Grassroots Democracy – Part 2: Local Government in Rural Areas
Class 6 · Social Science
2 ideas in Class 6 Social Science, explained in plain words, with games and quizzes to practise.
The Panchayati Raj System
Part of: Panchayati Raj
India has about 600,000 villages and almost two-thirds of the population lives in rural areas. The Panchayati Raj system works at three levels: village (Gram Panchayat), block (Panchayat Samiti / Mandal Parishad) and district (Zila Parishad). The Gram Sabha is a group of adults from a village enrolled as voters. The elected head of a Gram Panchayat is called the Sarpanch or Pradhan. The Gram Panchayat is assisted by a Panchayat Secretary and often also by a Patwari who maintains land records. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana promotes all-weather roads in rural areas.
Why it matters. Panchayati Raj brings governance closest to the people — understanding it helps students appreciate self-governance in India.
Try it in two minutes
- Ask: what are the three tiers of the Panchayati Raj system?
- Ask: who elects the Gram Panchayat, and what is the name of its head?
- Ask: what does the Patwari do?
Try at home. Ask your child to find out the name of the Sarpanch or Pradhan of a nearby village, and what the Gram Panchayat has done recently.
Child-Friendly Panchayat and Bal Panchayat
Part of: Panchayati Raj
The Child-Friendly Panchayat Initiative creates opportunities for children to express ideas on matters affecting them. Bal Sabhas and Bal Panchayats are set up in several states. In Maharashtra, Bal Panchayats have worked to eliminate child labour and child marriage. In Rajasthan, the 'Children's Parliament' from Bunker Roy's Barefoot College empowered children aged 8 to 14 through night schools and parliament-like elections. It received the World's Children's Honorary Award in 2001.
Why it matters. Participation from an early age builds citizens who understand and engage with democratic processes.
Try it in two minutes
- Ask: what is the Child-Friendly Panchayat Initiative?
- Ask: what did Bal Panchayats do in Maharashtra?
- Ask: what age group participated in the Children's Parliament in Rajasthan?
Try at home. Ask your child if they know of any way children in their area can raise issues with local authorities.
What your child will practise
- Child-Friendly Panchayat and Bal Panchayat: Desert Puzzle (Clue Puzzle)
- Child-Friendly Panchayat and Bal Panchayat: Mission Control Quest (Collect the Answer)
- Child-Friendly Panchayat and Bal Panchayat: Ocean Quick Fire (Quick Fire)
- The Panchayati Raj System: Explorer'S Map Sort (Sort It Out)
- The Panchayati Raj System: Jungle Quick Fire (Quick Fire)
- Quiz: Child-Friendly Panchayat and Bal Panchayat (8 questions)
- Quiz: The Panchayati Raj System (8 questions)