Beyond the Village
While the Gram Panchayat handles village-level issues, larger projects require coordination at higher levels. This is where the Block and District levels come in.
1. Panchayat Samiti (Block Level)
The Panchayat Samiti (also called Block Panchayat or Mandal Parishad) acts as the link between the Gram Panchayat and the Zila Parishad.
- Structure: It covers a block consisting of many villages.
- Membership:
- Elected members.
- Sarpanchs of villages in the area.
- Local Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
- Key Function:
- Coordinate matters across multiple Gram Panchayats.
- Collect development plans from villages and consolidate them for the District level.
2. Zila Parishad (District Level)
The Zila Parishad (District Panchayat) is the apex body of the Panchayati Raj system.
- Key Function:
- Facilitates the allotment of funds for development projects.
- Manages government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), which promotes the construction of all-weather roads.
- Oversees the development of the entire district.
Representation and Inclusivity
At all three levels (Village, Block, District), special rules ensure that disadvantaged sections of society are heard.
Tip
Reservation for Women: There is a mandatory provision for reserving one-third of the seats for women in these institutions to ensure their active participation in governance.
Comparison of Levels
| Level | Institution Name | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|
| District | Zila Parishad | Fund allotment, District planning, Road schemes |
| Block | Panchayat Samiti | Coordination, Linking Village to District |
| Village | Gram Panchayat | Local dispute resolution, Water, Sanitation, School maintenance |