INTRODUCTION
Structure of Rural Local Government of India
The institution of rural local government of India is as old as civilization and it was called Village Panchayat. They were performing regulatory functions and adjudicating civil disputes. After independence, the Constitution of India provided for establishment of local bodies and Panchayati Raj under article 40 (directive principles of state policy) as a subject with the states but did not further elaborate upon its structure, functions and other details.
The introduction of Panchayati Raj in the sixties was a major step towards institution building process in promoting people’s participation in rural development. In the mid-sixties, the funding for Community Development Projects dried up and panchayats stagnated. In 1979 – 80 the District Rural Development Agency was established at district level, development institution jointly registered by the Union and State Governments in each district and societies.
The 73rd amendment of Indian Constitution in 1992 ushered in the present phase where panchayats are described as institutions of Local-self government. Presently there are approximately 250,000 Gram Panchayats, 6500 Panchayats Samitis and 500 Zilla Parishads.
STRUCTURE OF GOVERNANCE
Central Government
State Government (Province)
District Administration
Mandal Administration (block)
Village Administration
This is how the structure of Governance looks like, but for the purpose of our discussion we will start from the district to discuss powers and functions.
DISTRICT PANCHAYAT:
ZILLA PARISHAD:
Functions
Powers
GRAM PANCHAYAT - planning / monitoring
GRAM SABHA – the lead is full time / in a meeting, one third is women or they call the meeting off
VILLAGE