Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University Visakhapatnam, A.P., India

DAMODARAM SANJIVAYYA NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY
VISAKHAPATNAM, A.P., INDIA
PROJECT TITLE
PANCHAYAT RAJ SYSTEM IN INDIA
SUBJECT
POLITICAL SCIENCE
NAME OF THE FACULTY
T.Y NIRMALADEVI MADAM
Name of the Candidate: K.JOHNSON ROBIN KUMAR
Roll No: 2019074
Semester: 1
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to my teacher Nirmaladevi madam who
gave me the golden opportunity to do this wonderful project on the topic (Panchayati raj system
in India), which also helped me in doing a lot of research and I came to know about so many new
things I am really thankful to them.
Secondly I would also like to thank my friends who helped me a lot in finalizing this project
within the limited time frame.
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ABSTRACT:
In India, the panchayt raj now functions as a system of governance in which gram panchayats are
the basic units of local administration.
The system has three levels:
1. Gram panchayats (Village level),
2. Mandal parishad or Block samiti or Panchayat samiti (Block level) and
3. zilla parishad (District level).
In this project I would like to mention these things…

1. What is Panchayati raj and its importance?
2. What are the objectives of Panchayati raj system?
3. What was the main purpose behind bringing Panchayati raj system in India?
4. History of Panchayati raj in India.
5. What is the role of Panchayati raj institutions in rural development?
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CONTENTS:
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
GRAM SABHA ( VILLAGE PANCHAYAT ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
FUNCTIONS OF GRAM SABHA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . 13
MANDAL PARISHAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 21
FUNCTIONS OF MANDAL PARISHAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
ZILLA PARISHAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
FUNCTIONS OF ZILLA PARISHAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
CONCLUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
BIBLIOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
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OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:
Aim of the researcher in this research is to tell about the Panchayat Raj System in india.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY:
The significance of the study in this research is to know about the types and functions of
Panchayat Raj System in India. And also it’s importance.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY:
The researcher will narrow down the research only to the Panchayat Raj System in india.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:
The researcher will follow the Doctrinal Type of Research in this project.
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INTRODUCTION:
Panchayat is one of the basic features of the Indian society. As we know even Mahatma Gandhi
also advocated for panchayats and village republics. Since independence, we had multiple
provisions of Panchayats in India from time to time finally reaching representation with the 73rd
Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992.
As far as 1Panchayatiraj institutions are concerned, they play very significant role in development
of primary education, health, agricultural developments, women and child development and
women participation in local government etc 2.The Panchayatiraj institutions are important
systems which play a crucial role in rural development and management of all spheres etc.
Panchayatiraj institutions are the backbone of village/rural development which inculcate the
sense of care of rural development and rural management for sustainable development.
The various kinds of programmes for rural development such as primary education, health
centres, cottage industries, agriculture development, and agriculture marketing, transport and
others village developments run under Panchayatiraj system/ village development authority.
Panchayatiraj institutions also work for the rural development and protect the environment.
Panchayatraj institutions play a vital role in development of primary education. Education is an
important tool which cultivates the sense of responsibility and care among students and people
towards rural development. How to develop the rural area and how to sustain the rural
development? The sustainable development of rural can be done only in healthy environment
and through quality education. Without quality education and healthy environment the
sustainable development is impossible.
1
https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/200002/8/08_chapter_1.pdf
2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panchayati_raj_(India)
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In fact,3 Panchayatiraj institutions can play a vital role in development of primary education and
sustaining development of rural area. The primary education is the main instrument/source of all
round development of the village people; it develops the various skills among the students to
face the challenges of life. It is fact that Pachayatiraj institutions are the main system of village
development through primary education, health service, agriculture, road transportation, women
and child care and agriculture and business can be developed.
Panchayatraj institutions are the main source for development of primary education through its
shiksha samitis and shiksha mitras and other samitis. The Pachanyatiraj institution plays an
important role in implementing the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) successfully. Really, the
Panchaytiraj institutions are important instrument which played a vital role in eradication of
illiteracy and facilitating the primary education at large extent.
The three-tier system of Panchayati Raj:
(a) Village-level Panchayats.
(b) Block-level Panchayats.
(c) District-level Panchayats.
Main Features of the 73rd Amendment Act:
• 4Gram Sabha may exercise such powers and perform such functions at the village level as the
Legislature of a State may, by law, provide.
3
https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/200002/9/10_chapter_2.pdf
4
http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/politics/the-three-tier-system-of-panchayati-raj-in-india/4827
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• There shall be constituted in every State, Panchayats at the village, intermediate and district
levels in accordance with the provisions of this Part.
• Panchayats at the intermediate level may not be constituted in a State having a population not
exceeding twenty lakhs
• All the seats in a Panchayat shall be filled by persons chosen by direct election from territorial
constituencies in the Panchayat area and, for this purpose, 5each Panchayat area shall be divided
into territorial constituencies in such manner that the ratio between the population of each
constituency and the number of seats allotted to it shall, so far as practicable, be the same
throughout the Panchayat area.6
The Legislature of a State may, by law, provide for the representation of the Chairpersons of the
Panchayats at the village level, intermediate level or, in the case of a State not having Panchayats
Reservation of Seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes:

Article 243 D provides that seats shall be reserved for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled
Tribes. In every Panchayat, the reservation of seats shall be in proportion to their population. Out
of the seats so reserved not less than one-third of the total number of seats reserved shall be
reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes respectively.
Reservation for Women- Not less than one-third of the total number of seats reserved for
women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes to be filled by direct
election in every Panchayat shall be reserved for women.
Reservation of offices of Chairpersons- The offices of the Chairpersons in the Panchayats at

the village or any other level shall be reserved for the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes
and women in such manner as the Legislature of a State may, by law.
Disqualifications of Members:
5
https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/188987/6/chapter%20-5.pdf
6
https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/155947/8/08_chapter%202.pdf
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A person shall be disqualified for being a member of a Panchayat, if he is so disqualified by or
under any law for the time being in force for the purposes of elections to the Legislature of the
State concerned; and if he is so disqualified by or under any law made by the Legislature of the
State.
Powers, Authorities and Responsibilities of Panchayat:

State Legislatures have the legislative powers to confer on Panchayats such powers and authority
as may be necessary to enable them to function as institutions of self-government. They may be
entrusted with the responsibility of preparing plans and implementation of schemes for economic
development and social justice.
1. Powers to Impose Taxes and Financial Resources:
A state may by law authorise a Panchayat to levy, collect and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls, fees
etc. It can also assign to a Panchayat various duties, taxes etc. collected by the State Government.
The grants-in-aid may be given to the Panchayats from the Consolidated Fund of the State.
2. Panchayat Finance Commissions:

Within one year from the commencement of the Constitution (73rd Amendment Act, 1992),
constitute a Finance Commission, to review the financial position of the Panchayats and to make
recommendations to the Governor.
Urban Local Bodies in India:

In contemporary times, as urbanization has grown and at present, rapidly growing, the necessity
of urban governance is inevitable, which too evolved gradually since British times and has taken
a modern shape in post-independence times. With the 74th Amendment Act of 1992, the system
of urban local governance has been constitutionally recognize
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CHAPTER – 1
VILLAGE PANCHAYAT
It is the oldest system of local government in the Indian subcontinent. The word “panchayat”
literally means “assembly” (ayat) of five (panch) wise and respected elders chosen and accepted
by the local community.[i] Traditionally, these assemblies settled disputes between individuals
and villages. British established local self-government in 1869 when they made a District Local
Fund in Bombay. This was a nominated body. In 1882, Lord Ripon established local self-
government in India with the seating up of district local boards. District boards and councils
were established in Maratheada and vidarbh.
7
The village panchayats in India have been the pulse-beat of our democracy since the ancient
times. These Panchayats were the custodians of India’s village corporate life. From Vedic times
to the beginning of the British rule these Panchayats looked after the our villages and their
requirements.
With the advent of British rule and industrialization the village corporate life disintegrated. In the
highly centralised British rule the institutions of Panchayats received a setback.
After independence, the national government undertook a comprehensive development and wel-
fare programme through the Five Year Plans in order to solve the basic problems of poverty and
developing the creative genius of the village people. The Constitution of India in its Directive
Principles included the establishment of 8Panchayati Raj Institutions.
7
8
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311922199_Panchayati_Raj_System_and_Community_Development_i
n_India
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Panchayati Raj has been accepted as goal and incorporated in the Article 40 of the Constitution
of India. The Article states that the state shall take steps to organise village panchayats and
endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as
units of self-government.
To fulfill this constitutional obligation, the State Governments in India enacted Panchayat Acts.
Panchayats are expected to bring Secretarial Practice—2 about social, political, cultural and
economic changes in India.
The main object of introducing Panchayat system is to extend democracy up to the grass-roots
level and to ensure involvement of people in all governmental process and development
activities. It is now accepted by all rational people that no country can make progress in nation-
building work unless people at large come forward with due enthusiasm to actively participate in
developmental activities.
The state of Rajasthan was the first to launch the Panchayati Raj on 2nd October, 1959, Andhra
Pradesh followed in November 1959. In W.Bengal the Panchayat is a three-tier system-the
lowest level is Gram Panchayat consisting of 10 to 20 thousand people.
The next tier is Panchayat Samity with average population of near about a lakh. The third tier is
the Zilla Parishad in each district. All these three tiers are elected simultaneously through adult
franchise.
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franchise.
franchise.
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CHAPTER – 2
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF VILLAGE PANCHAYAT:
Village Panchayat being a village level organization has a limited area to function. As such its
powers are also limited. The Karnataka Village Panchayat and Local Boards Act, 1959, envisage
three types of functions to be performed by the village Panchayat. They are:
(1) Obligatory functions:
9
Every Panchayat is required under the statute to make 'reasonable provision' for meeting the
requirements of the village with regard to the construction, repair and maintenance of all public
roads, bridges, causeways, lighting of public roads, and places, construction of drains, and public
latrines, cleaning of streets and other improvements of sanitary condition, improvement of cattle,
promotion of cottage industries, development of co-operatives, welfare of backward castes,
preventive and remedial measures against epidemics, promotion of agriculture and other
development programmes at the village level.
(2) Discretionary Functions:
10
Discretionary functions of the village panchayat depend upon the resources available
and the income at their disposal to meet the requirements.
 These include items such as constitution and maintenance of slaughter houses,

establishment of granaries, village library and reading rooms, layout and
maintenance of play grounds and promotion improvement and encouragement of
cottage industries,
 Establishment and maintenance of markets, dispensaries and maternity and child
welfare centres, veterinary relief and organizing voluntary labour for community
work.
9
10
http://www.sanchitha.ikm.in/node/630
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(3) Other functions:
Under section 44 of the Act, the Taluk Board can transfer the maintenance of the institutions like
minor muzrai institutions or Dharmashala and execution of any other works. According to
section 46 of the Act, the government can assign some more functions to the village panchayat.
 For example, the management and maintenance of forest adjacent to the village make
over to the panchayat the management of waste lands, pasture lands or vacant lands
belonging to the Government situate within the village, entrust the panchayat with the
collection of land revenue on behalf of the Government and the maintenance of such
records as are connected therewith.
 Besides the Government has power to give new functions to panchayat in consultation
with the Taluk Board and subject to such conditions as may be imposed by it.
There was a great debate on the functions that ought to be entrusted to panchayat. The second
Five year Plan suggested the division of functions of the village Panchayat into two categories,
administrative and judicial. The administrative functions were further sub-divided into two
classes, civil and development.
The development functions would be the framing of programme of production m the villages, the
development of common lands, such as the waste lands, forests and tanks including measures for
soil conservation, construction and repair of the common village buildings, public wells, tanks
and roads promotion of co-operative societies and organization of voluntary labour for
community work. The judicial functions of the panchayat could be the administration of petty
civil and criminal cases, the enforcement of the minimum wages for agricultural workers and the
decision of simple disputes.
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The Balwantray Mehta Committee suggested that Panchayats ought to be entrusted with a few
obligatory functions and might be permitted to undertake any other development function with
the approval of the Taluk Board.
 The obligatory functions were water supply for domestic purposes, sanitation,
maintenance of streets, drains and tanks, the lighting of streets, the management of lands,
and maintenance of records and supervision of primary schools.
 As regards development functions, the Committee suggested agriculture m all its aspects.
According to the Ashok Mehta Committee, "it will be necessary to judge the type of
functions that should be given to the Mandal Panchayats from a new angle:
implementation, promotional, conventional and municipal. The implementation
functions will be for items specifically assigned by the zilla parishad and will cover
projects which directly touch people in the rural areas or relate to group of people. The
promotional role will be exercised to activate the community action, build up
organizations and plan projects.
 The conventional functions will cover maintenance of items such as fairs, birth and death
registers and dharmasalas. The municipal and welfare items include lighting, O water
supply, sanitation, etc
In India, the problem is that their resources are not adequate even to perform the mandatory
functions effectively and they also lack power.
It has to depend on Taluk Boards and District Development Council and also State Governments
to perform many of its functions. So ironically writes Maddiek, The concentration of functions is
perhaps the greatest m the lowest tier of the system where finances and administrative personnel
are invariably m shortest supply.
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Thus regarding the functions of the Village Panchayat, the research reveals that, one major
difficulty is the functioning of the panchayat is that most members and Presidents are not
qualified by education or training to carry out efficiently the functions or to assume the
responsibilities entrusted to them under the panchayat laws, Their level of education is generally
low, the great majority of them are not fully understand their duties and responsibilities. In
Karnataka no serious attempts have been made to enlighten them on the provisions of the
Panchayat Act.
Panchayat has not done well in providing drainage facilities, improving sanitation, village
lighting and agriculture development. Inspite of vesting the properties such as 'Gomal' and other
waste lands by the Government in the village panchayat, they did not maintain them properly.
Much of it has been encroached upon by unauthorized persons.
Another observation deserves mention. The village panchayats have no inherent powers and
functions as it is already mentioned above. They have only those powers that have been given to
them by acts passed by State Legislature. Thus village panchayats exercise limited powers.
Other functions of gram panchayat:
 To help implementation of the development programmes and schemes of the Panchayat.
 To identify beneficiaries for different programmes and schemes. However, if the Gram
Sabha fails to identify such beneficiaries within a reasonable time, the Gram Panchayat shall
identify the beneficiaries.
 To solicit support — in cash or kind or both and voluntary labour — from the public for
community welfare programmes.
 To support the programmes of mass education and family welfare.
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 To seek clarification from the Mukhiya, Up-Mukhiya and other members of the Gram
Panchayat about any particular activity, scheme, income and expenditure.
 To discuss and recommend appropriate action with regard to reports of the Vigilance
Committee.
 Other related matters brought to the notice of the Gram Sabha.
 To consider levy of taxes, rates, rents & fees & enhancement of rates thereof.
 To consider all such matters as may be referred by the Gram Panchayat for its decision.
Sarpanch:
A Sarpanch is a decision-maker, elected by the village-level constitutional body of local self-

government called the Gram Sabha (village government) in India (Gram panchayat).
The Sarpanch, together with other elected pancha (members), constitute the Gram panchayat.
Powers and functions of sarpanch:
 Sarpanch is legally bound to organize Gram Sabha meetings.

 It is an obligatory duty of Sarpanch to organize a minimum of two Gram Sabha meetings
every year on the dates prescribed by the Government.
 Sarpanch should take steps to ensure larger participation of people at Gram Sabha
meetings.
 Sarpanch should take all measures to ensure participation of people from all sections of
society mainly, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes, Women, and he should encourage them to
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express their grievances and give suggestions in the Gram Sabha, which are discussed in detail in
the next meeting.
 Sarpanch should preside over the Gram Sabha meetings, except that of Social Audit
Gram Sabha.
 Sarpanch should sign the register meant for recording the minutes of Gram Sabha
meeting.
 As the chairperson of the Gram Sabha meeting, the Sarpanch can answer the questions
raised at the Gram Sabha by the members.
 The sarpanch has to ensure that the suggestions made in the Gram Sabha meeting, are
discussed on priority basis in Gram Panchayat meetings.
 Sarpanch should play a pro-active role for initiating proper action on the Gram Sabha
resolutions.
The role of Panchayat Secretary is vital at Gram Sabha. The duties of Panchayat Secretary can
broadly be categorized into three stages:
 Pre-Gram Sabha
 During Gram Sabha, and
 Post Gram Sabha
Pre-Gram Sabha duties:
The pre Gram Sabha duties of Panchayat Secretary include:

 Finalisation of agenda for Gram Sabha in consultation with the Sarpanch.
 Issuing notice of Gram Sabha meeting.
 Publishing widely the Gram Sabha meeting details, such as the date, time and venue.
 Preparing the Action Taken Report on the resolutions of the previous Gram Sabha
meeting.
 Preparation of notes on the agenda items to be placed before the current Gram Sabha
meeting.
 Provision of proper seating, drinking water facilities and sanitation facilities for people
attending the Gram Sabha meeting.
Duties during Gram Sabha:
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The panchayat secretary should exercise the following functions…
 Recording the details of members attending the meeting of Gram Sabha.
 He should present the Action Taken Report on resolutions of previous Gram Sabha
meeting.
 Establishing the smooth conduct of the meeting of Gram Sabha as per its Agenda.
 Assisting the Sarpanch in recording the minutes of Gram Sabha.
 Recording of votes casted in favour/against of any resolution placed before Gram Sabha
Post Gram Sabha duties
These include
 To coordinate with the Sarpanch along with the ward members for considering the
resolutions of Gram Sabha in Gram Panchayat meetings.
 To send report on the Gram Sabha meeting to the higher officials concerned.
The resources by way of taxes to the village panchayats:
Generally Panchayats received 95 percent of their revenues from the devolved funds from the
centre/state, whole generating only 5 percent from own resources. The following are the taxes
collected by the panchayat as follows…
a. House tax
b. Vehicle tax
c. Tax on agriculture land
a. House tax:
 House tax is being collected in every panchayat.

 The tax is collected on the owners of the houses generally.
 The house tax in the village is collected yearly.
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 The president acts as executive authority of village to collect this
tax.
b. Vehicle tax:
 The village panchayats are now collecting taxes on vehicles, carts etc…so far.
 The government has abolished the vehicles tax recently.
 The quantum of collection under this tax was very minimal.
 It contributed only 0.2 to 0.4 percent of the total income.
c. Tax on agricultural lands:
 The agriculturists in the area are subjected to land revenue, local cess all
these are based on the agricultural lands.
 The development of village is not related only to the agriculturists alone
but it also covers non agricultural section of the people in the village.
 The tax which was collected from the villagers was used for the purpose
of developing agriculture in the panchayat.
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CHAPTER – 3
MANDAL PARISHAD
Panchayat samiti is (also known as Mandal parishad, taluka panchayat, and block panchayat) are

rural local governments at the intermediate level in panchayat raj institutions.
It is said to be the "panchayat of panchayats".
The 73rd Amendment defines the levels of panchayati raj institution as:
 District (or apex) level

 Intermediate level
 Base level
They administer at the tehsil (taluka) level and govern the villages of the tehsil that together are
called a development block.
The panchayat serves as the link between the gram panchayat (village council) and the zilla
parishad (district board). The name varies from states: mandal parishad in Andhra
Pradesh, taluka panchayat in Gujarat, and mandal panchayat in Karnataka.
Composition of Mandal Parishad:
Mandal Parishad is the legislative and deliberative wing of the Mandal. It comprises the
following members.
1. Members of the Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTC).
2. Member ofthe Legislative Assembly in the Mandal Parishad area
3. Member ofthe Lok Sabha in the Mandal Parishad area.
4. Member of the Rajya Sabha being a registered voter in the Mandal Parishad.
5. A Co-opted member.
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Besides the following persons attend the Mandal Parishad meetings as permanent invitees.
1. District Collector,
2. Village Sarpanches in the Mandal area,
3. ZPTC members,
4. ZP Chairman, and
5. Agricultural Marketing Committee Chairman.
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CHAPTER – 4
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF MANDAL PARISHAD
Mandal Parishad has the following powers and functions:
1. Mandal Parishad implements various community development programmes.
2. It takes steps to increase production in agricultural sector such as provision of better

quality seeds, tube wells, credit facilities, manures, pesticides, latest technology, etc.
3. It adopts programmes for preserving the health and strength of cattle by providing
facilities like improved fodder, artificial insemination centers, cattle grazing, etc.
4. It makes arrangements for providing amenities like rural dispensaries, drinking water,
vaccination and non-choking gas stoves, and
5. It implements various programmes like social education, communications, co-

operation, cottage industries, women and social welfare.
Sources of Income:
Mandal Parishad pools up finances to perform various functions. It has six sources of income.
They are:
1. Union and State Government funds,
2. Community development grants,
3. Levies collected from Gram Panchayats,
4. Share from land revenue, taxes and fees from the State government,
5. Public donations, and
6. Grants-in-Aid from All India Organizations.
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Organizational Structure of Mandal Parishads:
The Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO) is the Chief Executive Officer of the
Mandal Parishad. The establishment of the Mandal Parishad and the staff working in the Mandal
Office like, Mandal Education Officer, Mandal Engineering Officer, Extension Officer (PR &
RD), Panchayati Secretary other Ministerial Staff working in the Mandal Parishad office and the
schemes transferred by the government are under the administrative control and supervision of
MPDO.
Powers and Functions of the Mandal Parishad President:
The President is the political head of the Mandal Parishad. He has the following powers and
functions:
1. The Mandal Parishad President presides over and conducts the meetings of the Mandal
Parishad/Mandal Maha Sabha in a dignified manner.
2. He determines the agenda and the date of the meetings of the Mandal Parishad/Mandal Maha
Sabha after consulting the Mandal Parishad Development Officer.
3. He exercises control over the Mandal Parishad Development Officer in the implementation of
resolutions of Mandal Parishad/Mandal Maha Sabha.
4. He conducts the election of the Vice-President of the Mandal Parishad.
5. He supervises the records of the Mandal Parishad.
6. He invites non-political/eminent/experienced persons to the Mandal Parishad meetings, and 7.
He takes steps to execute works in emergencies.
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Powers and Functions of the Mandal Parishad Development Officer:
Mandal Parishad Development Officer is the administrative head of the Mandal Parishad. He
has the following powers and functions.
1. Mandal Parishad Development Officer is the administrative head of the Mandal

Parishad/Mandal Maha Sabha after consulting the Mandal Parishad President.
2. He participates in the meetings of the Mandal Parishad/Mandal Maha Sabha and renders
advice to the members on various matters.
3. He exercises administrative control over the personnel, properties and records of the Mandal
Parishad.
4. He prepares the annual budget and sees that it is presented before the meeting of the Mandal
Parishad, and
5. He dispatches a copy of minutes of the Mandal Parishad/Mandal Maha Sabha to the State
government for its consideration and approval.
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CHAPTER – 5
ZILLA PARISHAD
At the district level, the Zilla Parishad was functioning as coordinating agency with a
supervisory role over the Mandal Parishads with powers to approve their budgets, to coordinate
their plans and to distribute grants allocated by the government from time to time.
In 1986, the Zilla Pranalika Abhivrudhi Mandali was constituted to decentralize the process of
planning and to have a comprehensive approach to the formulation and implementation of
development activities and to have effective coordination among various developmental agencies
in the district. By A.P. Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 District Planning Committee was constituted to
prepare plans for rural development.
Composition of Zilla Parishad:
There are three categories of members in Zilla Parishad:
(i). Elected members, (ii). Ex-officio members and (iii). Co-opted members.
The members of the first category are elected by the registered voters of the Zilla Parishad
Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs).
The second categories of members include:
(i) Members of the Rajya Sabha as specified by the State Government. (ii)
Members of the Lok Sabha and (iii) MLA’s of the district.
(ii) There are two co-opted members in the Zilla Parishad, besides the
(iii) (i) . District Collector. (ii) . Presidents of the Mandal Parishads in the
district. (iii) . Chairman of District Cooperative Central Bank.
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(iv) Chairman of District Cooperative Marketing Society, and (v) Chairman of Zilla Grandhalaya
Samastha participate in the meetings of Zilla Parishad as permanent invitees.
CHAPTER – 6
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF ZILLA PARISHAD:
Zilla Parishad has the following powers and functions:
1. Zilla Parishad approves the annual budget of the Mandal Parishads in the district.
2. It allocates the various funds granted by the Union and State governments among the Mandal
Parishads in the district.
3. It supervises and coordinates the programmes of the Mandal Parishads.
4. It implements the various directives of the Union and State governments.
5. It renders advice to the Union and the State governments of financial matters ofthe Gram
Panchayats and Mandal Parishads.
6. It gathers statistical data required by the Union and the State governments.
7. It manages secondary schools in the district, and
8. It receives contributions from Mandal Parishads with the approval of the State government.
Sources of Income:
Zilla Parishad has nine sources ofincome. They are:
1. Union and State government funds.
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2. Grants from All India Organisations.
3. Land cess.
4. Income from endowments and trusts.
5. Fees.
6. Public donations and contributions.
7. Contributions from Mandal Parishads.
8. Income from previous district boards, and
9. Income from the maintenance of remunerative enterprises.
Zilla Parishad Chair Person:
The Chair Person is the political head of Zilla Parishad. He or She is elected by the elected
members of the Zilla Parishad on party basis openly by raising hands. Some of the posts of
Chairmen are reserved for the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, backward classes and women.
The Chairman holds office for a period of five years. If he loses his majority in the House he will
be removed before the tenure adopting by no confidence motion.
Powers and Functions:
The Chairman of Zilla Parishad occupies a prominent position in the political affairs of the
district. He exercises the following powers and functions.
1. The Chairman presides over the general and special meetings of the Zilla Parishad.
2. He conducts the Zilla Parishad meetings in a dignified manner.
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3. He allows the members to introduce resolutions, allots time for discussion and conducts voting
on the resolutions.
4. He invites the experienced, talented and prominent members to the Zilla Parishad meetings
. 5. He is authorized to inspect the records of the Zilla Parishad.
6. He participates in the meetings of the Zilla Parishad Standing Committees as an ex-officio

member.
Chief Executive Officer:
The Chief Executive Officer is the administrative head of Zilla Parishad. He is appointed by the
State government. He is responsible to the State government and the Zilla Parishad in the matter
of exercising his powers and functions.
Powers and Functions of Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad:

Statutory Functions:
❖ Exercises all the powers and perform all the functions especially conferred or imposed upon
him by under Act 13 of Andhra Pradesh Panchayati Raj enactment of 1994 or under any law for
the time being in force.
❖ Lays down the duties of all officers and servants of or holding office under Zilla Parishad in
accordance with the rules made by the government.
❖ The CEO shall be entitled to attend all the meetings of the Zilla Parishad and its Standing
Committees including any meeting ofthe Mandal Parishad and take part in its discussions there at
but shall not be entitled to vote or move any resolution.
❖ Calls for any information, statement of account or report from any officer or servant of or
holding office under the Zilla Parishad or Mandal Parishad or the institutions, there under in
matters of executive administration and those relating to accounts and records ofthe ZP or the
institutions there under.
❖ CEO is the custodian of all papers and documents connected with the proceedings ofthe ZP
and ofits Standing Committees.
Page | 29
❖ CEO is responsible for implementation ofthe resolutions ofthe ZP and ofthe Standing
Committees thereof.
❖ CEO supervises and conducts the execution of all activities of the ZP.
❖ He will take necessary measures for the speedy execution of all works and development
schemes ofthe Zilla Parishad.
❖ He exercises the power to enter upon and inspect any work, scheme or Institution under the
management ofthe ZP.
❖ CEO is also entitled to inspect any work, scheme or Institution under the management of a
Mandal Parishad or the Zilla Parishad or its Standing Committee so direct.
❖ He is the competent authority to enter into agreements and to sign and execute them in the
name and on behalf of the Zilla Parishad from time to time.
❖ Implements such specific directions issued by the ZP as it may think fit regarding the
performance by him of any ofthe functions assigned to him under the act.
❖ CEO executes the orders pass by the government in exercise of powers conferred by the act
and rules made there under or any other law for the time being in force and forthwith send a
compliance report to the government and place a copy thereof before Chairman and Vice-
Chairman.
❖ CEO exercises other powers and performs such other functions as may be prescribed.
❖ The CEO shall with the approval of or on the direction of Chairman convene meetings ofthe
ZP so that at least one meeting of ZP is held in a month. Provided that where the Chairman fails
to give his approval for convening the meeting so as to hold a meeting within the period of 90
days the CEO may himself convene the meeting in manner prescribed.
❖ The government shall have power to make rules to regulate the classification and methods of
recruitment, conditions of service
Administrative Functions:
❖ Calls for any information, return and statement of account or report from any officer or
servant holding office under the ZP or Mandal Parishad including Parishad Education Officer,
Accounts Officer and Executive Engineer.
❖ intimates the vacancies whether casual or arising by efflux oftime in the office of the various
members of Zilla Parishad and any Standing Committee thereof.
Page | 30
❖ Supervises and control the execution of all activities of the ZP.
❖ Have administrative control over all officers working under the ZP.
❖ Sanction increments and all kinds of leave except Special Disability Leave to the MPDOs.
❖ Make additional charge arrangements of the MPDOs during training, leave, etc. and to
sanction additional charge allowance as per rules.
Financial Powers:
❖ To sanction allowances and pay and transfer traveling allowances and loans to the employees
under his control.
❖ Orders investigation into the delay in the payments of salaries and allowances of employees
of ZP and sanction of payment after investigation, if the claim does not exceed two years.
❖ Sanctions excess consumption of petrol for the vehicles of the Zilla Parishad if the excess is
not more than 25 per cent of the scheduled quota.
❖ Sanctions amounts for payment of compensation for land acquisition cases as determined by
the Land Acquisition Officer.
❖ Sanctions time barred traveling allowance bills of non-officials except Chairman, ZP.
Standing Committees of Zilla Parishad:
For the smooth and effective functioning of Zilla Parishad and for proper implementation of
rural development programmes the Andhra Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 provided scope for
the establishment of Standing Committees.
There is provision for seven Standing Committees at the Zilla Parishad level, dealing with
planning and finance, rural development, agriculture, education and medical services, women's
welfare, social welfare and works. Each Standing Committee has the Zilla Parishad Chairman as
an ex-officio member and others nominated by him or her according to prescribed rules.
Page | 31
The Standing Committee is the decision-making body in its respective field, subject to the
ratification of the General body of the Zilla Parishad. The subject assigned to each Standing
Committee being those specified against it namely:
1) . Standing Committee for Planning and Finance: District budget, plan, taxation, finance
and co-ordination of the work relating to other committees.
2) . Standing Committee for Rural Development: Poverty alleviation programme, area

development programmes, employment, housing, co-operation, thrift and small savings,
industries including cottage, village and small scale industries, trusts and statistics.
3) . Standing Committee for Agriculture:
Animal husbandry, soil reclamation including contour bounding, social forestry, fisheries and
sericulture.
4). Standing Committee for Education and Medical Services:
Education, including social education, medical services public health and sanitation including
drainage, relief for those in distress in grave emergencies.
5). Standing Committee for Women Welfare: Development of women and child welfare.
6). Standing Committee for Social Welfare: Social Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled
Tribes and Backward Classes.
7). Standing Committee for Works: Communications, rural water supply, power and
irrigation. Every Standing Committee shall consist of the Chairman of the Zilla Parishad who
shall be an ex-officio member and such other member as may be nominated by the Chairman.
The vice-Chairman shall be the ex-officio member and Chairman of the Standing Committee for
agriculture. Two officers of the Chairman of the Standing Committees shall be filled by
Page | 32
nomination by the Chairman of the Zilla Parishad from among the women members of the Zilla
Parishad in the manner prescribed.
CONCLUSION
The Panchayati Raj Institutions were established with a view to provide opportunities to the rural
people especially the downtrodden sections of the society to actively participate in the
governance and development of the rural areas. Through the present study the following findings
are observed.
> Except from the seats reserved for particular community, the downtrodden sections ofthe
society are not getting elected from the general category seats.
> Most of the women who are elected as the representatives of local bodies are remained as
puppets in the hands of their family members especially their husbands.
> A number of the Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) members are indifferent
(negligent) in the development of their respective constituencies.
> The MPTCs on the other hand reported for to develop their respective constituencies.
> Party affiliation is dominating the scene of getting benefited under various schemes, or
programmes. So the real beneficiaries are not getting such schemes and unable to be benefited.
> The role of Gram Sabha in selection of beneficiaries is confined only to paper. 206
> Financial sources are very limited to the PRIs.
> Grants-in-Aid given by the State Government is not sufficient to the local self-governments for
Page | 33
> Grants should be released timely.
> There is no proper co-ordination between officials and elected representatives.
> The elected representatives does not know their powers and how to exercise their powers and
Functions. So there is a need of orientation.
Suggestions:
The following suggestions are much useful to the better performance of the Panchayati Raj
Institutions in Mudigubba Mandal.
The suggestions are:
> To achieve the desired results, a massive awareness generation campaign should be launched
in rural areas.
> The training and non-training needs of the PRIs, and implementing agencies should be
analyzed and identified and they should be trained.
> A strict monitoring mechanism should be developed to ensure proper implementation ofworks
and payment of weekly wages.
> While lifting food grains from the FC1, for the distribution the fair average quality should be
ensured. 207
> Storage facilities should be created at the village level for proper storage of food grains.
> The State governments should release their share of funds in time and also ensures the full and
proper utilization.
> For the involvement of technically qualified local youngsters for the contribution of their work
in the development of PRIs, a proper strategy should be worked out for that purpose, last it
should not be possible to visualize the participation of the locally perennial youth.
Page | 34
> The guidelines for the implementation of rural development programme should be modified in
view of the grounded realities.
> The State governments should make adequate efforts for generation of awareness among the
people.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Panchayati Raj: Oxford India Short Introductions (Oxford India Short Introductions Series)
2. Panchayati Raj: Oxford India Short Introductions (Oxford India Short… Kuldeep Mathur)
WEBSITES REFERED
1, https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/panchayati-raj-system-in-india-1438141804-1
2, https://www.drishtiias.com/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-
national-institutions/panchayati-raj-institution-pri
3, https://lawtimesjournal.in/panchayati-raj-panchayat-system-in-india/
4, http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/politics/the-three-tier-system-of-panchayati-raj-in-
india/4827
Page | 35

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DAMODARAM SANJIVAYYA NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY

VISAKHAPATNAM, A.P., INDIA

PANCHAYAT RAJ SYSTEM IN INDIA

NAME OF THE FACULTY

T.Y NIRMALADEVI MADAM

Name of the Candidate: K.JOHNSON ROBIN KUMAR

Roll No: 2019074

The system has three levels:

1. Gram panchayats (Village level),

2. Mandal parishad or Block samiti or Panchayat samiti (Block level) and

3. zilla parishad (District level).

In this project I would like to mention these things…

1. What is Panchayati raj and its importance?

2. What are the objectives of Panchayati raj system?

4. History of Panchayati raj in India.

5. What is the role of Panchayati raj institutions in rural development?

GRAM SABHA ( VILLAGE PANCHAYAT ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

FUNCTIONS OF GRAM SABHA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . 13

FUNCTIONS OF MANDAL PARISHAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

FUNCTIONS OF ZILLA PARISHAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY:

SCOPE OF THE STUDY:

The three-tier system of Panchayati Raj:

(a) Village-level Panchayats.

(b) Block-level Panchayats.

(c) District-level Panchayats.

Main Features of the 73rd Amendment Act:

Reservation of Seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes:

Reservation of offices of Chairpersons- The offices of the Chairpersons in the Panchayats at

Powers, Authorities and Responsibilities of Panchayat:

1. Powers to Impose Taxes and Financial Resources:

2. Panchayat Finance Commissions:

Urban Local Bodies in India:

POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF VILLAGE PANCHAYAT:

(1) Obligatory functions:

(2) Discretionary Functions:

 These include items such as constitution and maintenance of slaughter houses,

Other functions of gram panchayat:

 To help implementation of the development programmes and schemes of the Panchayat.

 To support the programmes of mass education and family welfare.

 Other related matters brought to the notice of the Gram Sabha.

A Sarpanch is a decision-maker, elected by the village-level constitutional body of local self-

Powers and functions of sarpanch:

 Sarpanch is legally bound to organize Gram Sabha meetings.

Pre-Gram Sabha duties:

The pre Gram Sabha duties of Panchayat Secretary include:

Duties during Gram Sabha:

Post Gram Sabha duties

The resources by way of taxes to the village panchayats:

 House tax is being collected in every panchayat.

c. Tax on agricultural lands:

Panchayat samiti is (also known as Mandal parishad, taluka panchayat, and block panchayat) are

It is said to be the "panchayat of panchayats".

The 73rd Amendment defines the levels of panchayati raj institution as:

 District (or apex) level

Composition of Mandal Parishad:

1. Members of the Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTC).