(i) The rural local government is known as the Panchayati Raj.
Importance:
(ii) The highest institution of the Panchayati Raj in rural areas is the Zila Parishad.
(iii) The Zila Parishad coordinates the activities of all the Block Samitis in the whole district. Most members of the Zila Parishad are elected.
(iv) Members of the Lok Sabha and the MLAs of that district along with some other officials of other district level bodies are also its members.
(v) The Zila Parishad's Chairperson is the political head of the Zila Parishad.
