Local Self-Government-Rural: ICSE Class 9 Civics

Leave a Comment

Get notes, summary, questions and answers, MCQs, extras, and PDFs of Chapter 5 “Local Self-Government-Rural” which is part of ICSE Class 9 Civics (Morning Star) workbook answers. However, the notes should only be treated as references and changes should be made according to the needs of the students.

Summary

The chapter on Local Self-Government in rural areas explains the Panchayati Raj system, which allows villages to manage their own affairs. This system functions on three levels: the Gram Panchayat at the village level, the Panchayat Samiti at the block level, and the Zila Parishad at the district level.

Local self-government refers to institutions where elected representatives manage local matters, such as sanitation, education, and resolving disputes. These representatives receive government grants to carry out their duties. This system is different from local government, where officials appointed by the state, like policemen and patwaris, manage local services without input from local residents.

The Panchayati Raj system was first introduced in 1959 and was solidified by the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act in 1992. This amendment mandated the creation of a three-tier system of governance, regular elections every five years, and reserved seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women. Each state was required to set up a State Finance Commission every five years to ensure proper funding for the Panchayats.

The Gram Panchayat, made up of elected members, is led by a Sarpanch. It performs both administrative and social functions, such as maintaining roads, health centres, and schools, and providing facilities like irrigation. Some states also have Nyaya Panchayats, which offer villagers quick and inexpensive justice.

The Panchayat Samiti oversees multiple villages, focusing on higher education, health services, and agricultural development. At the district level, the Zila Parishad coordinates the activities of Panchayat Samitis and helps with development work across the district. This system helps reduce the workload of the state and central governments while allowing local communities to manage their needs.

Textbook solutions

Multiple-Choice Questions

1. Which of the following statements best describe the difference between Local Self-Government and Local Government?

(P) In Local Government, the administration of a locality is looked after by the officials appointed by the State.
(Q) Local Self-government consists of elected representatives who get grants from the government.
(R) In Local Government, all the voters look after the administration of the State.
(S) Local Self-government is run by a Cooperative comprising the MLAs and Sarpanchs of the Panchayat.

(a) P and Q
(b) R and S
(c) P and R
(d) R and Q

Answer: (a) P and Q.

2. Which of the following statements about the significance of local self-government are correct?

(P) They make it possible for the local people to run their own affairs.
(Q) They make it possible for the local people to select their favourites to run the administration.
(R) They give the local people the right to call back the members of the Panchayat if they do not work for the welfare of the local people.
(S) They lessen the burden of workload on State and Central government machinery.

(a) P and Q
(b) R and S
(c) P and R
(d) Q and S

Answer: (a) P and Q.

3. A person commits an offence and is taken to Nyaya Panchayat. Which of the following actions can be taken by the Nyaya Panchayat?

(a) It can award a sentence of imprisonment for a month.
(b) It can impose a fine of up to Rs. 1000.
(c) It can impose a fine of up to Rs. 100.
(d) It can award both a fine and imprisonment.

Answer: (c) It can impose a fine of up to Rs. 100.

4. Complete the following analogy: Panchayat : rural :: _____ : urban

(a) Zila Parishad
(b) Municipality
(c) Gram Sabha
(d) Mayor’s Office

Answer: (b) Municipality

5. Local self-government has which of the following benefits?

(a) Reduces workload on State Government
(b) Easy accessibility to common citizen
(c) Training for local leadership
(d) All of the above

Answer: (d) All of the above.

6. Where was the Panchayati Raj System inaugurated?

(a) Nagaur, Rajasthan
(b) Amritsar, Punjab
(c) Ajmer, Rajasthan
(d) Bhatinda, Punjab

Answer: (a) Nagaur, Rajasthan.

7. Under the system of local self-government, which local body discharges judicial functions in a rural area?

(a) Gram Panchayat
(b) Nyaya Panchayat
(c) Panchayat Samiti
(d) Zila Parishad

Answer: (b) Nyaya Panchayat.

8. Name the apex body of the Panchayati Raj System.

(a) Gram Panchayat
(b) Panchayat Samiti
(c) Zila Parishad
(d) Gram Sabha

Answer: (c) Zila Parishad.

9. Which of the following is NOT a part of the three-tier Panchayati Raj System?

(a) Gram Panchayat
(b) Gram Samiti
(c) Zila Parishad
(d) Panchayat Samiti

Answer: (b) Gram Samiti.

Short Answer Questions

1. Differentiate between local government and local self-government unit.

Answer: Local self-government is quite different from local government. In local government, the administration of a locality is looked after by the officials appointed by the State. Such officials are paid a salary; they include patwari or policeman or the village chowkidar, and the village postman. These officials provide certain services to the local people and do not have any say in management and administration of local affairs. Local self-government consists of elected representatives. They receive government grants for their activities like sanitation, providing elementary education and settling disputes. That is to say that local people govern themselves.

2. What are the advantages of having local self-government?

Answer:

(i) These institutions provide the foundations on which the entire democratic structure of our country stands. These institutions make it possible for local people to take interest in their own affairs and groom them well to take on larger responsibilities later.
(ii) The local institutions provide a training ground for local leadership and to gain necessary experience for undertaking bigger challenges at the state or the national level.
(iii) Local people know their problems well and are best judges of their own needs.
(iv) The local institutions encourage self-help and voluntary service and save the state of many unnecessary expenses.
(v) Local self-government institutions gain the support of local communities.
(vi) Through these institutions, government can reach ordinary citizens in times of need like National Emergency.
(vii) These institutions lessen the burden of workload on State and Central Government machinery.
(viii) They facilitate active participation of local people as an individual can evaluate the performance of the elected representatives.

3. Name the three-tier institutions of the Panchayati Raj.

Answer:

(i) Panchayats at village level.
(ii) Panchayat Samiti at block level or middle level.
(iii) Zila Parishad at District level.

4. What is a Gram Sabha?

Answer: The members of the Gram Panchayat are elected by the Gram Sabha. In essence, Gram Sabha functions as the general body of the Gram Panchayat. All adult men and women in the village registered as voters are members of the Gram Sabha.

5. What did the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 provide for in respect of organisation of Panchayats?

Answer:

(i) To provide three-tier system of Panchayati Raj for all States having a population of over 20 lakh.
(ii) To hold Panchayat elections regularly every five years.
(iii) To provide reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and women.
(iv) To constitute State Finance Commissions every five years to make recommendations on financial powers of the Panchayats.
(v) To constitute District Planning Committee to prepare draft development plan for the district as a whole.

6. What was the view of Gandhiji on Panchayats?

Answer: Gandhiji’s dream of every village being a republic has been translated into reality with the introduction of the three-tier Panchayati Raj System.

7. Who is the head of the village Panchayat? What is the remuneration of this person?

Answer: The Sarpanch is the head of the Gram Panchayat. The Sarpanch and Vice-Sarpanch are honorary members. They are not paid a salary.

Structured Questions

1. With reference to local self-government in rural areas, answer the following questions:

(a) Name important local self-government institutions.

Answer: The important local self-government institutions in rural areas are the Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad.

(b) What is the significance of self-government institutions?

Answer: The significance of self-government institutions is as follows:

(i) These institutions provide the foundations on which the entire democratic structure of our country stands.
(ii) These institutions make it possible for local people to take an interest in their own affairs and groom them well to take on larger responsibilities later.
(iii) The local institutions provide a training ground for local leadership and to gain necessary experience for undertaking bigger challenges at the state or the national level.
(iv) Local people know their problems well and are best judges of their own needs.
(v) The local institutions encourage self-help and voluntary service and save the state from many unnecessary expenses.
(vi) Local self-government institutions gain the support of local communities.
(vii) Through these institutions, the government can reach ordinary citizens in times of need, such as during a National Emergency.
(viii) These institutions lessen the burden of workload on the State and Central Government machinery.
(ix) They facilitate active participation of local people as an individual can evaluate the performance of the elected representatives.

(c) Mention any four salient features of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992.

Answer:
(i) To provide a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj for all States having a population of over 20 lakh.
(ii) To hold Panchayat elections regularly every five years.
(iii) To provide reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women.
(iv) To constitute State Finance Commissions every five years to make recommendations on financial powers of the Panchayats.

2. With respect to Panchayati Raj system, answer the following questions:

(a) How did the Panchayats come to be set up on a uniform basis all over the country?

Answer: The Panchayats were set up on a uniform basis all over the country with the introduction of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992. This amendment provided for a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj for all States with a population of over 20 lakh and mandated that elections be held regularly every five years. It also made provisions for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women.

(b) Mention any three achievements of the Panchayati Raj System.

Answer:

(i) Panchayati Raj system has brought government closer to the people by enabling local self-governance.
(ii) The system has helped in providing training grounds for local leadership, preparing them for larger roles in state or national governance.
(iii) It has ensured effective coordination between government programmes and voluntary agencies, aiding in the development of rural areas.

(c) What is Nyaya Panchayat? Mention two of its functions.

Answer: Nyaya Panchayat is a judicial body set up for every three or four Gram Panchayats.

Functions:

(i) They ensure quick and inexpensive justice to villagers.
(ii) They can impose a fine of up to Rs. 100.

3. With reference to Gram Panchayat, state the following:

(a) Its composition.

Answer: The composition of the Gram Panchayat includes the Sarpanch, who is the head, and members elected by the Gram Sabha. The number of members is fixed by the State and ranges from 5 to 31. One-third of the seats are reserved for women, and seats are also reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in proportion to their population in the village.

(b) Its function.

Answer:

• Administrative Functions:
  (i) All public works and public welfare functions like construction, repair, and maintenance of village roads, cart tracks, and wells, bridges, drains, tanks.
  (ii) Upkeep of cremation and burial grounds.
  (iii) Sanitation, health, setting up of health centres and dispensaries.
  (iv) Providing primary education.
  (v) Arranging irrigation facilities, seeds, fertilisers.
  (vi) Registration of births and deaths.
  (vii) Maintaining records of common village property, their sale and purchase and land grants.
• Social and Economic Functions:
  (i) Construction of guest houses, libraries, marriage halls, etc.
  (ii) Organising regular village melas, fairs and exhibitions.
  (iii) Planting of trees, parks, gardens, and playgrounds for recreation.
  (iv) Establishing fair price shops, Cooperative Credit Societies.
• Judicial Functions: These are discussed under Nyaya Panchayats.

(c) Important office bearers.

Answer: The important office bearers of the Gram Panchayat are the Sarpanch, who is the head of the Panchayat, and the Vice-Sarpanch, elected from amongst its members. The Sarpanch and Vice-Sarpanch are honorary members and do not receive a salary. A paid Secretary to the Panchayat and a Treasurer, if the Panchayat is large, are appointed by the State government through the district authorities.

4. With reference to the Panchayat Samiti, answer the following questions:

(a) What is known as the Panchayat Samiti? Who is the head of the Panchayat Samiti? How is he appointed?

Answer: The Panchayat Samiti is the intermediate body at the block level, also known by different names such as Kshetra Samiti, Janapada Panchayat, and Panchayat Union Council. The head of the Panchayat Samiti is the Chairperson, who is elected from amongst its members.

(b) State the composition of the Panchayat Samiti.

Answer: The composition of the Panchayat Samiti includes the following members:

(i) Sarpanchs of all Panchayats concerned.
(ii) Members of the Legislative Assembly of the State from the area.
(iii) Members of Parliament belonging to the area.
(iv) Block Development Officers of the block or the area served by them.
(v) Co-opted members representing women, Scheduled Castes/Tribes (provisional).
(vi) Representatives of Cooperative Societies (only in certain States).

(c) List four functions of the Panchayat Samiti.

Answer:

(i) To supervise and coordinate the working of Gram Panchayats.
(ii) To conduct higher education (higher secondary level and above) for a group of villages or at block level.
(iii) To provide hospital and health services with various facilities at community block level.
(iv) To approve building plans and undertake other development works including roads and bridges within the circle Panchayats.

5. With reference to the Panchayati Raj System, answer the following questions:

(a) State the name and composition of the apex body.

Answer: The apex body of the Panchayati Raj System is the Zila Parishad. Its composition varies from 40 to 60 members and usually includes the Deputy Commissioner of the district, Presidents of all Panchayat Samitis in the district, Heads of all Government Departments in the district, Members of Parliament and Legislative Assembly in the district, representatives of each cooperative society (only in some States), some women and Scheduled Caste members if not adequately represented, and co-opted members having extraordinary experience and achievements in public service.

(b) Who is the head of local government at the district level? How is he elected?

Answer: The head of the local government at the district level is the Chairman of the Zila Parishad. He is elected by the members of the Zila Parishad from amongst themselves.

(c) List four functions of the apex body.

Answer:

(i) Overseeing all-round development work of the district under the overall charge of an experienced functionary like the Deputy Commissioner.
(ii) Cooperating with and coordinating the work of Panchayat Samitis for undertaking various development works, especially minor irrigation works, vocational and industrial schools, village industries, sanitation, and public health.
(iii) Supervising the working of Panchayats.
(iv) Advising the State Government on all matters relating to the Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis under their jurisdiction.

Thinking Skills

1. A large number of people in the villages are illiterate and are carried away by caste and creed politics. In this scenario, do you think Panchayati Raj system is effective in providing good governance in the villages? Give reasons to support your answer.

Answer: No, the Panchayati Raj system will not be effective in such a scenario. People will vote for their caste rather than for a capable candidate, which will defeat the very purpose of Panchayati Raj, i.e., decentralisation of power and participation of all sections of people. Illiterate people will be easily manipulated and will not question the elected members.

2. Do you think digitalisation in the villages will help in providing the benefits of various welfare schemes introduced by the Central government to the villagers? Give two examples to support your answer.

Answer: Yes, digitalisation will help in providing the benefits of the Central government schemes to the villagers. It will reduce the dependence on middlemen, thus preventing corruption. It will ensure transparency. For example, digitalisation will help in the proper implementation of MGNREGA and the villagers will get wages directly into their bank accounts. The e-Panchayat will help in maintaining proper records of developmental activities.

Extras MCQs

1. When was the Panchayati Raj system first inaugurated in India?

A. April 24, 1993
B. October 2, 1959
C. January 26, 1950
D. August 15, 1947

Answer: B. October 2, 1959

Q. On which date did the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 come into force?

A. January 26, 1992
B. October 2, 1959
C. April 24, 1993
D. August 15, 1993

Answer: C. April 24, 1993

Q. Which day is celebrated as National Panchayati Raj Diwas in India?

A. January 26
B. August 15
C. April 24
D. October 2

Answer: C. April 24

Q. What is the minimum population requirement for a state to implement the three-tier Panchayati Raj system according to the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992?

A. 10 lakh
B. 20 lakh
C. 30 lakh
D. 50 lakh

Answer: B. 20 lakh

Q. Which part of the Indian Constitution was amended to include provisions for Panchayats and Municipalities?

A. Part VI
B. Part IX
C. Part XI
D. Part XIV

Answer: B. Part IX

Q. How often are Panchayat elections required to be held according to the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992?

A. Every 3 years
B. Every 4 years
C. Every 5 years
D. Every 6 years

Answer: C. Every 5 years

Q. What percentage of seats in Panchayats are reserved for women as per the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992?

A. 25%
B. 33%
C. 50%
D. 10%

Answer: B. 33%

Q. What is the highest level in the three-tier Panchayati Raj system?

A. Gram Panchayat
B. Panchayat Samiti
C. Zila Parishad
D. Nyaya Panchayat

Answer: C. Zila Parishad

Q. What is the role of the Nyaya Panchayat in the Panchayati Raj system?

A. Administrative
B. Social
C. Economic
D. Judicial

Answer: D. Judicial

Q. What is the minimum age required for a candidate to be eligible for election to any local body in India?

A. 18 years
B. 21 years
C. 25 years
D. 30 years

Answer: B. 21 years

Q. Who is the head of the Gram Panchayat?

A. Zila Pramukh
B. Panchayat Samiti
C. Sarpanch
D. Nyaya Adhikari

Answer: C. Sarpanch

Q. How many members typically constitute a Village Panchayat in most Indian states?

A. 2 to 5
B. 5 to 9
C. 10 to 15
D. 15 to 20

Answer: B. 5 to 9

Q. What is the role of the State Finance Commission as per the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992?

A. To conduct Panchayat elections
B. To manage state administration
C. To make recommendations on financial powers of Panchayats
D. To oversee the judicial functions of Nyaya Panchayats

Answer: C. To make recommendations on financial powers of Panchayats

Q. Who appoints the paid Secretary to the Panchayat?

A. Gram Sabha
B. Sarpanch
C. State Government
D. Zila Parishad

Answer: C. State Government

Q. What function does the Gram Panchayat perform related to births and deaths?

A. Conducting ceremonies
B. Registration
C. Providing certificates
D. None of the above

Answer: B. Registration

Q. What is the maximum fine that a Nyaya Panchayat can impose?

A. Rs. 50
B. Rs. 100
C. Rs. 200
D. Rs. 500

Answer: B. Rs. 100

Q. Which of the following is NOT allowed in Nyaya Panchayat proceedings?

A. Lawyers
B. Witnesses
C. Villagers
D. Police

Answer: A. Lawyers

Q. Who is empowered to hear appeals against the decisions of Nyaya Panchayats under the Panchayats Act?

A. District Magistrates
B. Sub-Divisional Magistrates
C. Village Elders
D. Local Politicians

Answer: B. Sub-Divisional Magistrates

Q. Can a person be a member of both the Nyaya Panchayat and the Panchayat Samiti at the same time?

A. Yes
B. No
C. Only in certain cases
D. Only with state permission

Answer: B. No

Q. Who decides the jurisdiction of Nyaya Panchayats?

A. Local Gram Panchayat
B. Panchayat Samiti
C. State Government or State Judicial Service
D. Zila Parishad

Answer: C. State Government or State Judicial Service

Q. What is the primary function of the Panchayat Samiti at the block level?

A. Legislative functions
B. Judicial functions
C. Executive functions
D. None of the above

Answer: C. Executive functions

Q. What is the role of the Sarpanch in the Panchayat Samiti?

A. To supervise court proceedings
B. To represent the Gram Panchayat
C. To oversee state legislation
D. To manage national programs

Answer: B. To represent the Gram Panchayat

Q. Who appoints the Secretary of the Panchayat Samiti?

A. Local Gram Panchayat
B. Zila Parishad
C. State authorities through District Administration
D. Panchayat Samiti members

Answer: C. State authorities through District Administration

Q. Which committee within the Zila Parishad is responsible for holding discussions and making decisions?

A. Budget Committee
B. Education Committee
C. Standing Committee
D. Planning Committee

Answer: C. Standing Committee

Q. What is the primary function of the Zila Parishad?

A. Overseeing all-round development work of the district
B. Conducting judicial proceedings
C. Managing village industries directly
D. Supervising state-level elections

Answer: A. Overseeing all-round development work of the district

Q. In which states is the Zila Parishad involved in scrutinizing budget estimates of Panchayat Samitis?

A. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka
B. Assam, Bihar, Punjab
C. Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana
D. Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Kerala

Answer: B. Assam, Bihar, Punjab

Q. Who presides over the meetings of the Zila Parishad?

A. Deputy Commissioner
B. Chairperson
C. Secretary
D. Chief Minister

Answer: B. Chairperson

Q. What is the role of the Working Committee within the Zila Parishad?

A. It functions as the executive body
B. It oversees judicial matters
C. It handles public relations
D. It manages financial transactions

Answer: A. It functions as the executive body

Q. What system translates Gandhiji’s dream of every village being a republic into reality?

A. Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana
B. Panchayati Raj System
C. Digital India Program
D. Zila Parishad System

Answer: B. Panchayati Raj System

Q. Which scheme is implemented by Gram Panchayats to provide 100 days of work for rural households?

A. Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana
B. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
C. Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana
D. eGram Swaraj

Answer: B. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act

Q. What is the main objective of the Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana (JGSY)?

A. Provide healthcare services
B. Create demand-driven village infrastructure
C. Digitize village records
D. Ensure primary education

Answer: B. Create demand-driven village infrastructure

Q. What is the purpose of the eGram Swaraj portal introduced by the Government of India?

A. Provide healthcare services
B. Maintain records of developmental activities
C. Train Panchayat members
D. Release funds for rural development

Answer: B. Maintain records of developmental activities

Q. Under which program has the Government of India started the digitisation of over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats?

A. Digital India Program
B. Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana
C. Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana
D. Panchayati Raj System

Answer: A. Digital India Program

Q. What is the primary function of the Zila Parishad?

A. Manage common property
B. Coordinate the working of Panchayat Samitis
C. Provide primary education
D. Train Panchayat members

Answer: B. Coordinate the working of Panchayat Samitis

Q. What role does the Ministry of Rural Development play in the Panchayati Raj System?

A. Digitise Gram Panchayats
B. Release funds for village infrastructure
C. Provide training to Panchayat members
D. Implement the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act

Answer: C. Provide training to Panchayat members

Q. What is the minimum number of members in a Village Panchayat?

A. 10
B. 5
C. 15
D. 7

Answer: B. 5

Q. Who is the chairman of a Panchayat Samiti?

A. Sarpanch
B. Block Development Officer
C. President
D. Chairman

Answer: D. Chairman

38. Which entity acts as a link between the government and local bodies in the Panchayati Raj system?

A. Gram Panchayat
B. Panchayat Samiti
C. Zila Parishad
D. Ministry of Rural Development

Answer: C. Zila Parishad

Extra Questions and Answers

1. What is Local Self-Government?

Answer: Local self-government is an institution comprising locally elected representatives managing the affairs of the locality and providing them with basic amenities.

Q. What is the local self-government in rural areas called?

Answer: In rural areas, such an institution is called Panchayat.

Q. What is local self-government in urban areas called?

Answer: In urban areas, it is called Municipal Corporation or Municipality.

Q. Who administers a locality in local government?

Answer: In local government, the administration of a locality is looked after by officials appointed by the State.

Q. How are officials in local government different from local self-government?

Answer: Officials in local government are appointed and salaried, whereas local self-government consists of elected representatives managing local affairs.

Q. What do local self-government institutions receive for their activities?

Answer: Local self-government institutions receive government grants for activities like sanitation, providing elementary education, and settling disputes.

Q. What do local self-government institutions play an important role in?

Answer: Local self-government institutions play an important role in the functioning of democracy at the grassroot level.

Q. When and where was the Panchayati Raj system inaugurated?

Answer: The Panchayati Raj system was inaugurated at Nagaur in Rajasthan on October 2, 1959.

Q. When did the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act come into force?

Answer: The Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act came into force on 24 April 1993.

Q. Why is 24 April celebrated as National Panchayati Raj Diwas?

Answer: April 24 is celebrated as National Panchayati Raj Diwas because the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act came into force on that day.

Q. What is the term for local self-government institutions?

Answer: The term for local self-government institutions is five years.

Q. What are the salient features of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992?

Answer: The salient features of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992, are:

• To provide a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj for all States with populations over 20 lakh.
• To hold Panchayat elections regularly every five years.
• To provide reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women.
• To constitute State Finance Commissions every five years to make recommendations on financial powers of Panchayats.
• To constitute a District Planning Committee to prepare draft development plans for the district.

Q. How is the Panchayati Raj system organized?

Answer: The Panchayati Raj system is organized into a three-tier structure:

• The Gram Panchayat at the village level.
• The Panchayat Samiti at the block or middle level.
• The Zila Parishad at the district level. Additionally, a Nyaya Panchayat is provided for every three or four village Panchayats.

Q. What qualifications must a candidate have to seek election to local bodies?

Answer: To seek election to local bodies, a candidate must:

• Be a citizen of India and not less than 21 years of age.
• Be a registered voter and a member of the Gram Sabha for Panchayats.
• Not be a convict or disqualified by the law or an undischarged insolvent.
• Not hold any office of profit under the government.

Q. What is the role of local self-government in a democracy?

Answer: Local self-government plays a critical role in democracy by ensuring grassroots participation, allowing local people to manage their own affairs, and grooming them for larger responsibilities. It also helps in training local leaders, reduces the administrative burden on higher government levels, and promotes a system of checks and balances through direct citizen involvement.

Q. Who elects the members of the Gram Panchayat?

Answer: The members of the Gram Panchayat are elected by the Gram Sabha.

Q. Who are the members of the Gram Sabha?

Answer: All adult men and women in the village registered as voters are members of the Gram Sabha.

Q. Who is the head of the Gram Panchayat?

Answer: The head of the Gram Panchayat is the Sarpanch.

Q. How is the Sarpanch elected?

Answer: The Sarpanch is either elected directly by the people or indirectly by the members of the Gram Panchayat, depending on the state.

Q. How many members does a Village Panchayat have?

Answer: The number of members in a Village Panchayat is between 5 and 31, but most Village Panchayats have 5 to 9 members.

Q. How are the seats in a Panchayat reserved?

Answer: One-third of the seats in a Panchayat are reserved for women, and seats are also reserved for Scheduled Castes and Tribes in proportion to their population in the village.

Q. Are the Sarpanch and Vice-Sarpanch paid a salary?

Answer: No, the Sarpanch and Vice-Sarpanch are honorary members and do not receive a salary.

Q. What are some of the administrative functions of a Gram Panchayat?

Answer: Administrative functions include public works, sanitation, health services, primary education, and maintaining village property records.

Q. What are the judicial functions of a Nyaya Panchayat?

Answer: Nyaya Panchayats provide quick and inexpensive justice, can impose fines up to Rs. 100, and cannot award imprisonment.

Q. Can lawyers appear before a Nyaya Panchayat?

Answer: No, lawyers are not allowed to appear before Nyaya Panchayats.

Q. What is the role of a Panchayat Samiti?

Answer: A Panchayat Samiti supervises and coordinates the work of Gram Panchayats, provides higher education and health services, and approves building plans and development works at the block level.

Q. What is the composition of the Gram Panchayat?

Answer:

• The Gram Panchayat is composed of a Sarpanch, Vice-Sarpanch, and other members.
• The Sarpanch is the head of the Gram Panchayat. In some states, the Sarpanch is elected directly by the people, while in others, they are elected indirectly by the members of the Gram Panchayat.
• The number of members in a Village Panchayat is fixed by the State. The membership ranges from 5 to 31 members, but most Panchayats have between 5 and 9 members.
• One-third of the Panchayat seats are reserved for women, and seats are also reserved for Scheduled Castes and Tribes in proportion to their population in the village.

Q. What are the administrative functions of a Gram Panchayat?

Answer:

• The Gram Panchayat is responsible for several administrative functions, such as:
  • Public works and welfare, including construction, repair, and maintenance of village roads, wells, bridges, drains, and tanks.
  • Upkeep of cremation and burial grounds.
  • Ensuring sanitation and health by setting up health centres and dispensaries.
  • Providing primary education in the village.
  • Arranging irrigation facilities, seeds, and fertilisers.
  • Registering births and deaths in the village.
  • Maintaining records of common village property, including sale, purchase, and land grants.

Q. What are the social and economic functions of a Gram Panchayat?

Answer:

• The social and economic functions of the Gram Panchayat are not obligatory and depend on the availability of funds. These functions include:
  • Constructing guest houses, libraries, and marriage halls.
  • Organising village melas, fairs, and exhibitions.
  • Planting trees, parks, and gardens and establishing playgrounds for recreation.
  • Setting up fair price shops and cooperative credit societies to assist the villagers.

Q. What are the key characteristics of Nyaya Panchayats?

Answer:

• Nyaya Panchayats provide quick and inexpensive justice to villagers.
• They can impose fines up to Rs. 100 but cannot impose imprisonment.
• Lawyers are not allowed to represent parties before Nyaya Panchayats.
• There is usually no appeal against their decisions, provided they act within their jurisdiction.
• The Panchayat Act empowers Sub-divisional Magistrates and Sub-Judges of the district to hear appeals.
• A person cannot be a member of both the Nyaya Panchayat and the Gram Panchayat or Panchayat Samiti simultaneously.
• The State Judicial Service determines the jurisdiction of the Nyaya Panchayats.

Q. What is Zila Parishad?

Answer: Zila Parishad is a local self-government unit at the district level and lies at the apex of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system. It links the State Government and Gram Panchayats.

Q. What are some other names of Zila Parishad?

Answer: Zila Parishad is known by different names in various states, such as District Development Council, Zila Parishad, and Mohkuma Parishad.

Q. How many members does Zila Parishad have?

Answer: The Zila Parishad’s membership varies from 40 to 60, including the Deputy Commissioner, Presidents of all Panchayat Samitis, Heads of Government Departments, Members of Parliament, Legislative Assembly, and representatives of cooperative societies.

Q. Who is the Chairman of Zila Parishad?

Answer: The Chairman of Zila Parishad is elected by members from amongst themselves and presides over meetings and conducts proceedings.

Q. Who is the Secretary of the Zila Parishad?

Answer: The Secretary is a whole-time paid employee of the state government.

Q. What are the main functions of Zila Parishad?

Answer: The Zila Parishad oversees all-round development of the district, supervises Panchayats, cooperates with Panchayat Samitis for various development works, and advises the State Government on matters relating to Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis.

Q. What is the role of Standing Committees in Zila Parishad?

Answer: Standing Committees in Zila Parishad have a Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson, hold discussions, take decisions, and include District Board members. They function as part of the executive body.

Q. What is the significance of the Panchayati Raj system in rural development?

Answer: The Panchayati Raj system has brought the government closer to the people, ensuring effective coordination of government programmes and voluntary agencies, and facilitating schemes like Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

Q. How does the Zila Parishad contribute to the development of the district?

Answer: Zila Parishad plays a central role in district-level development by coordinating and overseeing various activities aimed at improving infrastructure, health, and vocational opportunities in rural areas. Some of the ways it contributes include:

• Supervising the overall development of the district, guided by the Deputy Commissioner, a highly experienced functionary.
• Cooperating with Panchayat Samitis to execute projects such as minor irrigation works, establishing vocational and industrial schools, promoting village industries, and improving sanitation and public health systems.
• Scrutinising budget estimates in states like Assam, Bihar, and Punjab, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated for Panchayat Samitis.
• Functioning through Standing Committees, which hold discussions and make decisions on development matters. These committees also include members of District Boards, ensuring that local needs are met efficiently.

40. What are the major initiatives under the Panchayati Raj system for rural development?

Answer: The Panchayati Raj system is integral to rural development initiatives in India, spearheading various programmes that bring the government closer to the people. Notable initiatives include:

• Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY): This scheme focuses on rural employment and aims to enhance the income levels of rural households through self-employment opportunities. The Ministry of Rural Development trains Panchayat members to implement these programmes effectively.
• Digital Panchayats: As part of the Digital India programme, over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats are being digitised. This includes initiatives like the eGram Swaraj portal, a web-based system that digitises village records, making them accessible via mobile phones.
• Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana (JGSY): This programme is implemented by Panchayats to create demand-driven village infrastructure. It works in close cooperation with District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs).
• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005: Under this act, Gram Panchayats are tasked with providing 100 days of unskilled manual work per year to rural households, aiming to improve the economic condition of rural families.