Panchayati Raj

Q23. Write a short note on Panchayati Raj System.

Ans. Panchayati Raj System is a process through which people participate in their own government. The Panchayati Raj system is the first tier or level of democratic government. It extends to two other levels. One is the Block level, which is called the Janpad Panchayat or the Panchayat Samiti. The Panchayat Samiti has many Gram Panchayats under it. Above the Panchayat Samiti is the District Panchayat or the Zila Parishad. Zila Parishad actually makes developmental plans at the district level.

Q24. How is Gram Panchayat formed?

Ans. Every village Panchayat is divided into wards, i.e. smaller areas. Each ward elects a representative who is known as the Ward Member (Panch). All the members of the Gram Sabha also elect a Sarpanch who is the Panchayat President. The Ward Panchs and the Sarpanch form the Gram Panchayat. The Gram Panchayat is elected for 5 years. The Gram Panchayat has a Secretary who is also the Secretary of the Gram Sabha.

Q25. What is the role of the Gram Sabha?

Ans. Role of Gram Sabha

      1.   The Gram Sabha is a key factor in making the Gram Panchayat play its role and be responsible.

      2.   It is the place where all plans for the work of the Gram Panchayat are placed before the people.

      3.   The Gram Sabha prevents the Panchayat from doing wrong things like misusing money or favouring certain people.

      4.   It plays an important role in keeping an eye on the elected representatives and in making them responsible to the persons who elected them.

Q26. Differentiate between Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat.

Ans. Difference between Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat

Q27. Write short notes on:

       a.   Secretary

       b.   Sarpanch

Ans.  Secretary

      1.   The Gram Panchayat has a Secretary who is also the Secretary of the Gram Sabha.

      2.   This person is not an elected person but is appointed by the government.

      3.   The Secretary is responsible for calling the meeting of the Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat and keeping a record of the proceedings.

       Sarpanch

      1.   The head of the Gram Panchayat is the Sarpanch.

      2.   He is also known as Panchayat President.

      3.   All members of the Gram Sabha elect the Sarpanch.

      4.   He coordinates the activities of Gram Panchayat.

Q28. Do you think the Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat play an important role in the Government? Give reason to support your answer.

Ans. Panchs (ward members) and Sarpanch are elected by the members of Gram Sabha. The Ward Panchs and the Sarpanch form the Gram Panchayat. The Gram Panchayat is elected for five years. The Gram Panchayat meets regularly to implement development programmes for all villages that come under it. The work of the Gram Panchayat has to be approved by the Gram Sabha. Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat are at village level and are capable of taking a more informed decision in favor of the people of their village.

Q29. There is Central and State Government in our country. What is the need for Panchayati Raj institution? Justify your answer.

Ans. The Panchayati Raj system bridges the gap between the central government and the people in the rural areas. Each village has its own set of issues, which only the locals can understand. Members of a Panchayat are far more familiar of the region-specific problems, and thus they are capable of taking a more informed decision in favor of the people of their village. Moreover, this mechanism of local self-governance acts as a force to counter the dominance of a particular group or caste in a village.

Q30. Explain the relationship between Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat.

Ans. Relationship between Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat

       1.   Gram Panchayat is elected by Gram Sabha.

       2.   The work of the Gram Panchayat has to be approved by the Gram Sabha.

       3.   Gram Panchayat is answerable to the members of Gram Sabha.

       4.   Gram Sabha keeps watch on the working of elected representatives of Gram Panchayat.

       5.   In some states, Gram Sabhas form committees like construction and development committees. These committees include some members of the Gram Sabha and some from the Gram Panchayat who work together to carry out specific tasks.

Q31. Draw the structure of Panchayati Raj System.

Ans.