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About Panchayati Raj

The Panchayati Raj is a three-tiered system of rural local self-governance in India, established by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, which aims to decentralize government and empower villages. It consists of the Gram Panchayat at the village level, Panchayat Samiti at the block level, and Zila Parishad at the district level, with provisions for regular elections and reservations for marginalized groups. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, created in 2004, oversees the implementation and functioning of this system.

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17 views2 pages

About Panchayati Raj

The Panchayati Raj is a three-tiered system of rural local self-governance in India, established by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, which aims to decentralize government and empower villages. It consists of the Gram Panchayat at the village level, Panchayat Samiti at the block level, and Zila Parishad at the district level, with provisions for regular elections and reservations for marginalized groups. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, created in 2004, oversees the implementation and functioning of this system.

Uploaded by

amar.hussain
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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About Panchayati Raj

The Panchayati Raj is a system of rural local self-governance in India. It is a three-tiered


structure designed to extend democracy to the grassroots level and promote a decentralized
form of government, where villages are responsible for their own affairs. The term
"Panchayat" traditionally means a council of five, and the system has roots in ancient India,
with mentions of self-governing village bodies in texts like the Rigveda.

Key Features and Structure

The modern Panchayati Raj system, as it functions today, is a result of the 73rd
Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, which gave it constitutional status and a uniform
structure across the country. This system operates at three levels:

• Gram Panchayat (Village Level): This is the basic unit of local administration at the
village level. It is responsible for various local affairs, including sanitation, water
supply, infrastructure development, and implementing government schemes. The
Gram Sabha, a village assembly consisting of all registered voters, forms the
foundation of this level.

• Panchayat Samiti (Block Level): This is the intermediate level, often known as a Block
or Mandal Panchayat. It coordinates and supervises the functioning of the Gram
Panchayats within its jurisdiction and plays a role in planning and implementing
development programs.

• Zila Parishad (District Level): This is the apex body at the district level. It oversees
and coordinates the Panchayat Samitis within the district, focusing on district-level
planning and resource allocation.

The 73rd Amendment also mandated a fixed tenure of five years for these bodies, regular
elections, and the devolution of powers, responsibilities, and finances. It also introduced
reservations of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women to ensure their
participation.

Historical Evolution

• Ancient Period: The concept of village councils or "sabhas" existed in ancient India as
a form of grassroots governance.

• Post-Independence: Mahatma Gandhi advocated for "Gram Swaraj" (village self-


governance) through Panchayati Raj.

• Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957): This committee, appointed to examine the
Community Development Programme, recommended the three-tier Panchayati Raj
system. This led to its implementation in various states, with Rajasthan being the first
to do so in 1959.
• 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992: This act was a landmark step that
constitutionalized the Panchayati Raj system, making it a mandatory third tier of
governance.

Ministry of Panchayati Raj

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, a branch of the Government of India, was created in May
2004. It is responsible for all matters related to Panchayati Raj and its institutions. The
ministry's work includes transferring grants to rural local bodies for civic programs and using
technology to automate the functioning of Panchayats.

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