C. Fill in the blanks
1. Gram Sabha elects people who form the Gram Panchayat.
2. The head of the Gram Panchayat is the Sarpanch.
3. In 2009, the reservation of seats for women in the Panchayats was increased from 33% to 50%.
4. A Secretary is appointed by the State government who records all the proceedings of the Gram Sabha and the Gram Panchayat.
5. The members of the Gram Panchayat are elected for 5 years.
D. Very Short Answer Type Questions (20โ30 words)
1.What is the Panchayati Raj system?
Answer: The Panchayati Raj system is a decentralized form of government in which local self-governing bodies operate at the village, block, and district levels to ensure local development.
2.What is a Gram Panchayat?
Answer:ย A Gram Panchayat is the local governing body in a village or a group of villages responsible for development, welfare, and governance at the grassroots level.
3. Who heads the Gram panchayat?
Answer: The Sarpanch heads the Gram Panchayat and is responsible for implementing government schemes, presiding over meetings, and addressing local issues.
4. Name the middle level of the Panchayati Raj system?
Answer: The middle level of the Panchayati Raj system is the Block Samiti (Panchayat Samiti), which coordinates the work of several Gram Panchayats in a block.
5.Mention the body at the apex of the Panchayati Raj system.
Answer:ย The body at the apex of the Panchayati Raj system is the Zila Parishad, which oversees the administration of all Panchayat Samitis within a district.
E. Short Answer Type Questions (50โ60 words)
1.Explain the functions of the Gram Panchayat.
Answer: The functions of the Gram Panchayat include maintaining village infrastructure, implementing government schemes, ensuring sanitation, resolving disputes, and promoting social welfare.
2. Discuss the sources of funds for the Gram Panchayat.
Answer:The funds for the Gram Panchayat come from state and central government grants, local taxes, and contributions from villagers. These funds are used for development projects and welfare schemes.
3. Describe the importance of the Panchayati Raj.
Answer:ย The Panchayati Raj is important because it empowers local governance, promotes democratic participation, improves rural development, and ensures that peopleโs voices are heard in decision-making.
4. What is the role of the Sarpanch?
Answer: The Sarpanch is the elected head of the Gram Panchayat and is responsible for leading meetings, implementing decisions, and representing the village in administrative matters.
5. What are wards?
Answer:Wards are divisions within a village for administrative convenience, each represented by a Ward Member (Panch), who helps in governance and decision-making.
F. Long Answer Type Questions (80โ100 words)
1.Examine the role woman play in the functioning of the Panchayat.
Answer: Women play a crucial role in Panchayati Raj by participating in decision-making, addressing gender-related issues, and ensuring better implementation of welfare schemes. The 50% reservation for women in Panchayats has led to increased female leadership and empowerment in rural governance.
2. Write a note on Block Samiti.
Answer: A Block Samiti (Panchayat Samiti) is the middle-tier of the Panchayati Raj system, responsible for coordinating the work of Gram Panchayats in a block. It implements development projects, monitors schemes, and acts as a link between the village and district administration.
3. Explain the need for Nyaya Panchayat and explain it’s importance.
Answer: Nyaya Panchayat is a judicial body at the village level that resolves minor disputes and legal matters without lengthy court procedures. It ensures quick, cost-effective justice for villagers.
4. Discuss the structure and composition of the Gram Panchayat.
4. The Gram Panchayat consists of elected members from the village, including the Sarpanch and Ward Members. It is responsible for village administration, development work, and implementing government policies.
G. Differentiate between the following
1. Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat
Answer: Gram Sabha: A general body of all adult members in a village that discusses and approves village matters.
Gram Panchayat: An elected body responsible for governance and administration in the village.
2. Sarpanch and Secretary
Answer:Sarpanch: An elected head of the Gram Panchayat, responsible for decision-making and implementation of policies.
Secretary: An appointed official who records proceedings and assists in administrative tasks.
H. Higher-Order Thinking Skills
1.What is the need for people to get involved in local self – government?
Answer: People should get involved in local self-government to ensure better governance, transparency, and participation in decision-making. It helps in addressing local issues efficiently and promotes community development.
2. What is your opinion regarding involvement of woman in local self- government?
Answer: Womenโs involvement in local self-government is essential for gender equality, better decision-making, and addressing women-centric issues. It enhances rural development and brings diverse perspectives to governance.