Page 187 - SST Class 06

5. What are the sources of income of a Zila Parishad?
6. How has the Panchayati Raj helped women in the rural India?
H. Answer the questions in detail :

1. Why are local people involved in local self-government?
2. What are the essential functions of Gram Panchayat?
3. What is a Block Samiti? Who all compose a Block Samiti?

4. Explain the three-tier system of Panchayati Raj.
5. What are the functions of the Zila Parishad?
6. How are Panchayati Raj and state government related?

1. Why do you think education should be the primary concern of the Panchayats?
2. Why is it important to have local self-government in villages?

Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
Balwant Rai Mehta was an Indian politician who served as the second Chief
Minister of Gujarat state, India. He participated in Indian independence movement
and later held various public offices. He is considered as the ‘Architect of
Panchayati Raj’ due to his contributions towards democratic decentralisation. He
was the chairman of Balwant Rai Mehta Committee, originally appointed by the
Government of India in January 16, 1957 to examine the working of the
Community Development Programme (1952, Oct 2nd) and the National Extension
Service (1953 Oct 2nd) and to suggest measures for their better working. The
committee submitted its report in November 24, 1957 and recommended the
establishment of the scheme of ‘democratic decentralisation’ which finally came to be known as
Panchayati Raj. The main aim of Panchayati Raj System is to settle the local problems locally and to
make the people politically conscious.

Panchayati Raj
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