Local Self-Government — Rural

The central government of India is based in:

1. Delhi.
2. Kolkata.
3. Mumbai.

Answer

Delhi.

The executive power of the government of a state is vested in the:

1. Governor.
2. Chief Justice.
3. Mayor.

Answer

Governor.

The head of the gram panchayat is called the:

1. Pradhan.
2. Senapati.
3. Up-Pradhan.

Answer

Pradhan.

The top tier of the Panchayati Raj system is headed by the:

1. Block Samiti.
2. Sarpanch.
3. Zila Parishad.

Answer

Zila Parishad.

In Panchayat Samiti one-third of the total seats are reserved for the:

1. Scheduled Castes.
2. Scheduled Tribes.
3. Women.

Answer

Women.

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

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.

How does the rural government in India get funds to fulfil its various responsibilities?

Answer

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

State whether the following statements are 'true' or 'false'. Correct and rewrite the incorrect statements.

1. There are two main levels of government in India.
2. Gram Panchayat members are elected by the Gram Sabha.
3. A Zila Parishad occupies the bottom tier of the Panchayati Raj System.
4. Nyaya Panchayats hope to deliver fair and speedy justice.

Answer

1. False
   Correct Statement — There are three main levels of government in India.

2. True

3. False
   Correct Statement — A Zila Parishad occupies the top tier of the Panchayati Raj System.

4. True

Why is the government of India divided into levels?

Answer

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.

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

Answer

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

Answer

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.

What is the Nyaya Panchayat?

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.

State two functions of the Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Answer

Two functions of the Panchayati Raj Institutions are as follows:

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

India is a democratic country where power and responsibilities are distributed at various levels. In this context, answer the following questions:

1. What are the different levels of government in India?
2. Why are local self-governments important?

Answer

1. For efficient administration and governance, the government in India functions at three levels — central, state and local.

2. Local self-governments are important because here, the residents of a locality elect their own representatives from amongst themselves. Such representatives are best aware about the problems of their area and can manage and solve those problems efficiently.

With reference to the Zila Parishad, answer the following questions:

1. What is a Zila Parishad?
2. What is the term for a Zila Parishad?
3. What is the composition of a Zila Parishad?

Answer

1. The Zila Parishad forms the top tier in the Panchayati Raj System. It functions at the district level. It supervises the work of the Panchayat Samitis along with fulfilling other responsibilities at district level.

2. Generally, the Zila Parishad functions for a period of 5 years.

3. Composition of a Zila Parishad
   It is an elected body at the district level. Members include:

   1. Chairpersons of Panchayat Samitis.
   2. MPs and MLAs from the district
   3. Representatives of SCs, STs, and women

The President and Vice-President of the Zila Parishad are elected from among the members.