I. Rural Development at the village level – Development at the village level is the responsibility of the Gram Panchayat which is the executive body of the Gram Sabha.
Gram Sabha is the very basis of the Panchayati Raj. It is expected of the Gram Panchayat at the village level to acquire powers from the Gram Sabha and to be responsible to it (Gram Sabha) because Gram Sabha comprises of all the adult citizens of the village irrespective of caste or sex.
Gram Panchayat is the elected executive body of the Gram Sabha at the village level. Gram Panchayat is known by different names in India. In Rajasthan it is known as Panchayat. In our country one Panchayat is organised for the population of about 2000. Its strength varies from 5 to 31 members in different states. As per the 73rd constitutional amendment duration of the Panchayat in all the states is five years. Members of the Panchayat are known as Panches and they are elected directly.
At the village level the Gram Sabha performs the following development functions:
1. Implementation of development plans in the concerned Panchayat area.
2. Search of executive officers for implementing development plans.
3. Making available voluntary labour and help in cash or kind for the community welfare programmes.
4. Promoting adult education and family welfare programmes.
5. Getting clarification from any member or Sarpanch of the Panchayat regarding implementation of programmes, future plans, income and expenditure etc.
6. Promoting cordiality and unity in all the communities of the society in the Panchayat area.
7. Other development works delegated to it.
II. Rural Development at the Block Level –
At the block level there is a Panchayat samiti for development works. According to 73rd constitutional amendment the term of each Panchayat samiti is 5 years. It is the important middle tier institution of the Panchayati Raj because main development works are entrusted to it. Zila Parishad has, to mainly, coordinate and conduct the activities of the Panchayat samitis.
Panchayat samitis prepare development works and gets them implemented. It has been entrusted with the basic administrative and financial functions and powers.
