1. What is Local Government?
1. India has three levels of government:
- Union Government – Works for the whole country.
- State Government – Works for each state.
- Local Government – Works in villages and cities.
2. Local government bodies help manage daily affairs of villages and towns.
They are divided into:
- Rural Local Government – Works for villages.
- Urban Local Government – Works for cities and towns.
2. Types of Rural Local Government Bodies
There are three types of rural local government bodies:
- Gram Panchayat (Village Level)
- Panchayat Samiti (Taluka Level)
- Zilla Parishad (District Level)
Each has a specific role in managing villages and ensuring development.
3. Gram Panchayat (Village Government)
- A Gram Panchayat looks after a village or group of villages.
- It is made up of elected members from the village.
- The head of the Gram Panchayat is called the Sarpanch.
- A Gram Sevak is the secretary who manages its daily work.
Functions of Gram Panchayat:
- Providing clean drinking water and sanitation.
- Maintaining village roads, streetlights, and public places.
- Registering births, deaths, and marriages.
- Developing education and healthcare facilities.
- Solving disputes among villagers.
Sources of Income for Gram Panchayat:
- Taxes (house tax, water tax, market tax).
- Government grants (money from the state or Zilla Parishad).
- Donations and local funds.
4. Gram Sabha (Village Assembly)
- A Gram Sabha is a meeting of all voters in a village.
- It must meet at least six times in a year.
- The Gram Panchayat takes permission from the Gram Sabha for new plans and budgets.
- The Gram Sabha checks the work of the Gram Panchayat.
5. Panchayat Samiti (Taluka Level Government)
- The Panchayat Samiti manages all Gram Panchayats in a taluka.
- It works as a link between Gram Panchayats and the Zilla Parishad.
- It is led by a Chairman and a Deputy Chairman.
Functions of Panchayat Samiti:
- Planning and managing schemes for health, education, and roads.
- Helping Gram Panchayats solve problems and conflicts.
- Checking if government money is used properly in villages.
6. Zilla Parishad (District Level Government)
- The Zilla Parishad is the highest rural government body in a district.
- It works under the State Government.
- It is led by a President and Vice-President.
- A Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is appointed by the government to manage daily work.
Functions of Zilla Parishad:
- Planning development projects for the district.
- Managing schools, hospitals, and public services.
- Helping Panchayat Samitis and Gram Panchayats with funds and guidance.
- Ensuring law and order in villages.
7. Elections in Rural Local Government
Elections are held every five years for all rural local bodies.
Candidates must be:
- An Indian citizen.
- 21 years old or above.
- A registered voter in the village.
People vote to choose their leaders for Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zilla Parishad.
8. Importance of Rural Local Government
- Helps in solving village problems quickly.
- Ensures development and better living conditions in villages.
- Provides education, healthcare, and infrastructure for rural areas.
- Strengthens democracy by allowing people to participate in decision-making.
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