question_answer

What were the social responsibilities of the Panchayats?

Answer:

According to the constitution, panchayats should be given powers and authority to function as institutions of self-government. Panchayats had following social responsibility:

1. To prepare plans and schemes for economic development: The development activities include the construction of roads, public buildings, wells, schools, small irrigation works etc.

2. To promote schemes that will enhance social justice: Nyaya Panchayats have been constituted in some states. They possess the authority to hear some petty civil, criminal and domestic violence cases. They can impose fines but cannot award a sentence agaisnt a ?guilty? person.

3. To levy, collect and appropriate taxes, dudes, tolls, and fees: The main income of die Panchayats is from tax levied on property, animals, vehicles, tax on land revenue and rentals. The resources are further increased by the grants received through the Zila Panchayat or Zila Parishad.

4. Help in the devolution of governmental responsibilities especially that of finances to local authorities: Many government schemes like, Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) and Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) are monitored by members of panchayat.