NCERT Class 6 Polity Chapter 5 – Panchayati Raj (Notes)

Chapter 5: Panchayati Raj

These NCERT Class 6 Polity Chapter 5 notes explain the Panchayati Raj system, which is the foundation of local self-government in rural India.

NCERT Class 6 Polity Chapter 5 – Panchayati Raj helps students understand how villagers directly participate in decision-making through Gram Sabha and elected Panchayats.

This chapter highlights the importance of grassroots democracy, reservation for women and weaker sections, and prepares students to understand local governance and decentralisation of power in Indian polity.

1. Meaning of Panchayati Raj

Panchayati Raj is a system of local self-government in villages
It allows people to participate directly in decision-making
Local problems are solved at the local level
It brings government closer to the people
People learn democratic values through participation
Like a family meeting, villagers decide village matters together

2. Levels of Panchayati Raj

Panchayati Raj works at three levels
Gram Panchayat works at the village level
Panchayat Samiti works at the block level
Zila Parishad works at the district level
Each level has different responsibilities
Together they ensure local administration

3. Gram Sabha

Gram Sabha is a meeting of all adult villagers
Minimum age to be a member is 18 years
It is the most important body at village level
It discusses village problems and needs
It approves budget and development works
Gram Sabha is the foundation of democracy at village level

4. Gram Panchayat

Members of Gram Panchayat are called Panch
The head of Gram Panchayat is called Sarpanch
Members are elected by the Gram Sabha
It constructs roads and drains
It maintains hand pumps and street lights
It keeps village records

5. Panchayat Samiti

Panchayat Samiti works at the block level
It acts as a link between village and district
It coordinates work of Gram Panchayats
It implements development schemes
It supervises village-level administration
It helps in planned development

6. Zila Parishad

Zila Parishad is the highest body of Panchayati Raj
It works at the district level
It looks after the entire district
It coordinates development activities
It supports lower Panchayati institutions
It ensures balanced district development

7. Reservation in Panchayati Raj

Seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes
Reservation is also for Scheduled Tribes
Women are given special reservation
At least one-third seats are reserved for women
Reservation ensures social justice
It promotes inclusive governance

8. Sources of income of Panchayat

Panchayats collect taxes on houses
Taxes are also collected from markets
They receive grants from the State government
Funds come from development schemes
Income helps in local development
Financial resources support village needs

9. Importance of Panchayati Raj

Panchayati Raj strengthens democracy
It encourages people’s participation
It develops leadership at grassroots level
It ensures local problem-solving
It promotes decentralisation of power
It builds political awareness

10. Important keywords (one-line definitions)

Panchayati Raj: A system of local self-government in rural areas
Gram Sabha: Assembly of all adult members of a village
Gram Panchayat: Village-level elected body of Panchayati Raj
Sarpanch: Elected head of the Gram Panchayat
Panchayat Samiti: Block-level Panchayati institution
Zila Parishad: District-level Panchayati body

11. Why this chapter is important

Directly linked with Indian polity
Explains local governance system
Very important for Bihar-specific questions
Useful for BPSC and State PCS exams
Builds base for 73rd Constitutional Amendment
Strengthens understanding of grassroots democracy

Understanding NCERT Class 6 Polity Chapter 5 is essential to learn how democracy functions at the village level and how people solve local problems collectively. The concepts discussed in Panchayati Raj Class 6 are closely linked with Indian polity, rural governance, and democratic participation.

Continue reading NCERT Class 6 Polity Chapter 6 – Rural Administration to understand how land records, police, and district administration work in villages.

FAQs

Q1. What is Panchayati Raj according to NCERT Class 6 Polity?
It is a system of local self-government in rural areas.

Q2. What are the three levels of Panchayati Raj?
Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad.

Q3. What is the role of the Gram Sabha?
It includes all adult villagers and approves village plans and budgets.

Q4. Why is reservation important in Panchayati Raj?
It ensures participation of women and socially weaker sections.

Q5. How does Panchayati Raj strengthen democracy?
By involving people directly in decision-making at the grassroots level.