Introduction:-

Imagine you live in a village where everyone comes together to make important decisions. That’s what happens in the Gram Sabha! In this chapter, we’ll learn how villagers meet, discuss problems like water and roads, and work with the Gram Panchayat to make their village a better place. You’ll also see how the Gram Sabha helps make sure everything is done fairly, and how everyone gets a chance to share their ideas. (We call this whole set up in rural area ‘Panchayati Raj System’.)

Gram Sabha:

• A meeting of all adults (18 years or older) in a village or group of villages.
• People ask questions and discuss village issues.

First Gram Sabha Meeting:

• The first meeting is held after the new Panchayat is elected.
• Meetings occur at least twice a year to address village problems.
• Villagers can raise issues such as water shortages, poverty, or bad roads.
• The Panchayat works to find solutions for these problems.
• The Gram Sabha approves the village budget and ensures proper use of funds.
• The Gram Sabha monitors the Panchayat’s work for fairness and proper spending.

Role of Gram Sabha:

• Decision-Making: The Gram Sabha makes important decisions about village plans and budgets.
• Problem Solving: Villagers can talk about issues like water shortages and bad roads, and the Gram Sabha helps find solutions.
• Monitoring the Panchayat: It checks the work of the Panchayat to make sure they are doing their job properly.
• Community Involvement: All adults in the village can participate, making their voices heard in local decisions.
• Ensuring Fairness: The Gram Sabha ensures that money is spent wisely and benefits everyone in the village.
• Keeping the Panchayat Honest: It helps keep the Panchayat honest.
• Finalize important decisions: It approves important decisions like fixing roads and finalizing the list of poor families.
  • For Example: Finalizing BPL List
    • The Gram Sabha checks if the right families are on the BPL (Below Poverty Line) list.
    • They correct mistakes in the list.

The Gram Panchayat:

The Gram Panchayat is a local self-government body in a village. It is responsible for managing the village’s affairs and development.

• It consists of one Sarpanch (leader), several Panchs (Ward Members) and Secretary.
• Each ward has one Panch who is elected by the villagers.
  • Note: The number of Panchs varies based on the size of the village.
• The Gram Panchayat is elected for five years.
• The work done by the Gram Panchayat must be approved by the Gram Sabha.
• In some states, Gram Sabhas form committees (like construction and development committees) that include members from both the Gram Sabha and the Gram Panchayat.

Panchayat Secretary:

• A government officer, not elected.
• Calls meetings and keeps records.

Role of Gram Panchayat:

• Implement Development Programs: The Gram Panchayat works on various development projects for the village.
• Discuss Plans: The Sarpanch and Panchs discuss their plans for the village.
  • For Example:- fixing roads and solving water issues.
• Maintain Public Services: It looks after essential services like water supply, sanitation, and roads.
• Collect Taxes: The Gram Panchayat collects local taxes and fees to fund its activities.
• Plan Budgets: It prepares the village budget and ensures proper use of funds.
• Facilitate Community Participation: The Gram Panchayat encourages villagers to participate in decision-making processes.

Three Levels of Panchayati Raj:

• Gram Panchayat: The village-level council.
• Janpad Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti: The block-level council that includes multiple Gram Panchayats.
• Zila Parishad: The district-level council that makes development plans and oversees fund distribution among Gram Panchayats.

Panchayati Raj System:-

• The Panchayati Raj System allows people to take part in their own government.
• It is the first tier of democratic government in villages.
• The Panchs (members) and the Gram Panchayat must answer to the Gram Sabha, as they are elected by its members.
• Each state has its own laws regarding Panchayats, following constitutional guidelines to encourage public participation and voice.