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    Grampanchayat

    Sample Alt In Maharashtra, Gram Panchayats are governed by Section 5 of the Bombay Gram Panchayat Act, 1958. Population is considered while establishing a new Gram Panchayat in the State. A Gram Panchayat is managed with the help of the Sarpanch, Deputy Sarpanch and Gram Sevak. The Gram Panchayat is the lowest but most important unit of the Panchayat Raj system. There are 27,951 Gram Panchayats in Maharashtra.

    Sections in the Gram Panchayat Act

    As per Section 5 of the Maharashtra Gram Panchayat Act, 1958, there shall be one Gram Panchayat for every village.

    • Village representatives are elected in proportion to population through direct elections.
    • Voting is conducted by adult franchise and secret ballot.

    Reservation

    • 50% of total seats are reserved for women.
    • Seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in proportion to population.
    • 27% seats are reserved for Other Backward Classes.

    Qualifications of Members

    • Must be a member of the Gram Sabha.
    • Name must be included in the electoral roll.
    • Minimum age should be 21 years.
    • Earlier provision of associate members from cooperative societies has been discontinued.

    Term: The tenure of a Gram Panchayat is five years. Elections must be held within six months of dissolution.
    No extension is allowed under any circumstances. The State Government has the authority to dissolve a Gram Panchayat.

    Sarpanch and Deputy Sarpanch

    The Sarpanch is the executive head of the Gram Panchayat. Members elect the Sarpanch and Deputy Sarpanch from among themselves. Since 2017, the Sarpanch is elected directly by the voters. The District Collector convenes the first meeting after elections.

    Gram Sevak

    The Gram Sevak acts as the Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Gram Panchayat. He is appointed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad.
    Salary is paid from the district fund and supervision is exercised by the Block Development Officer.

    Functions of the Gram Sevak

    1. Preparation of Gram Panchayat budget.
    2. Maintenance of Gram Panchayat office.
    3. Guidance on health, agriculture, education, and development.
    4. Dissemination of government scheme information.
    5. Tax collection and issuance of certificates.
    6. Registrar of births and deaths.
    7. Child Marriage Prohibition Officer.
    8. Registration of construction workers.
    9. Secretary of Biodiversity Committee.
    10. Registrar of marriages.
    11. Emergency Committee Secretary.

    Gram Sabha

    Gram Sabha meeting with villagers participating

    • As per Section 7A of the Maharashtra Gram Panchayat Act, 1958, a Gram Sabha is constituted for every village.
      All eligible voters are members of the Gram Sabha and the Gram Panchayat is accountable to it.
    • Gram Sabha meetings are held on national occasions and before the start of the financial year.

    President of Gram Sabha

    The Sarpanch presides over Gram Sabha meetings. In absence of the Sarpanch, the Deputy Sarpanch presides. If both are absent, one member is elected as Chairperson.

    Functions of the Gram Sabha

    • Approval of taxes.
    • Approval of development expenditure.
    • Appointment of vigilance committees.
    • Election of Gram Panchayat members.
    • Submission of resolutions to government departments.

    Income of Gram Panchayat

    1. House and vacant land tax.
    2. Business and trade taxes.
    3. State Government grants.
    4. Zilla Parishad development grants.

    Functions of Gram Panchayat

    1. Construction and maintenance of village roads.
    2. Registration of births, deaths, and marriages.
    3. Water supply, sanitation, and street lighting.
    4. Public health, education, and cleanliness.
    5. Agriculture and livestock development.
    6. Organisation of fairs, festivals, and markets.
    7. Proper utilisation of taxes and government funds.