Question

Composition of Panchayat Samiti.

Write down the composition of the Panchayat Samiti.

Answer 1

A Panchayat Samiti is the middle tier of the Panchayati Raj system, functioning at the block or tehsil level. Its composition includes:

1. Directly Elected Members: Representatives elected from each territorial constituency within the block.
2. Sarpanches: All Sarpanches (heads) of Gram Panchayats in the block are usually ex officio members.
3. MLAs and MPs: Local Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) representing the area are ex officio members.
4. Chairpersons of Cooperative Societies and Market Committees: May be included as members depending on state laws.
5. Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Women: Seats are reserved as per constitutional provisions.
6. Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson: Elected from among the members of the Panchayat Samiti.

The exact composition may vary slightly by state, but the above elements are standard as per the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.