Question

Freedom becomes meaningful in the right sense of the word only when there are Gram- Panchayats in India. In this context describe the following functions of a Gram Panchayat.

(a) Welfare Functions,

(b) Developmental Functions and

(c) Regulatory and General Administrative Functions.

Answer 1

Gram Panchayat is an ‘Executive Wing’ of the Gram Sabha. It ensures that Constitution makers’ dream of ‘Gram Swaraj’ is realized. Freedom becomes meaningful in the right sense of the word only when there are Gram-Panchayats in India. 

In this context the given headlines are described below: 

(a) Welfare Functions -Welfare functions include 

1. Arrangements for primary and secondary education, 

2. The welfare of expectant mothers and their babies, and ; 

3. Launching welfare programmes for women, youth and children. 

(b) Developmental Functions -The developmental functions include 

1. Minor irrigation schemes, 

2. Rural electrification, 

3. Vocational education, 

4. Cottage and small-scale industries including food processing industries, 

5. Rural housing, especially for the poor and deprived sections of society. 

(c) Regulatory and General Administrative Functions - The Regulatory and General administrative functions are: 

1. Registration of births, deaths and marriages, 

2. Maintenance of watch and ward services (Chowkidars, ), 

3. Maintenance of the common property of the village, 

4. Helping the government in maintaining law and order.