Suppose you are entrusted to evolve a local government plan of a State, what powers would you endow to the Village Panchayats to function as units of local self-government? Mention any five powers and the justification in two lines for each of them for giving those powers.

If I am entrusted to evolve a local government plan of a State, the following powers I would endow to the Village Panchayats to function as units of self-government:

1. Civic Amenities: In the interest of better health and life of citizens, Gram Panchayats would have the powers to make provisions for basic civic amenities.

2. Social Welfare Activities: The Gram Panchayat would keep the records of birth and death in the village, family planning and family welfare etc.

3. Agricultural Development: The programmes and policies related to the modern agricultural practices should be supervised by the Panchayats.

4. Development Works: The Gram Panchayats may be responsible for certain development functions at village level, such as construction of roads, tanks, irrigation facilities etc.

5. Educational work: The Gram Panchayats would be made responsible for the primary education. I would give the gram Panchayats powers to open and maintain schools and libraries in the villages.