ICSE · Grade 6
Ch. 1: Panchayati Raj System
Third tier of Indian democracy: village (Gram Sabha, Gram Panchayat, Nyaya Panchayat), block (Block Samiti) and district (Zila Parishad). Local self-government for participation, cooperation and village development.
14.1 Panchayati Raj System
14.2 Gram Sabha
14.3 Block Samiti
14.4 Zila Parishad
# Exam Tips — Panchayati Raj
## Must remember
- **Panchayat** = group of five
- **Third tier** of democratic government
- Three levels: **Village → Block → District**
- Gram Sabha: **18+** adults; villages **500+**; meets **twice a year**
- **Sarpanch** = head of Gram Panchayat
- **One-third seats for women**
- Nyaya Panchayat: petty cases; **small fines only**
- Block Samiti: **tehsil/taluka**; ~**hundred villages**
- Zila Parishad: **highest** tier; **District Collector**
## Common mistakes
- Saying Gram Sabha is the highest tier ❌ → **Zila Parishad** is highest
- Nyaya Panchayat can send people to jail ❌ → **only small fines**
- Gram Sabha is temporary ❌ → **permanent body**
- Confusing Gram Sabha (all adults) with Gram Panchayat (elected body)
## Short map for 5-mark answers
Definition → three tiers → one body in detail (composition + 4 functions) → importance
Topics in this chapter
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14.1 Panchayati Raj System
Third tier of democracy. Panchayat = group of five. Ancient panchs; weaker under British; revived af…
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14.2 Gram Sabha
Village assembly of all adults (18+) in villages with 500+ population. Permanent body; meets twice a…
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14.2.1 Gram Panchayat
Elected body of Gram Sabha. Sarpanch and panchs. SC/ST and women reservations. Compulsory and option…
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14.2.2 Nyaya Panchayat
Village judiciary for petty civil/criminal cases. Cheap and speedy. Small fines only. Appeal to high…
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14.3 Block Samiti
Tehsil/taluka level. Groups villages. BDO implements plans. Supervises gram panchayats. Development …
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14.4 Zila Parishad
District level top tier. Headed by District Collector (IAS). Links state and block. Approves budgets…
Philosophy check
- What is this civilization?
- Why was it advanced?
- How did cities work?
- Where do we still see these ideas?
- Exams — what will be asked?