Question

Explain the functions of Gram Panchayats.

Hint:

Cover civic duties, welfare scheme delivery, and its role as the base of local self government.

Answer 1

Step 1: Introduce the Gram Panchayat.
The Gram Panchayat is the lowest level of local self government in rural India, elected directly by villagers, and it is the base unit of the three tier Panchayati Raj system.

Step 2: Explain its administrative functions.
It maintains local records of births, deaths, and land, it looks after sanitation, drinking water, street lighting, and the upkeep of village roads, and it resolves minor local disputes through the Gram Sabha meetings of all adult villagers.

Step 3: Explain its developmental and welfare functions.
It plans and carries out local development works such as building schools, wells, and community centres, it implements welfare schemes of the state and central government at the village level, and it collects some local taxes to fund these activities.

Final Answer:
Gram Panchayats handle local administration, basic infrastructure, dispute resolution, and implementation of welfare and development schemes in villages.