Question 1

Question 2Mention one difference between the Gram Sabha and the Gram Panchayat.

Accepted Answer

Gram SabhaGram PanchayatAll adult members of the village who have been registered in the electoral rolls are members of the Gram Sabha.Members of the Gram Panchayat are elected by the Gram Sabha. Seats are reserved for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. One-third of the total seats are reserved for women members of the village.

Question 2

Question 3Explain the three-tier structure of the Panchayati Raj System.

Accepted Answer

The Panchayati Raj System is a three-tier structure of rural local self-government in India:Gram Panchayat (Village Level)Lowest tier, elected by the Gram Sabha.Headed by the Sarpanch (Pradhan).Manages village issues like water, sanitation, roads, and public buildings.Seats reserved for SCs, STs, and women (one-third).Panchayat Samiti / Block Samiti (Block Level)Middle tier governing a group of villages.Includes Sarpanches, an MP and an MLA representing the block chaired by an elected Chairperson. The chairperson and vice-chairperson are elected by the members of the Block Samiti.Oversees Gram Panchayats, manages development funds, implements welfare projects.The Block Development Officer is responsible for carrying out the plans of the Panchayat Samiti.Zila Parishad (District Level)Top tier at the district level.Supervises Panchayat Samitis, approves budgets, plans district development.Members include MPs, MLAs, SC/ST/women representatives, and Panchayat Samiti heads.Led by an elected President.

Question 3

Question 4What is the Nyaya Panchayat?

Accepted Answer

Nyaya Panchayats are separate and independent dispute resolution bodies, distinct from the Gram Panchayats. They provide a system of fair and speedy justice, both civil and criminal, to the citizens at their doorsteps, outside the formal judicial system. Every Gram Panchayat or a cluster of Gram Panchayats, will have Nyaya Panchayats.

Question 4

Question 5State two functions of the Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Accepted Answer

Two functions of the Panchayati Raj Institutions are as follows:Construction and repair of village tanks and wells.Sanitation and public health.

Question 5

Question 1Why are there different governing bodies for local self-governance in rural and urban areas?

Accepted Answer

There are different governing bodies for local self-governance in rural and urban areas because both areas have different needs and challenges. Rural areas require governance focused on agriculture, irrigation, village roads, sanitation, and basic services. Urban areas deal with housing, waste management, traffic, street lighting, and city planning.Therefore, separate systems ensure that local self-government works efficiently and specifically for each area's unique problems.

Local Self-Government — Rural

Answer In Brief

Reflective Learning