Chapter 11 – Grassroots Democracy (Part 2)

Local Government in Rural Areas

1. Why Do We Need Local Government?

India is a huge country with 6 lakh villages and a very large rural population.
Every village has many needs—roads, school repair, water, dispute settlement, etc.

👉 If people had to go to the State or the Central Government for every small issue, nothing would get done.
👉 So, local government helps villagers decide and solve their own issues.

This is called grassroots democracy.

2. Panchayati Raj System

This is India’s system of self-government at the village level.

Three-tier system (like a pyramid):

  1. Village level – Gram Panchayat / Village Parishad
  2. Block level – Panchayat Samiti / Mandal Parishad
  3. District level – Zila Parishad

All three together handle development, roads, agriculture, water, education, health, etc.

3. Gram Sabha

  • It is the assembly of all adult voters in a village.
  • They meet, discuss, and decide village matters.
  • It is the most important decision-making body.

4. Gram Panchayat

This is the village government.

Members

  • Elected by the Gram Sabha.
  • Head → Sarpanch / Pradhan
  • Many women today become Sarpanch.

Who helps the Panchayat?

  • Panchayat Secretary → keeps records, arranges meetings.
  • Patwari → maintains land records and maps (sometimes very old!).

What does the Gram Panchayat do?

  • Repair village roads
  • Provide drinking water
  • Improve and maintain village schools
  • Sanitation and cleanliness
  • Help in government schemes
  • Solve small disputes

5. Child-Friendly Panchayat Initiative

Panchayats listen not only to adults but also children’s voices.

Includes:

  • Bal Sabha
  • Bal Panchayat
  • Children share their concerns → school safety, child marriage, child labour, cleanliness, etc.

Examples from the chapter:

  • Maharashtra → Bal Panchayats helped stop child labour & child marriage.
  • Sikkim (Sangkhu Radhu Khandu Panchayat) → Built school walls, kitchens for midday meals.
  • Rajasthan – Children’s Parliament → Kids aged 8–14 learn democracy, run cabinets, solve school issues.

6. Panchayat Samiti (Block Level)

This is the middle tier.

Main functions:

  • Connects all Gram Panchayats of the block
  • Combines village development plans
  • Sends these to the district
  • Distributes funds
  • Works on schemes like PM Gram Sadak Yojana (rural roads)

Members may include:

  • Elected representatives
  • Sarpanchs
  • MLAs from that area

7. Zila Parishad (District Level)

This is the top tier of rural governance.

Its job:

  • Looks after the development of the entire district
  • Coordinates all Panchayat Samitis
  • Works on big projects → major roads, health centres, district schemes
  • Helps the State Government plan rural development

8. Special Provisions

  • 1/3rd seats reserved for women
  • Special representation for SC, ST and other disadvantaged groups
  • Ensures all sections get equal voice

9. Link with Ancient India (Arthashastra Reference)

Chanakya (Kautilya) described a similar system 2300 years ago, dividing villages into groups with headquarters.

Shows that local administration is an old Indian tradition!


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EXERCISE

1. Test Yourself

Name the three tiers of the Panchayati Raj system and their key functions.

(1) Village Level – Gram Panchayat

Functions:

  • Looks after village roads, water, sanitation
  • Maintains village school
  • Implements government schemes
  • Solves small disputes
  • Works for development of the village

(2) Block Level – Panchayat Samiti / Mandal Parishad

Functions:

  • Coordinates work of all Gram Panchayats in the block
  • Prepares block-level development plans
  • Distributes funds to villages
  • Oversees schemes like PM Gram Sadak Yojana

(3) District Level – Zila Parishad

Functions:

  • Plans and supervises development for the whole district
  • Coordinates all Panchayat Samitis
  • Works on district health, education, major roads, water projects
  • Helps state government in rural development programs

2. Letter to the Sarpanch on the issue of plastic bags

To
The Sarpanch
Gram Panchayat, ________ Village
Date: ________

Subject: Request to remove plastic bags lying on the roadside

Respected Sir/Madam,

I want to bring to your notice that many plastic bags are lying along the main roadside of our village. This is causing problems such as bad smell, blockage of drains, and harm to animals who sometimes eat them by mistake.

I kindly request the Gram Panchayat to take immediate steps to clean the area. Dustbins may be placed at important points, and an awareness campaign can be organized to stop villagers from throwing plastic waste on the road.

I hope you will take necessary action soon for the cleanliness and health of our village.

Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
__________ (Name)
Class ______, Village _______

3. What type of person should be a Gram Panchayat member?

A Gram Panchayat member should be:

  • Honest and free from corruption
  • Helpful and willing to listen to villagers’ problems
  • Responsible and regular in meetings
  • Educated enough to understand development needs
  • Fair and unbiased, treating all sections equally
  • Hard-working, ready to improve roads, water supply, schools, and cleanliness
  • Respectful towards women, children, elderly, and disadvantaged groups
  • Someone who believes in cooperation and teamwork

4. Problem: School near highway – students can’t cross road safely

Options to solve the issue

  • Construction of a speed breaker near the school
  • Placing zebra crossing and school ahead signboards
  • Posting a traffic volunteer or guard during school hours
  • Requesting the police to enforce speed limits near school
  • Building a foot overbridge or pedestrian crossing if necessary

Which Panchayati Raj institutions can help?

  1. Gram Panchayat
    • Can write to the block office
    • Can request traffic signs or speed breakers
    • Can conduct awareness drives
  2. Panchayat Samiti
    • Can approve block-level safety plans
    • Can forward proposal to district authorities
  3. Zila Parishad
    • Can sanction funds
    • Can coordinate with the district administration and police department

What can students do?

  • Write a joint application to the Sarpanch
  • Conduct an awareness march in the village
  • Approach the Gram Sabha meeting to raise the issue
  • Request school teachers to contact local authorities
  • Avoid running on the road and follow traffic rules



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