The Foundation: Village Level
The base of the Panchayati Raj system is the Gram Panchayat. It is the institution closest to the people in rural areas.
1. The Gram Sabha (The Legislative Body)
Before a decision is made by the leaders, it is discussed by the people. This happens in the Gram Sabha.
- Who are the members? All adults (18+) who are enrolled as voters in the village (or a group of neighboring villages).
- Function: Men and women discuss matters related to their area, review the performance of the Panchayat, and approve plans.
- Significance: It is a form of direct democracy where people participate directly.
2. The Gram Panchayat (The Executive Body)
The Gram Panchayat is the elected body responsible for implementing decisions.
- Election: Members are elected directly by the Gram Sabha.
- Head of Panchayat: The elected head is called the Sarpanch or Pradhan.
- Composition:
- Ward Members (Panchs): Representatives from smaller divisions of the village called Wards.
- Sarpanch: The president of the Panchayat.
Warning
Important Trend: In recent years, more and more women have become Sarpanchs, taking leadership roles in rural development.
Administrative Support
The elected members are assisted by government-appointed officials who ensure the system runs smoothly.
| Official | Role |
|---|---|
| Panchayat Secretary | Performs administrative functions like calling meetings and maintaining records of proceedings. |
| Patwari | Maintains the villagers’ land records and maps. In some cases, these maps are generations old. |