Local Self-Government — Rural

India is a vast country. Therefore, it is not possible for a central government to manage different and vast parts/regions of the country. India is also a democratic country where power and responsibilities are distributed at various levels. That's why for efficient administration and governance, the government in India functions at three levels—central, state and local.

The Panchayati Raj System is a three-tier structure of rural local self-government in India:

1. Gram Panchayat (Village Level)

   1. Lowest tier, elected by the Gram Sabha.
   2. Headed by the Sarpanch (Pradhan).
   3. Manages village issues like water, sanitation, roads, and public buildings.
   4. Seats reserved for SCs, STs, and women (one-third).

2. Panchayat Samiti / Block Samiti (Block Level)

   1. Middle tier governing a group of villages.
   2. 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.
   3. Oversees Gram Panchayats, manages development funds, implements welfare projects.
   4. The Block Development Officer is responsible for carrying out the plans of the Panchayat Samiti.

3. Zila Parishad (District Level)

   1. Top tier at the district level.
   2. Supervises Panchayat Samitis, approves budgets, plans district development.
   3. Members include MPs, MLAs, SC/ST/women representatives, and Panchayat Samiti heads.
   4. Led by an elected President.

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.

Two functions of the Panchayati Raj Institutions are as follows:

1. Construction and repair of village tanks and wells.
2. Sanitation and public health.

Delhi.

Governor.

Pradhan.

Zila Parishad.

Women.

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.

The sources of funding for the rural government in India to fulfil its various responsibilities are as follows:

1. Taxes on property, fairs, film shows
2. A fixed portion of the land revenue
3. Grants from the state government
4. Charges for supplying water