The Panchayati Raj
The Panchayati Raj is a three-tier system of governance.
This system translates Mahatma Gandhi’s vision to empower the villages into a reality.
Zila Parishad
(District Level)
Acts as a link between the State government and Block Samiti. It makes developmental plans at the district level.
Panchayat Samiti
(Block Level)
A block consists of several gram panchayats.
Gram Panchayat
(Village Level)
A gram panchayat consists of a village or a group of villages.
Why do we need a local government?

The local bodies aim to solve the local problems by cooperation and without depending upon others.
Only the local people know their problems and for meeting their needs, it is the local government it takes an interest.
It also finishes the work with speed and with the least expenditure.
It also provides training in administration to the people at lower levels.
Village Panchayat
Gram Sabha
Gram Panchayat
Nyaya Panchayat
Gram Sabha
Gram Sabha literally means, a meeting of the village.
All men and women in the village who are eighteen years and above, and who have the right to vote are members of the Gram Sabha.
What are the functions of Gram Sabha?

The Gram Sabha is the key factor in making the Gram Panchayat a responsible body.
It prevents the village panchayat from doing wrong things like misusing money.
It plays an important role in keeping an eye on the elected members.
Gram Panchayat
A panchayat is an elected body that manages the social, economic, and cultural needs of a village and resolves conflicts amongst residents.
A village can establish a Gram Panchayat if there are more than a thousand people living there.
Members of Gram Panchayat:
By secret ballot, the members of the Gram Sabha elect the members of the Gram Panchayat directly from among themselves.

Sarpanch
The gram sabha also elects the president or head of the panchayat who is known as the Sarpanch.
She/He presides over the meetings of the Gram Panchayat and supervises its work.
Secretary of Gram Panchayat:
The secretary of the Gram Sabha also serves as the secretary of the Gram Panchayat.
He/She is a salaried officer appointed by the state government.
He also advises the villagers on matters of health, farming, village development and education.
What duties does the Gram Panchayat perform under the Panchayati Raj system?

The work of Gram Panchayat in the Panchayati Raj system includes:
Construction and maintenance of water sources, drainage, roads, school buildings and other common property resources.
Levying and collecting local taxes.
Executive government schemes related to generating employment and women empowerment in the village. 
What sources of funding are available to the Panchayat?

The Panchayat receives funds from these sources:
Collection of taxes on houses, marketplaces, etc.
Government initiatives from various government ministries.
Donations for community works, etc. 
Nyaya Panchayat
Nyaya Panchayat listen to cases such as minor thefts, trespassing, family feuds etc.
Village Panchayat appoints the member of Nyaya Panchayats.
Mention the powers of Nyaya Panchayat?

Only petty and criminal cases, such as stealing, gambling, slight injury, etc. can be resolved by the Nyaya Panchayat.
It can impose a fine of up to one hundred rupees.
It cannot send any person to jail. 
It also resolves disputes relating to custody and maintenance of children and dependents.
What are the causes for the failure of the Panchayati Raj System?

Generally, the Panch and Sarpanch are uneducated. 
Prevalence of casteism and favouritism.
Most of the villagers are illiterate and they do not understand the importance of their votes.
Inadequate finances.
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