Panchayati raj facts for kids

The Panchayati raj is a special way of governing that helps people in villages and small towns manage their own affairs. It's a system of decentralisation, which means power is shared with local communities instead of everything being decided by a central government far away. This system is mostly used in South Asia, especially in countries like India, Pakistan, and Nepal. The main idea behind it is to give more power and responsibility to local people, so they can make decisions that directly affect their lives.

What is Panchayati Raj?

The Panchayati raj system is like a local government for villages. It helps people at the very basic level of society to participate in making decisions. This system aims to bring democracy closer to the people. It allows villagers to choose their own representatives. These representatives then work on local issues and development.

Why is Local Government Important?

Local government, like the Panchayati raj, is very important for several reasons.

• Quick Decisions: Local problems can be solved faster by people who live there.
• Better Understanding: Local leaders understand the specific needs of their community best.
• People's Voice: It gives ordinary people a chance to speak up and be heard.
• Local Development: It helps in planning and carrying out projects that improve village life. This includes things like building roads or providing clean water.

How Panchayati Raj Works in India

In India, the Panchayati raj system has different levels. This structure helps manage villages and districts effectively. It was made official across India in 1992. This happened with a big change to the country's constitution.

Village Level: Gram Panchayat

The lowest level is the Gram Panchayat. This is the village council.

• Members: People in the village elect members to this council.
• Leader: The head of the Gram Panchayat is often called the Sarpanch.
• Meetings: The Gram Panchayat holds meetings to discuss village problems. They decide on things like sanitation, water supply, and education.
• Gram Sabha: There is also a Gram Sabha. This is a meeting of all adult villagers. They can discuss and approve the plans made by the Gram Panchayat. It's a direct way for everyone to have a say.

Block Level: Panchayat Samiti

Above the village level is the Panchayat Samiti. This council works at the block or sub-district level.

• Role: It connects several Gram Panchayats.
• Support: The Panchayat Samiti helps coordinate development programs. It also provides support to the village councils.

District Level: Zila Parishad

The highest level of the Panchayati raj system is the Zila Parishad. This operates at the district level.

• Oversight: It oversees the work of all Panchayat Samitis and Gram Panchayats in the district.
• Planning: The Zila Parishad helps in making overall development plans for the entire district.
• Funding: It also helps in distributing funds for various projects.

History of Panchayati Raj

The idea of village councils is not new in India. It has roots in ancient times.

• Ancient India: Villages often had their own councils. These councils managed local disputes and development.
• British Rule: During British rule, these local systems lost some of their power. Centralized control became more common.
• After Independence: After India gained independence in 1947, leaders wanted to bring back local self-governance. They believed it was key for true democracy.
• 73rd Amendment (1992): The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1992 was a major step. It made the Panchayati raj system a formal part of India's constitution. This gave it legal power and made it mandatory for states to set up these bodies.

Benefits of Panchayati Raj

The Panchayati raj system offers many benefits to local communities.

• Empowerment: It empowers ordinary citizens. They get a direct say in how their villages are run.
• Accountability: Local leaders are more accountable to the people they serve. Villagers can easily approach them with concerns.
• Development: It helps in faster and more relevant local development. Projects are chosen based on actual community needs.
• Democracy at Grassroots: It strengthens democracy from the very bottom up. This ensures that even the smallest villages are part of the democratic process.

Images for kids

• 

  A Panchayath Office in Muhamma, Kerala

• 

  Open Panchayat near Narsingarh, Madhya Pradesh