Keywords To Remember
- Local self-government helps villagers solve their own problems through elected bodies.
- The Panchayati Raj System has three tiers:
- Gram Panchayat – Village level
- Panchayat Samiti / Block Samiti – Block level
- Zila Parishad – District level
- Gram Sabha (voters of the village) elects the Gram Panchayat, which carries out local work like water supply, sanitation, road construction, and keeping records.
- Nyaya Panchayat provides speedy and low-cost justice for small disputes.
- Block Samiti takes care of larger needs like hospitals, roads, and schools in a block (group of villages).
- Zila Parishad is the top-level rural body that plans for and monitors district-wide development.
Term | Definition |
Gram Sabha | General body of voters in a village aged 18 and above. |
Sarpanch | Elected head of the Gram Panchayat. |
Panchayat Secretary | Government employee who manages records and accounts. |
Nyaya Panchayat | A village-level court handling minor civil and criminal disputes. |
Block Samiti | Governing body for a group of villages (block level). |
Zila Parishad | Highest local rural body at the district level. |
Animal husbandry | Science of raising and caring for farm animals. |
Ex-officio | A member by virtue of holding a particular position. |
Grants | Financial aid from the government. |
Tresspassing | Entering someone’s land without permission. |
Veterinary | Related to animal health and treatment. |
Co-operative society | An organization formed to help members meet shared economic needs. |
Something To Know
A. Tick (✔ ) the correct option.
- Which one of the following is Not a local body under the Panchayati Raj System?
(a) nagar panchayat
(b) gram panchayat
(c) block samiti
(d) zila parishad
Answer – (a) nagar panchayat
- The Chairperson of the Gram Panchayat is Not called as ̶
(a) pradhan
(c) president
(b) mukhia
(d) sarpanch
Answer – (c) president
- The best example of direct democracy in India is ̶
(a) gram sabha
(c) block samiti
(b) gram panchayat
(d) zila parishad
Answer – (a) gram sabha
- The administrative work of a Panchayat Samiti is looked after by a ̶
(a) public relation officer
(b) health officer
(c) block development officer
(d) sub-divisional officer
Answer – (c) block development officer
- The apex body of the Panchayati Raj System is ̶
(a) zila parishad
(b) nyaya panchayat
(c) gram panchayat
(d) block samiti
Answer – (a) zila parishad
B. Fill in the blanks.
- Gram Sabha consists of all the registered ______________________ of the village.
Answer – voters
- The administrative work of the Block Samiti is looked after by a ______________________ .
Answer – Block Development Officer (BDO).
- The Zila Parishad acts as a link between ______________________ and ______________________.
Answer – State Government and local self-governing bodies.
- The Gram Panchayat operates at the ______________________ level of the Panchayati Raj System.
Answer – village
- The Zila Parishad distributes grants to the ______________________ .
Answer – Block Samitis
C. Write True or False for the following statements.
- The lowest level of government in India is Nyaya Panchayat. _____________
Answer – False
- The members of Gram Sabha only elect the members of Gram Panchayat. _________
Answer – False
- Zila Parishad implements the Five Year Plans in the district. _____________
Answer – True
- Two or three small villages can have a common panchayat. _____________
Answer – True
- The Zila Parishad does not have any ex-officio member. _____________
Answer – False
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
- Mention three levels of the local self-governing bodies under the Panchayati Raj System.
Answer – Gram Panchayat (village level), Block Samiti (block level), Zila Parishad (district level).
- Write two main functions of the Gram Sabha.
Answer – Electing the members of the Gram Panchayat and the Pradhan.
Approving the annual budget and development plans of the village.
- What is the most important function of a Panchayat Samiti?
Answer – To look after developmental and welfare work of the villages within the block.
- How does a Village Panchayat generate its financial resources?
Answer – Through taxes on houses, markets, and land, as well as government grants and loans.
- How are the Panchs and the Pradhan of a Gram Panchayat elected?
Answer – They are directly elected by the members of the Gram Sabha.
E. Answer the following questions.
- Explain any three functions of the Gram Panchayat.
Answer – Provides clean drinking water and sanitation.
Maintains roads, street lights, and public places.
Keeps records of births and deaths.
- Describe the composition of Zila Parishad.
Answer – It includes elected members, Chairpersons of Block Samitis, MPs, MLAs from the district, and representatives of SC/ST and women. It also includes ex-officio members and government officials.
- How does the Zila Parishad keep control over the other Panchayati Raj Institutions?
Answer – By coordinating development plans, distributing government funds, and supervising the functioning of Block Samitis and Gram Panchayats.
- Differentiate between a Gram Sabha and a Gram Panchayat.
Answer – Gram Sabha is the general body of all adult voters in a village.
Gram Panchayat is an elected body of representatives that carries out the decisions of the Gram Sabha.
- Highlight the significance of self-governing bodies in a democracy like India.
Answer – They encourage local participation, develop leadership skills, ensure grassroots democracy, and help in the efficient implementation of government schemes.
Value Based Question
Saryu and Sunder are cousins living in a village in Maharashtra. Once in a meeting of Gram Sabha, Saryu raised the problem of shortage of clean drinking water and the lower level of underground water. Sunder supported him. In consultation with the experts, an effective plan was prepared. It was implemented within two years, with the result, that there was ample clean drinking water to fulfil the needs of the villagers.
- What would have happened, had there been no co-operation, no determination and no spirit of self-help among the villagers?
Answer – The problem of water scarcity would have remained unresolved, affecting the health, hygiene, and livelihoods of the villagers.
- Why is it important to provide clean drinking water in each and every part of India?
Answer – To prevent waterborne diseases, improve public health, support agriculture, and ensure a better quality of life.
Map Skill
On the political map of India, locate and label the following ̶
(a) The state with largest number of districts ̶ Uttar Pradesh
Answer – Largest number of districts
(b) The state which has won the National Award for the Best State for successfully implementing Panchayati Raj Programmes ̶ Kerala
Answer – Best implementation of Panchayati Raj
(c) The first state in India to fix minimum educational qualification for contesting elections to the Panchayati Raj Institutions ̶ Rajasthan
Answer – First to fix educational qualifications
(d) The states which have implemented 50% reservation for women in Gram Panchayats ̶ Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh
Answer – 50% women reservation
(e) The state which has made voting compulsory in the elections for the local bodies ̶ Gujarat
Answer – Made voting compulsory
Something To Do
- Elect a Nyaya Panchayat at the class level to settle the disputes of your class.
Answer – Do it at your own level.
- Find the names of rural local self-bodies of your state. Invite an elected member of Gram Panchayat and discuss with him the working of that body.
Answer – Do it at your own level.
- Enact the story ‘Panch Parmeshwar’ in your school in the form of a skit.
Answer – Do it at your own level.
- Hold a session of the class Panchayat to settle some dispute between two students or two groups of students of your class.
Answer – Do it at your own level.
- Arrange a trip to a nearby village. Find out the achievements of the Gram Panchayat. Also enlist some unfulfilled tasks which you would want the Gram Panchayat to perform.
Answer – Do it at your own level.
- Discuss the importance of justice and impartiality while deciding a dispute.
Answer – Justice and impartiality ensure trust, fairness, and peaceful coexistence in society. They uphold democratic values and encourage responsible behaviour.
Additional Questions And Answers – 01
Fill in the Blanks (with answers)
- The term ‘Panchayat’ literally means an assembly of ______ members.
Answer: five - The Gram Sabha includes all villagers above the age of ______ years who are registered voters.
Answer: 18 - The head of a Gram Panchayat is called the ______ or Sarpanch.
Answer: Pradhan - Nyaya Panchayat deals with ______ and criminal cases of minor nature.
Answer: civil - Block Samiti acts as a link between Gram Panchayat and ______.
Answer: Zila Parishad - The Zila Parishad prepares plans for the overall development of the entire ______.
Answer: district - A permanent government employee who helps Gram Panchayat in administration is called the ______.
Answer: Panchayat Secretary - Seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions are reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and ______.
Answer: women - The Panchayat Samiti supervises developmental work related to agriculture, education, and ______.
Answer: health - Panchayati Raj System in India was introduced to promote local self-_______.
Answer: government
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) (with answers)
- Which body elects the members of the Gram Panchayat?
(a) Zila Parishad
(b) Panchayat Samiti
(c) Gram Sabha
(d) Nyaya Panchayat
Answer: (c) - Who presides over the Gram Panchayat meetings?
(a) BDO
(b) Pradhan
(c) Panchayat Secretary
(d) Village Officer
Answer: (b) - What is the term length for a member of Gram Panchayat?
(a) 3 years
(b) 4 years
(c) 5 years
(d) 6 years
Answer: (c) - Which Panchayat deals with minor criminal disputes?
(a) Gram Panchayat
(b) Nyaya Panchayat
(c) Zila Parishad
(d) Panchayat Samiti
Answer: (b) - Which of the following is NOT a function of the Zila Parishad?
(a) Coordinating block-level projects
(b) Managing primary schools
(c) Implementing Five Year Plans
(d) Preparing district development plans
Answer: (b) - The chairman of a Panchayat Samiti is elected by —
(a) Gram Sabha
(b) Members of Panchayat Samiti
(c) Zila Parishad
(d) State Government
Answer: (b) - Panchayat Samiti gets its income from —
(a) Taxes on water and land
(b) Donations only
(c) Loans from banks only
(d) Sale of crops
Answer: (a) - What does the term ‘ex-officio member’ mean?
(a) Member by election
(b) Member appointed by the government
(c) Member by virtue of holding a particular office
(d) Member by lottery
Answer: (c)
True/False Questions (with answers)
- The Gram Sabha can approve the annual budget of the Gram Panchayat.
True - Nyaya Panchayat can impose a jail sentence for serious crimes.
False - Panchayat Samiti is responsible for supervising the work of Gram Panchayats.
True - Zila Parishad members include local MPs and MLAs.
True - All villages have their separate Gram Panchayats without exceptions.
False - The Panchayat Secretary is an elected official.
False - Panchayati Raj Institutions encourage democratic participation at the local level.
True - The Zila Parishad only functions at the village level.
False
Short Questions and Answers
- What is the role of Gram Sabha?
Answer: Gram Sabha elects the Gram Panchayat members, approves budgets, and discusses village development. - Define Panchayati Raj System.
Answer: It is a three-tier system of local self-government in rural India including Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad. - Who is a Sarpanch?
Answer: The elected head or chairperson of the Gram Panchayat. - Mention any two functions of Nyaya Panchayat.
Answer: Settles minor civil disputes and imposes small fines. - What is the function of Block Samiti?
Answer: Coordinates development activities of several villages in the block. - Name the officer who manages administrative work of Panchayat Samiti.
Answer: Block Development Officer (BDO). - What types of projects does the Zila Parishad handle?
Answer: Large scale development projects across the district like education and health.
Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)
- Assertion (A): Gram Sabha is the direct democratic body in villages.
Reason (R): The Gram Sabha consists of all registered voters and participates in decision-making.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. - Assertion (A): Nyaya Panchayat allows lawyers to represent parties.
Reason (R): It aims to provide formal legal representation for justice.
Answer: A is false, R is false. - Assertion (A): Panchayat Samiti is a link between Gram Panchayat and Zila Parishad.
Reason (R): It supervises Gram Panchayats and coordinates with Zila Parishad.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A. - Assertion (A): Zila Parishad plans district-wide development activities.
Reason (R): It only collects taxes and does not plan development.
Answer: A is true, R is false. - Assertion (A): Women have no reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Reason (R): Women participate equally without reserved seats.
Answer: Both A and R are false.
High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions
- Why do you think the Panchayati Raj System follows a three-tier structure instead of a single governing body?
Answer: The three-tier structure allows decentralized decision-making, better management of local issues at different levels, and ensures participation from village to district level. - How does the presence of Nyaya Panchayat help in maintaining social harmony in villages?
Answer: By providing quick and affordable justice for minor disputes, it prevents escalation of conflicts and maintains peace. - Discuss the importance of women’s reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Answer: Women’s reservation ensures their participation in decision-making, empowers them socially and politically, and leads to more inclusive governance. - What could be the disadvantages if the Gram Panchayat did not have financial autonomy?
Answer: Without financial resources, Gram Panchayat cannot effectively implement local development projects, leading to poor infrastructure and public services. - How does the Panchayat Secretary help in the smooth functioning of Gram Panchayat?
Answer: By maintaining records, managing accounts, and assisting elected members in administrative work, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
Long Questions (40-50 words answers)
- Explain the significance of Gram Sabha in rural governance.
Answer: Gram Sabha is significant as it is the foundation of local democracy where villagers participate directly. It elects Gram Panchayat members, approves plans and budgets, and ensures accountability of the Panchayat, making governance transparent and responsive. - Describe the role of the Zila Parishad in rural development.
Answer: Zila Parishad coordinates and supervises Block Samitis and Gram Panchayats, prepares district-wide development plans, implements government schemes, and distributes funds, playing a vital role in the overall progress of rural areas. - What functions does the Panchayat Samiti perform?
Answer: Panchayat Samiti manages development in blocks, supervises village projects, advises on agriculture, education, health, promotes cottage industries, and ensures cooperation among Gram Panchayats for bigger projects. - Why is local self-government important in India’s democracy?
Answer: It empowers villagers to govern themselves, addresses local issues effectively, encourages participation, reduces the load on higher government levels, and strengthens democracy at the grassroots. - How does Nyaya Panchayat contribute to justice delivery in villages?
Answer: Nyaya Panchayat offers speedy, inexpensive, and accessible justice for minor civil and criminal disputes, reducing burden on courts and promoting social peace.
Additional Questions And Answers – 02
Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers
- The head of a Gram Panchayat is called the __________.
Answer: Sarpanch - The three-tier system of rural governance is called __________ Raj System.
Answer: Panchayati - The general body of the village is known as __________.
Answer: Gram Sabha - The __________ Panchayat settles minor civil and criminal disputes in villages.
Answer: Nyaya - The Block Samiti is also known as __________ Samiti.
Answer: Panchayat - The apex body of the Panchayati Raj System is the __________.
Answer: Zila Parishad - The Gram Sabha holds its meetings at least __________ times a year.
Answer: Twice - The __________ Development Officer oversees the administrative work of the Block Samiti.
Answer: Block - The Nyaya Panchayat can impose a fine up to __________ rupees.
Answer: 100 - The __________ of seats in Gram Panchayats are reserved for Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
Answer: Reservation - The __________ is a permanent government employee who assists the Gram Panchayat.
Answer: Panchayat Secretary - The __________ Parishad coordinates the work of Block Samitis and Gram Panchayats.
Answer: Zila - The Gram Panchayat is responsible for providing __________ drinking water.
Answer: Clean - The __________ fair in Pushkar, Rajasthan, is a famous cattle fair.
Answer: Cattle - The __________ societies are formed with the help of the Block Samiti.
Answer: Co-operative
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers
- What is the lowest level of rural self-governance in India?
a) Zila Parishad
b) Block Samiti
c) Gram Panchayat
d) Nyaya Panchayat
Answer: c) Gram Panchayat - Who elects the Sarpanch of a Gram Panchayat?
a) Block Samiti
b) Gram Sabha
c) Zila Parishad
d) State Government
Answer: b) Gram Sabha - How many times does the Gram Sabha meet annually?
a) Once
b) Twice
c) Thrice
d) Four times
Answer: b) Twice - What is the maximum fine a Nyaya Panchayat can impose?
a) ₹50
b) ₹100
c) ₹200
d) ₹500
Answer: b) ₹100 - Which body acts as a link between Gram Panchayats and Zila Parishad?
a) Nyaya Panchayat
b) Block Samiti
c) Gram Sabha
d) State Government
Answer: b) Block Samiti - What is a primary function of the Gram Panchayat?
a) Building highways
b) Providing clean drinking water
c) Conducting elections
d) Managing foreign trade
Answer: b) Providing clean drinking water - Who is an ex-officio member of the Block Samiti?
a) Teachers
b) Sarpanchs
c) Farmers
d) Policemen
Answer: b) Sarpanchs - What is the term of office for elected members of a Zila Parishad?
a) Three years
b) Four years
c) Five years
d) Six years
Answer: c) Five years - Which body supervises the implementation of Five Year Plans in rural areas?
a) Gram Sabha
b) Block Samiti
c) Zila Parishad
d) Nyaya Panchayat
Answer: c) Zila Parishad - What is a source of income for the Block Samiti?
a) Foreign aid
b) Taxes on land and shops
c) Corporate sponsorships
d) Ticket sales
Answer: b) Taxes on land and shops
True/False Questions and Answers
- The Gram Panchayat is the oldest system of local self-government in India.
Answer: True - The Nyaya Panchayat can send a person to jail.
Answer: False (It can only impose fines up to ₹100.) - The Gram Sabha consists of all villagers above 18 years registered as voters.
Answer: True - The Zila Parishad is the lowest level of the Panchayati Raj System.
Answer: False (It is the highest level.) - Fifty percent of seats in Gram Panchayats are reserved for women.
Answer: True - Lawyers can advocate in a Nyaya Panchayat.
Answer: False (No lawyers are allowed.) - The Block Samiti promotes cottage industries and fisheries.
Answer: True - The Gram Panchayat’s income comes only from government grants.
Answer: False (It also comes from taxes and loans.) - The Sarpanch is appointed by the State Government.
Answer: False (The Sarpanch is elected by the Gram Sabha.) - The Zila Parishad distributes government funds to Block Samitis.
Answer: True
Short Questions and Answers
- What is a Gram Panchayat?
Answer: A Gram Panchayat is a local self-governing body at the village level, elected by the Gram Sabha to address community needs. - Who is the Sarpanch?
Answer: The Sarpanch is the elected head of the Gram Panchayat, also known as Pradhan or Mukhiya. - What is the Gram Sabha?
Answer: The Gram Sabha is the general body of a village, comprising all voters above 18, making key decisions for village welfare. - What is a Nyaya Panchayat?
Answer: A Nyaya Panchayat is a village court that resolves minor civil and criminal disputes, providing speedy and inexpensive justice. - What is the role of the Block Samiti?
Answer: The Block Samiti oversees developmental work, advises on agriculture and education, and supervises Gram Panchayat projects. - What is the Zila Parishad?
Answer: The Zila Parishad is the apex rural governance body, coordinating Block Samitis and Gram Panchayats for district development. - Name one function of the Gram Panchayat.
Answer: Providing clean drinking water. - What is a source of income for the Gram Panchayat?
Answer: Taxes on houses and market places. - Who assists the Block Samiti administratively?
Answer: The Block Development Officer (BDO). - What is the term of elected members in a Panchayat?
Answer: Five years.
Competency-Based Questions and Answers (Reasoning and Assertion)
- Assertion: The Gram Sabha is an example of direct democracy.
Reason: All villagers above 18 participate in decision-making and elect the Gram Panchayat.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion. - Assertion: The Nyaya Panchayat provides inexpensive justice.
Reason: It resolves minor disputes without lawyers and imposes small fines.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion. - Assertion: The Block Samiti is a link between Gram Panchayats and Zila Parishad.
Reason: It coordinates developmental projects across villages and reports to the Zila Parishad.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion. - Assertion: The Panchayati Raj System reduces the burden on state governments.
Reason: Local bodies handle village-level issues, allowing state focus on broader policies.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion. - Assertion: Women have significant representation in Gram Panchayats.
Reason: Fifty percent of seats are reserved for women to ensure gender equality.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion.
High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions and Answers
- Why is the Gram Sabha considered the foundation of rural democracy?
Answer: The Gram Sabha, comprising all adult voters, directly elects the Gram Panchayat and makes key village decisions. This participatory process ensures local issues are addressed by the community, embodying direct democracy and fostering self-reliance in rural governance. - How does the Nyaya Panchayat promote accessible justice in rural areas?
Answer: The Nyaya Panchayat resolves minor disputes quickly and affordably, without lawyers, imposing fines up to ₹100. By being locally elected and accessible, it ensures justice is delivered efficiently, reducing the need for villagers to approach distant courts. - Why is the three-tier Panchayati Raj System effective for rural governance?
Answer: The three-tier system—Gram Panchayat, Block Samiti, and Zila Parishad—addresses local, block, and district-level issues efficiently. It decentralizes power, encourages community participation, and ensures coordinated development, reducing state government burden while meeting diverse rural needs. - How do reservations in Panchayats empower marginalized groups?
Answer: Reservations for Scheduled Castes, Tribes, and women (50%) ensure representation of marginalized groups in Gram Panchayats. This promotes inclusive decision-making, addresses specific community needs, and empowers these groups to influence policies, fostering social equity in rural governance. - Why do local self-governing bodies enhance rural development?
Answer: Local self-governing bodies understand community needs better, enabling tailored solutions for issues like water, sanitation, and education. By involving elected representatives, they foster accountability, initiative, and participation, ensuring sustainable development and reducing dependency on higher government levels.
Long Questions and Answers (40-50 Words)
- Explain the role of the Gram Sabha in rural governance.
Answer: The Gram Sabha, comprising all adult voters, elects the Gram Panchayat and Sarpanch, approves budgets, and makes key village welfare decisions. Meeting twice yearly, it exemplifies direct democracy, ensuring community participation in addressing local issues and fostering self-reliance. - Describe the functions of the Gram Panchayat.
Answer: The Gram Panchayat provides clean drinking water, maintains sanitation, constructs village roads, and supervises public services like health centers. It promotes agriculture by supplying seeds, organizes fairs, and keeps records of births and deaths, enhancing village welfare and development. - How does the Nyaya Panchayat ensure justice in villages?
Answer: The Nyaya Panchayat, elected by village Panchayats, resolves minor disputes like trespassing or thefts without lawyers, imposing fines up to ₹100. Its local presence ensures speedy, inexpensive justice, making it accessible and reducing the need for higher courts. - What is the role of the Block Samiti in rural development?
Answer: The Block Samiti oversees developmental projects across villages, advises on agriculture, education, and health, and promotes cottage industries. It supervises Gram Panchayat initiatives, forms co-operative societies, and links villages to Zila Parishad, ensuring coordinated block-level progress. - Discuss the significance of the Zila Parishad in the Panchayati Raj System.
Answer: The Zila Parishad, the apex rural body, coordinates Block Samitis and Gram Panchayats, plans district-wide development in education, health, and agriculture, and distributes government funds. It links state government with local bodies, ensuring holistic rural progress and policy implementation.