ROLE OF THE GRAM PANCHAYAT
The Gram Panchayat meets regularly and one of its main tasks is to implement development programmes for all villages that come under it. As you have seen, the work of the Gram Panchayat has to be approved by the Gram Sabha.
In some states, Gram Sabhas form committees like construction and development committees. These committees include some members of the Gram Sabha and some from the Gram Panchayat who work together to carry out specific tasks.
Let's see what the Hardas Gram Panchayat was able to do.
Do you remember the options that were suggested to solve the water problem in the Gram Sabha of Hardas village? When the Hardas Gram Panchayat held a meeting, this point was brought up again by some of the members (Panchs). This meeting was attended by the Sarpanch, Ward Members (Panchs) and the Secretary.
Gram Panchayat members first discussed the suggestion to deepen two handpumps and clean one well, so that the village would not go without water. The Sarpanch (Panchayat President) suggested that since the Panchayat had received some money for the maintenance of handpumps, this could be used for completing this work. The members agreed and the Secretary recorded their decision.
The members then went on to discuss the options for a long-term solution. They were sure that the Gram Sabha members would ask questions at the next meeting. Some Panchs asked whether the watershed programme would make a substantial difference to the water level. A lot of discussions followed. In the end, it was decided that the Gram Panchayat would approach the Block Development Officer and get more information on the scheme.
More to know
The work of a Gram Panchayat includes
1. The construction and maintenance of water sources, roads, drainage, school buildings, and other common property resources.
2. Levying and collecting local taxes.
3. Executing government schemes related to generating employment in the village.
Sources of funds for the Panchayat
* Collection of taxes on houses, market places, etc.
* Government scheme funds received through various departments of the government – through the Janpad and Zila Panchayats.
* Donations for community works etc.
Activity:
1. What decisions were taken by the Gram panchayat?
2. Do you think it was necessary for them to take these decisions? Why?
3. From the above description, write down one question that people could ask of the Panchayat in the next Gram Sabha meeting.
Source: This topic is taken from NCERT TEXTBOOK
THREE LEVELS OF PANCHAYATS
After reading about what happened in the Gram Sabha and the Gram Panchayat in Hardas village you can understand that the Panchayati Raj System is a process through which people participate in their own government. In rural areas, the Gram Panchayat is the first tier or level of democratic government. The Panchs and the Gram Panchayat are answerable to the Gram Sabha because it is the members of the Gram Sabha who elected them.
This idea of people's participation in the Panchayati Raj system extends to two other levels. One is the Block level, which is called the Janpad Panchayat or the Panchayat Samiti. The Panchayat Samiti has many Gram Panchayats under it. Above the Panchayat Samiti is the District Panchayat or the Zila Parishad. The Zila Parishad actually makes developmental plans at the district level. With the help of Panchayat Samitis, it also regulates the money distribution among all the Gram Panchayats.
Within the guidelines given in the Constitution, each state in the country has its own laws with regard to Panchayats. The idea is to provide more and more space for people to participate and raise their voices.
Activity:
Ask your teacher to invite any of the elected persons such as the Panch, Sarpanch (Panchayat President), or member of the Janpad or Zila Panchayat and interview them on their work and the projects undertaken by them.
Source: This topic is taken from NCERT TEXTBOOK