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

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

1. Gram Panchayat (Village Level)

2. Lowest tier, elected by the Gram Sabha.

3. Headed by the Sarpanch (Pradhan).

4. Manages village issues like water, sanitation, roads, and public buildings.

5. Seats reserved for SCs, STs, and women (one-third).

6. Panchayat Samiti / Block Samiti (Block Level)

7. Middle tier governing a group of villages.

8. 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.

9. Oversees Gram Panchayats, manages development funds, implements welfare projects.

10. The Block Development Officer is responsible for carrying out the plans of the Panchayat Samiti.

11. Zila Parishad (District Level)

12. Top tier at the district level.

13. Supervises Panchayat Samitis, approves budgets, plans district development.

14. Members include MPs, MLAs, SC/ST/women representatives, and Panchayat Samiti heads.

15. Led by an elected President.