Exercise Solutions Available
Step-by-step answers for all textbook questions in this chapter
What is Panchayati Raj?
- Panchayati Raj is the system of local self-government in villages.
- It lets villagers govern themselves and solve their own problems at the local level.
- It is the first level of democratic government.
The Gram Sabha
- The Gram Sabha is the meeting of all the adult voters of a village.
- It is the base of the Panchayati Raj system.
Work of the Gram Sabha
- Elects the Gram Panchayat.
- Approves the plans and budget of the Gram Panchayat.
- Checks (audits) the accounts of the Gram Panchayat.
The Gram Panchayat
- The Gram Panchayat is the elected council of the village.
- Its members are called panchs.
- Its head is the sarpanch (also called pradhan or president).
- Some seats are reserved for women and for SC/ST so everyone gets a voice.
Work of the Gram Panchayat
| Work | Example |
|---|---|
| Water | Cleaning and repairing wells and tanks |
| Sanitation | Drains, public toilets, garbage |
| Schools and roads | Building and maintaining them |
| Street lighting | Lights in the village |
| Disputes | Settling small local quarrels |
| Development | Planning village schemes |
The Three Levels of Panchayati Raj
| Level | Looks after |
|---|---|
| Gram Panchayat | A single village |
| Panchayat Samiti | A block (group of villages) |
| Zila Parishad | The whole district |
Each higher level looks after a larger area and gives help to the level below it.
Key Vocabulary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Panchayati Raj | Local self-government in villages |
| Gram Sabha | All adult voters of a village |
| Gram Panchayat | The elected village council |
| Panch | A member of the Gram Panchayat |
| Sarpanch/Pradhan | The elected head of the Gram Panchayat |
| Panchayat Samiti | The block-level body |
| Zila Parishad | The district-level body |
Exam Tips
- Gram Sabha = all adult voters (the base); Gram Panchayat = elected council (panchs + sarpanch) — know the difference.
- The three levels — Gram Panchayat (village), Panchayat Samiti (block), Zila Parishad (district) — a standard listing question.
- Gram Sabha's three jobs: elects, approves plans, audits accounts.
- Gram Panchayat work: water, sanitation, roads, schools, street lights, small disputes, development — give 3-4 examples.
- Some seats are reserved for women and SC/ST — a 1-mark point about inclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Gram Panchayat is the elected council that looks after a village. Its members are called panchs and its head is the sarpanch or pradhan, chosen by the Gram Sabha.