Panchayati Raj

Welcome: Panchayati Raj
Description: The panchayat raj" is a South Asian political system mainly in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. It is the oldest system of local government in the Indian subcontinent. The word "panchayat" literally means "assembly" (ayat) of five (panch) wise and respected elders chosen and accepted by the local community. However, there are different forms of assemblies. Traditionally, these assemblies settled disputes between individuals and villages. Modern Indian government has decentralized several administrative functions to the local level, empowering elected gram panchayats.
Grade Level: 6-8
Curriculum: Social Studies
Keywords: Gram sabha, Gram panchayat, Sarpanch, panch, Janpad(block), zila(district), local self government
Author(s): Hetal Thakkar