Class 6 Social Science Civics Chapter 11 – Grassroots Democracy – Part 2 Local Government in Rural Areas Notes & Summary in English for CBSE students
CBSE Class 6 Social Science Chapter 11 Notes & Summary in English for “Grassroots Democracy – Part 2 Local Government in Rural Areas” (based on NCERT Social studies textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond).
SST Chapter 11 – Grassroots Democracy – Part 2 Local Government in Rural Areas Complete Notes
Class 6 Social Science – Exploring Society: India and Beyond
Theme D – Governance and Democracy
SST Chapter 11: Grassroots Democracy – Part 2 Local Government in Rural Areas
(Complete Notes + Concept-wise Explanation + Summary CBSE Class 6 Social Science – Exploring Society: India and Beyond (s.st.) Book)
Chapter 11 – Grassroots Democracy – Part 2 Local Government in Rural Areas
“The real India lives in its villages.” — M.K. Gandhi
India has a very large and diverse population with about 600,000 villages, thousands of towns and cities. Nearly two-thirds of India’s population lives in rural areas. Therefore, governance at the village level is very important. fees111
To manage local problems and development in villages, India has a local self-government system called the Panchayati Raj System.
1. Panchayati Raj System
Meaning
The Panchayati Raj System is a system of local self-government in rural areas where people participate directly in decision-making about their village.
It allows villagers to:
- Discuss local problems
- Make decisions collectively
- Implement development programs
This system brings government closer to the people.
2. Three-Tier Structure of Panchayati Raj
The Panchayati Raj system has three levels of governance.
| Level | Institution | Area Covered |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gram Panchayat | Village Level |
| 2 | Panchayat Samiti | Block Level |
| 3 | Zila Parishad | District Level |
This is called the Three-Tier System.
These institutions manage issues related to:
- Agriculture
- Roads
- Housing
- Water resources
- Health
- Education
- Social welfare
- Cultural activities
3. Gram Panchayat
Meaning
The Gram Panchayat is the lowest and most important unit of rural local government.
It is closest to the people and deals with day-to-day village issues.
Gram Sabha
The Gram Sabha is the general assembly of all adult villagers who are registered voters.
Functions of Gram Sabha
- Discuss village issues
- Approve development plans
- Monitor Panchayat activities
- Participate in decision making
Both men and women can participate equally.
Sarpanch
The head of the Gram Panchayat is called:
- Sarpanch
- Pradhan (in some states)
Role of Sarpanch
- Presides over Gram Panchayat meetings
- Implements development work
- Represents the village
- Coordinates with higher authorities
In recent years many women have become Sarpanch, increasing women’s participation in governance.
4. Officials Helping Gram Panchayat
Panchayat Secretary
An administrative officer who:
- Organizes meetings
- Maintains records
- Handles official documents
Patwari
A Patwari maintains land records of villagers.
Duties include:
- Maintaining land ownership records
- Keeping village maps
- Resolving land disputes
Some land maps maintained by Patwaris are very old and useful for historical records.
5. Role of Exemplary Sarpanchs
Some Sarpanchs have brought remarkable change in their villages.
Dnyaneshwar Kamble
- Transgender Sarpanch of Tarangfal village (Maharashtra)
- Promoted the motto:
“Service to the village is service to the public.”
Vandana Bahadur Maida
- First female Sarpanch of Khankhandvi village (Madhya Pradesh)
- Encouraged women to attend Gram Sabha meetings
- Worked on education and sanitation.
Popatrao Pawar
Sarpanch of Hiware Bazar village (Maharashtra).
His initiatives included:
- Rainwater harvesting
- Watershed conservation
- Tree plantation
Result:
- Village became prosperous
- Received Padma Shri Award (2020)
6. Child-Friendly Panchayat Initiative
Panchayats also focus on children’s welfare.
This initiative encourages:
- Participation of children in local governance
- Expression of children’s views
Activities
- Bal Sabha
- Bal Panchayat
These groups help address issues such as:
- Child labour
- Child marriage
- School dropouts
Example – Sikkim
Sangkhu Radhu Khandu Gram Panchayat implemented child-friendly initiatives:
- Built school compound walls
- Constructed kitchens for hygienic midday meals
It was declared a Child-Friendly Panchayat.
Children’s Parliament (Rajasthan)
An initiative by Barefoot College.
Features:
- Children aged 8–14 participate in governance
- Elections conducted like real parliament
- Students form a cabinet
They work on issues like:
- Education
- Sanitation
- Social equality
This initiative received the World’s Children’s Honorary Award (2001).
7. Panchayat Samiti
The Panchayat Samiti functions at the block level.
It acts as a link between Gram Panchayat and Zila Parishad.
Members
- Elected representatives
- Sarpanchs of villages
- Local MLAs (in some cases)
Functions
- Coordinate development work among villages
- Prepare block development plans
- Implement government schemes
Example Scheme:
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
- Construction of rural roads
8. Zila Parishad
The Zila Parishad functions at the district level.
Functions
- Supervises Panchayat Samitis
- Coordinates development programs
- Allocates funds for district projects
- Ensures implementation of government schemes
9. Reservation in Panchayati Raj
To ensure equality and representation:
- Seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- One-third seats reserved for women
This helps disadvantaged groups participate in governance.
10. Importance of Panchayati Raj
The Panchayati Raj system is important because it:
1. Strengthens Democracy
People directly participate in governance.
2. Solves Local Problems
Village issues can be solved quickly.
3. Encourages Development
Development projects are implemented locally.
4. Empowers People
Villagers get the power to manage their own affairs.
5. Ensures Inclusion
Women and weaker sections get representation.
11. Panchayati Raj in Ancient India
The idea of local administration existed even in ancient times.
The ancient text Arthashastra, written by Kautilya (Chanakya) about 2300 years ago, describes a similar administrative structure.
According to the text:
| Villages | Administrative Center |
|---|---|
| 10 villages | Sangrahana |
| 100 villages | Karvatika |
| 400 villages | Dronamukha |
| 800 villages | Sthaniya |
This shows that local governance existed in India long ago.
12. Key Points to Remember
- Panchayati Raj is a local self-government system in rural areas.
- It has a three-tier structure:
- Gram Panchayat
- Panchayat Samiti
- Zila Parishad
- Gram Sabha is the assembly of all adult villagers.
- Sarpanch is the head of the Gram Panchayat.
- Panchayats implement development projects and government schemes.
- Seats are reserved for women and disadvantaged groups.
- Panchayati Raj strengthens democracy and rural development.