Very Short Question Answers: Grassroots Democracy – Part 2: Local Government in Rural Areas
Q1. What are Panchayati Raj institutions?
Ans: Panchayati Raj institutions are local self-government bodies that operate at the village, block, and district levels in India.
Q2. What functions do Panchayati Raj institutions perform?
Ans: They handle local governance, including agricultural planning, infrastructure maintenance, education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Q3. Why are Panchayati Raj institutions important in governance and democracy?
Ans: They decentralize power, empower local communities, ensure equitable development, and promote grassroots participation in decision-making.
Q4. What is the Gram Panchayat and who elects its members?
Ans: The Gram Panchayat is the village council elected by the Gram Sabha, consisting of adult voters from the village or nearby villages.
Q5. How does the Child-Friendly Panchayat Initiative promote children’s rights?
Ans: It encourages children’s participation in decision-making, addresses issues like education and sanitation, and ensures safe school environments.
Q6. What roles do Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad play in local governance?
Ans: Panchayat Samiti coordinates development activities across Gram Panchayats, while Zila Parishad oversees district-level planning and administration.
Q7. How does the three-tier system of Panchayati Raj support local development?
Ans: It ensures that development plans and resources are effectively managed and distributed from village to district levels.
Q8. What historical text provides insights into ancient governance structures in India?
Ans: The Arthaśhāstra, written by Kauṭilya (Chāṇakya), outlines administrative principles and governance from village to regional levels.
Q9. Why are women increasingly taking leadership roles in Gram Panchayats?
Ans: To promote gender equality and ensure diverse perspectives in local governance and decision-making.
Q10. How do Panchayati Raj institutions contribute to rural development and infrastructure?
Ans: They implement government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana to improve rural connectivity and infrastructure.
Q11. What is the significance of the Panchayati Raj system in India’s governance structure?
Ans: The Panchayati Raj system decentralizes power, empowering local communities and ensuring effective local governance.
Q12. How do Gram Panchayats promote grassroots democracy?
Ans: Gram Panchayats enable direct participation of villagers in decision-making processes through the Gram Sabha.
Q13. Why are reservations for women in Panchayati Raj institutions important?
Ans: Reservations ensure gender equality and encourage women’s participation in local governance and development.
Q14. How does the Child-Friendly Panchayat Initiative benefit rural communities?
Ans: It empowers children to voice their concerns, promotes education and sanitation, and fosters a safe environment in schools.
Q15. What role do Panchayat Samitis play in rural development?
Ans: Panchayat Samitis coordinate development activities across multiple Gram Panchayats, ensuring comprehensive growth at the block level.
Q16. How does the Zila Parishad contribute to district-level administration?
Ans: Zila Parishads oversee planning and development across multiple Panchayat Samitis, ensuring efficient utilization of resources.
Q17. What historical texts have influenced India’s modern governance structure?
Ans: The Arthaśhāstra provides insights into ancient administrative practices, influencing contemporary governance principles.
Q18. How do Panchayati Raj institutions enhance accountability in rural areas?
Ans: They facilitate transparency and accountability by involving local communities in decision-making and resource allocation.
Q19. What challenges do Panchayati Raj institutions face in promoting inclusive development?
Ans: Challenges include financial constraints, capacity building, and addressing local socio-economic disparities effectively.
Q20. How does the election process in Gram Panchayats ensure democratic representation?
Ans: Elections ensure that elected representatives reflect the will of the local population, promoting democratic governance at the grassroots level.