Grassroots Democracy – Part 2 Local Government in Rural AreasClass 6 Social Science NCERT Solutions
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Q1Questions, activities and projects
Test yourself - without looking at the text above, can you name the three tiers of the Panchayati Raj system? What are the key functions of each of the three tiers?
Solution
The three tiers of the Panchayati Raj system, working from bottom up, are:
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Gram Panchayat (Village Level): This is the base level, closest to the people in rural areas. Its members are elected directly by the Gram Sabha. The Gram Panchayat addresses local issues, promotes development, and ensures that the benefits of government schemes reach the grassroots level. It is headed by a Sarpanch or Pradhan and is assisted by a Panchayat Secretary and sometimes a Patwari for administrative functions and land records.
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Panchayat Samiti (Block Level): This institution acts as a link between the Gram Panchayat and the Zila Parishad. It coordinates matters across various Gram Panchayats within its block. Its key functions include collecting development plans from all Gram Panchayats and consolidating them to present at the District or State levels. This process facilitates the allotment of funds for development projects and government schemes.
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Zila Parishad (District Level): This is the highest tier of the Panchayati Raj system, operating at the district level. It works in conjunction with the Panchayat Samitis. Together with the other two tiers, the Zila Parishad's responsibilities cover almost all aspects of life in the district, including agriculture, housing, road maintenance, water resource management, education, health care, social welfare, and cultural activities. It plays a crucial role in the overall planning and implementation of development initiatives across the district.
Q2Questions, activities and projects
Write a letter to the Sarpanch regarding the issue of plastic bags lying on the roadside in the village.
Solution
To write a letter to the Sarpanch regarding the issue of plastic bags on the roadside, one should follow a formal letter format. The letter should be addressed to the Sarpanch of the respective Gram Panchayat, as the Sarpanch is the head of the village council and is responsible for addressing local issues and promoting development.
The letter should begin with a clear and polite salutation. The body of the letter should describe the problem of plastic bags lying on the roadside, explaining its negative impact on the village's cleanliness, environment, and potentially on public health or livestock. It should highlight that this is a local issue that affects the daily lives of the villagers.
Finally, the letter should respectfully request the Sarpanch and the Gram Panchayat to take appropriate action to resolve the issue, such as organizing clean-up drives, implementing proper waste management systems, or raising awareness among villagers about reducing plastic use. This demonstrates active participation in decision-making processes, which is a core aspect of the Panchayat system.
Q3Questions, activities and projects
In your view, what type of person should be a Gram Panchayat member?
Solution
In my view, a Gram Panchayat member should be an individual who is deeply committed to public service and the welfare of their village. Such a person should possess strong leadership qualities, as demonstrated by exemplary Sarpanchs mentioned in the chapter, who brought about significant positive changes.
Key qualities include:
- Dedication to Local Issues: They must be genuinely interested in addressing the specific needs and problems of the villagers, such as water scarcity, road repairs, education, and sanitation.
- Inclusivity: A good member should be able to listen to and represent everyone's voice, including those from disadvantaged sections of society, women, and children, ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach all at the grassroots level.
- Vision for Development: They should be proactive in promoting development initiatives and collaborating with villagers to implement projects that improve the quality of life, similar to how Popatrao Pawar transformed Hiware Bazar.
- Honesty and Integrity: Upholding ethical standards is crucial for maintaining the trust of the community and ensuring transparent governance.
- Collaborative Spirit: They should be able to work effectively with other Panchayat members, the Gram Sabha, and higher-tier institutions to achieve common goals.
Ultimately, a Gram Panchayat member should be a person who empowers villagers to actively participate in the management and development of their local area.
Q4Questions, activities and projects
Let us suppose that you study in a village school. The school is located next to a highway and students find it difficult to cross the road when they come to school or leave at the end of the day. What are the options to solve this issue? Which institutions in the Panchayati Raj can help you? What can the students do?
Solution
This is a significant safety concern for students, and there are several options and institutions within the Panchayati Raj system that can help address it.
Options to solve this issue:
- Installation of Speed Breakers: This can reduce vehicle speed near the school, making it safer for students to cross.
- Designated Pedestrian Crossing: Creating a clearly marked zebra crossing with appropriate signage can guide students and alert drivers.
- Traffic Warden or Volunteer System: Arranging for a community member or school staff to assist students during peak crossing times.
- Awareness Campaigns: Educating both drivers and students about road safety rules.
- Construction of a Foot Overbridge: For a more permanent and safer solution, especially if traffic is very heavy, a foot overbridge could be considered, though this is a larger infrastructure project.
Institutions in the Panchayati Raj that can help:
- Gram Panchayat: As the local government at the village level, the Gram Panchayat is directly responsible for addressing local issues that affect the villagers' daily lives, including road safety and school welfare. The Sarpanch and other members can discuss the issue in Gram Sabha meetings, pass resolutions, and allocate local funds for immediate solutions like speed breakers or signage.
- Panchayat Samiti: If the required solution is larger in scope or requires more significant funding (e.g., a foot overbridge), the Gram Panchayat can present the issue and a proposed plan to the Panchayat Samiti. The Panchayat Samiti coordinates development plans across multiple Gram Panchayats and can help facilitate the allotment of funds from district or state levels.
- Zila Parishad: For major infrastructure projects or issues requiring district-level intervention and funding, the Zila Parishad, as the highest tier, would be involved in approving and overseeing the implementation.
What the students can do:
- Participate in Bal Sabhas and Bal Panchayats: The Child-Friendly Panchayat Initiative encourages children to express their ideas and opinions. Students can raise this concern in Bal Sabhas or Bal Panchayats, which are specifically designed platforms for children's participation.
- Write a Letter or Petition: Students can collectively write a letter or petition to the Sarpanch and the Gram Panchayat, clearly outlining the problem and suggesting solutions. This shows their active engagement and concern.
- Raise Awareness: Students can talk to their parents, teachers, and other villagers to garner support and bring the issue to wider attention within the community, encouraging more people to advocate for a solution.