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Rural Development: Administration and Planning (Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical
University)
A Gram Panchayat is the village council at the most The Panchayat Samiti is like a mini-parliament that
basic level of the Panchayati Raj system in India. looks after a group of villages called a "development
Imagine it as a mini-government for your village! block." Here's a breakdown of what it is and what it
does:
The most basic unit, directly elected by villagers. It
handles village-level development activities like What it is:
sanitation, water supply, and primary education.
● A rural local government body in India at the
How it Works: intermediate level (between village and district).
● Often called the "panchayat of panchayats"
● A village is divided into sections because it coordinates village-level
(constituencies) based on the number of voters. Panchayats.
● Each constituency elects one member.
● These elected members come together to form Who's Who:
the Gram Panchayat, like a village cabinet.
● A mix of elected representatives from villages
(Gram Panchayats), government officials, and
seats reserved for under-represented groups.
Gram Sabha
The Gram Sabha is like a village meeting! All adults Rethinking and Improvement:
gather to discuss village issues. They can:
● Another committee, led by Ashok Mehta,
● Talk about problems like water or roads. reviewed the system in 1977.
● Suggest solutions and ideas for improvement. ● They suggested changes like a two-tier system,
● Approve plans made by the village council regular checks on spending, allowing political
(Gram Panchayat). parties at all levels, and reservations for
● Basically, they have a say in how their village disadvantaged communities.
develops!
The Journey Continues:
● It wasn't a new idea in India. Villages already ● Finally, in 1992, the 73rd Amendment Act made
had Panchayats that handled local issues and Panchayati Raj a part of the Constitution!
disputes, kind of like mini-courts. ● This guaranteed regular elections, reservations
● Even Mahatma Gandhi believed in empowering for women and marginalized communities, and
these Panchayats for a better rural India. more power and resources for Panchayats.
Benefits: Challenges:
● Increased employment and income generation.
● Reduced pressure on urban centers. ● Competition with Large-Scale Industries:
● Preservation and promotion of local skills and Cottage industries may struggle to compete.
traditions. ● Modernization and Skill Development:
● Potential for value addition to agricultural Meeting market demands while preserving
products. traditions.
● Improved overall economic development. ● Access to Infrastructure and Finance: Rural
areas may lack necessary resources.
● MUDRA Yojana scheme for easier access to ● Agriculture & Value Addition: Rural areas
loans. have an abundance of agricultural resources.
● Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Entrepreneurs can focus on processing,
Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) to mitigate packaging, and marketing agricultural products,
lending risks. creating new value streams.
● Goods and Services Tax (GST) to simplify ● Handicrafts & Traditional Skills: Many rural
taxation. areas have a rich tradition of handicrafts and
indigenous skills. Entrepreneurs can revive
Impact of Digitalization: these crafts, improve designs, and connect
them to wider markets.
● E-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart ● Ecotourism & Sustainability: Rural areas
providing wider reach and increasing sales. often have stunning natural beauty and unique
● Improved internet access in rural areas creating ecosystems. Eco-entrepreneurs can promote
new opportunities. sustainable tourism practices and create
experiences that attract visitors.
Challenges: ● Social Entrepreneurship: Businesses can
address social issues faced by rural
● Access to finance remains an issue for many
communities, such as healthcare access,
entrepreneurs.
education, or sanitation.
● Complex regulations can hinder growth.