Question

With reference to the Gram Panchayat, state the following.
Its Function

Answer 1

The Gram Panchayat performs the following functions:

Administrative functions:

1. All public works and public welfare functions like construction, repair, and maintenance of village roads, cart tracks, bridges, drains,.tanks, and wells.
2. Upkeep of cremation and burial grounds.
3. Sanitation, health, setting up of health centres and dispensaries.
4. Providing primary education.
5. Arranging irrigation facilities, seeds, fertilisers.
6. Registration of births and deaths.
7. Maintaining records of common village property, their sale and purchase, and land grants.

Social and economic functions: These functions are not obligatory and can be performed according to the availability of funds.

These functions include:

1. Construction of guest houses, libraries, marriage halls, etc.
2. Organising regular village meals, fairs, and exhibitions.
3. Planting of trees, parks, gardens, and playgrounds for recreation.
4. Establishing fair price shops, Cooperative Credit Societies.

Judicial functions: These are discussed under Nyaya Panchayats.