The Panchayati Raj system aids in the promotion of rural development, which is another significant socioeconomic benefit. The method does this by giving local communities the ability to take charge of their own development needs and collaborate to find solutions.
As a result, it facilitates access to fundamental services like healthcare, education, and sanitary facilities and supports enduring rural livelihoods.
So the political advantage of the Panchayati Raj system is that it can aid in lowering corruption and raising accountability. The method can assist avoid corruption and the abuse of authority by higher-level authorities by devolving power to the local level.
The Panchayati Raj system also has the economical benefit of aiding in the advancement of social justice. The method can aid in addressing enduring social and economic inequities by giving marginalised people a stronger role in decision-making processes. This may support more social inclusion and integration while easing tensions within society.
Last but not least, the Panchayati Raj structure can support the advancement of social and political equality.
Let’s now examine the Panchayati system’s hierarchy and power structure.
Organisational Design
Gramme Panchayats (village level), Panchayat Samitis (block level), and Zila Parishads (district level) are the three levels of the Indian Panchayati Raj system. The system’s flowchart can be pictured as follows:
| LEVELS | Who elects whom? |
| Village Level | - Gram Sabha (every citizen living in a village) elects the Gram Panchayats (a council of elected representatives) to govern the village. The Gram Panchayat is elected for five years.
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| Block level | - The members of the Panchayat Samiti are elected directly by gram sabhas.
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| District level | - The members of the Zila Parishad are elected directly by gram sabhas.
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| LEVELS | DESIGNATIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES |
| Gram Panchayats | - Gram Panchayat is the smallest unit of the Panchayati Raj system in India, and it acts as a local self-government body in rural areas. Functions:
- Development of the village(infrastructure),
- poverty alleviation programs,
- Maintenance of records(births/deaths/marriages); issues certificates(caste/income/residence),
- revenue collection (levied by the state government),
- Organizing social functions, Disaster management(management/relief/rehabilitation),
- Community development (engage participation, promote social harmony, provide services)
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| Panchayat Samiti | - Planning and implementation of rural development programs, Resource mobilization, Coordination with Gram Panchayats within the block, supervises gram panchayats functioning, Disbursement of funds, Monitoring and evaluation of the progress of rural development programs/schemes
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| Zila Parishad | - Zila Parishad is the highest level of the Panchayati Raj system in India, responsible for the overall development and management of a district.
- Functions:
- At the District level, infrastructure development, health, education, and poverty alleviation programs;
- Zila Parishad mobilizes resources for rural development from various sources like the state government, central government, and other sources such as NGOs, private sector organizations, and international agencies
- Zila Parishad coordinates with the lower-level Panchayati Raj institutions, such as Panchayat Samiti and Gram Panchayats, to ensure effective implementation of development programs and schemes;
- Zila Parishad is responsible for encouraging entrepreneurship, promoting education and healthcare, and creating employment opportunities
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Power is now being transferred from higher to lower tiers of government, allowing for more engagement and accountability at the local level. The current Panchayati Raj system has gone through a number of stages of development.
The Panchayati Raj System’s evolution
Since its inception in the 1950s, the Panchayati Raj system in India has experienced a number of modifications. With the introduction of new laws, revisions, and regulations, the system has changed over time.
Here is a synopsis of how India’s Panchayati Raj system has developed:
Gramme Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zila Parishads make up the three tiers of the Panchayati Raj system that was advocated for by the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee in 1957.
Gramme Panchayats and Zila Parishads should be the two tiers of the Panchayati Raj system, according to the Ashok Mehta Committee’s 1977 report.
Act of 1992 Adding the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution This amendment introduced a new Part IX to the Constitution, which covers provisions relating to Panchayats, and granted the Panchayati Raj system constitutional status. Gramme Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zila Parishads were the three levels of Panchayats that were outlined under this provision. Additionally, it stipulated that seats for women and designated castes and tribes would be reserved.
Act of 1992 Adding the 74th Amendment to the Constitution This amendment established Nagar Palikas, or municipalities, a comparable form of local self-government for urban regions.
Changes to the Panchayati Raj Act: The Panchayati Raj Act has undergone a number of changes, including the introduction of State Finance Commissions that decide how resources are distributed to Panchayats.
The creation of three-tier Panchayati Raj institutions was required by this amendment. Additionally, this amendment gave Panchayati Raj organisations a number of new authority and responsibilities in the areas of local planning, social justice, and economic growth.
Conclusion
The Panchayati Raj system is seen favourably by some people. As a result, local communities now have more authority to influence governance and take part in decision-making. They think the system has contributed to bettering the provision of fundamental services. It has significantly aided in the advancement of social justice and the creation of chances for economic empowerment at the local level.
Nevertheless, the Panchayati Raj system has its detractors. highlighting issues including corruption, nepotism, and the dominance of regional elites in the decision-making processes. They contend that the system has failed to address pervasive social and economic inequality. Additionally, there is a need for the system to operate with more transparency and accountability.
