Self-sufficiency: The
in 1920. The object of Sriniketan programme is to bring back life in its to Rural Development. vi. Integrated Development Approach. ix. X xi. xii. village should be self-sufficient as far as its basic needs food, clothing, shelter
completeness into the villages making them self-reliant and self respectful. The Growth Center Approach. Community-Driven Development (CDD) or Approach. and other necessities are concerned. 2. 3. 4 5 D. The village should produce
objectives of the mission were : i. iüi. iv. V. To win the friendship and affection Gandhian Approach. Tagore Approach. food-crops and cotton in order to meet its requirements. Some lands should
of villagers and cultivators by talking a real interest in all that concerns their also be earmarked for cattle and for a playground for adults and children.
lives and welfare, To take the problem of the village and the field to the class Village economy should be planned with a view to providing full employment
room for study and discussion and to the experimental farm for solution. To broad-front development appoach. Answer 1 2 3 4. 5. 6 Community to all the adults of the village. Industrialization : 1. Industrialization leads to
put the students in the way of acquiring practical experience in cultivation, Development and Panchayat Raj were often deseribed as broad-front passive or active exploitation of the 2 3 4 5 6 E. villages. Industrialization
dairy, animal husbandry, poultry keeping, carpentry, and smithing, weaving development strategies as they aimed at development of villages covering all replaces manpower and hence it adds to unemployment. In order to avoid
and tannery; in practical sanitation work; and in the art and sprit of the major spheres like Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Rural Industries, such a catastrophe, village and cottage industries should be revived. They
cooperation. The experiment was strongly supported by a team of foreigners Communication, Health, Education, Women Welfare and Social Welfare. In provide employment to meet the needs of the villagers and facilitate village
and Bengalis. The Sriniketan programme covered broadly four general areas: early fifties, rural development efforts begun with brond-front development self-sufficiency.
agriculture, crafts and industries, village welfare and education. The approach. The Community Development Programmes (CDP) and National
agricultural activities were based on three phases: experiment; training, and ii. Extension Service (NES) initiated in 1952 fell under this approach. Though CDP,
extension. Extension activities were given much priority. A Demonstration Plot as a holistic approach, did not succeed as expected. The impact ofprogramme C. Subramanian the then Finance Minister of India, means 'A systematic,
was created to impart training and education to all the farmers through real was ephemeral. It could not make a dent into social fabric as was expected. scientific and integrated use of our natural resources enabling every person to
life situation. 11. One or two agricultural workers from Sriniketan often used to The critics also point out that : It brought about a great disparity between the engage himself in a productive and socially useful occupation and earn an
go to the villages and farmers to supervise all activities. rich and the poor, It hardly touched the problem of meeting the felt needs of income that would meet at least the basic needs'. Integrated Rural
the people, ii. iv. It failed to bring about the process ofmodernizantion through Development is a strategy which focuses attention on the rural poor and
social education, and Lack of people's participation. In spite of the criticisms attempts to improve the quality of life of the weaker sections of the society.
Gurgaon Experiment. 1 Answer Rural upliftment movement on a mass scale thes programme's added a new dimension to the process of change and The strategy isjust not an attempt of increasing agricultural productivity but
was first started by Mr. F. L. Brayne in 1920. 2 3 4 5. 6 7 He was prompted by generated community conseiousnesa to solve community problems. ensuring that the poor and the weaker sections share the benefits of economic
the backwardness, poverty and misery of the people. After seven years of and social progress. The concept of Integrated Rural Development came into
study he developed a scheme called "The Gurgaon scheme" with the following vogue with the need for a multi-purpose thrust to rural planning. It is a 'multi-
objectives : To increase crop production, ii ii. iv V. To control extra expenditure, Sectoral Approach. Answer 1. 2. 3 4. 5 6 7 8 9. Sectoral development planning level, a multi-sector, and multi-section concept'. As a multi-level concept, it
To improve the health, To develop the feeling of women-education, and Home in individual sectors like education, health, housing and social security are encompasses rural development at various levels in the spatial hierarchy such
development work. He took the whole district as the field of operation and included in sectoral approach of development. This approach advocates as the viable cluster of village communities, blocks and districts. Asamulti-
approached the area with every form of propaganda and publicity. Under his compartmentalization of development in different sectors. Its inadequacies sector concept, it encompasses agriculture, industry, education, health and
programme village guides' were posted in each village, who acted as the stem from this compartmentalized approach. By 1960's the situation was transportation. As a multi-section concept, it encmpasses socio-economic
channel to pass on the information to villagers. The programme introduced rather critical on the food front. The need for great concentration on food development of the target group of the weaker sections or sub-sections of the
improved seeds, implements, methods of cultivation, etc. The activities production led to strategy for locating potential sectors and well-endowed rural population, such as, landless labourers, artisans, small farmers, marginal
introduced by Brayne were : A school of rural economy to train the village districts and areas capable of yielding higher agricultural production. More farmers, Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes.
guides in 1925. i. üi. iv. A domestic school of economy to train groups of attention was paid in improving productivity per acre than on extending the
women under women and children welfare work in 1926. Health association, acreage. For this purpose Intensive Agriculture Development Programme
which ran five health centres in the district. Drawbacks: 1. 2 3 4. A women's (IADP) and Intensive Agricultural Area Programme (IAAP) were launched. Both
Institute at Gurgaon to manage the ladies' garden in Gurgaon. IADP and IAAP constituted landmarks in the development of agriculture. The
Marthandam Experiment. Answer 1 2 3 4 The work was commenced by Dr. programmes placed agriculture on a qualitatively different footing with wide
Spencer Hatch an American Agricultural expert in Travancore under the ranging repercussions on rural scenario.
auspicious of YMCA in 1921. The villages in Marthandam area were
undeveloped economically and the economic condition of the native majority
was poor. The main objectives of this project were : i Spiritual development ii. Participatory Approach. Answer 1 2. 3 4. 5 6. 7 This concept has been
Physical development V. Economic development iü. iv. Mental development developed from Participatory Development (PD). Participatory development is
Social development Dr. Hateh implemented an all round development in a process through which stakeholders can influence and share control over
agriculture, public health and education. 5 6. 7 8 9. 10. 11. For this project, the development initiatives, and over the decisions and resources that affect
extension secretary was appointed to supervise the activities of the group. themselves. Participatory Development (PD) is a process to engage local
Marthandam was in a strategic position to serve the villages. It kept prize bulls populations in development projects. PD uses local decision making and
and goats, model bee-lives, demonstration plots for improving grain and capacities to steer and define the nature of an intervention. PD aims at
vegetable seeds, poultry runs with prize laying hens, a weaving shed, etc. achieving a localized capital accumulation process based on the skills
Inside the centre, there was equipment like honey extractors, health charts development and local resources generation. The essential feature of PD is
and the items needed for other cottage vocations. social mobilization. PD gives a new self-confidence through which the
community can engage in more ambitious projects involving collective action
and management.
Baroda Experiment. This movement was started by V.T. Krishnachari in 1932 in
the Baroda state where he was Dewan at that time. 2 3 4 5. 6 7. The first
objective was to bring about a rapid increase in standards of living, The Target Group Approach (also known as the Target-Oriented Approach) in
industrialization and rapid expansion of the educational system. The second rural development is a strategy that focuses on identifying and assisting
objective was to increase agricultural production through the provision of basic specific groups within rural populations who are particularly vulnerable,
necessities. This Project was started in the district ofNavsari in the Gujarat disadvantaged, or marginalized. Unlike the Area Development Approach,
State. Many programmes such as gardening, poultry-farming, bee-keeping, which aims to uplift an entire region, the Target Group Approach zeroes in on
spinning and weaving were organized. Re-stabilization of Panchayats and other specific beneficiaries based on criteria such as income level, occupation, caste,
programmes of village progress were organized. The adult education had been gender, or social status.Key Features of the Target Group
extended. Working System : 1. 2 3. By personal education and contact by the Approach:Beneficiary Identification: Clearly defined target groups, such
village guides. To use the school teacher of village in the extension of as:Small and marginal farmers Landless laborers Scheduled Castes (SCs) and
programme. To use the traditional means of extension. Scheduled Tribes (STs) Women Unemployed youth Below Poverty Line (BPL)
familiesObjective-Based Planning: Program goals are set based on the needs
of the identified groups (e.g., poverty alleviation, skill development, access to
Firkha Development Scheme. The Firka Development Scheme launched by credit).Specific Schemes and Interventions: Programs are designed with
Madras Government in 1946 aimed at the attainment of the Gandhian ideal focused support like subsidies, training, employment, health, or education.Use
of"Village Swaraj". 2 3. This scheme aimed at bringing educational, economic, of Data and Surveys: Socio-economic surveys help identify and monitor target
sanitary and other developmental activities in villages and also revitalise the groups accurately.Measurable Outcomes: Easier to measure success based on
spirit of the people and make them self-confident and self-reliant. Among Pre- the number of beneficiaries reached and changes in their standard of living.
Independence project, this was the biggest project. The short term objectives Tagore approach to rural community development. First phase of Rural
of the scheme was to develop basic amenities and an institutional framework Reconstruction - East Bengal Experiment : 1 2 3 4 5. Tagore came into direct
for carrying out communication, water supply, sanitation, formation of contact with the rural Bengal after he took the charge of their Zamindari estate
panchayats and cooperatives. 5 6 7. The long term objectives were to attain at East Bengal. It was during that period the idea of rural reconstruction came
self-sufficiency in food, clothing, shelter, development of agriculture, animal to his mind. That was the beginning of his rural reconstruction programme. His
husbandry, khadi and village industries. programme included health, education, cottage industries, agriculture,
fisheries, weaving etc. He introduced the experiment of tractor for cultivation,
furnace for potteries and ceramics, a husking machine for paddies. An all-
Etawah Pilot Project. Answer This project was started in 1948 by Mr. Albert round development of a village was his ultimate objective which to his mind
Mayer of USA who came to India with the American forces in 1944. 2 3 4. 5. 6 was necessary for making a self-suficient and self-confident society. Rural Bank
He was the originator of this project at a village called Mahewa in UP. A pilot : 1 2 3 4. The concept of rural bank occupies a very significant place in Tagore's
project for development of Etawah district in UP was formulated i. by him with Rural Reconstruction Programme. While acting as a Zamindar, he observed
the following objectives : To know the degree of productive and social that one of the main reasons of rural poverty was the ruthless exploitation by
improvements, through self confidence and cooperatives; To find how quickly the Zamindars, the middlemen and the money lenders. The only way to rescue
these results could be attained; ii. iv. To know whether the results remain the villagers was to lend money at a rate of lower interest. With this objective,
permanent even after the special pressure is withdrawn; and To assess how far Tagore established Patisar Bank in 1905. C. Sriniketan Experiment: D Rural
the results were reproductive in other places. In the project, development Industries : E Institute of Rural Reconstruction: F Rural Library :
officers at various levels were posted. At village level, there was a 'multi-
purpose' village level worker (VLW) with four or five villages under him. This
programme works were, by and large, similar to earlier projects; introduction
of improved variety seeds, chemical fertilizers, improved implements, plant
protection measures, horticultural development, soil conservation, improved
cultural practices and the like. There were projects in animal husbandry,
cooperation, credit provision, water supply, improvements of road, drainage
This project was finally merged with the National Extension Service (NES)
block.

Panchayati Raj (Council of five officials) is the system of local self government The Ashok Mehta Committee was appointed by the Government of India in Pradhan Mantri Nilokheri Experiment. Gandhian
of villages in rural India. It consists of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) 1977 under the chairmanship of Ashok Mehta, a prominent political leader Fasal Bima Yojana Answer It started approach to rural
through which the self-government of villages is realized. 3. 4. 5. PRIs are and socialist thinker, to examine the weaknesses in the existing Panchayati Raj (PMFBY)…… during 1948 under the development
tasked with economic development, strengthening social justice and system and to recommend measures to strengthen it. The committee observed Pradhan Mantri leadership of S.K.Dey attaches
implementation of Central and State Government Schemes. Part X of the that the earlier system had become ineffective due to irregular elections, lack Krishi Sinchai who was then, the supreme
Indian Constitution is the section of the Constitution relating to the of financial resources, bureaucratic control, and political interference. It Yojana (PMKSY) Minister of Community importance to
Panchayats. It stipulates that in states or Union Territories with more than two recommended replacing the three-tier structure with a two-tier system …….Paramparagat Develepment. 2 3. 4 5. moral values. It
million inhabitants there are three levels of PRIs: The Gram Panchayats at comprising the Zila Parishad (district level) as the principal body of governance Krishi Vikas Yojana Its primary purpose was gives primacy to
village level : A Gram, meaning a village or a cluster of villages, is divided into a and the Mandal Panchayat (group of villages) at the lower level. It emphasized (PKVY) …….Rainfed to develop a new moral values
minimum of five constituencies depending on the number of voters the Gram the district as the key unit of planning and administration, with the Zila Area Development township to rehabilitate over material
is having. From each of these constituencies one member is elected. Body of Parishad acting as the executive body. The committee suggested regular and Programme (RADP) displaced persons from conditions. The
these elected members is called the Gram Panchayat. ii. The Panchayat Samiti direct elections to these bodies, a strong role for political parties in local ……..National West Pakistan. The Gandhians
at block level : Panchayat samiti is a rural local government (panchayat) body elections, and greater involvement of weaker sections like Scheduled Castes, Watershed project was built in a believe that the
at the intermediate tehsil (taluka/mandal) level in India. ii. The Zila Parishad at Scheduled Tribes, and women. It also proposed the creation of a State Development swampy barren land source of moral
district level : The Zila Panchayat or District Council or Mandal Parishad or Panchayati Raj Development Corporation for funding and capacity-building, Project for Rainfed around the vocational values in general
District Panchayat is the third tier of the Panchayati Raj system and functions and the constitutional protection of Panchayati Raj institutions to ensure their Areas (NWDPRA) training centre on the lies in religion
at the district levels in all states. A Zila Parishad is an elected body. continuity and independence. Though many of its recommendations were not ……..National highway of Delhi and and Hindu
fully implemented, the Ashok Mehta Committee significantly influenced later Mission for Ambala. S.K.Dey scriptures like
Gram Panchayats. Answer 1. 2. 3. 4. 6. A Gram, meaning a village or a cluster of reforms and laid the intellectual foundation for the 73rd Constitutional Sustainable launched the new the Upanishads
villages, is divided into a minimum of five constituencies depending on the Amendment Act, 1992, which gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj in Agriculture scheme called 'Mazdoor and the Gita. The
number ofvoters the Gram is having. From cach of these constituencies one India. (NMSA) under Manzil' for construction concept of Rama
member is elected. Body of these elected members is called the Gram National Action of township at Rajya' is the basis
Panchayat. Size of the Gram Panchayats varies widely from state to state. It is a Plan on Climate Nilokheri. This scheme of Gandhiji's idea
democratie structure at the grass-roots level in India. 6. 7. Panchayati Raj & The L.M. Singhvi Committee was appointed by the Government of India in Change (NAPCC) gave the people : i ii. of an ideal social
Rural Administration It is a political institute, acting as cabinet of the village. 1986 under the chairmanship of Dr. Laxmi Mall Singhvi, a renowned jurist and Atal Pension Training on agricultural order. Gandhiji
The Gram Sabha work as the general body of the Gram Panchayat. 8. The parliamentarian, to study the revitalization of Panchayati Raj institutions and Yojana (APY): implements defined Rama
members of the Gram Panchayat are elected by the Gram Sabha. Functions of make them more effective. The committee recognized that democratic Pradhan Mantri preparation, Training Rajya as
Gram Panchayats : 1 2. 3. 4. 5. 6 7. 8. 9 Preparation of Annual Plans for the decentralization was essential for effective governance and recommended that Suraksha Bima on cottage industries, "sovereignty of
development of the village Panchayat area. Preparation Annual Budget of Panchayati Raj should be constitutionally recognized, which was a significant Yojana (PMSBY) : Training on carpentry the people based
Village Panchayat. Mobilization of relief in natural calamities. Removal of step beyond previous committees. It emphasized the need for Gram Sabha Pradhan Mantri etc. Alongaide technical on moral
encroachments on public properties. Organizing voluntary labours and (village assembly) as the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system and Jeevan Jyoti Bima and vocational training , authority'.
contribution for community works. Maintenance of essential statistics of advocated for greater devolution of powers and responsibilities to local Yojana (PMJJBY): work centres were Following are the
villages. Service or developmental function, such as promotion of education, bodies. The committee stressed the importance of regular elections, financial rural development started in the crafts like basic tenents of
health, agriculture, etc. Representative function, where the main role is to autonomy, and judicial safeguards to prevent arbitrary dissolution of elected programmes in weaving calico printing, the Gandhian
voice and represent the opinion. panchayats. It also highlighted the need for training and awareness programs area of social soap making, laundry, ideal social
to build capacity among elected representatives and suggested that Panchayati sector20 - Point bnkery, blacksmithy. order : A. Ideal
Panchayat Samiti. Answer 1 2 3. 4. 5 6 Panchayat samiti is a rural local Raj institutions should have a clear role in planning and implementation of Programme. general mechanics, Village: 1 The
government (panchayat) body at the intermediate tehsil (taluka/mandal) level development programs. Although its recommendations were not immediately Minimum Needs leather and a multitude village is the
in India. It works for the villages ofthe tehsil that together are called a implemented, the L.M. Singhvi Committee played a crucial role in shaping the Programme of other crafts and basic unit of the
development block. It has been said to be the "panchayat of panchayats". 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which gave constitutional status to (MNP). Food For trades, "lhe Nilokheri Gandhian ideal
Typically, panchayat samiti is composed of elected members of the area : the PRIs and established a uniform structure across India. The committee's work is Work Programme projeet was unlike any social order. 2 3.
block development officer, members of the state's legislative assembly, considered a turning point in the history of local self-governance in India. (FFW). National other village 4 5. Gandhi's
members of parliament belonging to that area, otherwise unrepresented Rural Employment development projec.its ideal village
groups (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and women), associate members Programme objective was to belongs to the
and the elected members ofthat panchayat block on the zila parishad. The The 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 is a landmark constitutional reform in India (NREP). Rural rehabilitate the Pre-British
samiti is elected for five years and is headed by a chairman and deputy that gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), making Landless refugees in a planned period, when
chairman elected by the members of the panchayat samiti. Functions of grassroots democracy a fundamental part of the Indian political system. The Employment settlement where they Indian villages
Panchayat Samiti : 1. The main functions of the Panchayat Samitis are planning, amendment, which came into effect on April 24, 1993, introduced several key Guarantee could get everything were supposed
execution and supervision of all developmental programmes in the Block. 2. 3 provisions to strengthen and institutionalize local self-governance in rural Programme which is required for a to constitute the
3-5 P (HSMC-Sem-7& 8) It also supervises the works of Gram Panchayats within areas. It mandated a three-tier structure of Panchayati Raj at the village (Gram (RLEGP). Jawahar town or a village. The federation of
its Jurisdiction. It has to instill among people within its jurisdiction a spirit of Panchayat), intermediate/block (Panchayat Samiti), and district (Zila Parishad) Rozgar Yojana colony had school selfgoverning
self-help and initiative and work for raising the standard of living. 4 5. 6 It has levels. The Act provided for regular elections every five years to these bodies, (JRY). Self- agriculture farms autonomous
to support for the implementation of development programmes. It has the ensuring democratic continuity. It also introduced reservations for Scheduled Employment for polytechnic training republics.
welfare and development activities in the fields of agriculture, animal Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women (not less than one-third of the Educated centre , dairy poultry According to
husbandry, health, sanitation, elementary education, cottage industries and the seats) to promote inclusiveness and social justice. The Act established Unemployed farm , pig farm , Gandhiji, this
social. It has to use the village housing project funds and loans. independent State Election Commissions to conduct elections and State Youths (SEEUY. horticulture garden , federation will be
Finance Commissions to recommend the distribution of financial resources Integrated Rural printing press etc. The brought about
Zila Parishad. 1 Answer The Zila Panchayat or District Council or Mandal between the state government and Panchayats. Additionally, it added the Development Nilokheri was an not by
Parishad or District Panchayat is the third tier of the Panchayati Raj system and Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution, listing 29 subjects (such as agriculture, Programme (IRDP). excellent exercise in the compulsion but
functions at the district levels in all states. 2. 3 4. 5. 6 7. 8 9 A Zila Parishad is an health, sanitation, education, and social welfare) on which Panchayats have Indira Awas Yojana planning of a town by the voluntary
elected body. Block Pramukh of Block Panchayat are also represented in Zila authority to plan and implement development programs. By giving (IAY). offer of every
Parishad. The members of the State Legislature and the members of the constitutional backing, the 73rd Amendment aimed to empower rural local village republic
Parliament of India are members of the Zila Parishad. The Zila parishad is the bodies, promote decentralization, enhance accountability, and encourage approaches to rural to join such a
top most tier of the panchayat raj system and acts as the link between the greater participation of local communities in governance and development. Sriniketan development in India federation. The
state government and the village-level Gram Panchayat. Zila Parishad are Experiment. nce the types of work of the
Panchayats at Apex or District Level in Panchayat Raj Institutions. The Tagore was in approaches to rural central authority
Chairman of all the Panchayat Samitis under the district are the ex officio Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India are facing several challenges that charge of the development are as will only be to
menmbers of Zila Parishad. The deputy chief executive oficer from General limit their effectiveness in rural governance and development. Key issues family's estates in follows: i i. iii. iv. V. vi. coordinate the
Administration department at district level is ex-officio secretary of Zila include inadequate devolution of powers, functions, and finances from state East Bengal he was vii. Broad front work of different
Parishad. The chief executive officer, who is an IAS officer or senior state governments, which restricts their autonomy and decision-making capacity. exposed to the Approach. Sectoral village republics
service officer, heads the administrative setup of the Zila Parishad. Funetions Many PRIs suffer from insufficient financial resources and dependence on poverty and Approach. Participatory and to supervise
of Zila Parishad: 1. 2 3. 4 5 6. It works as advisory body for blocks. It approves state funds, leading to delays and underfunding of local projects. There is often oppression Approach. Area and manage
budget and plan of blocks. It allots funds to the blocks. It approves budget and a lack of capacity and training among elected representatives, many of whom engulfing the rural Development things of
plan of blocks. Secondary education is the responsibility of this council. are new to governance and administration. Political interference and mass. This whole Approach. Target common
bureaucratic control also undermine the independence of PRIs, with higher scenario made him Approach. Basic Needs interest, as
The emergence and growth of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India reflect authorities sometimes overriding local decisions. Additionally, social keenly sensitive Approach. education, basic
the country’s deep-rooted tradition of local self-governance, which dates back inequalities, such as caste, gender, and class divisions, can affect participation towards these Employment-oriented industries,
to the Vedic period when village communities managed their own affairs and representation despite reservation policies. Issues like irregular elections, people and he Integrated Appronch to health, currency,
through panchayats. During British rule, traditional systems declined, but Lord weak accountability mechanisms, and poor infrastructure further hamper decided to pull Rural Development. vi. banking etc. The
Ripon’s 1882 resolution on local self-government laid the foundation for their functioning. To make PRIs truly effective, these challenges need to be them out from this Integrated central authority
modern democratic decentralization. After independence, the Indian addressed through stronger legal backing, better financial support, capacity poverty and Development will have no
leadership recognized the need for empowering rural areas, and the building, and genuine decentralization of power. oppression. Approach. ix. X xi. xii. power to enforce
Balwantrai Mehta Committee in 1957 formally recommended a three-tier Tagore's Growth Center its decisions on
Panchayati Raj system comprising the Gram Panchayat at the village level, structure of rural finance in India. Reserve Bank of India (RB), National Bank for ideological Approach. Community- village republics
Panchayat Samiti at the block level, and Zila Parishad at the district level, Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Public and Private Sector framework Driven Development except the moral
focusing on local planning and development. This system was first Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRB), Land Development Banks attracted Leonard (CDD) or Approach. pressure or
implemented in Nagaur district of Rajasthan in 1959 and gradually adopted by (LDB), State Cooperative Banks (SCB), Central Cooperative Banks (CCB), Elmhirst, a British Gandhian Approach. power of
other states. The real turning point came with the 73rd Constitutional Primary Agricultural Cooperative Banks (PACB), Central and States agronomist to Tagore Approach. persuasion. B.
Amendment Act in 1992, which gave constitutional status to PRIs, mandated Governments, Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), Post Office Savings Bank, come to India upcn Decentralisation :
regular elections every five years, provided for reservation of seats for the invitation 1. Gandhi firmly
Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and at least one-third for women, and ofTagore to work broad-front believes that
established State Election Commissions and State Finance Commissions to with him. They development appoach. village republics
oversee elections and financial devolution. The Eleventh Schedule was added The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is a both began to Answer 1 2 3 4. 5. 6 can be built only
to the Constitution, assigning 29 subjects to PRIs, including agriculture, rural premier financial institution in India, established in 1982 under an Act of formulate methods Community through
housing, water management, and education. Since its constitutionalization, Parliament. Its primary objective is to promote sustainable and inclusive rural for social and Development and decentralisation
Panchayati Raj has grown significantly, fostering greater political participation development by providing and regulating credit and other facilities for economic change. Panchayat Raj were of social and
at the grassroots, especially among marginalized groups and women, with agriculture, small-scale industries, cottage and village industries, handicrafts, To translate his often deseribed as political power.
several states even increasing women’s reservation to 50%. Additionally, and other rural crafts. NABARD acts as an apex institution for financing and dream into reality, broad-front In such a system
digital initiatives like e-GramSwaraj and the SVAMITVA scheme have further supporting rural development activities through cooperative banks, regional the Institute of development strategies decision-making
strengthened transparency and efficiency. However, despite these rural banks, and other financial institutions. It plays a vital role in refinancing Rural as they aimed at power will be
advancements, challenges such as limited fiscal autonomy, capacity gaps agricultural loans, supporting rural infrastructure projects, and facilitating Reconstruction in development of villages vested in the 3.
among elected representatives, bureaucratic dominance, and uneven microfinance and self-help groups (SHGs). Besides credit support, NABARD also Sriniketan was covering all the major 4. 5. 6 7. Village
devolution of power persist, requiring continuous reforms and support to undertakes initiatives in rural innovation, capacity building, and policy established in spheres like Agriculture, Panchayat. The
realize the full potential of decentralized governance in India. advocacy to strengthen rural economies. By bridging the credit gap in rural 1920. The object of Animal Husbandry, representatives
areas and encouraging sustainable development, NABARD significantly Sriniketan Rural Industries, would be elected
contributes to improving the livelihood of rural populations and fostering programme is to Communication, by all adults for a
The Balwantrai Mehta Committee, appointed by the Government of India in overall agricultural growth in India bring back life in its Health, Education, fixed period of
January 1957 under the chairmanship of Balwantrai G. Mehta, was tasked with completeness into Women Welfare and five years. The
examining the functioning of the Community Development Programme (1952) the villages making Social Welfare. In early elected
and the National Extension Service (1953), and recommending steps to them self-reliant fifties, rural representatives
improve democratic decentralization in rural India. The committee's most Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) were established in 1975 by the Government of and self respectful. development efforts would constitute
important recommendation was the introduction of a three-tier Panchayati Raj India to provide banking and financial services specifically to rural areas, The objectives of begun with brond-front a council, called
system consisting of the Gram Panchayat at the village level, the Panchayat especially targeting small and marginal farmers, agricultural laborers, and rural the mission were : development approach. the Panchayat.
Samiti at the block level, and the Zila Parishad at the district level, designed to artisans. The primary objective of RRBs is to promote financial inclusion by i. iüi. iv. V. To win The Community The Panchayat
promote local self-governance and participatory development. It proposed delivering credit and banking facilities to the rural poor who traditionally had the friendship and Development exercises
direct elections for members of the Gram Panchayat and indirect elections for limited access to formal banking. RRBs operate under the joint ownership of affection of Programmes (CDP) and legislative,
the higher tiers, along with the transfer of administrative powers and the Central Government (50%), the State Government (15%), and a sponsor villagers and National Extension executive and
responsibilities from the state governments to these local bodies. The bank (35%), which is usually a public sector bank. They offer a range of services cultivators by Service (NES) initiated judicial . Self-
committee emphasized the need for Panchayati Raj institutions to play a including crop loans, term loans, and working capital loans for agriculture and talking a real in 1952 fell under this sufficiency: The
central role in local planning and development, with elected representatives at allied activities, as well as loans for rural industries and small businesses. RRBs interest in all that approach. Though CDP, village should be
the core and government officials acting as advisors rather than controllers. It also help in implementing government schemes and subsidies for rural concerns their lives as a holistic approach, self-sufficient as
also stressed financial empowerment through local taxation and resource development. Their localized presence and focus on rural clients make them and welfare, To did not succeed as far as its basic
mobilization. Based on these recommendations, the first Panchayati Raj crucial institutions for empowering rural economies and fostering sustainable take the problem expected. The impact needs food,
system was launched in Nagaur district of Rajasthan on October 2, 1959, by development in India’s villages of the village and ofprogramme was clothing, shelter
Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The Balwantrai Mehta Committee is widely the field to the ephemeral. It could not and other
regarded as a landmark in India’s journey toward grassroots democracy and class room for make a dent into social necessities are
laid the groundwork for the later constitutional recognition of Panchayati Raj study and fabric as was expected. concerned. 2. 3.
through the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992. discussion and to The critics also point 4 5 D. The village
the experimental out that : It brought should produce
farm for solution. about a great disparity food-crops and
To put the between the rich and cotton in order to
students in the the poor, It hardly meet its
way of acquiring touched the problem of requirements.
practical meeting the felt needs Some lands
experience in of the people, ii. iv. It should also be
cultivation, dairy, failed to bring about earmarked for
animal husbandry, the process cattle and for a
poultry keeping, ofmodernizantion playground for
carpentry, and through social adults and
smithing, weaving education, and Lack of children. Village
and tannery; in people's participation. economy should
practical sanitation In spite of the criticisms be planned with
work; and in the thes programme's a view to
art and sprit of added a new dimension providing full
cooperation. The to the process of employment to
experiment was change and generated all the adults of
strongly supported community the village.
by a team of conseiousnesa to solve Industrialization :
foreigners and community problems. 1.
Bengalis. The Industrialization
Sriniketan leads to passive
programme Sectoral Approach. or active
covered broadly Answer 1. 2. 3 4. 5 6 7 8 exploitation of
four general areas: 9. Sectoral the 2 3 4 5 6 E.
agriculture, crafts development planning villages.
and industries, in individual sectors like Industrialization
village welfare and education, health, replaces
education. The housing and social manpower and
agricultural security are included in hence it adds to
activities were sectoral approach of unemployment.
based on three development. This In order to avoid
phases: approach advocates such a
experiment; compartmentalization catastrophe,
training, and ii. of development in village and
extension. different sectors. Its cottage
Extension activities inadequacies stem from industries should
were given much this compartmentalized be revived. They
priority. A approach. By 1960's the provide
Demonstration situation was rather employment to
Plot was created to critical on the food meet the needs
impart training and front. The need for of the villagers
education to all great concentration on and facilitate
the farmers food production led to village self-
through real life strategy for locating sufficiency.
situation. 11. One potential sectors and
or two agricultural well-endowed districts
workers from and areas capable of C. Subramanian
Sriniketan often yielding higher the then Finance
used to go to the agricultural production. Minister of India,
villages and More attention was means 'A
farmers to paid in improving systematic,
supervise all productivity per acre scientific and
activities. than on extending the integrated use of
acreage. For this our natural
purpose Intensive resources
Gurgaon Agriculture enabling every
Experiment. 1 Development person to engage
Answer Rural Programme (IADP) and himself in a
upliftment Intensive Agricultural productive and
movement on a Area Programme (IAAP) socially useful
mass scale was were launched. Both occupation and
first started by Mr. IADP and IAAP earn an income
F. L. Brayne in constituted landmarks that would meet
1920. 2 3 4 5. 6 7 in the development of at least the basic
He was prompted agriculture. The needs'.
by the programmes placed Integrated Rural
backwardness, agriculture on a Development is a
poverty and misery qualitatively different strategy which
of the people. footing with wide focuses attention
After seven years ranging repercussions on the rural poor
of study he on rural scenario. and attempts to
developed a improve the
scheme called quality of life of
"The Gurgaon Participatory Approach. the weaker
scheme" with the Answer 1 2. 3 4. 5 6. 7 sections of the
following This concept has been society. The
objectives : To developed from strategy isjust
increase crop Participatory not an attempt of
production, ii ii. iv Development (PD). increasing
V. To control extra Participatory agricultural
expenditure, To development is a productivity but
improve the process through which ensuring that the
health, To develop stakeholders can poor and the
the feeling of influence and share weaker sections
women-education, control over share the
and Home development initiatives, benefits of
development and over the decisions economic and
work. He took the and resources that social progress.
whole district as affect themselves. The concept of
the field of Participatory Integrated Rural
operation and Development (PD) is a Development
approached the process to engage local came into vogue
area with every populations in with the need for
form of development projects. a multi-purpose
propaganda and PD uses local decision thrust to rural
publicity. Under his making and capacities planning. It is a
programme village to steer and define the 'multi-level, a
guides' were nature of an multi-sector, and
posted in each intervention. PD aims at multi-section
village, who acted achieving a localized concept'. As a
as the channel to capital accumulation multi-level
pass on the process based on the concept, it
information to skills development and encompasses
villagers. The local resources rural
programme generation. The development at
introduced essential feature of PD various levels in
improved seeds, is social mobilization. the spatial
implements, PD gives a new self- hierarchy such as
methods of confidence through the viable cluster
cultivation, etc. which the community of village
The activities can engage in more communities,
introduced by ambitious projects blocks and
Brayne were : A involving collective districts.
school of rural action and Asamulti-sector
economy to train management. concept, it
the village guides encompasses
in 1925. i. üi. iv. A agriculture,
domestic school of The Target Group industry,
economy to train Approach (also known education, health
groups of women as the Target-Oriented and
under women and Approach) in rural transportation.
children welfare development is a As a multi-
work in 1926. strategy that focuses on section concept,
Health association, identifying and assisting it encmpasses
which ran five specific groups within socio-economic
health centres in rural populations who development of
the district. are particularly the target group
Drawbacks: 1. 2 3 vulnerable, of the weaker
4. A women's disadvantaged, or sections or sub-
Institute at marginalized. Unlike the sections of the
Gurgaon to Area Development rural population,
manage the ladies' Approach, which aims such as, landless
garden in Gurgaon. to uplift an entire labourers,
Marthandam region, the Target artisans, small
Experiment. Group Approach zeroes farmers,
Answer 1 2 3 4 The in on specific marginal
work was beneficiaries based on farmers,
commenced by Dr. criteria such as income Scheduled Tribes
Spencer Hatch an level, occupation, caste, and Scheduled
American gender, or social Castes.
Agricultural expert status.Key Features of
in Travancore the Target Group
under the Approach:Beneficiary
auspicious of Identification: Clearly
YMCA in 1921. The defined target groups,
villages in such as:Small and
Marthandam area marginal farmers
were undeveloped Landless laborers
economically and Scheduled Castes (SCs)
the economic and Scheduled Tribes
condition of the (STs) Women
native majority Unemployed youth
was poor. The Below Poverty Line
main objectives of (BPL) familiesObjective-
this project were : i Based Planning:
Spiritual Program goals are set
development ii. based on the needs of
Physical the identified groups
development V. (e.g., poverty
Economic alleviation, skill
development iü. iv. development, access to
Mental credit).Specific
development Schemes and
Social Interventions:
development Dr. Programs are designed
Hateh with focused support
implemented an all like subsidies, training,
round employment, health, or
development in education.Use of Data
agriculture, public and Surveys: Socio-
health and economic surveys help
education. 5 6. 7 8 identify and monitor
9. 10. 11. For this target groups
project, the accurately.Measurable
extension Outcomes: Easier to
secretary was measure success based
appointed to on the number of
supervise the beneficiaries reached
activities of the and changes in their
group. standard of living.
Marthandam was Tagore approach to
in a strategic rural community
position to serve development. First
the villages. It kept phase of Rural
prize bulls and Reconstruction - East
goats, model bee- Bengal Experiment : 1 2
lives, 3 4 5. Tagore came into
demonstration direct contact with the
plots for improving rural Bengal after he
grain and took the charge of their
vegetable seeds, Zamindari estate at East
poultry runs with Bengal. It was during
prize laying hens, a that period the idea of
weaving shed, etc. rural reconstruction
Inside the centre, came to his mind. That
there was was the beginning of his
equipment like rural reconstruction
honey extractors, programme. His
health charts and programme included
the items needed health, education,
for other cottage cottage industries,
vocations. agriculture, fisheries,
weaving etc. He
introduced the
Baroda experiment of tractor
Experiment. This for cultivation, furnace
movement was for potteries and
started by V.T. ceramics, a husking
Krishnachari in machine for paddies.
1932 in the Baroda An all-round
state where he development of a
was Dewan at that village was his ultimate
time. 2 3 4 5. 6 7. objective which to his
The first objective mind was necessary for
was to bring about making a self-suficient
a rapid increase in and self-confident
standards of living, society. Rural Bank : 1 2
industrialization 3 4. The concept of
and rapid rural bank occupies a
expansion of the very significant place in
educational Tagore's Rural
system. The Reconstruction
second objective Programme. While
was to increase acting as a Zamindar, he
agricultural observed that one of
production the main reasons of
through the rural poverty was the
provision of basic ruthless exploitation by
necessities. This the Zamindars, the
Project was started middlemen and the
in the district money lenders. The
ofNavsari in the only way to rescue the
Gujarat State. villagers was to lend
Many programmes money at a rate of
such as gardening, lower interest. With
poultry-farming, this objective, Tagore
bee-keeping, established Patisar
spinning and Bank in 1905. C.
weaving were Sriniketan Experiment:
organized. Re- D Rural Industries : E
stabilization of Institute of Rural
Panchayats and Reconstruction: F Rural
other programmes Library :
of village progress
were organized.
The adult
education had
been extended.
Working System :
1. 2 3. By personal
education and
contact by the
village guides. To
use the school
teacher of village
in the extension of
programme. To
use the traditional
means of
extension.
Firkha
Development
Scheme. The Firka
Development
Scheme launched
by Madras
Government in
1946 aimed at the
attainment of the
Gandhian ideal
of"Village Swaraj".
2 3. This scheme
aimed at bringing
educational,
economic, sanitary
and other
developmental
activities in villages
and also revitalise
the spirit of the
people and make
them self-
confident and self-
reliant. Among
Pre-Independence
project, this was
the biggest
project. The short
term objectives of
the scheme was to
develop basic
amenities and an
institutional
framework for
carrying out
communication,
water supply,
sanitation,
formation of
panchayats and
cooperatives. 5 6
7. The long term
objectives were to
attain self-
sufficiency in food,
clothing, shelter,
development of
agriculture, animal
husbandry, khadi
and village
industries.

Etawah Pilot
Project. Answer
This project was
started in 1948 by
Mr. Albert Mayer
of USA who came
to India with the
American forces in
1944. 2 3 4. 5. 6 He
was the originator
of this project at a
village called
Mahewa in UP. A
pilot project for
development of
Etawah district in
UP was formulated
i. by him with the
following
objectives : To
know the degree
of productive and
social
improvements,
through self
confidence and
cooperatives; To
find how quickly
these results could
be attained; ii. iv.
To know whether
the results remain
permanent even
after the special
pressure is
withdrawn; and To
assess how far the
results were
reproductive in
other places. In the
project,
development
officers at various
levels were posted.
At village level,
there was a 'multi-
purpose' village
level worker (VLW)
with four or five
villages under him.
This programme
works were, by
and large, similar
to earlier projects;
introduction of
improved variety
seeds, chemical
fertilizers,
improved
implements, plant
protection
measures,
horticultural
development, soil
conservation,
improved cultural
practices and the
like. There were
projects in animal
husbandry,
cooperation, credit
provision, water
supply,
improvements of
road, drainage This
project was finally
merged with the
National Extension
Service (NES)
block.

Panchayati Raj (Council of The Ashok Mehta

five officials) is the system Committee was
of local self government of appointed by the
villages in rural India. It Government of India in
consists of the Panchayati 1977 under the
Raj Institutions (PRIs) chairmanship of Ashok
through which the self- Mehta, a prominent
government of villages is political leader and
realized. 3. 4. 5. PRIs are socialist thinker, to
tasked with economic examine the weaknesses
development, in the existing Panchayati
strengthening social justice Raj system and to
and implementation of recommend measures to
Central and State strengthen it. The
Government Schemes. committee observed that
Part X of the Indian the earlier system had
Constitution is the section become ineffective due
of the Constitution relating to irregular elections,
to the Panchayats. It lack of financial
stipulates that in states or resources, bureaucratic
Union Territories with control, and political
more than two million interference. It
inhabitants there are three recommended replacing
levels of PRIs: The Gram the three-tier structure
Panchayats at village with a two-tier system
level : A Gram, meaning a comprising the Zila
village or a cluster of Parishad (district level)
villages, is divided into a as the principal body of
minimum of five governance and the
constituencies depending Mandal Panchayat
on the number of voters (group of villages) at the
the Gram is having. From lower level. It
each of these emphasized the district
constituencies one as the key unit of
member is elected. Body planning and
of these elected members administration, with the
is called the Gram Zila Parishad acting as
Panchayat. ii. The the executive body. The
Panchayat Samiti at block committee suggested
level : Panchayat samiti is regular and direct
a rural local government elections to these bodies,
(panchayat) body at the a strong role for political
intermediate tehsil parties in local elections,
(taluka/mandal) level in and greater involvement
India. ii. The Zila Parishad of weaker sections like
at district level : The Zila Scheduled Castes,
Panchayat or District Scheduled Tribes, and
Council or Mandal women. It also proposed
Parishad or District the creation of a State
Panchayat is the third tier Panchayati Raj
of the Panchayati Raj Development
system and functions at Corporation for funding
the district levels in all and capacity-building,
states. A Zila Parishad is an and the constitutional
elected body. protection of Panchayati
Raj institutions to ensure
Gram Panchayats. Answer their continuity and
1. 2. 3. 4. 6. A Gram, independence. Though
meaning a village or a many of its
cluster of villages, is recommendations were
divided into a minimum of not fully implemented,
five constituencies the Ashok Mehta
depending on the number Committee significantly
ofvoters the Gram is influenced later reforms
having. From cach of these and laid the intellectual
constituencies one foundation for the 73rd
member is elected. Body Constitutional
of these elected members Amendment Act, 1992,
is called the Gram which gave constitutional
Panchayat. Size of the status to Panchayati Raj
Gram Panchayats varies in India.
widely from state to state.
It is a democratie structure
at the grass-roots level in The L.M. Singhvi
India. 6. 7. Panchayati Raj Committee was
& Rural Administration It is appointed by the
a political institute, acting Government of India in
as cabinet of the village. 1986 under the
The Gram Sabha work as chairmanship of Dr.
the general body of the Laxmi Mall Singhvi, a
Gram Panchayat. 8. The renowned jurist and
members of the Gram parliamentarian, to study
Panchayat are elected by the revitalization of
the Gram Sabha. Functions Panchayati Raj
of Gram Panchayats : 1 2. institutions and make
3. 4. 5. 6 7. 8. 9 them more effective. The
Preparation of Annual committee recognized
Plans for the development that democratic
of the village Panchayat decentralization was
area. Preparation Annual essential for effective
Budget of Village governance and
Panchayat. Mobilization of recommended that
relief in natural calamities. Panchayati Raj should be
Removal of constitutionally
encroachments on public recognized, which was a
properties. Organizing significant step beyond
voluntary labours and previous committees. It
contribution for emphasized the need for
community works. Gram Sabha (village
Maintenance of essential assembly) as the
statistics of villages. foundation of the
Service or developmental Panchayati Raj system
function, such as and advocated for
promotion of education, greater devolution of
health, agriculture, etc. powers and
Representative function, responsibilities to local
where the main role is to bodies. The committee
voice and represent the stressed the importance
opinion. of regular elections,
financial autonomy, and
Panchayat Samiti. Answer judicial safeguards to
1 2 3. 4. 5 6 Panchayat prevent arbitrary
samiti is a rural local dissolution of elected
government (panchayat) panchayats. It also
body at the intermediate highlighted the need for
tehsil (taluka/mandal) training and awareness
level in India. It works for programs to build
the villages ofthe tehsil capacity among elected
that together are called a representatives and
development block. It has suggested that
been said to be the Panchayati Raj
"panchayat of institutions should have a
panchayats". Typically, clear role in planning
panchayat samiti is and implementation of
composed of elected development programs.
members of the area : the Although its
block development officer, recommendations were
members of the state's not immediately
legislative assembly, implemented, the L.M.
members of parliament Singhvi Committee
belonging to that area, played a crucial role in
otherwise unrepresented shaping the 73rd
groups (Scheduled Castes, Constitutional
Scheduled Tribes and Amendment Act, 1992,
women), associate which gave constitutional
members and the elected status to PRIs and
members ofthat panchayat established a uniform
block on the zila parishad. structure across India.
The samiti is elected for The committee's work is
five years and is headed by considered a turning
a chairman and deputy point in the history of
chairman elected by the local self-governance in
members of the panchayat India.
samiti. Functions of
Panchayat Samiti : 1. The
main functions of the The 73rd Amendment
Panchayat Samitis are Act, 1992 is a landmark
planning, execution and constitutional reform in
supervision of all India that gave
developmental constitutional status to
programmes in the Block. Panchayati Raj
2. 3 3-5 P (HSMC-Sem-7& Institutions (PRIs),
8) It also supervises the making grassroots
works of Gram Panchayats democracy a
within its Jurisdiction. It fundamental part of the
has to instill among people Indian political system.
within its jurisdiction a The amendment, which
spirit of self-help and came into effect on April
initiative and work for 24, 1993, introduced
raising the standard of several key provisions to
living. 4 5. 6 It has to strengthen and
support for the institutionalize local self-
implementation of governance in rural
development areas. It mandated a
programmes. It has the three-tier structure of
welfare and development Panchayati Raj at the
activities in the fields of village (Gram Panchayat),
agriculture, animal intermediate/block
husbandry, health, (Panchayat Samiti), and
sanitation, elementary district (Zila Parishad)
education, cottage levels. The Act provided
industries and social. It has for regular elections
to use the village housing every five years to these
project funds and loans. bodies, ensuring
democratic continuity. It
Zila Parishad. 1 Answer also introduced
The Zila Panchayat or reservations for
District Council or Mandal Scheduled Castes (SCs),
Parishad or District Scheduled Tribes (STs),
Panchayat is the third tier and women (not less
of the Panchayati Raj than one-third of the
system and functions at seats) to promote
the district levels in all inclusiveness and social
states. 2. 3 4. 5. 6 7. 8 9 A justice. The Act
Zila Parishad is an elected established independent
body. Block Pramukh of State Election
Block Panchayat are also Commissions to conduct
represented in Zila elections and State
Parishad. The members of Finance Commissions to
the State Legislature and recommend the
the members of the distribution of financial
Parliament of India are resources between the
members of the Zila state government and
Parishad. The Zila parishad Panchayats. Additionally,
is the top most tier of the it added the Eleventh
panchayat raj system and Schedule to the
acts as the link between Constitution, listing 29
the state government and subjects (such as
the village-level Gram agriculture, health,
Panchayat. Zila Parishad sanitation, education,
are Panchayats at Apex or and social welfare) on
District Level in Panchayat which Panchayats have
Raj Institutions. The authority to plan and
Chairman of all the implement development
Panchayat Samitis under programs. By giving
the district are the ex constitutional backing,
officio menmbers of Zila the 73rd Amendment
Parishad. The deputy chief aimed to empower rural
executive oficer from local bodies, promote
General Administration decentralization,
department at district enhance accountability,
level is ex-officio secretary and encourage greater
of Zila Parishad. The chief participation of local
executive officer, who is an communities in
IAS officer or senior state governance and
service officer, heads the development.
administrative setup of the
Zila Parishad. Funetions of
Zila Parishad: 1. 2 3. 4 5 6. Panchayati Raj
It works as advisory body Institutions (PRIs) in India
for blocks. It approves are facing several
budget and plan of blocks. challenges that limit their
It allots funds to the effectiveness in rural
blocks. It approves budget governance and
and plan of blocks. development. Key issues
Secondary education is the include inadequate
responsibility of this devolution of powers,
council. functions, and finances
from state governments,
The emergence and which restricts their
growth of Panchayati Raj autonomy and decision-
Institutions (PRIs) in India making capacity. Many
reflect the country’s deep- PRIs suffer from
rooted tradition of local insufficient financial
self-governance, which resources and
dates back to the Vedic dependence on state
period when village funds, leading to delays
communities managed and underfunding of
their own affairs through local projects. There is
panchayats. During British often a lack of capacity
rule, traditional systems and training among
declined, but Lord Ripon’s elected representatives,
1882 resolution on local many of whom are new
self-government laid the to governance and
foundation for modern administration. Political
democratic interference and
decentralization. After bureaucratic control also
independence, the Indian undermine the
leadership recognized the independence of PRIs,
need for empowering rural with higher authorities
areas, and the Balwantrai sometimes overriding
Mehta Committee in 1957 local decisions.
formally recommended a Additionally, social
three-tier Panchayati Raj inequalities, such as
system comprising the caste, gender, and class
Gram Panchayat at the divisions, can affect
village level, Panchayat participation and
Samiti at the block level, representation despite
and Zila Parishad at the reservation policies.
district level, focusing on Issues like irregular
local planning and elections, weak
development. This system accountability
was first implemented in mechanisms, and poor
Nagaur district of infrastructure further
Rajasthan in 1959 and hamper their
gradually adopted by other functioning. To make
states. The real turning PRIs truly effective, these
point came with the 73rd challenges need to be
Constitutional Amendment addressed through
Act in 1992, which gave stronger legal backing,
constitutional status to better financial support,
PRIs, mandated regular capacity building, and
elections every five years, genuine decentralization
provided for reservation of of power.
seats for Scheduled Castes,
Scheduled Tribes, and at structure of rural finance
least one-third for women, in India. Reserve Bank of
and established State India (RB), National Bank
Election Commissions and for Agriculture and Rural
State Finance Commissions Development (NABARD),
to oversee elections and Public and Private Sector
financial devolution. The Commercial Banks,
Eleventh Schedule was Regional Rural Banks
added to the Constitution, (RRB), Land Development
assigning 29 subjects to Banks (LDB), State
PRIs, including agriculture, Cooperative Banks (SCB),
rural housing, water Central Cooperative
management, and Banks (CCB), Primary
education. Since its Agricultural Cooperative
constitutionalization, Banks (PACB), Central
Panchayati Raj has grown and States Governments,
significantly, fostering Life Insurance
greater political Corporation (LIC), Post
participation at the Office Savings Bank,
grassroots, especially
among marginalized
groups and women, with
several states even The National Bank for
increasing women’s Agriculture and Rural
reservation to 50%. Development (NABARD)
Additionally, digital is a premier financial
initiatives like e- institution in India,
GramSwaraj and the established in 1982
SVAMITVA scheme have under an Act of
further strengthened Parliament. Its primary
transparency and objective is to promote
efficiency. However, sustainable and inclusive
despite these rural development by
advancements, challenges providing and regulating
such as limited fiscal credit and other facilities
autonomy, capacity gaps for agriculture, small-
among elected scale industries, cottage
representatives, and village industries,
bureaucratic dominance, handicrafts, and other
and uneven devolution of rural crafts. NABARD acts
power persist, requiring as an apex institution for
continuous reforms and financing and supporting
support to realize the full rural development
potential of decentralized activities through
governance in India. cooperative banks,
regional rural banks, and
other financial
The Balwantrai Mehta institutions. It plays a
Committee, appointed by vital role in refinancing
the Government of India in agricultural loans,
January 1957 under the supporting rural
chairmanship of infrastructure projects,
Balwantrai G. Mehta, was and facilitating
tasked with examining the microfinance and self-
functioning of the help groups (SHGs).
Community Development Besides credit support,
Programme (1952) and the NABARD also undertakes
National Extension Service initiatives in rural
(1953), and recommending innovation, capacity
steps to improve building, and policy
democratic advocacy to strengthen
decentralization in rural rural economies. By
India. The committee's bridging the credit gap in
most important rural areas and
recommendation was the encouraging sustainable
introduction of a three-tier development, NABARD
Panchayati Raj system significantly contributes
consisting of the Gram to improving the
Panchayat at the village livelihood of rural
level, the Panchayat Samiti populations and
at the block level, and the fostering overall
Zila Parishad at the district agricultural growth in
level, designed to promote India
local self-governance and
participatory
development. It proposed
direct elections for Regional Rural Banks
members of the Gram (RRBs) were established
Panchayat and indirect in 1975 by the
elections for the higher Government of India to
tiers, along with the provide banking and
transfer of administrative financial services
powers and specifically to rural areas,
responsibilities from the especially targeting small
state governments to and marginal farmers,
these local bodies. The agricultural laborers, and
committee emphasized rural artisans. The
the need for Panchayati primary objective of
Raj institutions to play a RRBs is to promote
central role in local financial inclusion by
planning and delivering credit and
development, with elected banking facilities to the
representatives at the core rural poor who
and government officials traditionally had limited
acting as advisors rather access to formal banking.
than controllers. It also RRBs operate under the
stressed financial joint ownership of the
empowerment through Central Government
local taxation and resource (50%), the State
mobilization. Based on Government (15%), and
these recommendations, a sponsor bank (35%),
the first Panchayati Raj which is usually a public
system was launched in sector bank. They offer a
Nagaur district of range of services
Rajasthan on October 2, including crop loans,
1959, by Prime Minister term loans, and working
Jawaharlal Nehru. The capital loans for
Balwantrai Mehta agriculture and allied
Committee is widely activities, as well as loans
regarded as a landmark in for rural industries and
India’s journey toward small businesses. RRBs
grassroots democracy and also help in
laid the groundwork for implementing
the later constitutional government schemes
recognition of Panchayati and subsidies for rural
Raj through the 73rd development. Their
Amendment Act of 1992. localized presence and
focus on rural clients
make them crucial
institutions for
empowering rural
economies and fostering
sustainable development
in India’s villages