Panchayati Raj
Bihar GK · पंचायती राज · 15 facts
3-tier Panchayati Raj: Village (Gram Panchayat), Block (Intermediate), District
Gram Panchayat: 5-9 members, elected by villagers, manages village affairs
Mukhiya: Head of Gram Panchayat, elected directly by villagers
Sarpanch: Ward member of Panchayat; elected from each ward
Block Panchayat: Intermediary between Gram & District Panchayats
District Panchayat: Highest tier; Chairperson elected indirectly
Reserved seats: SC (15%), ST (1%), Women (33% in all tiers)
5-year term: Elections held every 5 years for all panchayats
Gram Sabha: Meeting of all village adults, approves panchayat plans
Functions: Water, sanitation, agriculture, education, health development
73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992) gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj
Bihar has 8,386 Gram Panchayats; State Election Commission conducts elections
Bihar was first state to reserve 50% seats for women in Panchayat elections
MGNREGA funds are channelled through Gram Panchayats for rural employment
Panchayat Sarkar: Bihar created Panchayat Sarkar to empower village self-governance