E-Gram Panchayats are the local bodies that help India in grass-root level administration. They are responsible for the development of rural areas. In this article we bring you everything you need to know about gram panchayats.
In the complex administrative landscape of India, the government has established a decentralized governance structure comprising Central, State, and Local governments. Panchayats, a crucial component of the local government, play a pivotal role in grassroots administration. Among these, E gram Panchayat is fundamental units, representing the lowest tier in the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). This article delves into the nuances of E-Gram Panchayats, their functions, and the transformative impact of the e-Gram Swaraj initiative.
What Is a E gram Panchayat?
In the framework of Panchayati Raj, E-Gram Panchayats serve as the basic units of administration. It’s important to differentiate between Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayats, offten mistaken to be synonymous. Gram Sabha constitutes a general assembly of all eligible villagers, while Gram Panchayat is the executive committee elected by the Gram Sabha to handle administrative affairs.
Note:
- Gram sabha is a general assembly of all the people of the village, who have attained 18 years of age, and whose name has appeared on the voter list.
- Whereas a Gram Panchayat is the executive committee of a Gram Sabha which consists of representatives elected by the Gram Sabha.
What Is the Minimum Number of Members in Gram Panchayat? What Is the Working Period of a E gram Panchayat?
A typical Gram Panchayat comprises members ranging from 7 to 31, with a minimum of seven members. These members, including the Sarpanch and Panchs, are elected for a fixed term of 5 years. Notably, the government has introduced reservations to promote inclusivity, reserving one-third of seats for women and ensuring representation for scheduled castes and tribes.
Role of Secretary and Governance Structure
Each Gram Panchayat is appointed a Secretary by the government, responsible for organizing meetings and maintaining records of proceedings. The governance structure involves the election of a Sarpanch as the president and Ward Members or Panchs representing smaller units called Wards.
Discussions and Functions of E-Gram Panchayats
E-Gram Panchayats serve as the focal point for discussions on various issues, including social concerns, water problems, and the implementation of benefits for individuals below the poverty line. Discussions also encompass tracking financial expenditures and any other matters delegated to Gram Panchayats by the government.
Functions of E-Gram Panchayats
E-Gram Panchayats perform multifaceted functions, categorized into administrative, judicial, economic, social, and additional roles. Administrative functions involve the welfare of the village, public works, and basic services such as education. Judicial functions include ensuring affordable and speedy justice, while economic and social functions cover diverse aspects like construction of facilities, establishment of cooperative societies, and more.
How Does a Gram Panchayat Work?
The functioning of Gram Panchayats involves discussions at Gram Sabhas where local development needs are identified. These needs are then compiled into plans, reviewed, and upon finalization, funds are allocated for implementation. The source of funds includes taxes collected by E-Gram Panchayats, government schemes, and community donations.
To Summarize
Every village for easy governance is divided into smaller units called Wards. Every ward elects or selects a representative who is said to be the Ward Member or the Panch. Also, every member of the Gram Sabha elects a Sarpanch who is said to be the president of the Panchayat.
- The Sarpanch and the Panch of a gram panchayat are elected for a period of 5 years. The government has set some restrictions on the e Gram Panchayat elections. This was done for inclusivity and fair representation.
- For women empowerment and to encourage the participation of women in the democratic process, one-third of the seats in the e gram panchayat are reserved for women. Similarly, seats are also reserved for scheduled castes and tribes.
- A Secretary is appointed by the government to every gram panchayat. The role of the secretary is to call the meetings of the e Gram Panchayat and Gram Sabha and keep a record of all the proceedings.
What Are the Functions of an E gram Panchayat?
| Function Category | Specific Functions |
|
Administrative Functions |
– Welfare of the village |
| – Repair and construction of roads, bridges, drainages, and wells | |
| – Installation and maintenance of street lamps | |
| – Registration of births and deaths | |
| – Providing primary education | |
|
Judicial Functions |
– Ensuring affordable and speedy justice |
| – Imposition of fines up to ₹100 | |
|
Economic and Social Functions |
– Construction of marriage halls and libraries * Not obligatory to e-Gram Panchayats |
| – Establishing and running cooperative credit societies | |
| – Establishing fair-price shops | |
| – Establishing ponds, orchids, and gardens | |
|
Other Functions |
– Construction and maintenance of roads, drainage, water resources, school buildings, and Common Property Resources (CPR) |
| – Levy local taxes and collect them | |
| – Execute any government scheme related to employment | |
| – Any other function allotted to the Panchayat by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) |
E-Gram Swaraj: Enhancing Accountability and Transparency
The government’s e-Gram Swaraj initiative aims to bring accountability and transparency to village administration. Plans formulated by E Gram Panchayats are uploaded to the e-Gram Swaraj portal for public viewing, promoting awareness of ongoing rural development. The portal facilitates online payments, funds management, and fosters digitization in governance.
Financial Support for E-Gram Panchayats
E-Gram Panchayats receive funds from various sources, including taxes on houses and marketplaces, government schemes for village betterment, and community donations. This financial support enables them to address the developmental needs of their respective villages.
Examples of Funding Received by E-Gram Panchayats
- The tax amount collected on houses, and marketplaces.
- Funds arrived from government schemes for the betterment of the villages. Such funds are received by the Zila Panchayats, and Janpads.
- Any donations received for the community works or the development of the village.
What Is the Role of E-gram Swaraj?
The government has launched the E-Gram Swaraj Yojana with the primary objective of ensuring heightened accountability and transparency in village administration. This initiative aims to bring about transparency in decentralized planning, financial management, work-based accounting, progress reporting, and the documentation of assets created.
The Takeaway
In a vast and diverse country like India, the governance of every village is a challenging task. E-Gram Panchayats emerge as a critical instrument for rural development and grassroots administration.
The introduction of e-Gram Swaraj brings about a paradigm shift, ensuring transparency in planning, financial management, and progress reporting. As India progresses towards complete digitization, initiatives like BharatNet further enhance connectivity and inclusivity.
In conclusion, E-Gram Panchayats stand as pillars of local governance, fostering development, inclusivity, and transparency. Through continuous efforts and digital interventions, the Indian government is paving the way for an empowered and connected rural India.
