NCERT 6th Class (CBCE) Social Science: Local Self-Government

Question: Write a brief note on the three levels of Panchayats.

Answer: The Panchayati Raj System is a process through which people participate in their own government. The Panchayati Raj System is the first tier or level of democratic government. It extends to two other levels. One is the Block level, which is called the Janpad Panchayat or the Panchayat Samiti. Above the Panchayat Samiti is the District Panchayat or the Zila Parishad.

Question: Why do Gram Sabhas in some states from committees?

Answer: In some states, Gram Sabhas from committees like construction and development committees. These committees includes some members of the Gram Sabha and some from the Gram Panchayat who work together to carry out specific tasks.

Question: Write a short note on the Gram Sabha.

Answer: The Gram Sabha is a meeting of all adults who live in the area covered by a Panchayat. This could be only one village or a few villages. In some states, a village meeting is held for each village. Anyone who is 18 years old or more and who has the right to vote is a member of the Gram Sabha.

Question: Describe the composition of a Vintage Panchayat.

Answer: A Village Panchayat is divided into wards. Each ward elects a representative who is known as the Ward Member, also called Panch. All the members of the Gram Sabha also elect a Sarpanch who is called Panchayat President. The Ward Panchs and the Sarpanch from the Gram Panchayat. The tenure of the Gram Panchayat is five years.

The Gram Panchayat and Gram Sabha have a common Secretary. He is a person whom the government appoints. Thus, he is not an elected person. The Secretary is responsible for calling the meeting of the Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat. He also keeps records of the proceedings of the meeting.

Question: Describe the Functions of the Gram Sabha.

Answer: The Gram Sabha performs various tasks:

1. It keeps control on the Gram Panchayat. It makes the Gram Panchayat play its role and be responsible
2. It is the place where all plans for the work of the Gram Panchayat are placed before the people
3. The Gram Sabha prevents the Panchayat from doing wrong things which may include misusing money, or favouring certain people
4. It keeps an eye on the elected representatives and in making them responsible to the persons who elected them