Discover the Panchayati Raj system,
its importance in rural governance, and
how local administration improves village-level development.
Chapter 11 Grassroots Democracy – Part 2: Local Government in Rural Areas
Class 6 NCERT Social
Science Exploring Society India
and Beyond
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Syllabus | Easy to remember solutions
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Map:
Chapter 11: Grassroots Democracy (Part 2: Local
Government in Rural Areas) (जमीनी लोकतंत्र (भाग 2: ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों
में स्थानीय सरकार))
Panchayati Raj System (पंचायती राज प्रणाली)
Role of Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad (ग्राम पंचायत, पंचायत समिति, ज़िला परिषद की भूमिका)
Importance of Local Governance (स्थानीय शासन का महत्व)
Question 1.
Test yourself — without looking at the text above, can you name the three tiers
of the Panchayati Raj system? What are the key functions of each of the three
tiers?
The three tiers of the Panchayati Raj system are:
- Village Level: Gram Panchayat
- Block Level: Panchayat Samiti (also known as
Block Panchayat or Mandal Parishad) - District Level: Zila Parishad (also known as
District Panchayat)
Here is a summary of the key functions of each tier:
- Gram Panchayat: This tier is the foundation of
the Panchayati Raj system and operates at the village level. The Gram
Panchayat is directly elected by the Gram Sabha, which comprises all
eligible voters in the village or a group of neighbouring villages. Its
key functions include: - Addressing local issues such as
providing water for fields, road repairs, and maintaining the village
primary school. - Implementing development
programs and government schemes at the grassroots level. - Managing resources and resolving
disputes related to land or other local matters. - Promoting community
participation in decision-making processes. - Panchayat Samiti: This tier acts as a bridge
between the Gram Panchayat (village level) and the Zila Parishad
(district level). Its key functions include: - Coordinating development
activities across multiple Gram Panchayats within its block. - Consolidating development plans
from Gram Panchayats and presenting them at the district and state
levels to secure funding and support - Overseeing the implementation of
government schemes and programs, such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak
Yojana, which aims to construct all-weather roads in rural areas. - Zila Parishad: This tier operates at the
district level and has the broadest scope of responsibilities within the
Panchayati Raj system. Zila Parishad’s functions, its position at the top
of the three-tier system suggests it plays a role in: - Planning and coordinating
development activities across the entire district. - Allocating resources and funds
to lower tiers of the Panchayati Raj system. - Supervising and monitoring the
functioning of Panchayat Samitis and Gram Panchayats within its
jurisdiction.
The composition of Panchayat Samitis and, by extension, Zila Parishads,
varies across states, but their overarching goal is to promote local
participation in governance and development.
- Question 2. Write a letter to the
Sarpanch regarding the issue of plastic bags lying on the roadside in the
village.
Here’s a sample letter:
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Date]
The Sarpanch Gram Panchayat [Village Name]
Subject: Urgent Action Needed to Address Plastic Bag
Litter Problem
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my deep concern about the growing problem of
plastic bag litter along the roadsides of our village. The accumulation of
plastic bags not only creates an eyesore and pollutes our environment but also
poses health hazards to humans and animals alike.
As you know, plastic bags take hundreds of years to decompose,
contaminating our soil and water sources. They often end up blocking drains,
leading to waterlogging and providing breeding grounds for disease-carrying
mosquitoes. Stray animals often consume these bags, mistaking them for food,
which can be fatal.
I request you to kindly consider the following measures:
- Organise awareness campaigns: Educate villagers about the
harmful effects of plastic bags and encourage them to use reusable bags
made from cloth or other sustainable materials. - Implement a ban on single-use
plastics: Many
villages across India have successfully banned the use and sale of
single-use plastics, including plastic bags. This initiative has
significantly reduced plastic pollution in those areas. - Set up a system for proper waste
disposal: Ensure
the availability of designated bins for plastic waste collection and
arrange for their regular and responsible disposal.
I believe that by working together, we can address this issue effectively
and make our village a cleaner and healthier place to live.
Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Question 3. In your view, what type of person should be a
Gram Panchayat member?
It is very important electing a representative, who will prioritize the
needs of the community and work towards its development.
Here are some qualities that might be desirable in a Gram Panchayat member:
- Strong Leadership Skills: They should be able to guide and
motivate others, build consensus and make informed decisions. - Commitment to Public Service: They should be genuinely
invested in the well-being of the village and its residents, placing the
community’s interests above their own. - Integrity and Accountability: They should be honest,
transparent and accountable for their actions and decisions. - Good Communication and
Interpersonal Skills: They should be able to effectively communicate
with residents, understand their concerns and address their grievances. - Knowledge of Local Issues: They should have a good
understanding of the village’s specific challenges and opportunities to
advocate for appropriate solutions. - Problem-Solving and
Decision-Making Abilities: They should be able to analyze situations, weigh
different perspectives and arrive at solutions that benefit the
community.
Question 4. Let us suppose that you study in a village
school. The school is located next to a highway and students find it difficult
to cross the road when they come to school or leave at the end of the day. What
are the options to solve this issue? Which institutions in the Panchayati Raj
can help you? What can the students do?
To address the issue of students struggling to cross the highway next to
their village school, several options can be considered:
Solutions to Improve Safety
- Pedestrian Overpass or Underpass: Constructing a pedestrian bridge
or tunnel would provide a safe crossing point for students, separating
foot traffic from vehicular traffic. - Traffic Signals and Crosswalks: Installing traffic lights and marked
crosswalks can help manage vehicle flow and ensure students can cross
safely when the signals indicate. - Speed Bumps and Signage: Implementing speed bumps and
clear signage warning drivers of the school zone can encourage slower
driving in the area. - School Timings Coordination: Coordinating school start and
end times with local traffic patterns can help reduce congestion during
peak hours.
Institutions in Panchayati Raj
- Gram Panchayat: The local governing body can
propose and oversee the implementation of safety measures and
infrastructure improvements. - Block Samiti: This tier can provide additional
support and resources for larger projects, such as constructing overpasses
or improving road safety measures. - Zilla Parishad: The district-level body can
facilitate funding and coordination with state authorities for significant
infrastructure projects.
Role of Students
Students can actively participate by:
- Awareness Campaigns: Organizing campaigns to educate
the community about road safety and the importance of safe crossings. - Petitions: Initiating petitions to the
local government bodies advocating for the necessary safety measures. - Collaboration with Local
Authorities: Engaging
with local leaders and authorities to discuss their concerns and suggest
solutions.
By combining community efforts and government support, the safety of
students crossing the highway can be significantly improved.
By working
together, students, the school administration, and the Panchayati Raj
institutions can create a safer environment for students and reduce the risks
associated with crossing the highway.