Panchayati Raj – Class 6 Civics Detailed Notes

Panchayati Raj is the system of rural local self-government in India. It empowers people in villages to participate directly in decision-making and administration through a three-tier structure. This chapter from NCERT Class 6 Civics explains how villages govern themselves through Gram Sabha, Gram Panchayat, and higher levels of the Panchayati Raj system. Here, we present comprehensive notes covering all concepts, key terms, and examples to help students fully understand the topic for exams and beyond.

Introduction to Panchayati Raj

Panchayati Raj is the backbone of rural democracy in India. It is a system where decisions about local issues are made by people themselves rather than by distant authorities. The system is based on the principle of decentralization — transferring power from the central or state government to local governing bodies.

Exam Tip: Always remember that the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, gave constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj system. This is a frequently asked MCQ in competitive exams.

Need for Panchayati Raj

Before the Panchayati Raj system, rural areas were often neglected in terms of development because decision-making was centralized. Villagers had little say in how funds were spent or which issues should be addressed first. Panchayati Raj ensures:

  • Local needs are prioritized.
  • Funds are used for relevant projects.
  • People participate in governance.
  • Accountability at the local level.

The Three Tiers of Panchayati Raj

The Panchayati Raj system works at three levels:

1. Gram Panchayat (Village Level)

At the base is the Gram Panchayat, which operates in a village or group of small villages. It is elected by members of the Gram Sabha and is responsible for day-to-day administration.

2. Panchayat Samiti (Block Level)

The next level is the Panchayat Samiti, covering a block or group of villages. It coordinates work between different Gram Panchayats and implements development programs.

3. Zila Parishad (District Level)

At the top is the Zila Parishad, which operates at the district level. It plans and manages development projects for the entire district and supervises lower-tier bodies.

Remember: Gram Sabha is not a tier, but the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system. It includes all adult residents of the village.

Role of Gram Sabha

The Gram Sabha is a meeting of all adults in a village (those aged 18 and above). It meets at least twice a year and serves as the decision-making platform for local issues.

Functions of the Gram Sabha include:

  • Electing members of the Gram Panchayat.
  • Approving development plans.
  • Monitoring the work of the Gram Panchayat.
  • Ensuring proper utilization of funds.

Functions of Gram Panchayat

The Gram Panchayat acts like the executive wing of the village government. It performs various functions, which can be grouped into:

A. Civic Functions

  • Providing clean drinking water.
  • Maintaining village roads and street lighting.
  • Ensuring sanitation and waste disposal.

B. Development Functions

  • Implementing government schemes.
  • Promoting agriculture and irrigation projects.
  • Encouraging education and health care facilities.

C. Judicial Functions

  • Settling minor disputes locally.
  • Maintaining law and order in the village.

Source of Income for Panchayats

Panchayats require funds to carry out their activities. These funds come from:

  • Taxes on houses, markets, and local businesses.
  • Grants from the State Government.
  • Donations and community contributions.
  • Funds from centrally sponsored schemes.

Importance of Panchayati Raj

Panchayati Raj is important because it:

  • Brings democracy to the grassroots level.
  • Ensures participation of marginalized groups.
  • Makes administration more transparent.
  • Encourages self-reliance in villages.

Challenges in Panchayati Raj

While the system is beneficial, it faces some challenges:

  • Illiteracy among villagers affects informed decision-making.
  • Lack of funds for bigger projects.
  • Corruption and misuse of resources.
  • Political interference from higher authorities.
Study Tip: For exams, always prepare examples of Panchayati Raj in action, such as local water conservation projects or road construction funded by Gram Panchayat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the Panchayati Raj system?
Ans: It is a system of local self-government in rural areas, where people elect representatives to manage local affairs.
Q2: Who is the head of the Gram Panchayat?
Ans: The Sarpanch is the head of the Gram Panchayat.
Q3: Which Constitutional Amendment gave Panchayati Raj constitutional status?
Ans: The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
Q4: Name the three tiers of the Panchayati Raj system.
Ans: Gram Panchayat (village), Panchayat Samiti (block), and Zila Parishad (district).
Q5: What is the Gram Sabha?
Ans: A meeting of all adult residents of a village to discuss and decide local matters.

Conclusion

Panchayati Raj is not just a system; it is a step towards empowering rural India. By involving people in governance, it ensures that development is relevant, needs-based, and participatory. However, for the system to function effectively, challenges such as lack of funds, illiteracy, and corruption need to be addressed through education, transparency, and active community involvement.