Social Science Notes Class 6 English Medium 2026-27

Social Science Chapter 11. Grassroots Democracy - Part 2: Local Government in Rural Areas

CBSE Notes New Syllabus: Class 6

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Chapter 11. Grassroots Democracy – Part 2: Local Government in Rural Areas

Panchayati Raj System

The Panchayati Raj System is a system of local self-government in rural areas that brings governance closer to the people and enables them to participate in decision-making.

• Panchayat means a village council.
• Panchayats are the institutions of local government in rural areas.
• The Panchayat system is also known as Panchayati Raj.
• Panchayati Raj is a form of self-government.
• It enables rural people to participate actively in decision-making.
• It helps address local problems and needs.
• It promotes development in rural areas.
• It helps ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach the grassroots level.

Why is Local Government Needed in Rural Areas?

• Villages have many problems related to people's daily lives.
• Farmers may need water for their fields.
• Roads may need repair after heavy rains.
• Village schools need proper maintenance.
• Villagers may face land disputes.
• Crop theft and other local problems may occur.
• It is not practical to approach the State or national government for every local problem.
• Local government helps solve such issues closer to where they occur.

Three-Tier System of Panchayati Raj

The Panchayati Raj System works at three levels—village, block and district. This is called the three-tier system.

Important Definition – Three-Tier System

Three-Tier System: The organisation of Panchayati Raj institutions at the village, block and district levels.

Areas Covered by Panchayati Raj Institutions

• Agriculture
• Housing
• Maintenance of roads
• Management of water resources
• Education
• Healthcare
• Social welfare
• Cultural activities
• Rural development
• Implementation of government schemes

Gram Sabha

The Gram Sabha is a group of adults from a village or a group of neighbouring villages who are enrolled as voters.

• Gram Sabha is an important part of village-level democracy.
• It includes adult voters of the village or group of neighbouring villages.
• Both women and men participate in the Gram Sabha.
• Members discuss matters related to their area.
• They take decisions on local matters.
• Gram Sabha provides an opportunity for direct participation of people.
• Members of the Gram Panchayat are elected directly by the Gram Sabha.

Gram Panchayat

The Gram Panchayat is the village-level local government institution and is the Panchayati Raj institution closest to the people in rural areas.

• Gram Panchayat functions at the village level.
• Its members are elected directly by the Gram Sabha.
• It deals with local issues and development activities.
• It works for the welfare and development of the village.
• It helps in implementing government schemes at the local level.
• Each Gram Panchayat elects a head or president.
• The head is called the Sarpanch or Pradhan.

Sarpanch / Pradhan

The Sarpanch or Pradhan is the head or president of the Gram Panchayat.

• The Sarpanch leads the Gram Panchayat.
• The Sarpanch is responsible for helping the Panchayat work for the development of the village.
• The Sarpanch represents the Gram Panchayat in various matters.
• People expect a Sarpanch to work for the welfare of the entire village.
• More and more women have become Sarpanchs in recent years.

Qualities of a Good Gram Panchayat Member

• Should be honest and responsible.
• Should listen to the problems of villagers.
• Should work for the development of the village.
• Should treat all villagers fairly.
• Should understand the needs of women, children and disadvantaged sections.
• Should encourage people's participation.
• Should use public resources responsibly.

Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat – Difference

Panchayat Secretary

The Panchayat Secretary assists the Gram Panchayat in its administrative functions.

• The Panchayat Secretary helps the Gram Panchayat in administrative work.
• He or she helps in calling meetings.
• He or she helps maintain Panchayat records.
• The Panchayat Secretary supports the functioning of the Gram Panchayat.

Patwari

A Patwari is an official who maintains the land records of villagers in many parts of India.

• Patwari maintains land records.
• Land records contain important information about village lands.
• In some cases, Patwaris preserve maps that are generations old.
• Old maps can provide information about changes in land and villages over time.

Panchayat Secretary and Patwari – Difference

Role of Women in Panchayati Raj

• Women are increasingly participating in Panchayati Raj institutions.
• More and more women have become Sarpanchs.
• At least one-third of the seats in Panchayati Raj institutions are reserved for women.
• Women's participation makes local governance more inclusive.
• Women representatives can raise issues related to education, sanitation and other local needs.

Participation of Disadvantaged Sections

• Special rules have been made at all three levels of Panchayati Raj.
• These provisions help disadvantaged sections make their needs and problems heard.
• The aim is to make local governance more inclusive.
• Participation of disadvantaged sections strengthens grassroots democracy.

Exemplary Sarpanchs

Dnyaneshwar Kamble

• Dnyaneshwar Kamble was elected Sarpanch of Tarangfal village in Maharashtra in 2017.
• Kamble's motto was “lok seva, gram seva”.
• It means “Service to the village is service to the public.”
• Kamble defeated six other candidates to become Sarpanch.

Vandana Bahadur Maida

• Vandana Bahadur Maida belonged to the Bhil community of Madhya Pradesh.
• She became the first female Sarpanch of her village.
• She encouraged women to attend Gram Sabha meetings.
• She addressed important issues such as education and sanitation.
• Her work shows the important role women can play in transforming rural areas.

Popatrao Baguji Pawar and Hiware Bazar

• Hiware Bazar is a village in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.
• The village had suffered from frequent droughts and poor agricultural yield.
• Popatrao Baguji Pawar became its Sarpanch.
• He promoted rainwater harvesting and watershed conservation.
• Large-scale tree plantation was also carried out.
• These efforts helped recharge groundwater.
• With the cooperation of villagers, Hiware Bazar became a green and prosperous village.
• Popatrao Pawar was awarded the Padma Shri in 2020.

Important Terms – Notes 1

Quick Revision – Notes 1

• ✔ Panchayat = Village council.
• ✔ Panchayati Raj = Rural local self-government.
• ✔ Panchayati Raj has three levels.
• ✔ Village Level = Gram Panchayat.
• ✔ Block Level = Panchayat Samiti.
• ✔ District Level = Zila Parishad.
• ✔ Gram Sabha = Adult voters of the village or neighbouring villages.
• ✔ Gram Panchayat members are directly elected by the Gram Sabha.
• ✔ Head of Gram Panchayat = Sarpanch/Pradhan.
• ✔ Panchayat Secretary = Administrative assistance.
• ✔ Patwari = Land records.
• ✔ At least one-third seats are reserved for women.
• ✔ Panchayati Raj promotes local participation and self-government.