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.

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14.1 Panchayati Raj System 14.2 Gram Sabha 14.3 Block Samiti 14.4 Zila Parishad
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# Story Mode: Meera’s Village Meeting Meera’s village had more than 500 people, so it had a **Gram Sabha**. On a hot morning, adults gathered under a tree. Her mother, who was 18 and a voter, was a **member of the Gram Sabha**. They talked about dirty drains and the need for clean drinking water. Then they remembered they had elected a **Sarpanch** and panchs to form the **Gram Panchayat**. The Sarpanch’s signature would help start official work on the new drain. A small land fight between two neighbours went to the **Nyaya Panchayat**. It was cheaper and faster than a big court. The panchayat could fine a little money, but not send anyone to jail. When the problem was too big for one village — a road connecting ten villages — the **Block Samiti** stepped in. The **Block Development Officer** helped get funds. At the district office, the **Zila Parishad**, led with the **District Collector**, checked budgets for schools and hospitals across many blocks. Meera smiled. Democracy was not only in the capital — it started in **her village**.
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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?