Panchayati Raj System
The Panchayati Raj works at three levels. The Zilla Parishad lies at the apex of the three-tier Panchayati Raj System. It is local self-government at the district level.
- Gram Panchayats at the village level .
- Panchayat Samiti at the block or middle level .
- Zilla Parishad at the district level
There are also Nyay Panchayats whose work is to deliver quick justice. There is one Nyay Panchayat for every three to four villages.
Qualifications Required for Election to Local Bodies
A person who wants to become a member of a local body should have the following qualifications:
- He/she must be a citizen of India and should not be less than 21 years of age.
- He/she must be a registered voter.
- He/she should not have been a convict or should not have been disqualified by law.
- He/she should not hold any office of profit under the government.
Zilla Parishad (District Level)
The Panchayati Raj works at three levels. The Zilla Parishad lies at the apex of the three-tier Panchayati Raj System. It is local self-government at the district level.
Composition
Its membership varies from 40 to 60 members. It consists of the Deputy Commissioner, Presidents of Panchayat Samitis included in the circle, heads of all governmental departments, members of the State Legislative Assembly, members of Parliament belonging to the area, women, and members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
A Chairperson is elected from among the members. He/she presides over the meetings of the Zilla Parishad and conducts its business. A Deputy Chairperson is elected from among the members. It also has a Secretary who is a government employee.
Functions of Zilla Parishad
- It looks after the developmental work of the district.
- It has many Standing Committees which execute the policies of the Zilla Parishad.
- It supervises the working of the Panchayats.
- In states such as Assam and Bihar, the Zilla Parishad also scrutinizes the budget estimates of the Panchayat Samiti.
- It supervises and coordinates the working of the Panchayat Samiti regarding works undertaken by it like providing irrigation facilities, setting up of schools and village industries, and carrying out works related to sanitation and public health.
- It acts as a link between the state government and the Panchayat Samiti. It advises the state government on all matters related to the Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis.
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