Question

Name the apex body of the Panchayat Raj System State its composition, functions and sources of income.

Answer 1

With regard to the Zila Parishad, the given questions are answered as under:

Composition:

The Zila Parishad is an apex body under the Panchayati Raj. It coordinates the activities of the various Panchayat Samitis. It consists of

1. Pradhans of the Panchayat Samitis of the District;

2. Members of Parliament and Members of State Legislature from that district;

3. One representative of each of the co-operative societies of the district;

4. Representative of *****, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes;

5. Chairpersons of the Municipalities in the district. In some states, the District Magistrate is empowered to attend the meetings of the Zila Parishad, but he does not have the right to vote. Zila Parishad shall have to uniform 5-year term as per the norms and conditions of the new Panchayati Raj Acts. Each Zila Parishad has a Chairperson who is elected by the members of the Parishad. In proportion to their population in the State, Chairpersons shall be reserved in favor of SCs and STs l/3rd of the offices are reserved for *****.

(a) The main functions of the Zila Parishad are: Civic Facilities and *** Functions: These consist of

1. Construction and maintenance of public roads, bridges . and culverts;

2. Construction of parks;

3. To implement programmes concerning agriculture;

4. To develop the land, water and human resources of the area;

5. To establish libraries, educational institutions, and dispensaries;

6. To promote the *** of weaker sections of society;

7. To provide relief in times of distress, drought, and scarcity,

(b) Coordinating and Supervisory Functions: The Zila Parishad supervises the activities of the Panchayat Samitis and Gram Panchayats. It coordinates the developmental plans prepared by the Panchayat Samitis in the District. The Zila Parishad examines and approves the budgets of the Panchayat Samitis.

(c) Advisory and Financial Functions: The Zila Parishad renders advice of the State- Government regarding needs of the people in rural areas. It receives funds from the Union or State-Government, which it distributes among the Panchayat Samitis.

(d) Developmental functions: It undertakes developmental functions such as irrigation schemes, rural electrification, *** alleviation programmes, and public distribution system etc. The District Board is expected to strive for yet more efficiently for the development of its area and people.

The main sources of income of the Zila Parishad are:

1. Share in the Land Revenue.

2. Taxes and causes, license fees and market fees.

3. Grants from the State Government.

4. Income from the property of the Zila Parishad.

5. Funds allotted by the Center under Centrally-sponsored Schemes.