Social Science [2 Mark Questions]

Helps in strengthening the democracy at grass- root level. It has twin objectives:- Democratic decentralization and local participation.

The main objective of the village Panchayat is to improve the condition of the villagers and to make them self- sufficient.

Any dispute in a village, is settled by the Nyaya Panchayat. It consists of five educated people either elected or appointed by the government. One Nyaya Panchayat covers several villages. Their decisions are final. But they solve disputes of a minor nature and can impose a fine of only 100.

The Ward members (Panchs) and the Sarpanch form the Gram Panchayat. Gram Panchayat is elected for a term of five years.

Failure of panchayti raj: The elected representatives often forget their duties and promises which they made with the villagers at the time of elections.

South Africa.

The Panchs of different Gram Panchayats are awarded with the Nirmal Gram Puruskar by the central government for their excellent work every year.

Block Development officer has the greatest importance in community development.

Gram Panchayat is an elected body whose members are elected by the people. Gram Sabha is the meeting of the Gram Panchayat. All the adults of the village are the members of the Gram Sabha.

In 1993, the 73rd constitutional amendment gave Panchayats a legal status and made it mandatory for the state to hold elections after every five years. Provisions for a separate Election Commission has also been made to hold elections to Panchayati Raj. 33% seats were reserved for women in Panchayati Raj institutions.

Under the British rule, Panchayats lost their importance. However, the institution was revived in 1958. Till 1993, the institution was under the control of the state governments. However, due to lack of autonomy, excess of state control, politicisation and shortage of funds, government at the local rural level failed to function effectively.

The elected members of the Gram Panchayat elect from among themselves a Sarpanch and a Deputy Sarpanch for a term of five years.

Structure of Panchayati Raj.

Apex Level	Zila Parishad
Middle Level	Panchayat Samiti
Bottom Level	Gram Sabha which Elects the Gram Panchayat

Watershed development helps in conserving water and recharging the groundwater resources.
Under the watershed development scheme the following tasks are performed:
Trees are planted,
Check dams and tanks Eire constructed to harvest rainwater.
An ample quantity of water is available both for drinking and irrigation.
Barren lands are turned into green meadows.
Arable land is reclaimed.

The Gram Sabha makes various committees for its smooth functioning. These committees consist of the members. These members prepare work plan/ programmes and submit before the Gram Sabha. Viable programmes/ Plans are approved by the Gram Sabha. The various committees may be as construction committee, education committee, development committee etc.

The Panchayati Raj system has three levels :

• One, the Gram Sabha at Gram level
• Two, Block level which is called the Panchayat Samiti,
• Three, the Zila Parishad, at District level

The Panchayati Raj system is a process through which people participate in their own government. This is a three tier system-at Village level, at Block level and at District level.
The Panchayati Raj system was adopted by the Government of India which was based on recommendation of a committee headed by Balwant Rai Mehta. First of all Gandhiji advocated the thoughts the Panchayati Raj system. Rajasthan was the first State who implemented this system in the state.

For performing many works, the Gram Sabha form committees like construction and development committees, education committee, women and child development committee, poverty elimination committee etc. These committees include some members of the Gram Sabha and some from the Gram Panchayat who work together to carry out specific tasks.

A Watershed is the basin of a tributary. It may or may not have a small stream, but whenever it rains, the water flows through it finally to join Some stream. The watershed is thus a physiographic unit and can be conveniently used for small areas.
A watershed is a holistic approach. It includes programs for soil and moisture conservation, water harvesting, afforestation, horticulture, pasture development, and up-gradation of land resources. These plans look at the local needs of the people. It seeks the participation of the people.

The task was taken up : Repairs of drains.
1. It was taken up because the drains were in damaged condition. Dirty water was spreading in the streets and on the roads, making them unusable for traffic.
2. The money came from taxes, government grants, and donations.
3. The work has been completed.

The Gram Sabha is a meeting of all people (adults) who live in the area covered by the Panchayat. Anyone who is 18 years old or more and has a right to vote is a member of the Gram Sabha.
Every village is divided into wards, i.e., smaller areas. Each ward elects a representative who is known as the Ward member (Panch). All the members of the Gram Sabha also elect the Sarpanch. The Ward Panchs and the Sarpanch from the Gram Panchayat. It is elected for 5 years.

Importance of Gram Sabha :
• Gram Sabha is the elected body of people consisting of several Gram Panchayats.
• It has more powers than Gram Panchayat.
• It controls the money received by the Gram Panchayat.
• It also suggests various tasks to be done by the Gram Panchayat.
• All members should attend Gram Sabha meetings because they have to make decisions about the welfare of the village people.

Yes, we remember.
The options suggested were :
• Piping water from Suru river which was 3 kilometers away from the village.
• Making an overhead tank in the village to increase the water supply.
• Deepening of the handpumps.
• Cleaning the village well for that season.
• Watershed development for conserving and recharging the groundwater resources.

The Hardas Gram Panchayat was able to do the following tasks :
• To deepen two hand pumps.
• To clean one well.

Yes, we know,
• The Gram Sabha is holding its first meeting after the election of the new Gram Panchayat.
• The people want to know what the new panchayat leaders have planned for the village.

• In rural areas, the GrEim Sabha meets in the form of a meeting.
• People participate in the Sabha.
• The elected representative’s answer to the questions asked directly by the people.

• The majority party puts the proposal about Em issue.
• The issue is discussed in the house.
• If the majority of representatives support the issue/bill it is adopted Eind the decision is deemed as made.

• After people elect their representatives, the elected representatives of the party who have the majority of representatives elect their leader.
• The leader is invited to form the government.