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
# Interesting Facts
1. **Panchayat** literally points to **five** decision-makers.
2. About **one million elected women leaders** in India (textbook Be Aware note).
3. Ancient women were often **not** allowed in panchayats; now seats are reserved.
4. A Block Samiti may look after about **a hundred villages**.
5. Zila Parishad is linked to **IAS District Collector**.
6. Panchayati Raj is democracy **starting from the village street**, not only Parliament.
Topics in this chapter
-
14.1 Panchayati Raj System
Third tier of democracy. Panchayat = group of five. Ancient panchs; weaker under British; revived af…
-
14.2 Gram Sabha
Village assembly of all adults (18+) in villages with 500+ population. Permanent body; meets twice a…
-
14.2.1 Gram Panchayat
Elected body of Gram Sabha. Sarpanch and panchs. SC/ST and women reservations. Compulsory and option…
-
14.2.2 Nyaya Panchayat
Village judiciary for petty civil/criminal cases. Cheap and speedy. Small fines only. Appeal to high…
-
14.3 Block Samiti
Tehsil/taluka level. Groups villages. BDO implements plans. Supervises gram panchayats. Development …
-
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?