How will you differentiate between Gram Panchayat and Gram Sabha? What are the functions of Gram Panchayat?

Under the scheme of the local self-governments, Gram Panchayat and Gram Sabha are the two lowest units of the functional organisation.

Differences between Gram Panchayat and Gram Sabha:

1. Gram Sabha consists of all the adult members (those who have attained the age of 18 years or more) of a village or a cluster of villages constituting Gram Sabha; whereas the Gram Panchayat is a small body, whose members are elected by the members of Gram Sabha.

2. The term of office of Gram Panchayat is usually for five years, whereas the Gram Sabha is a permanent body and it is not subject to dissolution.

3. Gram Panchayat is an executive organ of Gram Sabha. The Gram Sabha monitors and evaluates the activities of Gram Panchayat.

Functions of Gram Panchayat:

It performs the following three categories of functions

1. Civic amenities.

2. Social welfare activities.

3. Developmental activities.

1. Civic Amenities: In the interest of better health and life of people, Gram Panchayat makes provision for such civic amenities as sewerage system, village sanitation, drinking water, village roads and streets, arrangement of lighting, etc. The Gram Panchayat also makes arrangement for schools for the education of children.

2. Social Welfare Activities: The Gram Panchayat keeps the records of births and deaths in the village. It tries to ensure the effective implementation of family planning and family welfare programmes. It is also responsible for the activities related to animal husbandry and agricultural development. It takes care of the programmes of adult and continuing education in the village.

3. Developmental Work: The Gram Panchayat is responsible for certain developmental functions at village level, such as construction of roads. tanks, irrigation facilities, schools, libraries, community halls, Panchayat Bhawan, etc. In fact, Gram Panchayat happens to be the lowest level of popular agency to participate in the development at processes at the village level.

Tips: -

M. Imp.