Here’s the notes from Class 6 NCERT Political Science – Chapter 5: “Panchayati Raj”

What is Panchayati Raj?

• • • Panchayati Raj is the local self-government system in villages.
    • It helps people take part in decision-making at the village level.
    • It is the first level of the government in India.
    • A system where villagers elect representatives to take care of local problems.
    • These representatives forms the Gram Panchayat.
    • It ensures democracy at the grassroots level.

Gram Sabha

• • • Gram Sabha is the meeting of all adults in the village.
    • The Gram Sabha meetings begins with the Sarpanch (Panchayat President)
    • They meet regularly to:
      • Discuss village issues
      • Approve plans and budgets
      • Keep a check on the Panchayat’s work

 Gram Panchayat

• • • An elected body that works for the village.
    • Every village Panchayat is divided into wards, i.e. smaller areas.
    • Each ward elects a representative who is known as Panchs (Ward member).
    • All members of the Gram Sabha also elect a sarpanch (Panchayat President).
    • The Ward Panchs and the Sarpanch form the Gram Panchayat.
    • Head of the Gram Panchayat is called the Sarpanch.
    • Members are elected for 5 years.
    • It carries out:
      • Construction and repair of roads
      • Sanitation and water supply
      • Maintenance of street lights
      • Record keeping and other basic services
    •  It gets money from:
      • Government grants
      • Taxes (on houses, markets, etc.)

Three Levels of Panchayati Raj

• Gram Panchayat – Village level
• Panchayat Samiti / Block Samiti /Janpad Panchayat– Block level
• Zila Parishad – District level

Each level works together to develop rural areas.

Importance of Panchayati Raj

• • • Involves people directly in local governance.
    • Helps solve village problems quickly and efficiently.
    • Builds leadership and responsibility in rural communities.
    • Makes democracy stronger and more inclusive.