NCERT Class 6 Civics Chapter 5 Notes covers all the important topics in a precise and simplified way. NCERT Class 6 Civics Chapter 5 Notes are easy to understand and learn for exams. NCERT Class 6 Civics Chapter 5 Notes covers the Panchayati Raj at a basic level.
NCERT Class 6 Civics Chapter 5 Notes
Panchayati Raj is the first level government in our government system. It works at the village level and works for the welfare of the rural area.
| Structure of Panchayati Raj (Gram Panchayat) |
|---|
| > One Panchayat can cover one or more villages depending upon the area and population. |
| > The Panchayat area is divided into smaller areas called wards. |
| > One representative is elected from each ward. It is called ward councilor or panch. |
| > All the ward councilors (panchs) elect their leader. This leader of the representatives is called Sarpanch. |
| > Sarpanch becomes the President of the Gram Panchayat. |
| > Gram Panchayat is elected for 5 years. |
What is Gram Panchayat?
Gram Panchayat is a group of elected representatives (Panch and Sarpanch) and appointed government officials (Secretary and other officials).
What is Gram Sabha?
The Gram Sabha is a meeting of all adults who live in the area covered by a Panchayat.
| Gram Sabha | Gram Panchayat |
|---|---|
| All the adults of the Panchayat area are members of a Gram Sabha. | Only the elected members and appointed government officials are members of a Gram Panchayat. |
| People can give their suggestions and share their issues in Gram Sabha. | Ordinary people are not part of Gram Panchayat. |
| All the development plans are discussed and approved in Gram Sabha. | All the approved development plans are executed by Gram Panchayat. |
| Gram Sabha controls the Gram Panchayat by asking questions on work status. | Gram Panchayat has to answer to the Gram Sabha and it can not do anything it likes. |
| Gram Sabha makes sure that the Gram Panchayat is working properly for the welfare of the people. | Gram Panchayat works to resolve the issues and development of the people. |
Responsibilities of a Secretary
> A Secretary is an official appointed by the Government.
> Secretary is responsible for calling the Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat meetings.
> Secretary also records all the issues and plans discussed in the meetings.
> Secretary approaches BDO for more information on any development scheme and funds.
Responsibilities of a Gram Panchayat
1. The construction and maintenance of water sources, roads, drainage, school buildings, and other common property resources.
2. Levying and collecting local taxes.
3. Executing government schemes related to generating employment in the village.
Sources of funds for a Gram Panchayat
1. Local Taxes: Collection of taxes on houses, marketplaces, etc.
2. Government funds: Government scheme funds are received through various departments of the government through the Janpad and Zila Panchayats.
3. Donations: Donations for community works etc.
Important Terms and their full forms
BPL – Below the Poverty Line
> Criteria for deciding the income level and poverty of the people.
BDO – Block Development Officer
> BDO is a secretary at Block Panchayat level.
> BDO is responsible for monitoring all programs related to the planning and development of the Blocks.
Levels of Panchayati Raj
1. Gram Panchayat (at village level)
2. Panchayat Samiti or Block Panchayat or Janpad Panchayat (at block level)
3. Zila Parishad or District Panchayat (at district level)
Gram Panchayat >> Block Panchayat >> District Panchayat
