Grassroots Democracy — Part 2: Local Government in Rural Areas
Question 1. Test yourself — without looking at the text above, can you name the three tiers of the Panchayati Raj system? What are the key functions of each of the three tiers?
Answer: Name the three tiers of the Panchayati Raj system and their key functions:
Gram Panchayat (Village Level):
- Key Functions: Handles local governance and development at the village level. It manages resources, resolves disputes, and implements government schemes.
Panchayat Samiti (Block Level):
- Key Functions: Acts as a link between the Gram Panchayat and the Zila Parishad. It coordinates development plans from different Gram Panchayats and presents them at the district level.
Zila Parishad (District Level):
- Key Functions: Oversees the implementation of development plans across the district. It ensures that the needs of all the blocks are addressed and coordinates with state-level authorities.
Question 2. Write a letter to the Sarpanch regarding the issue of plastic bags lying on the roadside in the village.
Answer:
To,
The Sarpanch,
[Name of the Village],
[Address].
Subject: Request to Address the Issue of Plastic Bags on the Roadside
Respected Sarpanch,
I am writing to bring to your attention the growing issue of plastic bags lying on the roadside in our village. This not only affects the cleanliness and beauty of our surroundings but also poses a serious threat to the environment and the health of the residents.
I kindly request you to take immediate action to clean up the plastic waste and to implement measures to prevent such littering in the future. Initiatives such as regular cleanliness drives, installing dustbins at key locations, and raising awareness among villagers about the harmful effects of plastic pollution could be effective in tackling this problem.
Your prompt attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated by all the villagers.
Thank you for your support and leadership.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
Question 3. In your view, what type of person should be a Gram Panchayat member?
Answer: A Gram Panchayat member should be a responsible and honest individual who is committed to the welfare of the community. They should have a strong understanding of local issues, be approachable, and willing to listen to the concerns of the villagers. The person should also be proactive in promoting development and ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach everyone. It is important that they work towards inclusivity, giving voice to all sections of society, including women, children, and disadvantaged groups.
Question 4. Let us suppose that you study in a village school. The school is located next to a highway and students find it difficult to cross the road when they come to school or leave at the end of the day. What are the options to solve this issue? Which institutions in the Panchayati Raj can help you? What can the students do?
Answer: Options to solve the issue of students having difficulty crossing the road near the school:
a) Options to Solve the Issue:
- Constructing a Foot Overbridge or Underpass: This would allow students to safely cross the highway without coming into direct contact with traffic.
- Installing Traffic Signals or Zebra Crossing: This would slow down the traffic and provide a safe crossing point for the students.
- Assigning a Traffic Guard: A traffic guard or crossing guard could be assigned during school hours to help students safely cross the road.
b) Institutions in the Panchayati Raj that can help:
- Gram Panchayat: The Gram Panchayat can raise this issue in the Gram Sabha and allocate funds or resources to address it.
- Panchayat Samiti: The Panchayat Samiti at the block level can coordinate with the district authorities to implement larger projects like constructing a foot overbridge or underpass.
- Zila Parishad: The Zila Parishad can ensure that the issue is taken up with state authorities and that necessary approvals and funding are secured.
c) What the students can do:
- Raise Awareness: Students can create awareness campaigns within the village to highlight the dangers of crossing the highway and the need for a safe crossing point.
- Petition the Panchayat: Students can organize a petition and present it to the Gram Panchayat to request action on the issue.
- Engage with the Community: Students can involve parents, teachers, and other community members in finding a solution and ensuring that the matter is given priority by the local authorities.
The Big Questions (Page 163)
Question 1. What are Panchayati Raj institutions?
Answer: Panchayati Raj institutions are a system of local self-government in rural areas of India. They are responsible for governance at the grassroots level and consist of three tiers: Gram Panchayat at the village level, Panchayat Samiti at the block level, and Zila Parishad at the district level.
Question 2. What are their functions?
Answer: The functions of Panchayati Raj institutions include:
- Managing local resources and development projects such as agriculture, housing, and education.
- Implementing government schemes and welfare programs.
- Resolving local disputes and ensuring law and order.
- Promoting social welfare, healthcare, and cultural activities.
Question 3. Why are they important in governance and democracy?
Answer: Panchayati Raj institutions are important because they bring governance closer to the people, allowing them to actively participate in decision-making processes. They ensure that the needs and concerns of rural communities are addressed, promote development at the grassroots level, and strengthen democracy by empowering local populations to govern themselves.
Think About It (Page 167)
Question 1. How do you think can these old maps be helpful for us? Can they tell us something about the past and the present?
Answer: Old maps can be very helpful as they provide valuable insights into the historical layout and boundaries of villages, land ownership, and usage patterns. They can reveal how the landscape and settlements have changed over time, allowing us to understand historical developments and compare them with the present. These maps can also help in resolving land disputes and in planning for future development by providing a historical reference.
Think About It (Page 170)
Question 1. Why do you think it is important for the government to pay more attention to the needs and problems of the disadvantaged sections of society?
Answer: It is important for the government to focus on the needs and problems of the disadvantaged sections of society because these groups often lack access to basic resources, opportunities, and services. By addressing their issues, the government can promote social equity, reduce poverty, and ensure that all citizens can participate fully in society. Paying attention to the disadvantaged also helps in fostering inclusive development and strengthening the overall fabric of democracy by giving voice to those who are often marginalized.
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