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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# 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**.
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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?