Class 6 Civics Ch 5: Panchayati Raj | CBSE Guide

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Panchayati Raj - Social Science Civics Notes for CBSE Class 6

Chapter 5: Panchayati Raj

Chapter Summary

  • Panchayati Raj: This is a system of local self-government in India. It aims to enable people to participate directly in decision-making and development at the village level.
  • Gram Sabha: This is a meeting of all adult members (18 years or older) who live in the area covered by a Gram Panchayat. It is the basic unit of direct democracy.
    • The Gram Sabha usually meets at least two or three times a year.
    • Its main function is to prevent the Gram Panchayat from misusing money or favouring certain people.
    • It also reviews the performance of the Gram Panchayat and makes sure that all development plans are executed properly.
  • Gram Panchayat: This is a council of elected representatives. A Gram Panchayat covers one or more villages.
    • Each village or group of villages is divided into smaller areas called 'wards'.
    • Each ward elects a representative called a 'Ward Member' (or 'Panch').
    • All the Ward Members and the Sarpanch (President of the Gram Panchayat), who is elected by the Gram Sabha, form the Gram Panchayat.
    • The Gram Panchayat is elected for a term of five years.
  • Secretary: Every Gram Panchayat has a Secretary, who is not an elected person but is appointed by the government.
    • The Secretary is responsible for calling the meeting of the Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat.
    • He or she also keeps records of the proceedings and decisions.
  • Functions of Gram Panchayat:
    • Construction and maintenance of water sources, roads, drainage, school buildings, and other common property resources.
    • Levying and collecting local taxes.
    • Executing government schemes related to employment generation.
    • Providing basic amenities and services to the village.
  • Sources of Funds for Gram Panchayat:
    • Collection of taxes on houses, market places, etc.
    • Government scheme funds received through various departments of the government through the Janpad/Block Panchayat and Zila Parishad.
    • Donations for community works.
    • Grants from the state government.
  • Three Levels of Panchayati Raj System: The Panchayati Raj system works at three levels:
    1. Gram Panchayat (Village Level): The lowest level, discussed above. It works for a single village or a group of villages.
    2. Block / Janpad Panchayat (Block Level): Above the Gram Panchayat, this body has many Gram Panchayats under it.
    3. Zila Parishad (District Level): This is the highest level, at the district level. It makes development plans at the district level and helps regulate the money distribution among all the Gram Panchayats. It also coordinates the work of all Block Panchayats in the district.

Questions and Answers

1. What is the difference between a Gram Sabha and a Gram Panchayat?

Answer:

  • Gram Sabha: It is a meeting of all adult members (18 years and above) who reside in the area covered by a Gram Panchayat. It acts as the general body of the village. It supervises the work of the Gram Panchayat.
  • Gram Panchayat: It is a council of elected representatives (Ward Members and Sarpanch) who work to implement development programs and manage village affairs. It is the executive body of the village.

2. What is the purpose of a Gram Sabha?

Answer: The purpose of a Gram Sabha is to enable the villagers to participate directly in decision-making and development. Its key functions include:

  • Supervising the work of the Gram Panchayat.
  • Preventing the Gram Panchayat from misusing funds or favouring certain individuals.
  • Approving the annual budget of the Gram Panchayat.
  • Reviewing the annual accounts of the Gram Panchayat.
  • Identifying beneficiaries for various government schemes and programs.

3. What are the three levels of Panchayati Raj system?

Answer: The three levels of the Panchayati Raj system are:

  1. Gram Panchayat (Village Level): Deals with the administration and development of a village or a group of villages.
  2. Block / Janpad Panchayat (Block Level): Works at the block level, coordinating the activities of several Gram Panchayats.
  3. Zila Parishad (District Level): Operates at the district level, making district-level plans and coordinating the work of all Block Panchayats.

4. What are the sources of funds for the Gram Panchayat?

Answer: The main sources of funds for the Gram Panchayat include:

  • Collection of taxes on houses, market places, etc.
  • Government scheme funds received through various departments of the government through the Janpad/Block Panchayat and Zila Parishad.
  • Donations for community works.
  • Grants from the state government.

5. What are the functions of the Gram Panchayat?

Answer: The functions of the Gram Panchayat include:

  • Construction and maintenance of water sources, roads, drainage, school buildings, and other common property resources.
  • Levying and collecting local taxes.
  • Executing government schemes related to employment generation and poverty alleviation.
  • Providing basic amenities like street lighting, sanitation, and health services.
  • Keeping records of births and deaths in the village.
  • Resolving minor disputes among villagers.

6. Who is the Secretary of the Gram Panchayat? What are his functions?

Answer:

  • Who is the Secretary: The Secretary of the Gram Panchayat is a person appointed by the government, not an elected member.
  • Functions:
    • He or she is responsible for calling the meeting of the Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat.
    • He or she keeps a record of the proceedings and decisions of both the Gram Sabha and the Gram Panchayat.

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