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Panchayati Raj Institutions
Gram, Samiti, Zila & The Mechanics of the 3-Tier System
PART I — THE BASE & THE LINK
TIER 1 (VILLAGE)
Gram Panchayat
- **Gram Sabha:** The foundation. A body comprising *all* persons registered in the electoral rolls of a village. It is the only direct democratic body in the system (the village legislature).
- **Gram Panchayat (GP):** The executive committee of the Gram Sabha. Members (Panchs) and the head (Sarpanch) are elected directly by the people.
- **Function:** Responsible for village-level civic amenities, sanitation, street lighting, and executing local development schemes.
TIER 2 (INTERMEDIATE)
Panchayat Samiti
- The intermediate tier at the block or tehsil level (mandatory for states with a population over 20 lakhs).
- **Composition:** Consists of directly elected members, Sarpanchs of GPs in the block, and local MLAs/MPs.
- **Role:** Acts as the crucial link between the Gram Panchayat and the Zila Parishad. It scrutinizes the budgets of GPs and channels state funds to the villages. The Block Development Officer (BDO) is its executive officer.
PART II — THE APEX & THE POWERS
TIER 3 (DISTRICT)
Zila Parishad
- The highest tier of the Panchayati Raj system, situated at the district level.
- **Composition:** Members are directly elected from district wards. It also includes the Chairpersons of all Panchayat Samitis in the district, and local MPs/MLAs.
- **Role:** Primarily an advisory, coordinating, and supervisory body. It consolidates the plans prepared by the lower tiers into a **District Development Plan**. The CEO is usually an IAS officer.
11TH SCHEDULE
System Functions
- The 73rd Amendment added the **11th Schedule**, containing **29 functional items** placed within the purview of the Panchayats.
- **Core Areas:** Agriculture, minor irrigation, animal husbandry, rural housing, drinking water, rural electrification, poverty alleviation programs, and primary education.
- **Devolution:** The actual transfer of funds, functions, and functionaries (the 3 Fs) regarding these 29 subjects depends on the respective State Legislatures. State Finance Commissions ensure revenue sharing.