Local Self-Government — Rural — Question 3

(a) Composition of Gram Panchayat — The Gram Panchayat has Sarpanch, Vice-Sarpanch and 5 to 31 members. (In most of the States, a Village Panchayat has 5 to 9 members.) The Sarpanch is the head of the Gram Panchayat.

(b) The Gram Panchayat has following functions:

1. Administrative Functions — Some of the administrative functions include:
   1. All public welfare works like construction, repair and maintenance of village roads, cart tracks, bridges, drains, tanks and wells etc.
   2. Upkeep of cremation and burial ground
   3. Sanitation, setting up health centres and dispensaries
   4. Providing primary education
2. Social and Economic Functions — These functions are not obligatory and can be performed according to the availability of funds. Some of the social and economic functions include:
   1. Construction of guest houses, libraries, marriage halls, etc.
   2. Organising regular village melas, fairs and exhibitions
   3. Planting of trees, parks, gardens and playgrounds for recreation.
   4. Establishing fair price Shops, Cooperative Credit society.
3. Judicial Functions — Judicial functions are performed through Nyaya Panchayats. These include:
   1. Quick and inexpensive justice to villagers
   2. They can impose a fine of up to Rs. 100.
   3. They cannot award a sentence of imprisonment.
   4. Lawyers are not allowed to appear before these Panchayats.

(c) Important office bearers — The Sarpanch and Vice-Sarpanch are honorary members. They are not paid a salary. A paid secretary to the Panchayat and a treasurer, if the Panchayat is large, are appointed by the State government through the district authorities.