Question

Explain the Three-Tier system of Panchayati Raj under the 73^rd Amendment to the Constitution of India.

What is the structure of Panchayati Raj?

Structure of Panchayati Raj.

Discuss the three tiers of Panchayati Raj.

Answer 1

Under the 73^rd amendment, the Panchayati raj system has the following three-tier structure:

1. Gram Panchayat at village level: The gram panchayat is the executive of Gram Sabha. The members of the Gram Panchayat are elected by the Gram Sabha. Every adult member of the village has the right to vote in the panchayat elections. The Gram Panchayat has the following responsibilities:
   • To provide clean drinking water in the village and disinfect the tanks, wells, etc.
   • To improve sanitary conditions in the village.
   • To ensure better healthcare facilities for the village by opening dispensaries and hospitals.
2. Panchayat Samiti at block level: The members of Panchayat Samiti or Block Development Committee are elected directly by the people through universal adult franchise. The ex-officio members of Panchayat Samiti are MLAs, MPs, SDMs and BDOs of the areas. Besides ex-officio members, the others are elected members. Some seats are kept reserved for SC and ST members. 30% of seats are kept reserved for women candidates. The term of a Block Samiti is five years. The functions of Block Samiti are as follows:
   • To look after the working of the Gram Panchayat.
   • To promote scientific and modern agricultural practice in the area and to distribute fertilizers, high-yield seeds, and scientific equipment to the farmers.
3. Zilla Parishad at the district level: The Chairman of Zilla Parishad is elected by the Chairman of Panchayat Samities in the district. The ex-officio members are MLAs, MPs, SDMs, collectors and Deputy Collector. For every state government, there is a financial commission to review the financial condition of these institutions and to review the allocation of funds and grants-in-aid. The functions of Zilla Parishad are as follows:
   • To coordinate the workings of Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis in the district.
   • To study the annual budget of the Panchayat Samiti and to approve it.

Answer 2

Panchayati Raj is structured as a three-tier system developed to establish self-governing institutions:

1. The Panchayat at the village level operates as a directly elected body that is responsible for addressing the basic needs of the villagers and ensuring the provision of civic services within the Panchayat area.
   
2. The Panchayat Samiti, functioning at the block level, serves as the intermediate tier and is the primary body for executing community development schemes intended to improve rural areas. It is made up of representatives from the various Panchayats within the block, along with a few ex officio members. A dedicated team of trained staff, led by the Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO), assists in its operations.
3. At the district level, the Zilla Parishad constitutes the third tier of the Panchayati Raj system. In most states, it plays a coordinating role, supervising the functioning of Panchayat Samitis within the district.