Discuss The Composition And Function of Panchayat Samiti

The Panchayat Samiti is the intermediate tier of the Panchayati Raj system in India, which operates at the block level or taluka level in rural areas. It serves as the link between the Gram Panchayat (village level) and the Zila Parishad (district level), and its primary responsibility is to coordinate and oversee the activities of the Gram Panchayats within a block. The Panchayat Samiti plays an essential role in local governance and rural development.

Composition of Panchayat Samiti

The composition of the Panchayat Samiti varies from state to state, but typically, it includes both elected and appointed members. The general structure is as follows:

1. Elected Members

• The Panchayat Samiti consists of elected representatives who are chosen by the members of the Gram Panchayats within the block.
• Each Gram Panchayat in the block elects members to represent it in the Panchayat Samiti. These representatives are known as Panchayat Samiti members or Block Development Councilors (BDC members).
• The number of elected members in the Panchayat Samiti depends on the population of the block. Larger blocks will have more representatives.

2. Chairperson (Pradhan) and Deputy Chairperson (Up-Pradhan)

• The Chairperson (Pradhan) of the Panchayat Samiti is elected by the elected members of the Panchayat Samiti. The Chairperson presides over the meetings and is responsible for leading the Panchayat Samiti in its activities.
• A Deputy Chairperson (Up-Pradhan) is also elected to assist the Chairperson and act as a substitute in the Chairperson’s absence.

3. Ex-Officio Members

• Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the constituency within the block, and Members of Parliament (MPs) from the area, are generally ex-officio members of the Panchayat Samiti. They are entitled to participate in its meetings but do not have voting rights.
• Chairpersons of the Gram Panchayats within the block may also serve as ex-officio members of the Panchayat Samiti.

4. Appointed Officials and Representatives

• Government officials from various departments, such as the Block Development Officer (BDO), Agricultural Officer, Health Officer, and others, are appointed to the Panchayat Samiti to provide technical and administrative support.
• These officials assist in implementing government schemes and policies and help in the planning and execution of development programs.

5. Reserved Seats

• Seats in the Panchayat Samiti are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women, in accordance with the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. A specific percentage of seats is reserved to ensure the representation of marginalized groups.

Functions of the Panchayat Samiti

The Panchayat Samiti performs various functions related to the administration, development, and governance of rural areas. These functions are categorized into developmental, administrative, regulatory, and judicial roles.

1. Developmental Functions

The Panchayat Samiti plays a pivotal role in implementing and monitoring rural development programs. Its developmental functions include:

• Planning and Implementing Development Programs: The Panchayat Samiti prepares and executes development plans for the block in coordination with the Gram Panchayats. This includes planning for infrastructure, agriculture, water supply, and sanitation.
• Execution of Government Schemes: It is responsible for implementing various centrally and state-sponsored schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
• Agriculture and Animal Husbandry: Promoting agricultural productivity through initiatives like providing training to farmers, distributing seeds, fertilizers, and promoting irrigation schemes. It also promotes animal husbandry and veterinary services.
• Health and Education: It oversees health and education-related programs at the block level, including the management of primary health centers (PHCs), anganwadi centers, and primary and secondary schools.
• Rural Infrastructure Development: Planning and executing the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, irrigation canals, wells, and other essential infrastructure in rural areas.

2. Administrative Functions

• Coordination with Gram Panchayats: The Panchayat Samiti provides guidance and assistance to the Gram Panchayats in its jurisdiction and coordinates their activities to ensure that development programs are uniformly implemented across all villages in the block.
• Supervision of Gram Panchayats: It supervises and monitors the activities of the Gram Panchayats, ensuring that they comply with government policies and legal provisions.
• Maintenance of Public Properties: The Panchayat Samiti is responsible for the maintenance and management of public properties like government schools, community health centers, public roads, and drinking water facilities within the block.

3. Regulatory Functions

• Regulation of Markets and Fairs: The Panchayat Samiti regulates weekly markets, fairs, and local bazaars within its jurisdiction.
• Control of Public Utilities: It manages public utilities like water supply, drainage systems, and street lighting in rural areas.
• Tax Collection: Although Gram Panchayats handle local taxation, the Panchayat Samiti can levy and collect certain taxes and fees related to markets, fairs, and the use of public resources.
• Licensing and Permits: It issues licenses and permits for small businesses and enterprises operating within the block.

4. Judicial Functions

• Dispute Resolution: In some states, the Panchayat Samiti plays a role in resolving disputes related to land, property, or local governance through its judicial wing or Nyaya Panchayats. These are quasi-judicial bodies aimed at settling minor civil disputes and maintaining peace at the block level.

5. Welfare Functions

• Social Welfare Programs: The Panchayat Samiti is responsible for administering social welfare programs related to the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
• Poverty Alleviation: It implements poverty alleviation schemes aimed at improving the standard of living in rural areas, such as providing housing, employment opportunities, and financial assistance to marginalized groups.

6. Financial Functions

• Budgeting and Allocation of Funds: The Panchayat Samiti prepares its annual budget and allocates funds to various development programs and activities at the block level. The budget is scrutinized and approved by the elected members.
• Fund Disbursement: It distributes funds to Gram Panchayats and oversees their proper utilization in development projects.
• Audit of Accounts: The Panchayat Samiti is responsible for maintaining financial records and ensuring that its accounts are audited to maintain transparency and accountability.

7. Coordinating with Zila Parishad

• The Panchayat Samiti acts as an intermediary between the Gram Panchayats and the Zila Parishad. It coordinates the development programs at the block level and reports progress to the Zila Parishad, which operates at the district level.

Significance of the Panchayat Samiti

The Panchayat Samiti is a vital institution in the decentralized governance system of India, providing an intermediate level of administration between the Gram Panchayats and the Zila Parishad. Its significance includes:

• Effective Implementation of Rural Development Schemes: The Panchayat Samiti ensures that government schemes and policies reach rural areas effectively, thus promoting balanced development.
• Coordination of Grassroots-Level Governance: It bridges the gap between the local village administration (Gram Panchayat) and district administration (Zila Parishad), facilitating smooth governance at the grassroots level.
• Decentralized Planning and Decision-Making: Through its development planning and execution functions, the Panchayat Samiti brings governance closer to the people, allowing for local needs and priorities to shape policy.
• Promotion of Local Accountability: As elected representatives manage the Panchayat Samiti, it ensures greater accountability to the rural population, allowing them to participate in governance and decision-making.

Challenges Faced by Panchayat Samiti

Despite its significance, the Panchayat Samiti faces several challenges:

• Lack of Financial Autonomy: Limited revenue generation capacity and dependence on funds from the state and central governments affect the Panchayat Samiti’s ability to undertake development projects.
• Political Interference: The Panchayat Samiti often experiences political interference, which can hinder its functioning and lead to favoritism or unequal distribution of resources.
• Administrative Challenges: Many Panchayat Samitis suffer from inadequate infrastructure, staff shortages, and poor technical support, which limit their ability to deliver services effectively.
• Coordination Issues: The coordination between the Panchayat Samiti, Gram Panchayats, and Zila Parishads is sometimes ineffective, leading to delays and duplication of efforts in rural development.

Conclusion

The Panchayat Samiti plays a pivotal role in the decentralized governance system of India, facilitating effective local administration and development at the block level. By coordinating with Gram Panchayats and Zila Parishads, it helps ensure that rural development programs are implemented efficiently and in alignment with local needs. Addressing challenges related to finance, administration, and coordination is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of the Panchayat Samiti and achieving sustainable rural development.