Grassroots Democracy – Part 2: Local Government in Rural Area – Detailed Explanation

🌿 Grassroots Democracy – Part 2: Local Government in Rural Area

Introduction

India is a vast country with thousands of villages. Managing the needs of every village directly from the state or central government is difficult. To make governance more effective and people-centered, local self-government in rural areas was introduced. The Panchayati Raj System and the Gram Sabha give villagers the power to manage their own affairs and contribute to community development.

This chapter explains the structure and functioning of Panchayats and Gram Sabha and highlights their role in rural development and democracy.

1. What is Rural Local Government?

Rural local government refers to the institutions at the village level that allow people to participate directly in decision-making. It is also called local self-government because the people themselves take decisions about local issues.

Key Features

• Works at the village and block levels.
• Ensures decentralisation of power.
• Promotes people’s participation.
• Focuses on local problems such as roads, water, sanitation, health, and education.

2. Historical Background of Panchayati Raj

• Panchayats have existed in India since ancient times.
• Villages were traditionally governed by councils of elders.
• The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
• It made Gram Sabha the foundation of rural self-government.

3. Structure of Panchayati Raj System

India has a three-tier Panchayati Raj system in rural areas.

Explanation of Each Tier

1. Gram Panchayat – basic unit of self-government at the village level.
2. Panchayat Samiti – coordinates activities of several Gram Panchayats in a block.
3. Zila Parishad – the top body at the district level; oversees Panchayat Samitis.

4. Gram Panchayat

The Gram Panchayat is the executive body at the village level.

Composition

• Headed by a Sarpanch (Pradhan).
• Members elected by the village residents.
• Tenure: 5 years.
• Seats are reserved for SC, ST, OBC, and women to ensure inclusiveness.

Functions of Gram Panchayat

• Provide drinking water and sanitation.
• Maintain roads, drains, and streetlights.
• Run primary schools and anganwadis.
• Organize health and vaccination camps.
• Keep records of births, deaths, and marriages.
• Collect certain local taxes and fees.

5. Gram Sabha – The Foundation of Rural Democracy

The Gram Sabha is the general body of all adult residents (18 years and above) in a village.

Importance of Gram Sabha

• It is the decision-making body in the village.
• Ensures direct participation of people.
• Acts as a watchdog on the Gram Panchayat.

Functions of Gram Sabha

• Approves plans and budgets prepared by the Gram Panchayat.
• Discusses village development programs.
• Ensures funds are spent properly.
• Identifies beneficiaries for government schemes.
• Questions the Gram Panchayat on its work.

Why Gram Sabha is Powerful

• Unlike Panchayat members, all villagers are members.
• It provides a platform for direct democracy.

6. Panchayat Samiti (Block Level)

A group of villages form a block, and the Panchayat Samiti functions at this level.

Functions of Panchayat Samiti

• Coordinate development work among Gram Panchayats.
• Supervise agriculture, irrigation, and animal husbandry programs.
• Implement health, sanitation, and rural employment schemes.
• Provide technical and financial help to Gram Panchayats.

7. Zila Parishad (District Level)

The Zila Parishad is the highest body of the Panchayati Raj system in a district.

Members

• Representatives elected by people of the district.
• Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Parliament (MPs) from the district.
• Members from SC/ST, OBC, and women (reserved seats).

Functions

• Prepare district-level development plans.
• Supervise Panchayat Samitis.
• Coordinate activities of different departments.
• Distribute funds to blocks and villages.

8. Sources of Funds for Panchayats

For smooth functioning, Panchayats need funds.

Sources

• Local taxes on shops, houses, fairs, etc.
• Government grants from the State and Centre.
• Loans and donations.
• Funds under specific development schemes (health, education, roads).

9. Role in Community Development

Local government plays a crucial role in rural development.

Contributions of Panchayats

• Build and maintain basic infrastructure.
• Promote literacy through schools.
• Improve healthcare and sanitation.
• Create employment opportunities (MGNREGA, etc.).
• Encourage women’s participation and empowerment.
• Implement welfare schemes (housing, pensions, subsidies).

Examples of Community Development Projects

• Digging wells and ponds.
• Building health centres.
• Running awareness campaigns on cleanliness.
• Promoting renewable energy (biogas plants, solar lights).

10. Benefits of Rural Local Self-Government

• Democratic participation: villagers directly shape decisions.
• Transparency: open discussions in Gram Sabha.
• Accountability: Panchayat is answerable to Gram Sabha.
• Efficiency: decisions made quickly for local needs.
• Empowerment: women and marginalized groups have a voice.

11. Challenges of Panchayati Raj

Despite progress, Panchayati Raj faces challenges:

• Lack of funds → incomplete projects.
• Illiteracy → weak participation.
• Dominance of powerful groups → weaker sections ignored.
• Corruption → misuse of funds.
• Low awareness → villagers don’t attend Gram Sabha meetings.

12. Solutions to Strengthen Panchayati Raj

• Increase financial resources.
• Spread awareness about the importance of Gram Sabha.
• Promote education, especially for women.
• Strict monitoring to reduce corruption.
• Encourage NGOs and youth groups to assist Panchayats.

13. Quick Revision Table

14. Why Study Grassroots Democracy?

For CBSE Class 6 students, understanding rural local government is essential because:

• It shows how democracy works at the village level.
• It explains the structure of governance beyond Parliament and State Assemblies.
• It helps in preparing short questions, long questions, MCQs, and practice tests for exams.
• It connects theory with real-life examples of community development.

Conclusion

The Panchayati Raj system and Gram Sabha are the backbone of grassroots democracy in India. They empower rural people, encourage direct participation, and help in community development. By learning about local governance, students understand not just a chapter in Civics but also how ordinary citizens can shape the future of their villages and communities.

CBSE Class 6 Study Notes, Grassroots Democracy Short Questions, Panchayati Raj Long Questions, Class 6 MCQs Practice Test, NCERT Aligned Exam Revision, Gram Sabha Community Development Notes, Local Governance Practice Tests, Short And Long Question Bank

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