District Administration

Rural Self government

Our country has three tiers or levels of democratic government - local, state, and national. The local government looks after the needs of villages, towns, cities, and districts such as Noida, Vishakhapatnam, etc. The state government looks after the needs of an entire state such as Punjab, Tamil Nadu, etc. The national or central government looks after the entire country.

Local self-government

Local self-government refers to a system under which the people of a particular village, town, city, or district, look after local affairs and problems on their own with the help of representative bodies elected by them. Under this system, people look after basic needs and local issues such as water supply, supply of electricity, health, sanitation, primary education, maintenance of roads,. maintenance of records, etc. We will study about governments at the state and central levels in higher classes.

Need for local self-government

The basic idea behind a local-self governmer is that the people look after the welfare of the own area by participating in their ow government. This was felt necessary because th local people of an area know their needs an problems better than a government sitting fa away at the state or national capital. They als have a better idea on where money needs to b spent for development.

It was also felt that such a system would encourage people to become more politicall aware and take an active interest in government. I would allow them to directly participate in decision-making, thereby ensuring democracy at the village, district, and town level. It would help people learn how to co-operate with one another to solve local problems. People who were elected to the representative bodies would gain valuable experience in administration and leadership.

Also, by giving people the power to solve local problems and look after basic amenities, the system would reduce the work load on the state and central governments.

Rural and urban local self-governments

In our country, we have local self-governments for rural and urban areas. The Panchayati Raj system provides self-government at the village level. Towns and cities are governed by local bodies such as municipal corporations, municipal councils, and cantonment boards. In this chapter, we will study about the Panchayati Raj system.

PANCHAYATI RAJ SYSTEM

Panchayati Raj System is such an important political innovation in India for the establishment of grass-root democracy. It ensures the greater people's participation in the political system of the country.

The Panchayati Raj makes up the first level of democratic government in India.

Panchayati Raj- The three-tier system comprises:

1)     Gram Panchayat (At the Village Level) - Gram Panchayat, at the village level. It is the decision-making body for a village or a group of villages which come under it. It is supervised by a Gram Sabha, a general body which comprises all adult voters in the area.

2)     Janpad Panchayat (At the Block Level)- Janpad Panchayat or Panchayat Samiti, at the block level. A Panchayat Samiti has several Gram Panchayats under it.

3)     District Panchayat (At the District Level)- District Panchayat or Zila Parishad, at the district level. It has several Panchayat Samitis under it.

All the panchayats are elected for a term of five years. They prepare plans for social welfare and economic development of their area. They also help promote government schemes in their area. For performing all these activities, the panchayats get funds from the government. They also have the power to impose and collect taxes, tolls, duties, and fees.

ORIGINS OF THE PANCHAYATI RAJ SYSTEM

The village has been the basic unit of self- administration in India since ancient times. The practice of electing assemblies of villagers and later, panchayats, has been followed in our villages since the earliest ages.

In History, you have read about village assemblies called sabha or samiti, which looked after villages in Vedic times. The word panchayat means 'council of five'. A panchayat comprised five elders, called panch, who looked after the needs of villagers and resolved disputes. The system of panchayats thrived up to the Mughal period. It declined under the British as they appointed their own system of administration. Later on, the British did try to restore the system, but met with little success. The system of panchayats was finally revived in India after independence, but it soon proved to be ineffective.

In 1992, the government passed the Constitution (Seventy-third Amendment) Act laying down new rules for the establishment of a three-tier Panchayati Raj system for more effective and powerful rural self-government. The new rules came into effect in April, 1993. The main features of the Act were:

·        It laid down a three-tier system of panchayats, at village, block, and district levels for all states with a population of over 20 lakh. States with a population of less than 20 lakh were given the choice of not setting up panchayats at the block level.

·        Panchayat seats were to be filled by direct elections. One-third of the total seats were to be reserved for women. Provisions were also made to ensure 33% of the chairpersons in panchayats were women.

·        Reservations were also to be made for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

·        Panchayats were to have five-year terms. If a panchayat was dissolved, fresh elections were to be held within six months for appointing a new panchayat.

·        An independent institution called the State Election Commission was created in each state. It was given the responsibility of conducting regular panchayat elections.

SELF-GOVERNMENT AT THE VILLAGE LEVEL

GRAM SAВНА

A Gram Sabha means a 'village meeting'. It is an assembly or meeting of all adults living in the area governed by a panchayat, Here the term 'adult' applies to all men and women who are 18 years or older and who are eligible to vote. Depending on the area covered by the panchayat. a Gram Sabha can be held for a single village or a group of villages. It has to meet at least two or three times in a year.

Functions of the Gram Sabha

·        The members of the Gram Sabha elect representatives to the Gram Panchayat, which looks after the administration of the village.

·        They elect the President (Sarpanch) of the Panchayat.

·        The Gram Sabha reviews the performance of the Gram Panchayat and makes sure the Panchayat does not misuse its powers or funds.

·        It makes sure the representatives elected to the Gram Panchayat remain accountable to the people. It can ask them to explain the decisions and actions to the people.

·        It has the power to remove a Gram Panchayati it fails to do its job properly. Most important, all plans and developmem

·        schemes drawn by the Gram Panchayat have to be first placed before the Gram Sabha for approval.

·        It also approves the annual budget of the Gram Panchayat.

GRAM PANCHAYAT

A Gram Panchayat is the representative body of a village or group of villages. The number of members differs from state to state. For electing the Gram Panchayat, the area covered by panchayat is divided into smaller areas called wards. Members of the Gram Sabha elect one representative from each ward, who is known as Ward Member, or Panch.

All members of the Gram Sabha also elect a President for the entire panchayat, who is known as the Sarpanch Mukhiya, or Pradhan. The Panchs and the Sarpanch together comprise the Gram Panchayat. They look after administrative affairs in the village, particularly development related activities.

The Gram Sabha also elects an Up-Pradhan, or Deputy Pradhan, who presides over the panchayat in the absence of the Pradhan. Seats are also reserved in all Gram Panchayats for women and people belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Secretary to Gram Panchayat

Each Gram Panchayat has a Secretary, who is appointed by the government. The official also serves as the Secretary of the Gram Sabha, and is entrusted with the task of:

·        calling the meetings of both the Gram Sabha and the Gram Panchayat,

·        keeping a record of all such meetings

Functions of the Gram Panchayat

The Gram Panchayat holds regular meetings to discuss and implement development programmes for villages governed by it. Some of its functions are compulsory. They include:

Constructing and maintaining roads, drainage systems, street lights, water sources (public wells, tanks, ponds, etc.), market places, schools and other public buildings.

Maintaining burial grounds.

Looking after minor irrigation works, and distributing seeds and fertilisers.

Imposing and collecting local taxes.

Maintaining a record of births and deaths.

Monitoring government schemes.

Implementing government schemes to generate employment in the village.

Besides this, the Gram Panchayat also has some voluntary functions. It may or may not perform these functions. Voluntary functions include setting up child welfare and maternity centres, sports complexes, libraries, parks, conducting tree plantation drives, etc. It can also work towards developing agricultural activity in its area.

Gram Panchayats may also be asked to prepare a list of families living below the poverty line (BPL) in the village from time to time. The BPL is decided by the government on the basis of income earned annually by a family. If a family earns less than the income decided by the government, it is included in the list of families below poverty line. Such families are very poor. The government implements many schemes for their upliftment.

In some states, members of the Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat form committees which work together to perform some of these tasks.

Sources of funds

The Gram Panchayat needs money to perform its tasks. This money comes from:

·        Collection of taxes on property, market transactions, vehicles, etc. It can also collect fees for registration of animal sales in the area, tolls, and duties.

·        Funds released by the government for implementing certain schemes. These funds or grants are cleared by different departments of the government. They are released to the Gram Panchayat by the block or district panchayats.

·        Donations collected for community programmes, etc.

Importance of Gram Panchayats

·        The system of Gram Panchayats helps people solve day-to-day problems on their own, thereby reducing the burden on the state and central government.

·        It encourages people to participate in government and play an active role in ensuring their own welfare through developmental activities. In this way, it ensures democracy at the rural level.

·        It promotes better co-operation among villagers.

·        It also helps people to sharpen their leadership and administrative skills.

NYAYA PANCHAYAT

Nyaya Panchayats dispense justice in villages. There is usually one Nyaya Panchayat for a group of villages. Its members are elected or nominated from the Gram Panchayats in the area. Nyaya Panchayats help resolve minor disputes. These village courtş hear both civil as well as criminal cases. Civil cases deal with disputes between people regarding land, etc., or violation of individual rights. Criminal cases deal with theft, harassment, etc. Nyaya Panchayats help resolve minor cases quickly without too much expense. They have often been successful in resolving conflicts among people and dealing with cases related to dowry. However, they cannot send people to jail. They can only impose fines on offenders.

SELF-GOVERNMENT AT THE BLOCK LEVEL

BLOCK SAMITI

The Block Samiti serves as the intermediate tier of the Panchayati Raj system. It is known in different states by different names like Panchayat Samiti, Anchalik Parishad, Anchalik Panchayat, Kshetra Samiti, Janapad Panchayat, etc. It coordinates activities of all panchayats under it. The members of the Block Samiti or mandal are not directly elected by the people. They are elected by all Sarpanchs or Pradhans of the village Panchayats It has been said to be the "Panchayat Panchayats". The members of the Block Sami include:

The Sarpanchs of all Gram Panchayats in the block.

All members of the Parliament (MPs) and State Legislature (MLAs), who have been elected from areas falling under the block. MPs (Members of Parliament) are representative elected by the people of the entire country the Parliament, the highest decision-making body of the country. One group from these elected representatives forms the central government.

MLAs (Members of Legislative Assemblies) are representatives elected by the people of a particular state to the Legislative Assembly, the decision-making body of that state. One group from these elected representatives forms the state government.

Seats are also reserved in Block Samitis for women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes.

In most states the members of the Block Samiti elected chairperson and vice-chairperson to look after the work of the Samiti.

Block Development Officer

A Block Development Officer (BDO), who appointed by the government, helps implement the development programmes made by the Block Samati. The BDO is also responsible for providing information to all villagers in the area on various government schemes.

Functions of Block Samiti

·        It provides basic amenities, such as water, road etc., in the block.

·        It makes plans for the development of the entries block.

·        It guides villages in the panchayat in different are such as agriculture, land improvement, animal husbandry, forests, education, health, family welfare, rural industries, etc., with the help of experts known as Extension Officers. These officers provide quality seeds and manure to farmers, give information on breeding better varieties of animals, facilitate loans for farmers, set up schools and adult literacy centres promote government schemes, etc.

Sources of funds

·        Block Samitis get funds from:

·        grants made by the State Government, and taxes levied on property, sale and purchase of cattle, etc.

·        rent on land given for fairs, etc.

SELF-GOVERNMENT AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL

ZILA PARISHAD

The Zila Parishad forms the apex body of the Panchayati Raj system. It comprises all the Panchayat Samitis in a district. It is responsible for the development of the entire district.It also serves as a link between the Block Samitis and the state government. Most members of the Zila Parishad are elected. The members of the Zila Parishad include:

·        Chairpersons of all Block Samitis in the district.

·        MPs and MLAs elected from the district.

·        Officials of other district level bodies.

·        Seats are also reserved for women, Scheduled

·        Castes, and Scheduled Tribes.

The members of the Zila Parishad elect a chairperson for looking after its activities. The chairperson presides over meetings of the Zila Parishad.

Functions of Zila Parishad

·        The Zila Parishad looks after civic amenities in the entire district.

·        The Zila Parishad makes development plans for the entire district. It also coordinates development plans made at the block and village level, and advises the State Government on matters relating to the development of the district.

·        It regulates the distribution of funds among Gram Panchayats with the help of Panchayat Samitis.

·        It approves the budgets of Panchayat Samitis in its area.

Sources of funds

Taxes, rent from property, and government grants are important sources of funds for the Zila Parishad.

STATE GOVERNMENTS AND PANCHAYATS

·        The Constitution enables state governments to have their own laws regarding panchayats in their states. The governments also determine much of their powers and functions.

·        State governments can release funds to the panchayats to carry out development projects and schemes.

·        They can appoint officials to monitor the panchayats and help them in their work. The District Collector monitors the working of the panchayats at the district level.

Overall, the Panchayati Raj system has helped extend democracy to the villages. It has helped increase representation of women in our democracy.

Short Question and answer:

1. What do you understand by Nyaya Panchayat?

Nyaya Panchayats are village courts established to resolve minor disputes and provide justice quickly and inexpensively. They handle civil and criminal cases, such as land disputes and theft, but cannot sentence imprisonment; they can impose fines.

2. What is Gram Sabha?

Gram Sabha is an assembly of all adult members of a village or group of villages governed by a Gram Panchayat. It elects representatives, reviews Gram Panchayat decisions, and approves plans, budgets, and development schemes.

3. What is the importance of Gram Panchayat?

Gram Panchayats address local problems, improve basic amenities, and implement government schemes at the village level. They promote rural democracy, ensure people's participation, and reduce the administrative burden on state and central governments.

4. Who appoints the Secretary to the Gram Panchayat? What are their tasks?

The government appoints the Secretary to the Gram Panchayat. They organize meetings, keep records, assist in governance, and facilitate communication between the Gram Panchayat and the government.

5. What are the main sources of funds for Zila Parishad?

Zila Parishads get funds from taxes, property rents, and government grants. They use these resources to oversee development projects, civic amenities, and coordinate activities across the district.

Long answer-questions:

Q. What is gram panchayat? discuss its compulsory and voluntary function.

The democratic form of government is widely considered the best for a country because it ensures active participation, accountability, and representation of the people.

1.     People’s Participation: Citizens elect their leaders and influence decision-making, ensuring governance reflects their needs and aspirations.

2.     Equality and Freedom: Democracy guarantees equal rights, freedom of speech, religion, and the press.

3.     Accountability: Elected representatives are accountable to the public, promoting transparency and reducing corruption.

4.     Adaptability: Democracies adapt to changing societal needs through peaceful discussions and reforms.

5.     Conflict Resolution: Provides mechanisms for resolving disputes through dialogue rather than violence.

6.     Protection of Minorities: Ensures protection for all communities, preventing discrimination.

This inclusive, flexible, and participatory system ensures sustainable and just governance, making it ideal for modern societies.

Q.6. Do you think the gram sabha and gram panchayat play an important role in the government.

Yes, the Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat play a vital role in the government by strengthening local self-governance and ensuring grassroots democracy.

Importance of Gram Sabha:

1.     Acts as the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system.

2.     Empowers villagers to discuss and approve development projects.

3.     Provides transparency by monitoring Gram Panchayat activities.

4.     Ensures accountability of elected representatives.

Importance of Gram Panchayat:

1.     Implements government schemes related to health, education, and sanitation.

2.     Addresses local issues like roads, water, and public facilities.

3.     Maintains essential records, such as births and deaths.

4.     Promotes inclusivity through reserved seats for women and marginalized communities.

Together, these institutions bring governance closer to people, ensure equitable development, and reduce the administrative burden on higher levels of government.

Exercise 

1. Which tier of the Panchayati Raj system operates at the village level?

A) Zila Parishad

B) Block Samiti

C) Gram Panchayat

D) Gram Sabha

Answer: C) Gram Panchayat

Description: The Gram Panchayat functions at the village level and is responsible for administering and implementing developmental activities for a village or a group of villages. It consists of members elected from smaller areas called wards, along with a Sarpanch as its leader.

2. What percentage of seats in Panchayats are reserved for women under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act?

A) 25%

B) 33%

C) 50%

D) 66%

Answer: B) 33%

Description: The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act mandated that one-third (33%) of all seats in Panchayats be reserved for women to ensure their political representation. Many states have increased this to 50%, further promoting women's participation in governance.

3. What is the primary function of a Gram Sabha?

A) Collecting taxes from villagers

B) Supervising the work of Gram Panchayat

C) Electing the Block Samiti

D) Formulating state-level policies

Answer: B) Supervising the work of Gram Panchayat

Description: The Gram Sabha is an assembly of all adults in a village or group of villages. It supervises the Gram Panchayat, ensures funds are used correctly, approves development plans, and holds the Gram Panchayat accountable for its actions.

4. Which body acts as the intermediate tier in the Panchayati Raj system?

A) Gram Panchayat

B) Zila Parishad

C) Nyaya Panchayat

D) Block Samiti

Answer: D) Block Samiti

Description: The Block Samiti operates at the block level and coordinates the activities of Gram Panchayats within the block. It prepares development plans and works with experts like Extension Officers to support agriculture, health, and education.

5. When did the Constitution (Seventy-third Amendment) Act come into effect, reviving the Panchayati Raj system?

A) January 1950

B) April 1993

C) August 1989

D) July 2000

Answer: B) April 1993

Description: The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act was passed in 1992 and came into effect in April 1993. It introduced a three-tier system for rural self-governance, making Panchayats more effective and democratic.

6.What is the main source of funds for Gram Panchayats?

A) Loans from the World Bank

B) Income tax collection

C) Taxes, tolls, and government grants

D) International donations

Answer: C) Taxes, tolls, and government grants

Description: Gram Panchayats collect taxes on property, market transactions, and vehicle registration. They also receive funds from the government for implementing various schemes and can collect tolls and fees for local services.

7. What is the primary purpose of the Panchayati Raj system in India?

A) To collect taxes for the central government

B) To promote grassroots democracy and self-governance

C) To implement urban development projects

D) To replace state governments

Answer: B) To promote grassroots democracy and self-governance

Explanation:The Panchayati Raj system was established to empower local communities by encouraging self-governance and ensuring democratic participation at the village level. It helps people address their own needs and resolve local issues.

8. Which of the following is NOT a function of the Gram Sabha?

A) Electing the President of India

B) Approving the annual budget of the Gram Panchayat

C) Reviewing the performance of the Gram Panchayat

D) Ensuring accountability of the Gram Panchayat

Answer: A) Electing the President of India

Explanation: The Gram Sabha functions at the village level and deals with local governance. Electing the President of India is a responsibility of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) in the Electoral College.

9. What is the tenure of a Panchayat as per the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act?

A) 3 years

B) 4 years

C) 5 years

D) 6 years

Answer: C) 5 years

Explanation: The 73rd Amendment mandates that Panchayats at all levels have a tenure of five years. If dissolved earlier, elections must be held within six months.

10. The term "Nyaya Panchayat" refers to:

A) The judicial wing of the Supreme Court

B) A body for dispensing justice at the village level

C) A wing of the Gram Panchayat handling finances

D) An extension of the state judiciary

Answer: B) A body for dispensing justice at the village level

Explanation: Nyaya Panchayats are village-level courts that handle minor disputes and help resolve conflicts efficiently. They impose fines but do not have the authority to send offenders to jail.

11. The Constitution (Seventy-third Amendment) Act mandates reservation of seats in Panchayats for:

A) Women only

B) Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women

C) Backward Classes only

D) Religious minorities

Answer: B) Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women

Explanation: The 73rd Amendment Act ensures the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and at least one-third of seats for women to promote inclusivity and representation in rural self-governance.

12. Which level of the Panchayati Raj system is responsible for development across the entire district?

A) Gram Panchayat

B) Block Samiti

C) Zila Parishad

D) Gram Sabha

Answer: C) Zila Parishad

Explanation: The Zila Parishad is the highest tier of the Panchayati Raj system and coordinates development plans for the district. It also regulates the distribution of funds to lower-tier bodies like the Gram Panchayats and Block Samitis.

13. Who appoints the Secretary of a Gram Panchayat?

A) The Gram Sabha

B) The Gram Panchayat itself

C) The state government

D) The District Collector

Answer: C) The state government

Explanation:The Secretary of the Gram Panchayat is a government-appointed official responsible for maintaining records, calling meetings, and assisting the Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat in administrative functions.

14.Which of the following taxes can be levied by a Gram Panchayat?

A) Income tax

B) GST

C) Property tax and market fees

D) Corporate tax

Answer: C) Property tax and market fees

Explanation: Gram Panchayats can impose and collect property tax, tolls, market fees, and registration fees for transactions such as the sale of animals to fund local development activities.

15. Which of these is a compulsory function of the Gram Panchayat?

A) Setting up libraries and parks

B) Providing maternity centers

C) Constructing and maintaining roads

D) Organizing sports activities

Answer: C) Constructing and maintaining roads

Explanation: Constructing and maintaining roads, drainage systems, and other infrastructure is a mandatory responsibility of Gram Panchayats. Voluntary functions include setting up libraries and organizing recreational activities.

16.Which state was the first to implement the Panchayati Raj system?

A) Uttar Pradesh

B) Rajasthan

C) Tamil Nadu

D) Maharashtra

Answer: B) Rajasthan

Explanation: The Panchayati Raj system was first implemented in Rajasthan in Nagaur district on October 2, 1959, setting a precedent for local self-governance in India.

17.What is the minimum age to contest Panchayat elections in India?

A) 18 years

B) 21 years

C) 25 years

D) 30 years

Answer: B) 21 years

Explanation: As per the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, the minimum age to contest Panchayat elections is 21 years. This ensures a basic level of maturity and responsibility among candidates.

18. Which schedule of the Indian Constitution lists the powers and responsibilities of Panchayats?

A) 10th Schedule

B) 9th Schedule

C) 11th Schedule

D) 12th Schedule

Answer: C) 11th Schedule

Explanation: The 11th Schedule, added by the 73rd Amendment, contains 29 subjects on which Panchayats have administrative and financial authority, such as agriculture, education, health, and sanitation.

19. What is the role of the State Election Commission in Panchayat elections?

A) Supervising state assembly elections

B) Conducting elections for Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies

C) Approving state budgets

D) Appointing Panchayat members

Answer: B) Conducting elections for Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies

Explanation: The State Election Commission is responsible for the free and fair conduct of elections to Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies, as mandated by the 73rd and 74th Amendments.

20. Which state in India does NOT have a Panchayati Raj system due to its distinct governance structure?

A) Jammu & Kashmir

B) Nagaland

C) Sikkim

D) Tripura

Answer: B) Nagaland

Explanation: Nagaland is exempted from the Panchayati Raj system under the Sixth Schedule due to its special provisions for tribal areas. Instead, local governance is managed through customary laws and village councils.

21. Which of the following statements about the Panchayati Raj system is INCORRECT?

A) Gram Sabha is the lowest unit of the Panchayati Raj system.

B) Zila Parishad is at the district level.

C) Panchayati Raj is applicable to the entire country without exception.

D) Panchayati Raj institutions are given powers to levy taxes.

Answer: C) Panchayati Raj is applicable to the entire country without exception.

Explanation: The Panchayati Raj system is not uniformly applicable across the country. States like Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, along with certain tribal areas, are exempt due to special provisions in the Constitution.

22. Who is the chairperson of a Gram Panchayat?

A) Sarpanch

B) District Magistrate

C) Block Development Officer

D) Tehsildar

Answer: A) Sarpanch

Explanation: The Sarpanch, elected by the members of the Gram Sabha, is the chairperson of the Gram Panchayat and represents the village in administrative and developmental matters.

23. Under the Panchayati Raj system, who has the power to dissolve a Panchayat before its term ends?

A) Gram Sabha

B) State Legislature

C) State Government

D) Supreme Court

Answer: C) State Government

Explanation:The state government has the authority to dissolve a Panchayat before its term ends if it fails to perform its duties or violates legal provisions. However, fresh elections must be conducted within six months.

24. Which program is specifically designed to train elected representatives of Panchayati Raj institutions?

A) Bharat Nirman

B) Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)

C) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

D) Digital India Mission

Answer: B) Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)

Explanation: The RGSA focuses on capacity building and training of Panchayat leaders to improve governance, planning, and service delivery at the grassroots level.

25.What does the term "Decentralization" mean in the context of the Panchayati Raj system?

A) Concentrating power at the central level

B) Distribution of power among central and state governments only

C) Delegation of power to local government bodies

D) Abolishing state-level governance

Answer: C) Delegation of power to local government bodies

Explanation: Decentralization refers to transferring administrative and decision-making powers from central and state governments to local self-governing institutions like Panchayats.

26. The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957) recommended which model for Panchayati Raj?

A) Single-tier system

B) Two-tier system

C) Three-tier system

D) No formal structure

Answer: C) Three-tier system

Explanation: The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommended a three-tier structure consisting of Gram Panchayat at the village level, Block Samiti at the intermediate level, and Zila Parishad at the district level for effective governance and development.