The development of village is not possible without the Panchayati Raj system. It is a part of local self-administration which look after the affairs of the village. It maintain peace and order, looks after the roads, bridges, health and sanitation, etc. It solves minor law and order cases, and local disputes. People considered the Panchayats impartial and respected the panchas or members. Today, thé state governments have passed Acts to reorganise the Panchayats. The numbers of Panches or members of the Panchyats may vary. The Panchayati Raj system includes Gram Panchayat and Gram Sabha at the village level, Panchayat Samiti at the Block level and Zila Parishad at the Zila level. This whole three-tier set up is said to be the Panchayati Raj. In 1994 the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Act was passed to modify the local self-governing institutions.
1. Development of Agriculture: It is the major economic base of the village and for its development many functions are performed under the Panchayati Raj System, as
1. Promotion of agriculture and horticulture, development of barren land and fodder land and their maintenance. This work is performed by the Gram Panchayat.
2. Functions like promotion of development of agriculture and horticulture, maintenance of plant nurseries, distribution of manure and seeds, development of cash crops, promotion of crops of fruits and flowers, credit and training facilities for farmers, etc., are performed by the Panchayat Samiti for the development of villages in its Panchayat area.
3. Zila Parishad does its job of promoting agriculture by supply of scientific tools and implements and popularising the scientific methods of cultivation, training the farmers, organising agriculture fairs and exhibitions and introducing land reforms measures.
2. Cattle breeding and other Dairy Development Functions: Next to agriculture, the cattle breeding is another important occupation in the village. All the three Panchayati Raj institutions promote measures for the best cattle breed and quality dairy products. They help to promote agricultural development as well as provide employment opportunities to the people.
3. Other Functions: Panchayati Raj institutions solve the problems of the people in a village, regarding electricity, water, health, cleanliness, literacy, cottage industries, welfare of the weaker sections and natural disasters as floods, earthquake, epidemics, etc. The people are enlightened to solve their own problems by active participation in their local administration. Thus, the Panchayati Raj system is necessaiy for the development of village.
