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.

Quiz AI Tutor
14.1 Panchayati Raj System 14.2 Gram Sabha 14.3 Block Samiti 14.4 Zila Parishad
Learn Concepts Real Life Story Mode Analogy Visual Exam Tips Quiz AI Tutor Mastered
# Panchayati Raj System — Super Simple India’s big government works at **Centre** and **State**. There is also a **third level** closer to your home: **Panchayati Raj**. ### What is a panchayat? **Panchayat** means a **group of five people**. Long ago, villages chose five wise elders (**panchs**) to solve fights and local problems. ### Three steps like a ladder 1. **Village** — Gram Sabha + Gram Panchayat (+ Nyaya Panchayat) 2. **Block** — Block Samiti (many villages together) 3. **District** — Zila Parishad (top of the ladder in the district) ### Why it matters People in the village get a **voice**. They help decide about water, roads, schools and health — that is **local self-government** and **democracy at the grassroots**. > Remember: Panchayati Raj = government of the people, **near the people**.
Interesting facts Common mistakes Vocabulary Revision notes

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?